Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/ 31 rows en-gb 60 Cement Quay Extra http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1761171.html As from the end of July 2009, Cement Quay was extended by an extra 3ft6" - follow its progress here.... Sunday 1 November 2009: As from the end of July 2009, Cement Quay was extended by an extra 3ft6" - follow its progress here....

Opening up one of three holes to allow the right hand end extension Scary! Here's an angle never before seen on Cement Quay. This is the a new view through the stone loading screen made possible by a the right hand end being opened up in preparation for an extension. Peekyboo! Here's a view looking straight down onto the right-hand end. Until now all 3 sidings that previously terminated on the right, now have the option of carrying onto another module. The top right one will go through to a cassette yard hidden by a backscene. The middle one through the screen and the lower one which was a headshunt will now join up on the new module to create a long loop to allow running around of stone trains. The new module is likley to consist of a quarry with and old stone wharf -n the foreground. This idea is not cast in stone yet, but at the layout's next outing Cement Quay will be 3ft 6 longer than it is now. It will still be possible to operate the layout as originally designed though. The mock-up will form another wharf and quarry. I'd like to see several large spoil heaps running right down the the quayside. The hazy blue screen is where the new backscene will run. The 3ft 6 x 2ft extension to Cement Quay. Being self contained scenically it should be possible to operate this section on its own too. Update 6 August 2009: 20119 poses on some temorarily fixed track - the 'fix' being gravity! Update 6 August 2009: exit stage left for the two lines. The farthest reappears on the other side through the stone loading screen road. Update 6 August 2009: here's how the new module attaches to the existing Cement Quay. It will get a matching lighting arch in due course. Update 6 August 2009: a close up the curved corner. That screw will need re-countersinking or filing down. A scrim of tile grout or such will even out any uneveness. Scissors are great for cutting copper clad strip by the way (for the baseboard joins). The button shaped thing is just a drawing pin holding the thin ply in place whilst the glue sets. Update 6 August 2009: further advances in baseboard work. The plywood fascia has just been added. A bit of tidying up and rubbing down required. Smooth curves We now have trains that run! The pricker is to stop the class 47 going where it shouldn't! A start has been made building up the quayside. This shot is a recent one superimposed over my original sketch - just because it's possible. The 'water' is from my local canal - again for effect. The stone sheet on the wharf is according to my local Addlestone Models a new ready painted product from Peco. I bought it because that's all they had in stock (it will see use on Radstock Coal and Steam too I'm sure). In the event however the stone and wood will be washed over and dry brushed with various shades of grey, beige and green using my usual matt emulsions. Colouring and techniques will be the same as Cement Quay proper to ensure continuity. Another over all view.... The bits of foam are just resting in place to gauge the effect of the spoil heaps, I'll probably use aerosol foam filler instead. Some old sleeper barriers between the spoil and track might look good. The bits of foam are just resting in place to gauge the effect of the spoil heaps, I'll probably use aerosol foam filler instead. Some old sleeper barriers between the spoil and track might look good. After the initial rush things have slowed down a tad due to the day job and us putting our cardboard box onto the housing market. Anyway, here goes, a couple of shots showing the baseboard which is bodged from what were the original folding legs (It now shares Catcott's higher trestles). The backscene is literally 2mm ply sprung between the two verticals which will support the lighting rig to match in with the existing layout. The section which will be a narrow cassette yard has yet to be surfaced (is will be a lower height to the rest) - that can be dropped in at any stage. The curved ends were achieved by using some 6mm ply. Sorry, I cannot explain here I'm no carpenter, come and see the layout in November. Cement Quay extension progress, 11 September 2009 Cement Quay extension progress, 11 September 2009 Cement Quay extension progress, 11 September 2009 Modified Hornby Skaledale Cement Hopper. Cement Quay extension progress, 14 September 2009 Cement Quay extension progress, 14 September 2009 Cement Quay extension progress, 14 September 2009 Heljan 47145 on Cement Quay extension, 14 September 2009. Added sky effects. Heljan 47145 on Cement Quay extension, 14 September 2009 A Vi-Trains Class 47 No. 47600 'Dewi Sant Saint David' is captured here at the head of a rake of Cement PCAs on Chris Nevard's Cement Quay. Cement Quay extension progress, 23 Sept 2009: 43017 poses at the end of the headshunt. Buffer stops still need to be sourced. Cement Quay extension progress, 23 Sept 2009: 58086 prepares to run around a couple of Dogfish ballast hoppers. Cement Quay extension progress, 23 Sept 2009: 58086 prepares to run around a couple of Dogfish ballast hoppers. Cement Quay extension progress, 23 Sept 2009: 'Bagnall' 47276. Cement Quay extension progress, 23 Sept 2009: 'Bagnall' 47276. 37422 pokes out from behind a modified Skaledale cement hopper. Cement Quay extension progress, 24 September 2009

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Nov 1 2009 Catcott Burtle Diary: January 09 -> http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1713544.html Catcott Burtle Diary: January 09 -> Saturday 20 June 2009: Catcott Burtle Diary: January 09 ->

Another view taken at Catcott Burtle, this time from the tender of 3206 on the local pick up freight; it's the mid 1960's and the preservationists have just moved in with an ex 2ft 6in gauge Cyprus Government Railway locomotive. Much effort has been spent beefing the line up to avoid this locomotive sinking into the bog! Catcott Burtle, the mid 1960's and the preservationists have just moved in with an ex 2ft 6in gauge Cyprus Government Railway locomotive. Much effort has been spent beefing the line up to avoid this locomotive sinking into the bog! Catcott Burtle, the mid 1960's and the preservationists have just moved in with an ex 2ft 6in gauge Cyprus Government Railway locomotive. Much effort has been spent beefing the line up to avoid this locomotive sinking into the bog! With Driver P Harvey in charge, La Farge's resident Hope Cement Works based Class 20, No 168 on the 21st of August 2112 is captured here during a rare run out onto the mainline with a Moorswater to Hope working as it passes through the 'heritage' Catcott Crossing. This little known halt was converted back to its 1958 condition as a result of a recent RM Web member's lottery win. Additional work to the rhyne on Catcott Burtle in the form of water lilys and other weed. Additional work to the rhyne on Catcott Burtle in the form of water lilys and other weed. Highbridge's 58086 trundles through Catcott with an engineering train. To achieve the effect here, first the canal bed was painted a greyish brown colour (any old paint will do). Next, 2 layers of PVA white glue, then when set the lilys were painted on with acrylic using 3 different shades. To finish off, the whole lot was given a thin layer of clear gloss varnish. With the Glastonbury Canal glistening in the summer sun, Highbridge's sole surviving Johnson 1P 0-4-4 No. 58086 trundles through Catcott Burtle with a Sunday engineer's working from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge in July 1958. Note the old Midland Suburban brake end which is now in 'engineers' red' bringing up the rear of this short train which consists of 'Dogfish' ballast hoppers. With the Glastonbury Canal glistening in the summer sun, Highbridge's sole surviving Johnson 1P 0-4-4 No. 58086 trundles through Catcott Burtle with a Sunday engineer's working from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge in July 1958. Note the old Midland Suburban brake end which is now in 'engineers' red' bringing up the rear of this short train which consists of 'Dogfish' ballast hoppers. Unusually Bath Green Park shed's 'Black Five' No. 45440 is captured as it rumbles past the lightweight platform at Catcott Burtle with a Bath to Highbridge engineering train. The eagle eyed will note the ex Midland Railway suburban carraige which is now used for carrying staff. Bath Green Park's 45440 propels a short rake of Dogfish ballast hoppers into the siding at Catcott in preparation for engineering work at the weekend. Bath Green Park's 45440 propels a short rake of Dogfish ballast hoppers into the siding at Catcott in preparation for engineering work at the weekend. OK, here we go, most mornings after breakfast during the week I fibreglass pen'd off more lining and numbers etc (should have bought a plain black LMS liveried one - duh!). Renumbered as Bath Shed's 43017 (was there from 1950-53) and drybrushed on grime with enamels and washed on black and beige matt emulsion. All was sealed in Krylon Matte (which still gives a light sheen - like grease?). Just screw couplings, crew and pipes to add. These were shot under Catcott's new flu/energy saver mix lighting (the same as Cement Quay) which I'm quite pleased with (flu's were too cold, energy savers too warm - this strikes a balance). I may add the Brassmaster's pony truck and Gibson pony wheel set, though having looked at the fret on their website I might build another layout in the time it would take for me to fathom it out. I can see why George Dent in Model Rail did his hybrid conversion - and unlike me he knows what he's doing! Shoot for Hornby Mag: Nothing like a good amount of light! I use daylight balanced lighting because external daylight is frequently a problem this time of year. This way I don't get odd colours because tungsten and daylight don't mix. Shoot for Hornby Mag: The layout's lighting rig has been removed, it would only get in the way and block the proper studio lighting. The little piece of paper over the fiddle yard exit helps with the Photoshopping later. Shoot for Hornby Mag: Messing about with RAW conversion on the laptop. I do have a proper desktop machine upstairs but it's far more pleasant to use the dining room table! Radstock's 47276 is photographed from the brakevan after dropping off some vans at Catcott Burtle siding. 21 August 1962. A quiet moment between trains at Catcott Crossing. A quiet moment between trains at Catcott Crossing. Trundling along the Nydon, a Morris Minor Traveller and the crossing at Catcott made a good subject for the photographer to test out his new 200mm Pentax Takumar telephoto lens on. It's a little known fact that 1451 and its GWR autocoach made a trip along the old S&D between Highbridge and Evercreech one Tuesday in 1964. Here the little ensemble is captured by Hungarian photographer Draven Rehpotsirhc after a chase from Evercreech Junction. Some say it was run to shoot footage for the failed cinema release 'Return of The Titfield Thunderbolt'. It's a little known fact that 1451 and its GWR autocoach made a trip along the old S&D between Highbridge and Evercreech one Tuesday in 1964. Here the little ensemble is captured by Hungarian photographer Draven Rehpotsirhc after a chase from Evercreech Junction. Some say it was run to shoot footage for the failed cinema release 'Return of The Titfield Thunderbolt'. A spotter's dream as 37422 'Cardiff Canton' rumbles past the fledgling heritage centre at Catcott Burtle with the thrice weekly Bicester to Burrowbridge MOD working. Catcott Burtle; a 3/4 finished Model Signal Engineering representation of a LSWR upper quadrant latice post. Minor detail and coloured optics still to add. 009 guru John Thorne who'll be familiar to many narrow gaugers with his triology of Ditton layouts and more recently Purbeck, last year produced a short run of resin wagon kits depicting actual Purbeck prototypes.At Expong '08 I bought his three remaining kits, two depicting a ramshackle single plank and another depicting a similar version but with 3 planks. Above, the rake of 3 Furzebrook tramway ball clay wagons after an initial splattering of paint (this is just an undercoat in preparation for more a more accurate rendition of old sun bleached timber and picking out of detail). Here they are captured on the narrow gauge line at Catcott Burtle where their use will change from clay to carrying peat (they are very similar to the peat carrying ones at Ashcott & Mere). They will also be seen on Arne Wharf carrying what they're designed for too (probably with removeable loads). 009 guru John Thorne who'll be familiar to many narrow gaugers with his triology of Ditton layouts and more recently Purbeck, last year produced a short run of resin wagon kits depicting actual Purbeck prototypes.At Expong '08 I bought his three remaining kits, two depicting a ramshackle single plank and another depicting a similar version but with 3 planks. Above, the rake of 3 Furzebrook tramway ball clay wagons after an initial splattering of paint (this is just an undercoat in preparation for more a more accurate rendition of old sun bleached timber and picking out of detail). Here they are captured on the narrow gauge line at Catcott Burtle where their use will change from clay to carrying peat (they are very similar to the peat carrying ones at Ashcott & Mere). They will also be seen on Arne Wharf carrying what they're designed for too (probably with removeable loads). Last week I finally got around to making up a Dart Castings 'Somerset' style road sign. I wanted the signs on the post to be moveable so drilled out the white metal to take a little 0.75mm brass rod. Lettering was done in MS Word - Arial font size 4 which was printed out and stuck on.... OK the '1/2' should have the '1' right above of the '2', but it really is very small. The 'SCC' letters (Somerset County Council) are font size 2 and as before printed on paper and stuck on. This post is only just over an inch high. A quiet moment at Catcott Burtle. A quiet moment at Catcott Burtle. A quiet moment at Catcott Burtle. Below, here it is right up against the backscene at the rear of the layout. To the naked eye you'll never get this close. The signpost will get a wash of thinned beige when I get a chance to help it recede a little more than it does. Midsummer 1959 at Catcott Burtle 43017 powers through Catcott as Mavis expects to get on this train that will not stop! Recently discovered in an old drawer; a couple of old Perutzcolor slides of Catcott Burtle - here we see Highbridge's Johnson 1P 0-4-4 No. 58086 at the head of a goods train in the late 1950's Recently discovered in an old drawer; a couple of old Perutzcolor slides of Catcott Burtle - this view likely being from the cab of a lorry.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sat Jun 20 2009 RAILEX 2009 & Expo EM South http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1702803.html RM Webbers! Monday 25 May 2009: RM Webbers!

Expo EM, 16 May 2009: Flintcombe (SDJR) Expo EM, 16 May 2009: Flintcombe (SDJR) Expo EM, 16 May 2009: Flintcombe (SDJR) Expo EM, 16 May 2009: Flintcombe (SDJR) Expo EM, 16 May 2009: Flintcombe (SDJR) Expo EM, 16 May 2009: He manipulates those 3 links quicker that a spaghetti eating Italian .... Expo EM, 16 May 2009: L-R Martin (back in a ...) Jones, ChrisF, Graham Muspratt Michael Delamar and Jim Smith-Wright at RAILEX 2009 King of RM Web Andy York at RAILEX 2009 John De Frayssinet in front of his awsome 'Country Gate' at RAILEX 2009 Pete Harvey, Hornby Mag's Mike Wild, Grahame Hedges and unknown at RAILEX 2009 Pete Harvey operating Catcott at RAILEX 2009RAILEX 2009 Mr & Mrs Jones @ RAILEX 2009 Sir Pugsley of Chittle, Sam '43003' and Andy York at RAILEX 2009 RM Webbers at RAILEX 2009 Mike Wild and Phil Parker at RAILEX 2009 RM Webbers at RAILEX 2009 Blea Moor @ RAILEX 2009 Jim Smith-Wright at RAILEX 2009 Gareth Bayer and Chris Ibbotson on the Rail Express stand at RAILEX 2009 Michael Delamar, David Bickerton and Graham Muspratt at RAILEX 2009 Michael Delamar and David Bickerton at RAILEX 2009 Mark 'Western Stalwart' at RAILEX 2009 Andy York, Andy Cooper and Phil C and RAILEX 2009 Samuel Bennett operating Catcott at RAILEX 2009 Samuel Bennett operating Catcott at RAILEX 2009 Graham Muspratt on the RM Web stand at RAILEX 2009 Railex 'boss' David Lane at RAILEX 2009 The 'Grasmasters' Gordon Gravett and Peter Marriot at RAILEX 2009 Adrian Colnutt @ RAILEX 2009 Chris F at RAILEX 2009 Philip Hall captured at Scaleforum South, Saturday 26 September 2009.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Mon May 25 2009 Converting a Box File into a Stock Box http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1688033.html Converting a Box File into a Stock Box Wednesday 30 September 2009: Converting a Box File into a Stock Box

Standard £2.39 Wilkinsons box file. Standard £2.39 Wilkinsons box file. Remove the sprung document holder (brute force) and flatten the remaining rivets for safety (they're sharp) Cut up some foam board into 1-1/2 inch deep strips Check width of stock. 4.5cm is fine for 'OO'. Glue into place with Copydex. Bingo!

