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Converting a Dapol Sentinel Shunter to Scale 7
Before the conversion – a quick explanation of ScaleSeven. The models are exactly the same size as O gauge – with a scale of 7mm to 1ft . The difference is in both the gauge of the track – which is 33mm between the rails – and a wheel profile which matches closely the real …read more.
Apr 24, 2020
DCC testing track and rolling road
After buying a Lokprogrammer to allow me to program DCC decoders, it struck me that I needed a test station that would let me program decoders from all manufacturers, as well as test them and the locomotive on a rolling road. The version 1.0 plank that is illustrated consists a modified Hornby Rolling Road with …read more.
Apr 24, 2020
Quintart Build – Part 2
The bodies all follow the same principle for construction and just to confuse things these pictures aren’t all of the same coach. A reminder, this is how they come: As well as sanding off the pips where the elements are joined in the printing, there was a small amount of filing of some window frames. …read more.
Apr 23, 2020
Bulletin 514 is out – and ready to download
Our latest club Bulletin is on its way by post or email to members this week – and available to download right now in the members area. As well as updates on how the Club is running during this unprecedented time in our 110 year history, there are also articles on our S7 layout “Bow …read more.
Apr 22, 2020
Budleigh Salterton in OO
I’ve been busy plotting my version of “Budleigh Salterton” – and been laying out the track to the plan here, using the original signal box plan. I intend to run my southern stock to represent the 1930s and my BR Southern Region stock to represent the late 1950s/early 60s The boards are from …read more.
Apr 22, 2020
Converting a Hornby Class 101 to EM Gauge
I’ve already got a blue Class 101 DMU for Minories. which was re-wheeled several years ago. This is the equivalent model in green, which I bought at a price it was difficult to refuse as part of a batch of stock that looked a bit mucky, presumably after being left out for a long time …read more.
Apr 21, 2020
Getting started on a home layout
The time at home, plus the fine weather, has lead to another of our members getting down to it with his new layout. Alex found himself at home for the day so decided to head out into the yard and get some work done! – track has been pinned down – most of the droppers …read more.
Apr 21, 2020
Ingatestone Update – level crossing and backscenes
Although we can’t work on the layout at Keen House, luckily we managed to get some projects home before the lockdown, and making progress. I’ve been filling in more of the back drop today and I feel that its coming together. We have to think of this as some thing seen from afar and although …read more.
Apr 20, 2020
2mm and N gauge Scissors – a track building weekend
It looks like this might be a track building weekend – as we’ve had two quick updates on what look like quite a bit of work. Richard is making good progress on a 2mm FS scissors crossover on a slight curve – you can see the critical geometry in the V and K crossings is …read more.
Apr 20, 2020
A3 live steam – painting and lining
Continuing the story, I have taken to lining out the backend of the A3. Not quite to 2mm standards, but good enough for starters. The lining out around the cab and firebox has progressed quite quickly by using an ‘easi-LINER’ pen. These are tube capillary flow-type pens that take straight gloss enamel paints. In sizes 0.25, …read more.
Apr 19, 2020
Quintart Build – Part 1
Our new club EM gauge layout “Orchard Wharf” is in need of some stock, and one of the items asked for the peak hour passenger service is a Gresley Quintart set. Why and what is a Quintart – because they are rakes of 5 coach bodies, with only 6 bogies with the coaches articulating and …read more.
Apr 19, 2020
Scratch Building – Roof Tiles
I’m having my first proper stab at scratch building a building – and it’s a blend of two structures at Westport and Castlebar stations in County Mayo, Ireland. Still far from finished so not going to share photos of the whole building just yet… But I’m making progress with the roof. The roof tiles were …read more.
Apr 19, 2020