Ballasting the new sections of the layout and a general view of some of the trackwork. More work in progress...
Christmas impulse buys- well it seemed a good idea at the time, and I thought the price was right. The Large Prairie and the Class 14 have joined the fleet. While first appearances seem positive and the locos are exactly as described by the seller, there are question marks about the running performance. Both seemed to stumble on our Group test track and are under urgent investigation by the local model loco expert. Diagnosis awaited...
Update - the goods news is that the Large Prairie had a loose lead weight that was pressing on the motor drive shaft and causing it to overheat. The Class 14 needed to be run as the brushes were brand new and had not bedded in. Videos to follow.
More Work in Progress
Another feature currently waiting for a home on the new layout. Part of a coal depot as an excuse to run some of my (many) coal wagons. Apologies for the background clutter
The Benefits of Weathering
Martyn Hull has provided some excellent examples of the increased impact and realism achieved by a master craftsmen in the art of weathering.
Martyn's Magic Touch
A recent purchase of some GWT items from a GOG member had mixed result with several items arriving damaged. The Railcar and the Milk Tankers suffered most and Martyn Cook has carried out a remarkable repair job.
He added DCC to the Railcar before weathering it lightly. Happy to report it runs like a dream and certainly looks the part on the layout.
The milk tankers were treated to Slaters wheels as well as being weathered. Martyn had to construct a new ladder and I hope you are as impressed with the results as much as I am.
Petite Properties Washtub Cottage
It was recommended that the bare kit sections are decorated before construction. Having done a little with plaster for scenery I tried the suggestions in the instructions.
I learned that unless careful the MDF becomes slightly distorted by the water in the plaster.
Also the process of scribing stones is messy! I ended up wearing a mask as there is a lot of dust involved.
Well, it got finished and this is the end result. The roof is Southern Fine cast plastic sheet, and the biggest challenge was sorting out flashing for the chimneys. I bought some fencing to go around the plot and I'll put this together as a finished piece for the layout
Hal's Radio Control
Hal Reikert's RC Journey
Always on the lookout for state-of-the-art developments in model railways I recently got my feet wet looking into Radio Control.
As the benefits of RC are widely known I don't need to go into details. I wanted a powerful battery and all the RC components easily accessible in a permanently coupled spacious van. There is only a 2-pin polarized mini connector between the van and the engine.
The Li-ion battery is mounted on the floor of the van. I opted for a handheld controller suitable for controlling up to 12 engines which is only marginally more expensive.
I bought a basic DC O Gauge locomotive for this purpose and free issued both vehicles to a UK based company experienced in RC. The complete RC with MyLocoSound installation amounted to £375 incl mains powered charger, all RC parts, labour and shipping back to me.
The system is easily turned on by first pressing the ON/OFF button on the handheld transmitter, followed by turning on the sliding switch in the top of the van/receiver.
To date I have only run the item on my rolling road and I look forward to showing it to its full capabilities at Pencader or elsewhere suitable once the ongoing global health problems allow.
I hope you will find the above of interest.
Regards Hal