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Wed Sep 30 2009 Wallpaper for 1280x800 screen res laptops http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1682585.html Wallpaper for 1280x800 screen res laptops Sunday 29 November 2009: Wallpaper for 1280x800 screen res laptops

Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper. From around about 1961, ex GWR 2251xx Class Collett 0-6-0 locomotives started to replace the former Midland Railway Bulldog class 3F 0-6-0 tender locomotives. One of the features of the former S&D was the mix of rolling stock and engines from 3 different regions. Here we have 3206 slowing for Catcott Burtle hauling a couple of LMS suburban carriages and an ex Southern Railway van with the 1.15pm Evercreech Junction to Highbridge service. Note the tiny narrow gauge trucks in the background used on the peat tramway. Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper. From around about 1961, ex GWR 2251xx Class Collett 0-6-0 locomotives started to replace the former Midland Railway Bulldog class 3F 0-6-0 tender locomotives. One of the features of the former S&D was the mix of rolling stock and engines from 3 different regions. Here we have 3206 slowing for Catcott Burtle hauling a couple of LMS suburban carriages and an ex Southern Railway van with the 1.15pm Evercreech Junction to Highbridge service. Note the tiny narrow gauge trucks in the background used on the peat tramway. Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper Catcott Burtle 1280x800 wallpaper 44417 powers through Catcott Burtle with a Highbridge to Evercreech Junction goods in early September 1961. 1280x800 widescrreen res: Templecombe's 44417 blasts past the concrete platform at Catcott Crossing with a short Highbridge bound goods in early September 1961. A detailed, repainted and weathered Hornby L&Y 0-4-0 'Pug'. 51202 was based at Radstock from the 1930's through to the early 1950's. The motor protrudes into the cab, so to disguise this, a cloth screen from painted tissue has been added. Screens like this were an occasional feature on the real thing. D1010 Western Campaigner shunts the small yard at Catcott Burtle in September 1971. By this stage the only section of this former SDJR branch still open was from Highbridge to Glastonbury to serve the Clark's Shoe factory and yearly music revellers to the rock festival.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Nov 29 2009 Photography Portfolio http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1672496.html A collection of favourite published images from commissioned magazine shoots I've undertaken over the last year of two. More recent material will be added at it becomes past its newstand sell by date! I may well sway pictures in and out of here from time to time.... so be sure to pop back! Please note that these are not my layouts. All these images as with all others on this website are copyright Chris Nevard/Nevardmedia Ltd. Friday 14 August 2009: A collection of favourite published images from commissioned magazine shoots I've undertaken over the last year of two. More recent material will be added at it becomes past its newstand sell by date! I may well sway pictures in and out of here from time to time.... so be sure to pop back! Please note that these are not my layouts. All these images as with all others on this website are copyright Chris Nevard/Nevardmedia Ltd.

Engine Wood (Hornby Magazine) Hornby Junction (Hornby Magazine) Hornby Junction (Hornby Magazine) Pengwynn Crossing (Hornby Magazine) Zevendall (Model Rail) Harton Gill (Model Rail) Bath Green Park (Hornby Magazine) Bath Green Park (Hornby Magazine) Oakburton (Model Rail) Ashington (Hornby Magzine) Botleigh (Hornby Magazine) Botleigh (Hornby Magazine) Babstown (Model Rail) Ditton Heath (Hornby Magazine) Invergeachy (Model Rail)) Hinton Parva (Hornby Magazine) Grrombridge (Hornby Magazine) Welbridge (Hornby Magazine) Wellbridge (Hornby Magazine) Harford Street (Hornby Magazine) Harford Street (Hornby Magazine) Harford Street (Hornby Magazine) Wiveliscombe (Hornby Mag) Wouldham Town (Hornby Magazine) Compton (Hornby Magazine) Dudley Road (Hornby Magazine) Bleakhouse Road (Hornby Magazine) Fenchurch Cutting (Hornby Magazine) Netherhall & Fletchling (Hornby Magazine) Wartime (Hornby Magazine) Addiston South (Hornby Magazine) Borchester (Model Rail) Botleigh North Road (Hornby Magazine) Fisherton Sarum (Hornby Magazine) 'Len Wood Collection' (Model Rail) Dewsbury Midland (Model Rail) Dewsbury Midland (Model Rail) Romsey (Hornby Magazine) Blandford St Mary (Hornby Magazine) Penros (Hornby Magazine) Saffron Street (Hornby Magazine) David Shepherd's TT gauge layout (Model Rail) Cramdin Yard (Model Rail) Overlord (Hornby Magazine) Tan Y Bwlch (Hornby Magazine) Peter's Street (Hornby Magazine) Writhlington (Hornby Magazine) Writhlington (Hornby Magazine) Writhlington (Hornby Magazine) A Triang Blue Pullman from the mid 1960's. This model must have been quite something in its day. Even now it still looks good, especially the glazing on the parlour cars.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Aug 14 2009 Catcott Burtle - Top Drawer! http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1672495.html 'In' and 'out takes' from Catcott Burtle's feature in Hornby Magazine (July 2009) Thursday 8 October 2009: 'In' and 'out takes' from Catcott Burtle's feature in Hornby Magazine (July 2009)

Bath Shed’s Ivatt Class 4MT ‘Mucky Duck’ 2-6-0 is spotted unusually away from it’s more normal Bath to Bournemouth route with the 12.05 pm Evercreech Junction to Highbridge service. 43017 is captured here making light work of just 2 carriages as it romps past the SR pre cast concrete platform at Catcott Burtle on 21 August 1953. It’s a Sunday morning in late summer 1957 as Highbridge’s sole surviving Midland Johnson 1P 0-4-4 tank chugs through Catcott with an engineering train for some track maintenance near West Pennard. The red carriage would appear to be an ancient Midland Railway low roofed panelled suburban stock which is now in departmental ownership. More curious is the ancient sailing barge – for by this time the old Glastonbury Canal was only used by the odd rowing boat, not anything bigger! Rumour has it that there was an Ealing Comedy being shot at nearby Burtle which required this historic hulk for some Victorian boat scenes! Still, whatever the reason, it makes a nice picture! Highbridge’s sole surviving Midland Johnson 1P 0-4-4 propels a single wooden wagon under the loading gauge along to the wooden goods shed. Rumour has it that this wooden structure was second hand from another part of the network. As usual there is not a soul to be seen! From around about 1961, ex GWR 2251xx Class Collett 0-6-0 locomotives started to replace the former Midland Railway Bulldog class 3F 0-6-0 tender locomotives. One of the features of the former S&D was the mix of rolling stock and engines from 3 different regions. Here we have 3206 slowing for Catcott Burtle hauling a couple of LMS suburban carriages and an ex Southern Railway van with the 1.15pm Evercreech Junction to Highbridge service. Note the tiny narrow gauge trucks in the background used on the peat tramway. In an area rich in agriculture, it’s no surprise that milk features quite prominently, and from our point of view in glass lined tanks destined for Templecombe and beyond from the nearly creamery at Bason Bridge. With increasing influence from British Railways Western Region former Great Western Pannier tanks started to make an appearance across the whole of the ‘S&D’. These little engines, whilst they maybe looked out of place on ‘The Dorset’ were ideal for branchline work like this. 4691 was allocated to Templecombe shed in 1961 and was a popular choice for both passenger and perishable workings in the final few years. Back in the summer of ‘62, well known Bath based photographer Ivan Locksmith captured this unusual view of 'Micky Mouse' No. 41248, paused at Catcott Crossing picking up an empty milk churn. Few crossing keepers’ cottages on ‘the branch’ had running water, so the churns were used to carry vital water supplies, these being delivered by the crews of passing trains. In the early 1950’s Bath (Green Park) acquired 3 of the very American inspired Ivatt Class 4MT 2-6-0's numbers 43012, 43017 and 43036. Often referred to as ‘Flying Pigs’ due to their functional look which at the time struck a chord with more traditional enthusiast who was used to prettier looking pre-war and pre-grouping designs. Their use was usually limited to the ‘mainline’ passenger services between Bath and Bournemouth, however on this occasion 43017 was snapped passing the concrete pre-fabricated at Catcott with a Highbridge Wharf to Evercreech goods train of covered vans. The water in the foreground is the remains of the Glastonbury Canal which became redundant with the opening of the railway which followed much of its length. Catcott Crossing Keeper’s Cottage was one of many on the Highbridge Branch. Due to the remoteness of the line many were without running water and electricity. With much time between passing trains and little in the way of money, it was quite normal to grow vegetables for the table with railway land being allocated for such matters. I recall seeing trackside allotments as late as the 1980’s, though sadly in this health and safety and bean-counter dominated world this has become a thing of the past. Note the outside privy to the right of the kitchen, then try to imagine the experience at 3am on a cold wet night with a westerly in January, maybe not? There must have be a shortage of motive power, for it was unusual for one of Radstock’s ‘Bagnalls’ to work the branch, though being in the height of the holiday season it’s likely that the more regular Colletts and Midland 3F ‘Bulldogs’ had been requisitioned to help doublehead the seasonal expresses on the ‘mainline’ between Bath and Bournemouth. This powerful little locomotive which was more used to banking goods trains over the Mendip Hills or shunting coal wagons around Writhlington Colliery or Midsomer Norton, is captured here propelling an old LNER unfitted wagon into the short siding at Catcott. The wagon will probably be filled with bagged peat for cosy Surrey gardens! Midland Class 2P 4-4-0s were regular visitors to the branch with 40564 in unlined black in charge of the 09:50am Highbridge to Evercreech Junction service seen here passing the peat works transfer shed with the little narrow gauge line just visible. The rusty Austin Devon is only a few years old, but already the dreaded rot has started to take hold. With the MOT test still being a few years away, often vehicles unfit for the roads were frequently seen in everyday use, but life was slower in those days so maybe not the hazard we might tend to think of in today’s high speed world. Ivatt Class 2 tank 41248 slows for Catcott Burtle, the brisk south-westerly breeze blowing the locomotive’s exhaust across the moor towards the Mendip as the telegraph wires hum an un recognisable melody. This perishables train, consisting of a few vans would have been used to pick up churned milk, cheese and cider – produce all very much specific to the area. The single what looks like an ex Southern Railway van in unfitted freight grey is waiting to be loaded with bagged peat. It’s a sunny Sunday; this in itself is nothing new because the sun always shone at Catcott Burtle! Like the present day, back in the halcyon of steam, ever so often passengers would have to endure the joy of the ‘rail replacement bus service’ from time to time due to engineering works. Today is one of those days with the line is shut between Highbridge and Evercreech Junction. The more usual two carriage train is in the hands of a delightful Bedford OB coach which has just paused at the little halt to pick up nobody! I wouldn’t like to guess how long the entire trip would have taken end to end, but probably long enough to force a change of plans for even the keenest of bus enthusiasts! A BR Class 4 4-6-2 tank slows for the short platform at Catcott with the 09:55am Evercreech Junction to Highbridge service during the late summer of 1963. It was more usual to see these large standard tanks on the Bath to Bournemouth service, but on this occasion passengers were to enjoy some ‘super power’ on the mainly flat branch. Note the photographer’s Austin A30 estate car parked up next to the goods shed. An AEC Monarch Lorry proudly displaying Starkey Knight & Ford Ltd the well known brewery from the Bridgwater and Tiverton areas; on what appears to be a moonlight job for the driver of his vehicle is captured slowly reversing across the barrow crossing towards the peat works. The narrow gauge locomotive was probably too heavy for the line crossing the bog, so was probably only used on the heavier gauge lines around the transfer shed. The locomotive is an ex military locomotive of German origin, and may have come over to England as a spoil of war. Note the Mendip Hills a few miles to the north towering above the levels to a height of almost 1000 feet above. It didn’t take long for the modern BR 16 ton mineral wagons to succumb to the dreaded tin worm, this wagon here being a prime example of how bad rust proofing was in the 1950’s. Cars were often not a lot better, with rust taking hold often within only 2 or 3 years. The AEC Monarch Lorry proudly displaying 'Starkeys' (Starkey Knight & Ford Ltd) used to be a well known brewery from the Bridgwater and Tiverton areas. Quite what it was doing in the yard at Catcott I guess we’ll never know, maybe a little job on the side? Notice the hap-hazard coal in the foreground. As has been shown in prototype articles in Hornby Magazine, the familiar neat ‘coal staithe’ right up against a siding often seen on model railways is very much a figment of manufacturers’ imagination. The left hand fiddle yard, there are 2 of these, one for each end. The plate that can hold 4 complete trains with engines can rotate 360 degrees. This means that there is no need to lift the engine from one end to the other. This design of fiddle yard was made famous by the great Peter Denny of ‘Buckingham’ fame – not surprisingly this design of yard is often referred to a ‘Denny Type Fiddle Yard’. The right hand fiddle yard, there are 2 of these, one for each end. The plate that can hold 4 complete trains with engines can rotate 360 degrees. This means that there is no need to lift the engine from one end to the other. This design of fiddle yard was made famous by the great Peter Denny of ‘Buckingham’ fame – not surprisingly this design of yard is often referred to a ‘Denny Type Fiddle Yard’. Taken from the barrow crossing, we have a good comparison to show the difference in size between narrow and standard gauge. On the left we have an ex Metropolitan Waterboard Kerr Stewart. On the right an ex GWR Pannier tank in the form of Templecombe’s 4691 on an afternoon pick up goods returning to Highbridge Wharf. The Kerr Stewart is a recent acquisition by the ‘Somerset Levels Narrow Gauge Railway Association’, the fledgling group that at the time of this photograph (1964) was in the process of preserving part of the of the local peat works narrow gauge railway. The line has been upgraded as required to allow the use of these bigger engines, for a railway like this would normally be the preserve of a petrol Lister or similar lightweight engines. 4691 on the right has by prior agreement been stopped to allow this unusual pose of ‘little and large’ for the photographer.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Thu Oct 8 2009 Warley 2008 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1615901.html Warley 2008 Monday 24 November 2008: Warley 2008

Colin Marsden, Chris Perkin and Mike Wild Mike Wild on the Hornby Mag stand A reader, Colin Marsden & Chris Perkins CJM & Chris Perkins 'Aryan' Stephen Snowshill and Mike Wild Heljan Class 17 Heljan Class 17 Heljan Class 17s Heljan Class 17s Heljan Lighting Heljan Lighting Vi-Trains Vi-Trains Vi-Trains Vi-Trains Vi-Trains stand Vi-Trains stand Vi-Trains Vi-Trains stand Hornby 153 Hornby 153 on Bay Street Hornby Class 153 on Mike Wild's Bay Street Mk1 Cenrtepiece Binns Road Binns Road Binns Road Saffron Street Saffron Street Saffron Street Coldfair Green Bilton Stuart Brasier Stuart Brasier Man with radio contolled layout Oakhurst, S7 Victoria Road, Ian Futers Tolcarn Engine Shed Tolcarn Engine Shed Tolcarn Engine Shed Tolcarn Engine Shed Ravensbeck via Coverdale and the Rushen Valley Railway to Mill Street . Possibly the largest O Gauge layout ever exhibited! Kendal/Keighley MRGs Punter Chris Perkins and Colin Marsden A reader and Mike Wild

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Mon Nov 24 2008 Expong 2008 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1600879.html Expong 2008 Saturday 25 October 2008: Expong 2008

Pike Bros Furzebrook open clay wagon in 009 built by John Thorne of Ditton and Purbeck fame. One of John Thorne's latest 009 scratchbuilt gems! Julian Emerson and John Thorne operating John's latest layout simply called 'Purbeck'. Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm! Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm! Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm! Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm! Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm! Mark Fielder's stunning Tardis inspired An Clar depicting Irish 3 foot gauge in 2mm!

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sat Oct 25 2008 Combwich - 2001 Archive http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1594693.html Combwich - 2001 Archive Tuesday 14 April 2009: Combwich - 2001 Archive

Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001. Combwich before it was widened, 2001.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Tue Apr 14 2009 Useful prototype stuff http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1566943.html Images which might be useful to modellers? Please feel free to send corrections via the 'comment' button!! Tuesday 28 October 2008: Images which might be useful to modellers? Please feel free to send corrections via the 'comment' button!!

Simonds Ales, The Bell, Bath Allotment detail: Peas Allotment detail: Runner bean or Pea bamboo supports Allotment detail: Cabbage Allotment detail: Runners beans Allotment detail: Rhubarb? Carrots? Potato? Allotment detail: Runner Beans Allotment detail: Corn? Allotment detail: Peas Allotment detail: kale Allotment detail: Garlic Allotment detail: Cabbage Allotment detail: leeks? Allotment detail: Asparagus River side growth, Desborough Canal, Weybridge River side growth, Desborough Canal, Weybridge Canalside reeds, Wey Navigation, Weybridge. Canalside trees and reeds, Weybridge. Canalside Willow etc, Wey Navigation, Weybridge. River side growth, Desborough Canal, Weybridge Thameside growth, Walton on Thames Canalside Willow, Wey Navigation, Weybridge. Rusty corrugated building, Walton on Thames Guest picture (to see more full sized trains go to my Modern Traction and Steam Galleries - linked from the index page): No. 60163 'Tornado', the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust's brand new steam locomotive, is captured here blasting up the grade at Lyne near Virginia Water with Steam Dreams 'Valentine's Day Special' circular tour from London Waterloo on a beautiful crisp Saturday 14 February 2009.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Tue Oct 28 2008 Modifying a Hornby Class 59/1 into a 59/0 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1542398.html Modifying a Hornby Class 59/1 into a 59/0 Wednesday 9 July 2008: Modifying a Hornby Class 59/1 into a 59/0

On the modelling bench, a Hornby (ex Lima) Class 59, 59005 'Kenneth J Painter'. Hornby have sadly made a hash choosing the prototype to represent, so irritatingly, I'll need to modify the lighting clusters on the front along with other general detailing. Luckely I won't have to disturb the blue paintwork, getting a match for that might be tricky, silver is no problem matching in though. The baffle/plough thingy in the front will need to be fixed to the body rather than bogie too - simple enough. It's either that or going for the Hanson livery, which would be correct for the Hornby body. In the end I fear that cutting up a little plastic will be easier than trying to create Hanson paint job and sort out a Hanson transfers - so 59005 it is! Hornby 59005 in 'out of the box' condition on Cement Quay. The 59/1 lighting clusters have been removed and replaced with some new 59/0 style bases made up from some plastic card. A little more tidying then the white metal light units will be grafted. OK, here we are on the other side after the front end surgery, repaint, new grills (A1) and weathring . Scale couplings, cast plates (on order?) and warning flashes (for front end, not sure who does those), still to be added.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Wed Jul 9 2008 Catcott Burtle Diary: June - Dec 08 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1537509.html Catcott Burtle Diary: June - Dec 08 Tuesday 30 December 2008: Catcott Burtle Diary: June - Dec 08

Earlier today are little work adding to the undergrowth along the rhyne mainly in the form of colourized horse hair topped off with scatter coated sea foam. I'm building on this slowly, rather than rushing in, it's a little like weathering. Earlier today are little work adding to the undergrowth along the rhyne mainly in the form of colourized horse hair topped off with scatter coated sea foam. I'm building on this slowly, rather than rushing in, it's a little like weathering. Earlier today are little work adding to the undergrowth along the rhyne mainly in the form of colourized horse hair topped off with scatter coated sea foam. I'm building on this slowly, rather than rushing in, it's a little like weathering. Earlier today are little work adding to the undergrowth along the rhyne mainly in the form of colourized horse hair topped off with scatter coated sea foam. I'm building on this slowly, rather than rushing in, it's a little like weathering. A view showing the whole 5 foot of the layout, photoshop masking to give the effect I aim to get once the presentation is sorted. The lighting is the layout's own, with the curved backdrop working quite well I think (?) - no corners! Earlier today are little work adding to the undergrowth along the rhyne mainly in the form of colourized horse hair topped off with scatter coated sea foam. I'm building on this slowly, rather than rushing in, it's a little like weathering. A higher than normal viewing angle view. A zoomed in higher than normal viewing angle view. A look through the garage and a pack of Ratio telegraph poles were located to accompany a Wills/Ratio SR style concrete loading gauge kit put together in front of the TV last night. Looking at old pics of real railways, it's amazing just how many telegraph, electricity and telephone poles there were/are all over the place. In real life engineers spend enormous amounts of time placing these things to ensure they'll mess up that master shot, I have a little more control in my world! Oh yes, the little grotty sheds next to the water tank are 'Wills Grotty Sheds', also made up in front of the TV last night. A look through the garage and a pack of Ratio telegraph poles were located to accompany a Wills/Ratio SR style concrete loading gauge kit put together in front of the TV last night. Looking at old pics of real railways, it's amazing just how many telegraph, electricity and telephone poles there were/are all over the place. In real life engineers spend enormous amounts of time placing these things to ensure they'll mess up that master shot, I have a little more control in my world! Oh yes, the little grotty sheds next to the water tank are 'Wills Grotty Sheds', also made up in front of the TV last night. A look through the garage and a pack of Ratio telegraph poles were located to accompany a Wills/Ratio SR style concrete loading gauge kit put together in front of the TV last night. Looking at old pics of real railways, it's amazing just how many telegraph, electricity and telephone poles there were/are all over the place. In real life engineers spend enormous amounts of time placing these things to ensure they'll mess up that master shot, I have a little more control in my world! Oh yes, the little grotty sheds next to the water tank are 'Wills Grotty Sheds', also made up in front of the TV last night. Oh yes, the little grotty sheds next to the water tank are 'Wills Grotty Sheds', also made up in front of the TV last night. A look through the garage and a pack of Ratio telegraph poles were located to accompany a Wills/Ratio SR style concrete loading gauge kit put together in front of the TV last night. Looking at old pics of real railways, it's amazing just how many telegraph, electricity and telephone poles there were/are all over the place. In real life engineers spend enormous amounts of time placing these things to ensure they'll mess up that master shot, I have a little more control in my world! Oh yes, the little grotty sheds next to the water tank are 'Wills Grotty Sheds', also made up in front of the TV last night. Riddles 9F 2-10-0 No. 92224 clanks through the crossing at Catcott Burtle with Cement train from Westbury to Portishead on 5 September 1962. That's the fiction, in reality, the 9F started life as a Hornby 'Evening Star' which has been converted to loco drive and extensively detailed. The 'Presflo' wagons are from ancient Airfix kits. The layout shown here which is still under contruction will shortly feature in a forthcoming issue of Hornby Magazine. The 9F, a standard issue tender driven Hornby 'Evening Star', was inherited in 2001 after the death of a good friend. As a sort of tribute to him (he used to rebuild old cars to concourse condition, so would have appoved of the upgrade). Rather than use the mint Evening Star body, at a local show I picked up a tatty 9F body and tender for a few pennies. On this one, I stripped the body and tender right back, replacing all the moulded gubbins with wire and new brass bits like handrails and brackets etc. The missing front steps were formed up from the brass sheet. The outcome looked great, but of course, being tender drive worked like a dog and jammed going thouh my bullhead pointwork on Combwich due to the Tupperware wheels on the tender drive.At the time (2002), which is before Bachmann bought out their gem, there is/was a business which performed loco drive conversions called 'Model...sumitorother' (cannot recall name) to new locos. I contacted them to see if they'd do me a conversion to an existing loco instead. A week or two later, a fully functioning chassis came through the post. That's about it! Of course, with this progressive upgrade, in the end, none of the original loco was touched! Sulzer Type 2 No. D5298 rushes through Catcott Burtle with a diverted Westbury to Portishead cement train on 19 September 1968. The reality is that the loco is a renumbered and weathered Bachmann locomotive, pulling a short rake of ancient Airfix Preslo kits. The layout shown here which is still under contruction will shortly feature in a forthcoming issue of Hornby Magazine. Sulzer Type 2 No. D5298 rushes through Catcott Burtle with a diverted Portishead to Westbury cement train on 19 September 1968. The reality is that the loco is a renumbered and weathered Bachmann locomotive, pulling a short rake of ancient Airfix Preslo kits. The layout shown here which is still under contruction will shortly feature in a forthcoming issue of Hornby Magazine. Western Class diesel hydraulic No. D1010 'Western Campaigner', speeds past the empty sidings at Catcott Burtle with an empty Portishead to Westbury cement train on 25 August 1972. The reality is that the loco is a renamed and weathered Heljan locomotive, pulling a short rake of ancient Airfix Preslo kits and Bachmann GWR fitted vans. The layout shown here which is still under contruction will shortly feature in a forthcoming issue of Hornby Magazine. Riddles 9F 2-10-0 No. 92224 clanks through the crossing at Catcott Burtle with Cement train from Westbury to Portishead (via Frome & Radstock) on 5 September 1964. That's the fiction, in reality, the 9F started life as a Hornby 'Evening Star' which has been converted to loco drive and extensively detailed. The 'Presflo' wagons are from ancient Airfix kits. Riddles 9F 2-10-0 No. 92224 clanks through the crossing at Catcott Burtle with Cement train from Westbury to Portishead (via Frome & Radstock) on 5 September 1964. That's the fiction, in reality, the 9F started life as a Hornby 'Evening Star' which has been converted to loco drive and extensively detailed. The 'Presflo' wagons are from ancient Airfix kits. GWR 'Collett' 0-6-0 No. 3206 slows for Catcott with an afternoon service from Highbridge to Evercreech Junction on the 3rd September 1964. Back in the summer of '62, well known Bath based photographer Ivan Locksmith captured this unusual view of Templecombe's ex GWR 0-6-0 No. 3206, paused at Catcott Crossing picking up an empty milk churn. Few crossing keepers' cottages on 'the branch' had running water, so the churns were used to carry vital water supplies, these being delivered by the crews of passing trains. Back in the summer of '62, well known Bath based photographer Ivan Locksmith captured this unusual view of Templecombe's ex GWR 0-6-0 No. 3206, paused at Catcott Crossing picking up an empty milk churn. Few crossing keepers' cottages on 'the branch' had running water, so the churns were used to carry vital water supplies, these being delivered by the crews of passing trains. Back in the summer of '62, well known Bath based photographer Ivan Locksmith captured this unusual view of Templecombe's ex GWR 0-6-0 No. 3206, paused at Catcott Crossing picking up an empty milk churn. Few crossing keepers' cottages on 'the branch' had running water, so the churns were used to carry vital water supplies, these being delivered by the crews of passing trains. Sitting in the display case for a couple of years has been this Leido Pickfords liveried Scammell Scarab. Yesterday morning it was given a couple of coat of paint in an attempt to turn it into something that would look less poncy ferrying bagged peat around Catcott. Of course the wheel hubs need to be another colour, the whole thing will then get a dose of dusty weathering and some writing somewhere saying 'Eclipse Peat Company Catcott'. Messed about today with the telegraph wires using 'Slik Worm Invisible Elastic Thread' as recommended by Graham Muz! Highly elastic, hopefully enough to survive 'spawn of chaw' and elderley women who have to finger everything when on the road. Will it survive me when I get a shunting pole hooked up? We shall see, it's vvvvveeeeerrrrryyyy elastic - boiinngg! There is quite a bit more to do on the 'orse as already mentioned. This is it after a wash of pale earth coloured matt emusion. The sacks are now brown to replicate hessian. The little frame based on the one at Ashcott and Meare. Note the new point rodding. Also, some MSE point rodding and bases went down to. The colour is a little heavy (Sleeper Grime), making them appear a tad too prominent, that will be sorted in due course with a lighter wash. Also, another viewing angle (taken last night in window light), showing the entire layout from one end - it's really very small! There is quite a bit more to do on the 'orse as already mentioned. This is it after a wash of pale earth coloured matt emusion. The sacks are now brown to replicate hessian. Messed about today with the telegraph wires using 'Slik Worm Invisible Elastic Thread' as recommended by Graham Muz! Highly elastic, hopefully enough to survive 'spawn of chaw' and elderley women who have to finger everything when on the road. Will it survive me when I get a shunting pole hooked up? We shall see, it's vvvvveeeeerrrrryyyy elastic - boiinngg! After posting last night, had a go repositioning the telegraph poles in the station area, routing them behind the platform (the elastic allowing that) from their previous position between the rhyne and the yard. More for practical and artistic reasons, I could see me colliding with the wires all the time (which I did several times), also when viewing the layout from it's normal frontal viewing angle they appeared rather too prominent giving almost a French or US feel! A couple of snaps grabbed of 41248 first thing this morning. Unlike yesterday's shots which were taken with window light, these are under the layout's own lighting pelmet with 'energy savers''. The window on the platform is the result of me knocking it of the side of shelter when making the hole for the post - tempted to leave it there? After posting last night, had a go repositioning the telegraph poles in the station area, routing them behind the platform (the elastic allowing that) from their previous position between the rhyne and the yard. More for practical and artistic reasons, I could see me colliding with the wires all the time (which I did several times), also when viewing the layout from it's normal frontal viewing angle they appeared rather too prominent giving almost a French or US feel! A couple of snaps grabbed of 41248 first thing this morning. Unlike yesterday's shots which were taken with window light, these are under the layout's own lighting pelmet with 'energy savers''. The window on the platform is the result of me knocking it of the side of shelter when making the hole for the post - tempted to leave it there? As the train rumbled into view, unusually hauled by one of Radstock's banking engines, Ivan, with his new f3.5 Tessar lensed Rolleiflex toting a fast wind on crank, was able to take two shots as the train rumbled through, At Catcott Burtle, whilst waiting for the 1.35pm Bason Bridge to Templecombe milkie, Ivan Locksmith and his partner in crime Erik Cross, were discussing a conversation they recently had down their local railway club where one of the slightly outspoken members had discussed that back in the early 1800's there were plans to adopt an odd 4ft 8 1/2 gauge. Due to lack of siding space at nearby Bason Bridge, a couple of spare milk tanks are stored in the siding at Catcott for a couple of days. Radstock's 'Jinty' No. 47276, does the honours with this local shunt. Loco shortages on the 'mainline' meant that this unusual helper was drafted in place of the more usual Midland 3F, Collett or Ivatt tank. The 1.35pm Bason Bridge to Templecombe milkie. Whilst messing about last night with this 'bodging the focus' marlarky, here's a more conventional angle, which won't be disimilar to what punters will see at a show. This is about 4'6 Two exposures with different focus points (foreground and background), combined with 'Combine ZM' freeware, I was messing about with the Combine ZM freeware for bogding an apparent increased depth of field. It sort of works OK, but is rather prone to artifacts, so gave up and simply manually stacked the 3 different files (same image, focussed on three different key areas, ie, car, loco, shed), adjusting the images so thay match up (as you focus in closer you get a slight zoom, effect) size wise. I then deleted the out of focus bits as I built up the layers starting from the rear. I was messing about with the Combine ZM freeware for bogding an apparent increased depth of field. It sort of works OK, but is rather prone to artifacts, so gave up and simply manually stacked the 3 different files (same image, focussed on three different key areas, ie, car, loco, shed), adjusting the images so thay match up (as you focus in closer you get a slight zoom, effect) size wise. I then deleted the out of focus bits as I built up the layers starting from the rear. Two exposures with different focus points (foreground and background), combined with 'Combine ZM' freeware, D2298 on a Glastonbury trip working passes what looks like quite a pristine ground frame. By 1968, the train crew used to have to open and close the gates. D2298 performed many of the Highbridge to Glastonbury goods workings serving the Clarks shoe factory at nearby Street after the end of steam, here we see D2298, now preserved at Quainton Road clanking through with one of these trains in the late summer of 1968. Note the lack of brakevan! D2298 performed many of the Highbridge to Glastonbury goods workings serving the Clarks shoe factory at nearby Street after the end of steam, here we see D2298, now preserved at Quainton Road clanking through with one of these trains in the late summer of 1968.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Tue Dec 30 2008 Modelling Bench and bits & pieces! http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1527188.html Modelling Bench and bits & pieces! Monday 15 June 2009: Modelling Bench and bits & pieces!

Bachmann Jinty at Combwich Bachmann Jinty at Combwich Bachmann Jinty at Combwich 37403 in out of the box condition. Vi-Train 37422 with optional detailing pack added. Note the glowing headlamps. Vi-Train 37422 with optional detailing pack added. Note the glowing headlamps. Vi-Train 37422 with optional detailing pack added. Note the glowing headlamps. A BR Blue Triang release from the late 1960's. In this era, Triang and later Hornby, would use self coloured plastic, rather than paint to depict the main body colour. The front end of D6830, a Triang release from the late 1960's. In this era, Triang and later Hornby, would use self coloured plastic, rather than paint to depict the main body colour. Triang's 1960's vintage D6830 is seen here posing next to 37422, a recent offering from the Italian Vi-Trains. Triang's 1960's vintage D6830 is seen here posing next to 37422, a recent offering from the Italian Vi-Trains. Modified Hornby 'Shark', for more info, pick up a copy of July 2008 Hornby Magazine. Modified Hornby 'Shark', for more info, pick up a copy of July 2008 Hornby Magazine. Modified Hornby 'Shark', for more info, pick up a copy of July 2008 Hornby Magazine. Austin A30 Countryman Van (Springside white metal kit) on Arne Wharf. This is quite a blow up, the estate car being about 1 inch long. It's painted in the same BL Carmine red as our MGBGT. May not be authentic but works OK! The Coopercraft AEC Monarch Lorry with dropside body kit (plastic) is posed on Cement Quay, the modern diesels making way for Templecombe's 3206 with some Radstock coal for the furnaces. 'Starkeys' (Starkey Knight & Ford Ltd) used to be a well known brewery from the Bridgwater and Tiverton areas (correct me if I'm wrong) - now sadly long gone! The Fleischmann 'Piccolo' chassis is a very worthwhile replacement for the ancient Bachmann Docksider chassis recommended for many 009 loco kits. It runs a dream too. The Fleischmann 'Piccolo' chassis is a very worthwhile replacement for the ancient Bachmann Docksider chassis recommended for many 009 loco kits. It runs a dream too. I'm so taken with Humbrol Matt 109 as used in the mechanical 'orse, the previously out of the box Bemo HOe locotractor above, is also being painted in 'Eclipse Peat Co of Catcott' corporate blue. This is the result with glazing removed with just one coat (will need 2 or 3). The underframe will need to be 'less fairground' in colour before the whole lot is rusted and dirtied up. A few of these former German wartime narrow gauge units made it to the UK for industrial use after the war. Here are a couple of Bachmann 16 tonners picked up the other day. 'Before' and after about 90 mins work with 'sleeper grime' and some matt emulsion washes. I didn't renumber - basically because that's not something I care about or notice in real life and more importantly couldn't be ar@@d Here are a couple of Bachmann 16 tonners picked up the other day. 'Before' and after about 90 mins work with 'sleeper grime' and some matt emulsion washes. I didn't renumber - basically because that's not something I care about or notice in real life and more importantly couldn't be ar@@d Here are a couple of Bachmann 16 tonners picked up the other day. 'Before' and after about 90 mins work with 'sleeper grime' and some matt emulsion washes. I didn't renumber - basically because that's not something I care about or notice in real life and more importantly couldn't be ar@@d OK, so now you know what I look like! You sure you want to click on that 'contact' link now? One of the first electric Metoropolitan Railway Loco's called a 'Camel Back' loco, this was the forerunner of the Met Bo-Bo which takes its power from the 3rd rail. Radley Models are shortly doing a run of 25 kits. An old Triang SR Bogie Scenery van with the addition of the excellent Roxey Mouldings '4A250 Detailing Kit for Triang/Hornby Bogie Utility Van'. The kit includes replacement bogies too. The slight bowing appears to be a feature of these old 1960's mouldings - still the real thing no doubt bowed all over the place! The light here is reflecting off the 'Flushglazed' windows. From a different viewing angle the replacement grills can be seen through the dusty grime. The next bogie van along is the well known Ratio kit, in turn hauled by Templecombe's 80043. This one has been in a box in the garage for the last 5 years, it's a Ratio Midland Sub - seen here in red primer......For Catcott Burtle and Combwich my 50/60's steam era layouts this stock really is too early, however if I blocked some of the windows in and painted it 'engineering red' (or black)? and make it look like it was on it's last legs, I guess it could look the part as a crew/stores carriage on a PW or engineering train? Thoughts? This one I'm purely posting for novelty value, has been sitting on Combwich's fiddle yard for ages, is something I was given at the Southampton MRS back in the mid 1980's when they were having a clearout. I think it might be Kays or maybe Gem? It was originally in GWR chocolate and in a rather sorry state. I few years ago I repainted it into maroon and dirtied it up (just needs some vacuum pipes to finish it). These I gather didn't last into BR days though in my rose tinted Titfield Thunderboltesque parallel universe maybe it did... Looking at the deep mouldings it looks like I'll need to glaze each window separately - do I have the patience? No, but I guess it will be worth it! The roof line looks a little wonky too, something I've only noticed since posting these pics just now. As a consist this might make a nice lookng train with some ballast hoppers, Shark and maybe an ex Midland 4F (My old Aifix 44417 is currently in Philip Hall's workshop having a Comet chassis added). In progress: the Ratio Midland sub is now in 'engineering red' (MG Metro Cinnabar red). Some way to go yet with glazing, more painting (black ends?) and the all important weathering (to try to represent red which faded pale and matt very quickly). The carriage number is in yellow (the DM395 bit is accurate, the last 3 digits fiction...LOL), pictures suggest that both this colour and white are acceptable, I chose the former because that's what I have to hand! Quite what a Midland region carriage is doing in deepest Somerset we'll never know!! I was looking through some stock boxes in the garage (building new stock boxes so I can junk the old ones) the other day and came across this. As teanager I recall building the body from scratch using card in about 1981 from some plans in one of the mags. I presume it's a Midland Railway van. I'm tempted to give it a refurb and to put it into departmental use. The rust on the wheels is real BTW! I was looking through some stock boxes in the garage (building new stock boxes so I can junk the old ones) the other day and came across this. As teanager I recall building the body from scratch using card in about 1981 from some plans in one of the mags. I presume it's a Midland Railway van. I'm tempted to give it a refurb and to put it into departmental use. The rust on the wheels is real BTW! The Midland Railway suburban carriage (from a Ratio kit) now all painted up and weathered with some dry brushing of pale grey (Humbrol matt enamel) and washes of muddy earthy colours (household emulsion). All this was sealed into place with 'Krylon Matte Finish' from an aerosol (Google for a supplier). It still needs screw couplings, vacuum pipes and glazing. The glazing will be a bit of a chore, because I'll have to cut out each window separately due to the rather thick sides. The Midland Railway suburban carriage (from a Ratio kit) now all painted up and weathered with some dry brushing of pale grey (Humbrol matt enamel) and washes of muddy earthy colours (household emulsion). All this was sealed into place with 'Krylon Matte Finish' from an aerosol (Google for a supplier). It still needs screw couplings, vacuum pipes and glazing. The glazing will be a bit of a chore, because I'll have to cut out each window separately due to the rather thick sides. Diorama test shot. Bachmann Class 66. Diorama test shot. Renumbered and weathered bachmann 32xx. Diorama test shot. Craftsman Johnson Midland 1P (brass kits). Diorama test shot. Weathered Bachmann 16 tonner. Diorama test shot. A Triang SR scenery van with the addition of a Roxey Mouldings detail kit with next bogies I have a job next week to photograph 60 or so OO gauge locos. So, rather than use a bit of Peco on some curled up white paper, a sheet or two of foamboard, a length of C&L and some spare Silfor, carpet underlay, hanging basket liner and various dyed sawdust resulted in a niftly display photo platform. It also gave me a chance to mess about testing out some autumnal looking scenics. In total you see the result of about 6 hours work. Oh yes, the print is one of my skies run off to 20x30 inches at Photobox online lab, which means I won't need to mess about with jiggery pokery adding skies and such 'cos everything can be donein camera - result? Last night finished off a very much on and off project of converting a Ratio Midland Sub into a crew vehicle for engineering trains etc (bar couplings and vac pipes which I need to source next time I find a proper model shop). A little muck on the windows won't go amiss either (matt varnish, painted on then removed with a cotton bud so the 'dirt' remains in the corners). Whilst I did start flush-glazing it cutting out individual windows, I wasn't doing too good a job as well as taking forever, so simply opted for the quick fix with the glazing stuck on behind. At last I can move onto other projects, a Comet Hawksworth Brake Compo, an Ian Kirk LNER panelled bogie full break/luggage van and a Smallbrook Works LSWR brakevan. Time machine......... I wandered as lonely as a cloud........ An out of the box Hornby Shark ballast brake. In due course this will be re-numbered and so on. I'll open the doors too, nearly all pictures of these I've seen have at least one of them open!

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Mon Jun 15 2009 Catcott Burtle Diary: April 08 - May 08 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1519687.html Catcott Burtle Diary: April 08 - May 08 Saturday 31 May 2008: Catcott Burtle Diary: April 08 - May 08

Dug out the my first ever (and last) brass loco kit I put together in 1982, a Craftsmen Midland 1P........... Back in 1971, with the remaining part of the S&D still being open as far as Glastonbury (from Highbridge) for the Clarks shoe factory and the new and groovy rock festival, WR Bubble pauses at Catcott Burtle Sidings. The last 48 hours have seen the rhyne straightened (now more like the real thing due to the peat works now being at the rear). The aim is to treat the wall like this one on the edge of the Avon in Bath snapped earlier this week. A bit of spare tiling grout has been used for the canal and beginnings of the road surface. It looks rather like snow! Modelling clay will be used for any further work, it goes where you want it rather than sticking everyhere you don't! Another layer of greeny grey paint (emulsion) will be added to the 'water' prior to adding PVA. A bit of spare tiling grout has been used for the canal and beginnings of the road surface. It looks rather like snow! Modelling clay will be used for any further work, it goes where you want it rather than sticking everyhere you don't! Another layer of greeny grey paint (emulsion) will be added to the 'water' prior to adding PVA. This morning's work (about 45 mins), saw the rhyne bed painted a darkish grey emulsion colour, then coated with a thick layer of PVA (first of about 4 or 5 coats). A couple of patches of Silfor were a This morning's work (about 45 mins), saw the rhyne bed painted a darkish grey emulsion colour, then coated with a thick layer of PVA (first of about 4 or 5 coats). A couple of patches of Silfor were a This morning's work (about 45 mins), saw the rhyne bed painted a darkish grey emulsion colour, then coated with a thick layer of PVA (first of about 4 or 5 coats). A couple of patches of Silfor were a This morning's work (about 45 mins), saw the rhyne bed painted a darkish grey emulsion colour, then coated with a thick layer of PVA (first of about 4 or 5 coats). A couple of patches of Silfor were a This morning's work (about 45 mins), saw the rhyne bed painted a darkish grey emulsion colour, then coated with a thick layer of PVA (first of about 4 or 5 coats). A couple of patches of Silfor were a A little more Silfor grass on Catcott..... Here's the old Parkside brakevan (gosh it looks rough this close!), it was built in hospital whilst visiting my wife there during an operation a few years ago. Most take flowers and chocs, I took a mo Running in boards. Catcott: a bit for Silfor grass. Catcott: a bit for Silfor grass. Catcott: The Wills wooden good shed now with top coat of dry brushed green and cream allowing some of the primer to show through. 3206 slows for the short Catcott platform with its train from Evercreech Junction. The 'Catcott Burtle' inlay is temporary, having now tracked down some small cast letters as a correct replacement. The track is still to be ballasted and the unsightly solder blob near the point stretcher needs to be removed (along with the thin cosmetic C&L stretcher which has distorted). casual snaps like this are a good aid for seeing 'what's hot' and 'what's not'. The carriage is a Dapol LMS non-corridor 'sub' with 'Flushglaze' and moulded handrails/tank fillers on the ends replaced with wire. Halfords 'British Leyland Carmine' as on my full sized MGBGT is quite a good ringer for 1950's crimson - well, once weathered anyway! Catcott: the new goods shed roughly in position as Templecombe's 3206 pulls in with its train from Highbridge. Lighting wise, the previous 'energy saver' bulbs have been replaced with 3 good old fashioned incandecent 60 watt bulbs (better stock up with these whilst one can get them) to give a better quality of light, especially with the rendering of green - these snaps being taken with the little Canon G9 pocket camera simply being set to pre set 'tungsten' white balance. The bulbs don't stand as proud from their mounts either ('energy saver' bulbs have a rather large base before you get to the bit that glows), thus meaning the illumination is less overhead and more from the front. This shows how the clay can crack a little, easily remeded with a splash of water and a little rubbing with a thumb or stiff brush to fill in any cracks. Back to Catcott; the peat shed looked too 'low relief' from certain angles, it was also casting a shadow on the backscene. A litte hacking about with a Stanley Knife to reduce roof height and some Wills Asbestos sheeting has solved both the problems, it is also a little less imposing too. Still unsure as to which side the tank should go. There'll be a narrow gauge line passing through the shed too........... Back to Catcott; the peat shed looked too 'low relief' from certain angles, it was also casting a shadow on the backscene. A litte hacking about with a Stanley Knife to reduce roof height and some Wills Asbestos sheeting has solved both the problems, it is also a little less imposing too. Still unsure as to which side the tank should go. There'll be a narrow gauge line passing through the shed too........... A bit more work on the painting of the clay after looking at colour albums from the era/area. Very early stages, the final result will be weed ridden 'house style' A bit more work on the painting of the clay after looking at colour albums from the era/area. Very early stages, the final result will be weed ridden 'house style' A bit more work on the painting of the clay after looking at colour albums from the era/area. Very early stages, the final result will be weed ridden 'house style' During a spare moment earlier today, added a little more Silfor and a splash of paint here and there...... During a spare moment earlier today, added a little more Silfor and a splash of paint here and there...... 44417 (had this loco since 1982) is awaiting a new chassis, there's no way those old Airfix wheel sets are going to get through the pointwork! 44417 (had this loco since 1982) is awaiting a new chassis, there's no way those old Airfix wheel sets are going to get through the pointwork! 44417 (had this loco since 1982) is awaiting a new chassis, there's no way those old Airfix wheel sets are going to get through the pointwork! During a spare moment earlier today, added a little more Silfor and a splash of paint here and there...... During a spare moment earlier today, added a little more Silfor and a splash of paint here and there...... not sure the Wizzer would be alllowed on this route though. Scary to think that this loco takes up about 20% of the length of the layout....... During a spare moment earlier today, added a little more Silfor and a splash of paint here and there...... not sure the Wizzer would be alllowed on this route though. Scary to think that this loco takes up about 20% of the length of the layout....... Heljan Western. Reeds from plumber's hemp. Reeds from plumber's hemp. Long shot showing the whole layout just Made a proper start on the level crossing gates (secondhand white metal MSE), targets to add, then some more painting needed (black bits) and weathering. Might add some checken wire 'mesh', the supplied being too coarse. Now where's the wife's wedding dress? Long shot showing the whole layout just about..... Made a proper start on the level crossing gates (secondhand white metal MSE), targets to add, then some more painting needed (black bits) and weathering. Might add some checken wire 'mesh', the supplied being too coarse. Now where's the wife's wedding dress? The cracking in the clay (which is normal) is easily addressed. 'Mainline' still to be ballasted (granite). 37403 trundles over Catcott Crossing with a short train of vans from Burrowbridge.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sat May 31 2008 Anglicizing the Liliput HOe (Bachmann) Zillertalbahn loco. http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1509841.html ‘Anglicizing an Austrian’ aka ‘transforming a smart Austrian, into a rusty, old & possibly English style leaking wheezer geezer’ Having thoroughly enjoyed the feature by in a recent 009 Socielty Newsletter on how to anglicise the Bachmann Liliput HO Zillertal Bahn 2-6-2 a couple of months ago in 009 News, I remembered that I had one of these locomotives hidden in the garage collecting dust. It was from one of those spur of the moment purchases a couple of years before, probably because I feared it was going out of production. Anyway, back to the conversion, I followed the instructions as in 009 News closely as possible as my spare parts box allowed, using plasticard to deepen the body and to revise the cab windows to something more British is style. I then had to improvise, not having a suitable smokebox door, I removed the flat head from a drawing pin, this becoming the door! A hole was drilled into the middle to take and old handrail knob from a Kays kit (there must be hundreds of these dreadful kits never finished?) and a pin head to act the lever for opening it. Further handrail knobs and bits of brass wire were used for the cabside handrails. British locos have less in the way of steam spaghetti than their foreign counterparts, so some of those bits were removed (I’m non technical, I know steam locos use coal, fire and water, that’s about it!). Some thin beading was added along the edges of the side tank tops from fine plastic strip. Then, some coal rails were added at the cab end of the tanks, after seeing a picture of the Former Welsh Highland Railway loco ‘Russell’ in a book of ‘The Railways of Purbeck’ by the late R.W. Kidner. The little loco then had a couple of ‘buffer beams’ added out of some spare girder section from a Walther’s Cornerstone building kit for that real DIY bodged repair often seen on industrial loco’s. I’ve always liked industrial grot over twee pretty engines, I think it would be true to say that it has been achieved here! That’s just about it, the loco was then sprayed matt black from an aerosol, had brass elliptical maker’s plate from a Class 52 Western of all things! It was then weathered up in my usual fashion using matt colour washes and dry brushing, until it started to look suitably decrepit. Whilst I’m not sure it looks totally British in style, it maybe could pass as something UK built for export to the colonies. My story is that it came back from war torn France after the Great War. The loco, after a good couple of hours running round and round Arne Wharf (where it really looks the part I hasten to add), runs beautifully. The only problem is that due to the large overhand and my tight curves, most stock, irrespective of which way around the loco is facing, tends to get pulled off the rails on the bends! Oh well, better build another layout! Monday 12 May 2008: _Anglicizing an Austrian_ aka _transforming a smart Austrian, into a rusty, old & possibly English style leaking wheezer geezer_ Having thoroughly enjoyed the feature by in a recent 009 Socielty Newsletter on how to anglicise the Bachmann Liliput HO Zillertal Bahn 2-6-2 a couple of months ago in 009 News, I remembered that I had one of these locomotives hidden in the garage collecting dust. It was from one of those spur of the moment purchases a couple of years before, probably because I feared it was going out of production. Anyway, back to the conversion, I followed the instructions as in 009 News closely as possible as my spare parts box allowed, using plasticard to deepen the body and to revise the cab windows to something more British is style. I then had to improvise, not having a suitable smokebox door, I removed the flat head from a drawing pin, this becoming the door! A hole was drilled into the middle to take and old handrail knob from a Kays kit (there must be hundreds of these dreadful kits never finished?) and a pin head to act the lever for opening it. Further handrail knobs and bits of brass wire were used for the cabside handrails. British locos have less in the way of steam spaghetti than their foreign counterparts, so some of those bits were removed (I_m non technical, I know steam locos use coal, fire and water, that_s about it!). Some thin beading was added along the edges of the side tank tops from fine plastic strip. Then, some coal rails were added at the cab end of the tanks, after seeing a picture of the Former Welsh Highland Railway loco _Russell_ in a book of _The Railways of Purbeck_ by the late R.W. Kidner. The little loco then had a couple of _buffer beams_ added out of some spare girder section from a Walther_s Cornerstone building kit for that real DIY bodged repair often seen on industrial loco_s. I_ve always liked industrial grot over twee pretty engines, I think it would be true to say that it has been achieved here! That_s just about it, the loco was then sprayed matt black from an aerosol, had brass elliptical maker_s plate from a Class 52 Western of all things! It was then weathered up in my usual fashion using matt colour washes and dry brushing, until it started to look suitably decrepit. Whilst I_m not sure it looks totally British in style, it maybe could pass as something UK built for export to the colonies. My story is that it came back from war torn France after the Great War. The loco, after a good couple of hours running round and round Arne Wharf (where it really looks the part I hasten to add), runs beautifully. The only problem is that due to the large overhand and my tight curves, most stock, irrespective of which way around the loco is facing, tends to get pulled off the rails on the bends! Oh well, better build another layout!

And the frontal view..... I've had this Liliput HOe (Bachmann) Zillertalbahn loco sat in the garage for a couple of years. It looked totally out of place on any of my layouts, hence it languishing in the garage. In the latest 009 Society newsletter there is a featurette on how to Anglicise one. Here is my take after a few hours work. Lots to do yet, it is starting to look convincing with the best improvments being circular screens and some extra height to make it look more like 4mm scale. Well, I was against the clock with this one due to tomorrow's show, so here it is with whatever was lying about at home and in the toolbox. Extra bits include some rails just forward of the cab for coal, some beading along the top of the tanks. Chassis will remain 'as is', it's a big lump of metal and it would be silly to lighten it in this case. Smokebox door? Well I did say 'whatever was at home', in this case a drawing pin head. I'll come back to it in due course - though I have several projects like that, some well over 20 years old. Next! Lurking against one of the cement buildings 0n 'the Quay', when Arne Wharf closed for good in '64, this hybrid loco was bought by Blue Circle...... yeah right! Arne Wharf is all packed for tomorrow, so Cement Quay had to do as somewhere to pose this old banger! The ex Zillertal Bahn 0-6-2 captured here during a quiet moment near the shed on Arne Wharf. A quick spin on the triangle at Ridge Wharf allows another picture of our little loco, now facing the other way.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Mon May 12 2008 Radstock Coal & Steam http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1482728.html Radstock Coal & Steam Sunday 15 November 2009: Radstock Coal & Steam

Radstock's 'Bagnall' (this is what the S&D crews called Jintys!) No. 47276 (renumbered and weathered Bachmann) is captured here pottering about with some steel coal wagons in front of a Hornby Skaledale 'Mining Headstock 2' and 'Mine Shaft Building' on my little stock photo diorama. The scene: Back in 1985, this was the scene as the wind whistled through the recently stripped down head gear as 'chopper' 20119 trundled past with a few empty open 16 tonners. These wagons would soon go the same way as the mining industry as imported coal loaded into high capacity wagons would change the look of the British coal train forever. The model: 20119 is a renumbered, painted and weathered Bachmann Class 20 using dry brush techniques, glass fibre brush and washes. The wagons are much the same also from Bachmann. The headstock is a Hornby Skaledale one, a gift in exchange for some scenic work on another layout. This structure is likely to be modified and incorporated into a stone structure with will form part of a North Somerset Coal mining themed layout which is currently at the planning stage. Messing about with some stuctures and ideas for my Radstock Coal & Steam project. This project will feature in greater detail later this year in Hornby Magazine. Cheap coloured pencils were used to add variety and relief to what what previously a drab all over 'brick colour' with this Artitec resin kit. No need to be too accurate colouring each brick individually, that would look too contrived and cartoony. This project which is part of my Somerset Coal field inspired micro will feature in greater detail later this year in Hornby Magazine. A Hornby Skaledale Headstock midway through a bit of detailing up to make the structure look a little more lifelike. You'll be able to follow this project in greater detail in a forthcoming Hornby Magazine. A Hornby Skaledale Headstock midway through a bit of detailing up to make the structure look a little more lifelike. You'll be able to follow this project in greater detail in a forthcoming Hornby Magazine.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 New Stuff! http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1443722.html A temporary collection for new pictures and projects. After a week or three, images shown here will move to their relevent collection. Friday 27 November 2009: A temporary collection for new pictures and projects. After a week or three, images shown here will move to their relevent collection.

Under the midday sun, a Collett class 0-6-0 No.3206 potters about shunting some Dogfish engineer's wagons onto the ballast screen siding at Cement Quay Old Wharf. 44417, a re-chassied 1981 vintage Airfix Midland 4F 0-6-0 trundles along the weed infested track at Cement Quay with an ancient LSWR Road Van, a delightful kit from Smallbrook Studios. Cement Quay - all ready to go an hour or so before the doors opened at Wycrail 2009. The simply stunning Brawa V15 shunting locomotive (Road no. V 15 2231, 2271) runs and good as it looks. This little loco which looks very happy indeed on Cement Quay was borrowed from Model Rail regular Peter Marriott for a few minutes during Wycrail on Saturday 7 November 2009. The simply stunning Brawa V15 shunting locomotive (Road no. V 15 2231, 2271) runs and good as it looks. This little loco which looks very happy indeed on Cement Quay was borrowed from Model Rail regular Peter Marriott for a few minutes during Wycrail on Saturday 7 November 2009. The simply stunning Brawa V15 shunting locomotive (Road no. V 15 2231, 2271) runs and good as it looks. This little loco which looks very happy indeed on Cement Quay was borrowed from Model Rail regular Peter Marriott for a few minutes during Wycrail on Saturday 7 November 2009. Templecombe's Midland 4F No. 44417 is captured here shunting the small yard at Catcott Burtle in the late summer of 1963. 44417 powers through Catcott Burtle with a Highbridge to Evercreech Junction goods in early September 1961. Templecombe's Midland 4F No. 44417 is captured here trundling through Catcott Burtle with what I imagine is an Evercreech Junction to Highbridge goods. The slide mount on the colour transparency would suggest that the Kodachrome II slide was captured in the late summer of 1963. Has anyone any further thoughts on this? Templecombe's Midland 4F No. 44417 is captured here trundling through Catcott Burtle with what I imagine is an Evercreech Junction to Highbridge goods. The slide mount on the colour transparency would suggest that the Kodachrome II slide was captured in the late summer of 1963. Has anyone any further thoughts on this? An elevated view of Catcott Crossing seen from the cab of a lorry. The sunflowers are courtesy of Bob Vaughan, builder of the highly celebrated 'Gas Lane'. Nothing in this shot has been added by computer, the sky taken near the actual location is part of a 7ft long panoramic photograph bonded onto the marine ply backdrop. Shameless plug - my book describes how to do such a backdrop. Templecombe's 44417 blasts past the concrete platform at Catcott Crossing with a short Highbridge bound goods in early September 1961. A detailed, repainted and weathered Hornby L&Y 0-4-0 'Pug'. 51202 was based at Radstock from the 1930's through to the early 1950's. The motor protrudes into the cab, so to disguise this, a cloth screen from painted tissue has been added. Screens like this were an occasional feature on the real thing. A detailed, repainted and weathered Hornby L&Y 0-4-0 'Pug'. 51202 was based at Radstock from the 1930's through to the early 1950's. The motor protrudes into the cab, so to disguise this, a cloth screen from painted tissue has been added. Screens like this were an occasional feature on the real thing. Radstock's 'Pug' No 51202 made a very unusual appearance shunting the sidings at Catcott Burtle one bright Tuesday in September 1952. Wait a sec, is that Driver Bearton on the footplate? Radstock's 'Pug' No 51202 made a very unusual appearance shunting the sidings at Catcott Burtle one bright Tuesday in September 1952. Recently I inherited a dozen or so mineral wagons made up from 1960's vintage Airfix kits. Whilst they were very well made, the builder never painted them but did add the transfers. In an attempt to bring them up to modern expectations but without the additional work of stripping all the transfers off I decided to weather them as I do my buildings. When performing this, I drybrush on various greys, rust reds and then dust on grey primer and matt black from Halfords aerosols. An effective and quick fix - just another 10 or so to do! D1010 Western Campaigner shunts the small yard at Catcott Burtle in September 1971. By this stage the only section of this former SDJR branch still open was from Highbridge to Glastonbury to serve the Clark's Shoe factory and yearly music revellers to the rock festival. D1010 Western Campaigner shunts the small yard at Catcott Burtle in September 1971. By this stage the only section of this former SDJR branch still open was from Highbridge to Glastonbury to serve the Clark's Shoe factory and yearly music revellers to the rock festival.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Nov 27 2009 Wycrail, 4 Nov 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1419032.html Wycrail, 4 Nov 2007 Sunday 4 November 2007: Wycrail, 4 Nov 2007

Richard Bullock and John Thorne, having just received the Wycrail prize for 'best layout' with Ditton Heath. John Thorne's winning 'Ditton Heath'. Richard Bullock operating John Thorne's 'Ditton Heath'. The Railway Modeller. Mr & Mrs Wild discussing a game plan to halt all people going in and out of the show. Mr & Mrs Wild keeping the eager new subscribers happy. Panorama, composite from 3 images

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Nov 4 2007 Warley 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1417513.html Warley 2007 Sunday 2 December 2007: Warley 2007

Louise-Marie Louise-Marie Imagine if you owned a pub and this lot walked in demanding a pint? Maybe best not! Mr Bearton, Mr Perkins, Mr Erwin, Mr Marsden & Mr Nevard captured in the bar area at Warley Model Railway Expo on Sat 1 December 2007. Enthusiast Beachley Dock Beachley Dock Seahouses Triang TT collection Triang TT collection Dundalk Works Dundalk Works Dudley Road Dudley Road Railway Nameplates UK Railway Nameplates UK Gala Water Gala Water Bath Green Park Bath Green Park Smalls Yard Smalls Yard Smalls Yard Beachley Dock Beachley Dock Hornbay Mag display Hornbay Mag display Mr Easter Casterbridge Hornbay Mag display Central display

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Dec 2 2007 RailExpo, Grand Dome, Villebon, Paris. 23 Nov 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1413599.html RailExpo, Grand Dome, Villebon, Paris. 23 Nov 2007 Friday 23 November 2007: RailExpo, Grand Dome, Villebon, Paris. 23 Nov 2007

'Willesden Junction', WW1 wartime Ypres themed layout, built by Peter Wilson and operated by Greenwich & District Narrow Gauge Society. 'Willesden Junction', WW1 wartime Ypres themed layout, built by Peter Wilson and operated by Greenwich & District Narrow Gauge Society. 'Willesden Junction', WW1 wartime Ypres themed layout, built by Peter Wilson and operated by Greenwich & District Narrow Gauge Society. 'Gare de Pruniers', a delightful 'Nm' (N scale on Z gauge track depicting metre gauge) gauge layout. The images on your screen are probably not too far from actual size! 'Gare de Pruniers', a delightful 'Nm' (N scale on Z gauge track depicting metre gauge) gauge layout. The images on your screen are probably not too far from actual size! The enourmous Ho & HOe Die Dreimuhletalbahn. The enourmous Ho & HOe Die Dreimuhletalbahn. The enourmous Ho & HOe Die Dreimuhletalbahn. FEDM (Feles De l'Etroit et du Metrique, aka'Narrow and metre gauge freeks') HOm module: 'Moulansart CFD', note the activities in the shelter, the painter as well as the two characters just visible through the gate, they're reputedly Tintin & Captain Haddock! FEDM (Feles De l'Etroit et du Metrique, aka'Narrow and metre gauge freeks') HOm/HO module: la gare de Gourney depicting a narrow and standard gauge interchange. FEDM (Feles De l'Etroit et du Metrique, aka'Narrow and metre gauge freeks') HOm/HO module: details TBA...... A model of a model shop! The gent portrayed here is about 6 A model of a model shop! The little girl portrayed here is about 4 Fishtank in a loco by Claude Guitard. Fishtank in a loco by Claude Guitard The exterior of the Grand Dome, Villebon

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Nov 23 2007 The 1980's, a dip in the neg file....... http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1390900.html A chance look in one of my old negative files has produced a few blasts from the past........... 1/ A few snaps taken down long gone Southampton MRS' clubroom at Sholing Station, the Southampton Guildhall and Brockenhurst shows. Newhampton & Overcome feature along with a mystery 3mm layout. 2/ Wembley & Salisbury exhibitions during the spring of 1984. 3/ Newhapton & Lee on Solent at Southampton Guildhall 1981. 4/ The little 009 scene is Llangelf, the baseboard which was to later become Arne Wharf my 009 layout. The wooden station building now resides at one end of the aerial conveyor on Cement Quay. Friday 19 October 2007: A chance look in one of my old negative files has produced a few blasts from the past........... 1/ A few snaps taken down long gone Southampton MRS' clubroom at Sholing Station, the Southampton Guildhall and Brockenhurst shows. Newhampton & Overcome feature along with a mystery 3mm layout. 2/ Wembley & Salisbury exhibitions during the spring of 1984. 3/ Newhapton & Lee on Solent at Southampton Guildhall 1981. 4/ The little 009 scene is Llangelf, the baseboard which was to later become Arne Wharf my 009 layout. The wooden station building now resides at one end of the aerial conveyor on Cement Quay.

Orford Haven Quay on the East Suffolk Light Railway by Bob Barlow and Iain Rice. (P4) Bodmin by the South London Group Chiltern Green Orford Haven Quay on the East Suffolk Light Railway by Bob Barlow and Iain Rice. (P4) Petherick Orford Haven Quay on the East Suffolk Light Railway by Bob Barlow and Iain Rice. (P4) Orford Haven Quay on the East Suffolk Light Railway by Bob Barlow and Iain Rice. (P4) Orford Haven Quay on the East Suffolk Light Railway by Bob Barlow and Iain Rice. (P4) Chiltern Green SMRS stand at the Brokenhurst Show, 1984 Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Overcombe at the 1984 Brockenhurst Model Railway Show 1984. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1984? Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1984? Newhampton down the SMRS clubroom, 1984. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Lee on Solent in its pre widened form, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981? Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Lee on Solent in its pre widened form, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981? Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Llangelf, the baseboard which was to later become Arne Wharf my 009 layout. The wooden station building now resides at one end of the aerial conveyor on Cement Quay. The stock here including the 2 scratchbuilt wagons can still be seen running on Arne Wharf to this day. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Newhampton, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Lee on Solent in its pre widened form, The Southampton Guildhall Expo. 1981. Llangelf, the baseboard which was to later become Arne Wharf my 009 layout. The wooden station building now resides at one end of the aerial conveyor on Cement Quay.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Oct 19 2007 RAILEX Model Railway Show, 26/27 May 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1290801.html A few handheld snaps grabbed between running trains on Cement Quay at RAILEX 2007. Sadly I didn't get to photograph or even see all the excellent layouts at this splendid show. Tuesday 29 May 2007: A few handheld snaps grabbed between running trains on Cement Quay at RAILEX 2007. Sadly I didn't get to photograph or even see all the excellent layouts at this splendid show.

Railex 2007 Morse Junction By Roger Epps at Railex 2007 Burwell Fen & Mark Fielder at Railex 2007 Burwell Fen & Mark Fielder at Railex 2007 Happisburgh at Railex 2007 Happisburgh at Railex 2007 Happisburgh at Railex 2007 David Lane presents Kier Hardy with his well deserved prize of 'best layout' at Railex 2007 ?? Railex 2007 Wibdenshaw by Kier Hardy at Railex 2007 Wibdenshaw by Kier Hardy at Railex 2007 Mostyn at Railex 2007 Alton at Railex 2007 Alton at Railex 2007 Phil Hall at Railex 2007 Phil Hall at Railex 2007 Cascade Yard by Bob Harper at Railex 2007 Cascade Yard by Bop Harper at Railex 2007 Cascade Yard by Bob Harper at Railex 2007 Hoath Hill Halt by Peter Bosson at Railex 2007 Hoath Hill Halt by Peter Bosson at Railex 2007 Hoath Hill Halt by Peter Bosson at Railex 2007 Railex 2007. Midland Sidings. Railex 2007. Midland Sidings. Railex 2007. Midland Sidings. Railex 2007. Midland Sidings. Halifax Kings Cross by Steve Hall at Railex 2007 Halifax Kings Cross by Steve Hall at Railex 2007 Halifax Kings Cross by Steve Hall at Railex 2007 Halifax Kings Cross by Steve Hall at Railex 2007 Halifax Kings Cross by Steve Hall at Railex 2007

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Tue May 29 2007 Cement Quay - top drawer images. http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1244171.html Cement Quay - top drawer images. Wednesday 22 July 2009: Cement Quay - top drawer images.

An aerial view showing tyhe narrow gauge line. 08630 pushes some MEAs under the stone loader. 66612 is acptured between the barge and mooring post. 66618 'Railway Illustrated' slowly hauls a rake of PCA's through the cement loading area. 60026 pulls forward from the stone loader with loaded MEA's for Brentford. 60026 pulls forward from the stone loader with loaded MEA's for Brentford. 08630 slowly hauls a rake of PCA's through the cement loading area as 60026 arrives with some empty MEA's from Brentford. FM Rail's celebrity 47145 in association with Victa Rail trial a new flow from Cement Quay to Theale. After running around a short rake of freshly loaded PCAs, 66618 prepares to head forth to Theale. After running around a short rake of freshly loaded PCAs, 66618 prepares to head forth to Theale. Taken in available evening light through the window, thus highlighting the organic textures. 08630 sits in the quarry siding on Cement Quay. Under summer skies, Freightliner EMD Class 66, No. 66618, a Bachmann �Special Edition� is captured here resting in the quayside yard. The fibrous grass is a mix of the excellent �Silfor�, a German made product and hanging basket liner from the local garden centre. A weathered Hornby EWS liveried Class 08, No. 08630, propels a Bachmann MFA spoil wagon into the short siding next to the wharf. The little barge in the foreground is a modified resin kit from the Dutch manufacturer Artitec. An EWS liveried Hornby Class 60 No. 60026, pulls a short rake of weathered Hornby PCA cement tanks slowly through the cement loading area. The silos and large buildings behind the locomotive started life from a kit from the US based manufacturer Walthers. The aerial conveyer is scratchbuilt from �Plasticard� and some pre made girder sections. The recent crossing in the foreground is formed from modelling clay painted with household matt emulsion. Cement Quay, in its early 1970�s mode, with a 25 year old repainted and detailed Airfix Class 31. The rake of �Presflos� are made up from Airfix kits, these being inherited from local railway modeller Bob Borchardt. Light colouring helps create the effect more space than there really is, the distance from camera to background being less than 5 feet. The elevated pipe needs some additional supports at some stage! 33019 propels a 'Walrus' 40T ballast hopper under the stone loader. The 33 is a heavily modified Lima model and the 'Walrus' are Jidenco brass kits. Due to the Lima mechanism and pizza cutter wheels t On the opposite end of the layout from the cement works, you�ll find a stone terminal. From left to right, we see a little Bemo 009 (HOe) 0-6-0 diesel locomotive on a short rake of tippers. In the middle, a repainted Bachmann Class 03 numbered as D2298 (currently at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre). On the right and under the stone loader, a SR 40 ton ballast hopper made from a Jidenco brass kit. This view shows virtually the whole length of the wharf complete with barge (Artitec resin kit). A weathered Bachman Class 25 No. D5233 pulls a couple of weathered Hornby coal MGR hoppers and a Brassmasters LMS brakevan along the weed ridden track. The Airfix �Presflos�, a kit that dates from the 1960�s, creates an effective representation of a cement train from the same era. 46055 rests in the yard. This loco started life as a Mainline Class 45. The headcode display has been filled in as have the steps to the right of the cab door. The buffer beam has been re-located to the bogies with the aid of some white metal product whos name I cannot recall! The flush glazing is from before the days of that similar sounding product, hence created from some clear plastic. Despite this locomotive dating from the mid 1980's when the real thing was still running, it runs surprisingly well with a feedback controller. 46055 pulls a rake of PCAs through the silo loading point. How about a bit of ex GWR steam? Bachmann fiddled with and re-numbered as 4691 (saw a bit of its latter life on the former S&DJR as the Capt'n will know). Brassmasters LMS brakevan (I do touch brass!) and the ancient inherited Aifix Presflo rake. The driver is taking to the photograper and the fireman has gone for a jimmy should anyone ask. A Bachmann Class 25 renumbered as D5298. The weathering was achieved with the use of a glassfibre brush then topped off with an airbrush using various filthy hues mixed in with matt varnish. Extra relief was achieved by dry-brushing light grey here and there. A Bachmann Class 25 renumbered as D5298. The weathering was achieved with the use of a glassfibre brush then topped off with an airbrush using various filthy hues mixed in with matt varnish. Extra relief was achieved by dry-brushing light grey here and there. D5298 pulls forward its rake of 4 wheeled vans to be shunted into the siding where they'll be loaded with bagged cement. Hymek D1013 sits on the coal road of Cement Quay. This loco is from an ancient Triang model picked up on Ebay a few years ago before Heljan introduced their version. It has been extensively detailed with wire handrails, 'Flushglazed' and has the addition of Ultrascale wheels. It won't pull the skin off a rice pudding, however it is a great smooth runner on its original 40 year old 3 pole motor. Class 52 'Western' No. D1013 'Western Ranger' proceeds away from Cement Quay along the weed strewn track with a short train of bagged cement for far afield. The 'Western' is an extensively weathered Heljan offering, achieved with pale colour washes and airbrushing. The next step will be to add to etched numbers and plates. Class 52 'Western' No. D1013 'Western Ranger' proceeds away from Cement Quay along the weed strewn track with bagged cement for far afield. The 'Western' is an extensively weathered Heljan offering, acheived with pale colour washes and airbrushing. The next step will be to add to etched numbers and plates. 60026 crawls long the weed strewn tracks of Cement Quay with a few dusty looking MEA wagons. 08630 shunts some MEA wagons around on Cement Quay. Loading cement on Cemeny Quay.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Wed Jul 22 2009 Hornby Magazine Launch: 9th March 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1227501.html A few informal snaps taken at the Hornby Magazine Launch Day on the Nene Valley Railway. Friday 2 February 2007: A few informal snaps taken at the Hornby Magazine Launch Day on the Nene Valley Railway.

BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough' at Wansford, Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Railway Photography legend Brian Morrison, Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Mike Wild, Paul Bigland & Pip Dunn, Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Mike Wild, Paul Bigland & Pip Dunn, Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Mr Morton & Mr Maddocks, Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Editor Mike Wild takes the limelight in front of the smokebox door of BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Editor Mike Wild poses on BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. The Ian Allan team pose for the snapper in front of BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007. Adjusting the nameplate for the day on BR Standard 4-6-0 'City of Peterborough', Hornby Magazine Launch Day, Friday 9th March 2007.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Feb 2 2007 Astolat & Leatherhead shows 2007 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1189582.html Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Please note, none of these layouts are mine. Astolat MRC 2007 Expo 21 Jan 2007. Please note, none of these layouts are mine. **spoken for. Sunday 4 February 2007: Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Please note, none of these layouts are mine. Astolat MRC 2007 Expo 21 Jan 2007. Please note, none of these layouts are mine. **spoken for.

**Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Bob Symes examines Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Ashington, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Mr Redman and his micro gems, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Mr Redman and his micro gems, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Newham Goods Truro, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Newham Goods Truro, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Port Foxdale, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Otterbrook, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Otterbrook, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Otterbrook, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Otterbrook, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Watt Estate, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Fittleworth, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Fittleworth, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Fittleworth, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Rivendell, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Rivendell, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Rivendell, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Belmont Road, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Belmont Road, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 General view created from 3 images, Astolat MRC Model Railway Exhibition 2007 Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Pengwynn Crossing. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. 59th Street Bridge. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. 59th Street Bridge. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. 59th Street Bridge. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. 59th Street Bridge. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. 59th Street Bridge. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. St Merryn. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007. Antwerpen Sint Claralei. Leatherhead Model Railway Exhibition, 25 Feb 2007.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sun Feb 4 2007 Catcott Burtle diary: June 07 - March 08 http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1164154.html Catcott (Catcott Burtle) was a little known station between Edington Burtle and Shapwick on the Highbridge Branch of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Scale: 4mm 00 finescale Trackwork: C&L Components Size exc fiddleyard: 5' x 18" Size inc fiddleyard: 12' x 18" First expected expo: Beaconsfield 2008. Friday 18 April 2008: Catcott (Catcott Burtle) was a little known station between Edington Burtle and Shapwick on the Highbridge Branch of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Scale: 4mm 00 finescale Trackwork: C&L Components Size exc fiddleyard: 5' x 18" Size inc fiddleyard: 12' x 18" First expected expo: Beaconsfield 2008.

5th February 2007: The latest version for a possible layout having investigated the actual location. 5th February 2007: The latest version for a possible layout having investigated the actual location. The real thing in 1998 - pic courtesy of Tim Maddocks A mornings work with three sheets of A1 sized foamboard pulled out of the skip at work. I used to make model aeroplanes - maybe it shows here? The diagonal crossmembers reduce the chance of any twisting. This is going to be a very light layout. The size you see here is 5' x 15 The topside, the lower front section will be for the Rhyne as seen in my sketch. There will be plywood ends and a curved 1 foot high backdrop like with previous prejects. I hope to use Cement Quay's cassette yard. I will need to make a mirror image one too for the other end. A close up of the structure. Very very light, very tough too. I will edge the board with 2mm marine ply from Addlestone Models. Whilst foamboard is tough, the surface is easily marked, a veneer of ply will sort that out. A Templot printout of a B9 crossover. The beginnings of Catcott crossing keeper's cottage. In recent years the building has been rendered with pebbledash and doors have been moved. When the line was open the roof was slated and the brick was visible with the stone lintels. I'll be adding slates individually from paper, nothing beats that, albeit time consuming. The corners are in fact mtrired at 45 degrees, not that it is obvious here. The advantage of a light contruction. the entie layout, albeit without backscene. Note all the junk from 'Im' and 'Er'! Midland 1P 0-4-4 No. 58086 (Craftsman kit) is seen here in a mock-up of the site of the level crossing. The Glastonbury canal can be seen to the right, it will look a little like it did at Bason Bridge next to the dairy with addional supports in the earthy bank to stop the railway sliding into the River Brue (or Glastonbury Canal in this case). In the immediate foreground the road will cross over the canal via a bridge. Once the road passes over the railway it will fork sharp left and disappear round a bend behind some trees or bushes. Nothing beats the effect of invididual slates. Strips of card don't look as good as this! It's amazing what a bit of paint can do. The paintwork is still in Southern Region colours. I remember the Southern Region green paintwork quite well and it never looked like what we see on preserved railways for very long, but took on a dusty copper oxide colour (Humbrol 120). The cream or more correctly 'stone', again I always remember this as a pale shade which is nothing like the custard colour often seen, for this I used Humbrol 148. The brickwork was initially treated with Humbrol 'brick', then when dry a paler redder and a greyer colour mix were splashed on here and there ('brick' mixed with dark grey or orange). Rendering is good old DIY matt emulsion (Focus DIY 'Pebbles'), diluted with a bit of water and Fairy Liquid then washed over. Additional work with be to have one of the windows 'open' (they're not fixed yet). The frames were 'Pendon style' using self adhesive lable cut into thin strips. Further work will be a portch over the door on the end and some additional wooden 'lean to' buildings and shelters. I also need to make en enamel SR green 'Catcott' sign to go on the side of the building. Update 11 July 2007: A bit of rather badly rushed Photoshop trickery, the crossover being a virtual one using layers and the 'warp' function. In real life this will be a B8 crossover from C&L Components. Update 21 July 2007: Close up showing the addition of the 2mm plywood curved backdrop. The new 2mm plywood curved backdrop and 3mm plywood facia panel. The woodwork still needs to be sanded and tidied up. You can almost hear the loco making the ancient rails and sleepers creak underneath. The coal on the loco, is the real thing found on the trackbed near Shillingstone on the S&DJR. I cannot think of any other reason for the coal being there, so I am pretty confident it fell off a locomotive when the line was open. What I'm aiming to achieve.... we shall see.... Backscene montage, combined from 6 x 10 megapixel files. This picture from the full res file has now been printed as a 12 inch by 7 foot roll onto sticky backed photo paper. This is 'paint daubs' - I quite like this one, this would be my first choice if I go down that route. This one 'as is'. The product of 3 images, rather cack-handedly put through some basic 'panorama' software. 'A pile of layouts', a bit like a Victorian burial catacombe (could this get into the ICA I wonder? Any comments on this thought via the 'comments' button below!). Left to right starting from the top; Catcott Burtle, Arne Wharf and to the right, Cement Quay! Three layouts in one room eh?!! Update 4 Nov 2007. Since the cottage was built, picturse of the front as it was in the 1950's have appeared. The windows are wrong and they'll be replaced with the correct sash variety in due course. The downpipe is a little course too, something else to be addressed too. Update 4 Nov 2007. Since the cottage was built, picturse of the front as it was in the 1950's have appeared. The windows are wrong and they'll be replaced with the correct sash variety in due course. The downpipe is a little course too, something else to be addressed too. Update 17 Nov 2007: The correct sash windows have now been made for the keeper's cottage using plastic glazing and self adhesive paper lables. The frames at this stage can be set in various open and closed positions! An aerial view showing 85% of the track laid. The bit of track hanging over each end will be supported by some extra timber which will link to the 360deg 'whole train turntables' that will be built. I hope to share those with Cement Quay and junk the current cassettes which are an accident waiting to happen when turning an entire train. Looking towards Shapwick! All the visible rails are now down, just wiring, a few missing chairs and the cosmetic fishplates to add........ exit point will be hidden by some suitable trees eventually. An etched brass (Langley or Springside, can't remember) greenhouse built several years ago, yet has never had a home - until now! This is much bigger on your screen that it is in real life (joys of my new pukka Micro Nikkor). An etched brass (Langley or Springside, can't remember) greenhouse built several years ago, yet has never had a home - until now! This is much bigger on your screen that it is in real life (joys of my new pukka Micro Nikkor). Looking towards Edington Junction, the crossing in the forground will go over the rhyne via bridge. The provender store is just temporary for effect, chances are that there will be a small tin goodshed, Most traffic here would have been peat. I'm toying with the idea of bringing a narrow gauge line (peat railway) in possibly.... maybe not.... Cottage and humped crossing. Ex GWR 3206 hauls its peat train through. The photographic backscene is just resting rather haphardly on the ply backdrop for effect. About an inch will be removed from its bottom before fixing. Various bushes, hedgerows and trees will seperate the backdrop for the foreground. Ex GWR 3206 hauls its peat train through. The photographic backscene is just resting rather haphardly on the ply backdrop for effect. About an inch will be removed from its bottom before fixing. Various bushes, hedgerows and trees will seperate the backdrop for the foreground. Pretty well 1/1 mag of some insulated cosmetic fishplates, I cannot remember the make, bought them ages ago, colouring suggests C&L?. These plates are around 5 mm long (ish) - almost look like 0 gauge this close. Until I looked at the picture, and hence looking at the bolts close up, never did realize that there was an 'inside' and and 'outside'! A Peco buffer stop, hacked about a bit. The protruding knobs on the cross beam need to be chopped off. Note the removed webbing on the closest track and athe addition of fishplates. Culvert (Bridge 271? 'Renewed April 1929 to ferro-concrete tubes, surrounded with concrete, on concrete raft. 2spans of 4ft. Diam.') with experimental concrete effect technique. PLatform supports from Dart Castings (under the MJT lable) Concrete SR pre-fab platform using MJT white metal supports, the rest is scratchbuilt. SR pre fab concrete platform. SR pre fab concrete platform. SR pre fab concrete platform. About 90 mins in front of the TV last night has produced the beginnings of the concrete shelter..... Lots to do yet, with loads of tidying up to get everything matched in - the camera is so cruel, but a vital tool in this aspect - it's all covered in plastic filings here as well as the odd dodgy seam! Window frames (ideally open, with mainly missing glass) and wooden canopy facias to be added, though it is likely I'll add these after the concrete effect is applied. If I'm going to make this a dead ringer for Stourpaine and Durweston Halt, another window aperture is needed on the front too (the joys of unearthing another picture after starting - the first pic I found had the missing front window covered up.) Ready for painting! As promised, the finish project, well nearly, just windows and name to be added 'Catcott Burtle Halt' - the 'Halt' will be in smaller raised letters below 'Catcott Burtle' As promised, the finish project, well nearly, just windows and name to be added 'Catcott Burtle Halt' - the 'Halt' will be in smaller raised letters below 'Catcott Burtle' A couple of shots with a superimposed background (from one of the the same files that the printed backdrop was created from - which is yet to be stuck into place). A couple of shots with a superimposed background (from one of the the same files that the printed backdrop was created from - which is yet to be stuck into place). Location on the layout, a crossing and groundframe (wooden hut like at Bason Bridge or Ashcott) will be between the platform & crossing keepers cottage. A road bridge will continue from the crossing over the rhyne on the far right (Bridge 270A 'Ferro-concrete beams and decking on concrete pier and abutment, North side; and masonry abutment South side. Rebuilt 1924/5'). The exit off set is quite visible here, I imagine a tree or such like will help to block the rest of the world from the normal viewing angle.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Fri Apr 18 2008 Club layouts worked upon http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1109849.html Overcombe - a past layout of the Southampton Model Railway Society, I had the joy of working on this layout around the time Combwich had its baseboards cut. Overcombe represented a LSWR branchline that ran from a junction on the Dorchester to Poole line. An additional route also linked Overcombe with the GWR from a spot just north of Radipole on the Dorchester to Weymouth line. All this allowed an interesting selection of both GWR and Southern trains and motive power. Overcombe obviously became a highly popular seaside resort sporting an enormous amount of varied traffic (where have I heard that one before?) from both holiday makers and the china clay deposits. I was involved with the scenery construction, in addition to the clay siding narrow gauge interchange shed. The pictures you see here I took for the now defunct Model Railway Constructor (October 1985) in the summer of '84 outside on the platform of Sholing Station (the then clubrooms of the Southampton Model Railway Society). The cloud effects are 'Pre Photoshop', they were added by swapping negatives during the printing stage. The copyright of the photographs belong to me should there be any misguided legal eagles out there, additionally please note that I do not own this layout. If this layout still exists somewhere, please get in touch! Saturday 3 February 2007: Overcombe - a past layout of the Southampton Model Railway Society, I had the joy of working on this layout around the time Combwich had its baseboards cut. Overcombe represented a LSWR branchline that ran from a junction on the Dorchester to Poole line. An additional route also linked Overcombe with the GWR from a spot just north of Radipole on the Dorchester to Weymouth line. All this allowed an interesting selection of both GWR and Southern trains and motive power. Overcombe obviously became a highly popular seaside resort sporting an enormous amount of varied traffic (where have I heard that one before?) from both holiday makers and the china clay deposits. I was involved with the scenery construction, in addition to the clay siding narrow gauge interchange shed. The pictures you see here I took for the now defunct Model Railway Constructor (October 1985) in the summer of '84 outside on the platform of Sholing Station (the then clubrooms of the Southampton Model Railway Society). The cloud effects are 'Pre Photoshop', they were added by swapping negatives during the printing stage. The copyright of the photographs belong to me should there be any misguided legal eagles out there, additionally please note that I do not own this layout. If this layout still exists somewhere, please get in touch!

Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe Overcombe as appeared in October 1985 'Model Railway Constructor'.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Sat Feb 3 2007 Cement Quay - photographic diary http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1102004.html Cement Quay - photographic diary Thursday 8 January 2009: Cement Quay - photographic diary

80043 (re-numbered and painted Bachmann) on Cement Quay. The cement wagons are from some ancient Airfix kits. Close up of the La Farge sign on the silo roof. Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay taken with a small camera rather than the usual SLR (ignore the EXIF below, Fotopic appears to have taken the cam data from the sky image which was shot on an SLR). The advantage of this type of camera is that it can be placed actually on the layout. The short focal length due to the tiny sensor allows an enormous depth of field. Whilst an SLR will produce a higher res images (nothing to do with megapixels), the full res from this shot should be OK for most applications. Layout's own lighting was used combined with skies from a spring day in Buckinghamshire. Cement Quay taken with a small camera rather than the usual SLR (ignore the EXIF below, Fotopic appears to have taken the cam data from the sky image which was shot on an SLR). The advantage of this type of camera is that it can be placed actually on the layout. The short focal length due to the tiny sensor allows an enormous depth of field. Whilst an SLR will produce a higher res images (nothing to do with megapixels), the full res from this shot should be OK for most applications. Layout's own lighting was used combined with skies from a spring day in Buckinghamshire. Shame about the wonky buffer! Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay Cement Quay looking through from the fiddleyard Bemo HOe (009) loco on some Roco tipplers Bemo HOe (009) loco on some Roco tipplers. Bemo HOe (009) loco on some Roco tipplers Cement Quay How the water is done, easy as falling off a log (has anyone really ever done that though?). Simply PVA wood working glue over greeny/grey paint. No smells which is good for brownie points at home (ie you can buy that new engine with little fear from 'She who must be obeyed'!). Hopefully the glue dries almost clear after a few hours. 3 or 4 coats should suffice. You could use varnish but IMHO it always looks like best bitter rather than salty water, stinks for days and shows every little bit of dust. I idea of PVA is not mine but from one of Alan Downes' features in Model Rail mag. Cement Quay - layout in a box (or coffin if you are a Goth). The fiddleyard goes on the left. The lower flap on the front folds up for transit to protect the layout. It also negates the need for a tatty old bit of rag attached with drawing pins which is often the norm at shows. For transit the nameboard folds back out of the way too (as do the legs). From running trains to car after the first show took 19 mins including packing up the stock. 'Google Earth' type view of Cement Quay. You can see all the tatty bits behind the buildings that the eye cannot normally see. Just noticed that I forgot to put the removable chimney on. The almost complete barge to remove surplus aggregate (Artitec, 50.123 European freight ship 'Spits') moored up on Cement Quay. The model is around 18 The almost complete barge to remove surplus aggregate (Artitec, 50.123 European freight ship 'Spits') moored up on Cement Quay. The model is around 18 The almost complete barge to remove surplus aggregate (Artitec, 50.123 European freight ship 'Spits') moored up on Cement Quay. The model is around 18 A modified Artitec 'Art. 50.102 Flat-bottomed boat', for this little model I have added some corrugated sides. This one sits nice and low in the water. A modified Artitec 'Art. 50.102 Flat-bottomed boat', for this little model I have added some corrugated sides. This one sits nice and low in the water too. Behind the raft is the new jetty made up from another foray into the scrap box. The pipe from the building behind is sprue with some little strips of masking tape wrapped around to replicate joints, just quite what the pipe carries I am not quite sure. Though it doesn't really show, the buildings behind are around a foot from the wharf edge. 'Preserved' 20064 passes the silos with coal for the furnaces. 41248 on Cement Quay. Bachmann 2MT with extra detail (from an old Kays kit), renumbered and painted, finished off with actual S&D coal found on the trackbed near Shillingstone. The brake van is a Midland Railway Parkside Dundas kit that has been poached from Highbridge by the looks of it. 41248 on Cement Quay. Bachmann 2MT with extra detail (from an old Kays kit), renumbered and painted, finished off with actual S&D coal found on the trackbed near Shillingstone. D2298 (repainted and re-numbered Bachmann, could do with re-wheeling at some stage) on Cement Quay. I recall the wagon is an Ian Kirk kit I put together in the early eighties. The barge is from Artitec.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Thu Jan 8 2009 Combwich http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c206443.html Hi Scoobywebbers!! The Baloney By the latter half of the 19th century 'railway mania' was in full swing. Little excuse was needed for enterprising Victorians to create plans to link anything to anywhere. Combwich was to be no exception. Situated not far from the Bristol Channel, this small Somerset town was considered to be an ideal location to develop with the help of a railway. From here it was hoped that the line would extend over the Quantocks to the busy port of Watchet on the rugged north Somerset Coast - this alas never happened due to the huge expense required. History may off course be re written, this will depend on the size of my railway room, forty wagon stone trains over the Quantocks does appeal! The line from Combwich to Highbridge finally opened in 1874 as a standard gauge line under the ownership of the Combwich & Highbridge Railway Company. On completion, the C&HR was financially exhausted with the construction of the expensive Combwich Swing Bridge over the River Parrett. Fortunately the S&DJR was able to stretch out a helping hand, despite that it was in dire straights itself due to the construction of its 'Bath Extension' over the Mendip Hills. The acquisition of the Combwich line by the S&D would effectively block the GWR from any worthwhile access to the Bristol Channel in this part of north Somerset. In 1892 a very worthwhile link was placed through to Bridgwater North to link up with the S&D line from Edington Junction. Back in Bristol & Exeter days there was a plan to build a line to Combwich that never came to fruition. The 'Crab Line', as it was locally nicknamed, plodded along for a several years serving Combwich Brickworks, several basket-making factories in addition to local goods and passenger traffic. A line to a nearby wharf on the Parrett served the small amount of shipping traffic generated by the Bristol Channel. The shipping traffic never really became the big profit-making feature that was hoped the larger docks at Portishead and Bristol took most of this traffic away. The highly prized and very sought after 'Combwich Crab', however, generated just enough profit the justify retaining the rails to the wharf. - hence the line's nickname. The former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway we knew so well finally succumbed to Dr. Beeching's axe on the 6th March 1966. Fortunately the construction of Hinckley Point Nuclear Power Station in the late 1950's a mere three miles away secured the future of the Bridgwater section of the Combwich line beyond that dreaded day in March. Passenger traffic held on by a thread until May 1976. Despite this loss, the railway still remains as a long siding for the sole purpose of removing nuclear waste every few months. The famous 'Combwich Crab' alas now goes by lorry and aircraft to exotic worldwide locations. The wicker basket factories have long gone, people preferring plastic ones from Taiwan these days. The Model My model of Combwich is based on the hackneyed final ten years of steam scenario, allowing a reasonable choice of trains and motive power based on what would have run on the real S&D in the period (and not in some cases!). Very occasionally the time period is moved into the early 1970s, steam power being replaced with Western Region diesel power. Construction This originally started back in 1980 with the baseboards, basic track and a few of the buildings. Becoming a student living away from home shortly after, meant that the layout was mothballed in the loft of my parents' house until the autumn of 2000. A chance venture into the loft and the threat that the half finished layout might suddenly be junked overnight made me decide to move it into our own home. Combwich consists of four boards including fiddle yard, the total length measuring approximately 13'6"' x 2'3". Construction, although pretty non-radical, is tough, tried and tested using � inch blockboard screwed onto a 11/2" x 3/4" frame, with the board edges tidied up using black-painted plywood following the scenery contours. The whole layout rests on several trestles piggy back style held together with small G clamps. Until recently I used coach bolts, clamps are a lot faster and allow adjustments things change shape! The layout has its own lighting with a rig consisting of two upside down 'L' shaped arms attached from the rear and stretching across the layout. Two 100w bulbs on each bracket are hidden behind a large nameboard, this creates ample light without generating too much heat. The name-board was created by the local sign-writer using the traditional Gill Sans font - so much better that trying to paint letters oneself. Trackwork The layout is in 00 gauge and much to my surprise several people at a recent exhibition commented on the fact that they thought it was EM. I suppose you can get away with 00 if nothing is viewed head on (unlike in some of the pictures here). Track colouring and general toning down really helps the illusion enormously. Despite this, if I were to start all over again, I would opt for EM over 00. P4/S4 appeals, however just making one locomotive chassis would take me as long as this whole layout to construct (22 years at current rate!). SMP Scaleway glued to 1/8th inch cork provided the track apart from pointwork, which was hand-built using bullhead rail and copper paxolin strip. The track was then ballasted using fine sand from the beach, laying it dry and then applying diluted PVA to bond it in the usual manner. Most proprietary ballast is far too coarse - hence the use of sand (of the beach variety) washed and then filtered with an old tea strainer. Ballasting with beach sand is easier than with granite chippings mainly because the sand grains are slightly rounded and tend to bed in level around the sleepers with a lot more ease. The sand was obtained from the shores of the Solent, it having a pleasing pale warm grey colour, not yellow, as we might tend to think. The set ballast was dulled down using diluted matt enamel paints to represent oil and grime, depending on the area. Sidings were treated in a similar fashion but using very finely ground real ash and clinker from various preserved railways including the ashes from the barbeque! Pointwork was recently converted from wire-in-tube operation. The omega loops (of course hidden under the ballast and needed to take up excess play) had started to expire and something had to be done. Operation is now done electrically with Peco motors and little toggle switches - nothing new here, but simple enough for even me to work out the wiring. The removable control panel, used to operate the points, can be moved from the front to the rear of the layout depending on whether at home or on exhibition. With it being operated at home 99% of the time, it was quite important for it to be operated from the viewing side - another good reason for converting the point operation to electric. The track diagram on the panel was made up with Microsoft Powerpoint. Electrics I positively (no pun intended) hate railway electrics, so much so that I really don't know how I managed to achieve a working layout. Oddly enough what I have bodged has proven to be reasonably reliable if only by accident on my behalf. Just one controller and one engine in steam at any one time simplifies things dramatically, though if ever I build something more complex, I will hire somebody to do this terrible chore. Control is achieved using a walkabout feedback Gaugemaster, allowing me to move around the layout in addition to occasionally wiping out the scenery with the lead. Scenery (my favourite bit) What little of the original scenery remained from pre-storage days was looking a little tired after sixteen years in the loft and most of what you are about to read has taken place in the last 12 months or so. Raised sections were created using polystyrene ceiling tiles covered in a PVA plaster mix. Some more recent sections have been created using aerosol foam; wonderful stuff that dries to four times its original size and which can then be shaped with a bread knife. Long rough grass areas are mainly represented using a German product called 'Silfor', an excellent new product (I am told it is fade resistant and a recent exhibition has proven it to be child-proof as well). Other areas of grass are represented with dyed carpet underlay. Garden centres produce a green dyed version for lining hanging baskets! Colour adjustment is then achieved with diluted acrylic and a little washing up liquid. Trees are from twisted wire coated in tile grout, then painted and foliated with teased-out wire wool that was itself painted and coated using PVA (applied with one of those paint diffusers - remember 'splatter painting' at school?) to which fine coloured foam from the likes of Greenscene and Woodland Scenics was finally added. A few trees were created with 'Sea Foam' and treated in the same manner. The finished trees and bushes are then further coloured with acrylic mixed with PVA applied by diffuser to provide additional variations of colour, which also helps to fix the foliage in place. Barley (or is it wheat?) crops are represented with sisal - most effective albeit rather time consuming! The backdrop is plywood or battened hardboard and is semi permanently fixed to the rear of the layout. Acrylic has been used to paint the Somerset landscape from photographs of the area. Great pains were taken to ensure the painted landscape recedes properly so as not to dominate the layout - at last my formal art background (not much use otherwise) has been of some use. In addition to paint, images from the real Combwich have also been included from photographs that have been computer scanned and tweaked in Photoshop to remove unwanted items. These were then stuck to the backdrop and blended in again with acrylic. In the station area some low relief warehousing has been added. The name 'Riddick' displayed on one of the warehouses was a well-known name with industrial connection in the Bridgwater area during the 1800's. Buildings Most of these are styled on various S&D structures and all are made from plastic sheet using the various pre-moulded textures to replicate wood and stone. Tiles and slates are either applied individually or as scribed strips of paper layered up. A lot of care is taken with the distressing to represent the effects of age by using thin colour washes and dry-brushing. The station building is similar to that at Glastonbury, with the canopy following the design of Edington Junction. The signal box is a mirror image of the one at Moorewood Sidings, and is a London & South Western Railway design, the fiction being that the original wooden one burnt down in 1899, whilst the engine shed is a modified Airfix kit (in a hurry for the layout's first exhibition). Most of the brickwork has been replaced with corrugated plastic sheeting to help disguise its roots, but at some stage this building will be replaced with something more prototypical. The crossing keeper's cottage is based upon Lamyatt Crossing near Evercreech Junction and is a typical Somerset Central Railway structure. The 5ft long slightly curved platforms were created from wood strip and brick effect plastic sheet. Thick plastic sheet surfaces are coated in tiling grout (after scribing the plastic surface to make a good key), producing a very tough surface. Why grout? Well we simply had a tub of the stuff after tiling the bathroom! Once the surface had set it was sanded flat and painted with matt grey enamel paints. The dry paint then had dry baking soda (chalk or dry plaster would work equally well) rubbed into the surface to help recreate the effect of tarmac. To represent the inevitable tarmac patching and repairs, differing shades of grey were dry-brushed through rough paper masks. Roadways were created in a similar fashion with grout, 'repairs' being created as above. The platform crosses a baseboard join, with hindsight this is not something I would repeat for it is impossible to disguise the join. The oil lighting is modelled on the S&D practice of lanterns mounted on old rail. I used 'Mike's Models' spiral-fluted gas lamps without their posts (I no doubt will find a use for these elsewhere). Replacements were made from Code 75 bullhead rail with two small lantern supports soldered on from copper wire, and the lanterns were mounted on top. I'm quite pleased with these, for on the real S&D these types survived right through until closure in 1966 and were a common feature over the entire system. Signalling The starter bracket signal was cobbled together from a Ratio LNER kit (the only signal so far and built two days before the most recent exhibition). Looking at various pictures of LSWR brackets it has been 'LSWR-ised' (the SR was responsible for all signalling on the S&D), with the distinctive LSWR finials coming from Model Signal Engineering. Other bits came from hacked about plastic, piano wire and dressmaker's pins. It is operated by solenoids and a rather 'Heath Robinson' maner. The point rodding is again supplied by MSE and there is still a bit to do in this department. The supplied soft iron rods will be replaced with piano wire in due course to reduce the sagging effect. I'm afraid I just can't remember how the ground signals were made but they look nice even though they don't work. Motive Power & Rolling Stock Engines are a mixture of kit and ready-to-run items - the latter's quality is so good these days. Bachmann items in particular are very often way better that any of the older kits that duplicate them. Nevertheless, RTR items are never simply 'out of the box', for there is usually scope for a repaint and some extra detail, topped off with the all-important weathering. Wagons are mainly kit-built, whilst a couple of the old Midland ones are scratch built. Milk traffic was a big thing in this part of Somerset, but as far as I am aware there are no kits (how odd?) so some Lima six-wheeled tankers have been tidied up, re-wheeled and repainted and I think they look the part. At the moment passenger stock is based on heavily modified ready to run items. On the real S&D branch, in the late fifties to early sixties, trains were generally two-coach rakes using LMS suburban stock or GWR B-set coaches. Airfix produce both of these - to bring them up to scratch they have been improved enormously with a repaint and 'Flush Glazing' (this has to be the best value improvement ever) from SE Finecast. Additionally moulded handrails are removed and replaced with wire and wheels are replaced with Romfords or Gibsons. From about 1963 passengers were treated to the luxury of ex GWR Hawksworth bow ended stock, Comet supply these - a current project at the time of writing. Conclusion After almost quarter of a century it would be fair to say that Combwich probably has come as far as it can. I certainly have no plans to scrap it though! Any modifications will be to make the layout simpler to transport to occasional shows, because the layout was never really designed for the exhibition circuit is is rather un-wealdy to say the least. Beyond the future - ah yes, over the hills to Watchet surely? Monday 5 October 2009: Hi Scoobywebbers!! The Baloney By the latter half of the 19th century 'railway mania' was in full swing. Little excuse was needed for enterprising Victorians to create plans to link anything to anywhere. Combwich was to be no exception. Situated not far from the Bristol Channel, this small Somerset town was considered to be an ideal location to develop with the help of a railway. From here it was hoped that the line would extend over the Quantocks to the busy port of Watchet on the rugged north Somerset Coast - this alas never happened due to the huge expense required. History may off course be re written, this will depend on the size of my railway room, forty wagon stone trains over the Quantocks does appeal! The line from Combwich to Highbridge finally opened in 1874 as a standard gauge line under the ownership of the Combwich & Highbridge Railway Company. On completion, the C&HR was financially exhausted with the construction of the expensive Combwich Swing Bridge over the River Parrett. Fortunately the S&DJR was able to stretch out a helping hand, despite that it was in dire straights itself due to the construction of its 'Bath Extension' over the Mendip Hills. The acquisition of the Combwich line by the S&D would effectively block the GWR from any worthwhile access to the Bristol Channel in this part of north Somerset. In 1892 a very worthwhile link was placed through to Bridgwater North to link up with the S&D line from Edington Junction. Back in Bristol & Exeter days there was a plan to build a line to Combwich that never came to fruition. The 'Crab Line', as it was locally nicknamed, plodded along for a several years serving Combwich Brickworks, several basket-making factories in addition to local goods and passenger traffic. A line to a nearby wharf on the Parrett served the small amount of shipping traffic generated by the Bristol Channel. The shipping traffic never really became the big profit-making feature that was hoped the larger docks at Portishead and Bristol took most of this traffic away. The highly prized and very sought after 'Combwich Crab', however, generated just enough profit the justify retaining the rails to the wharf. - hence the line's nickname. The former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway we knew so well finally succumbed to Dr. Beeching's axe on the 6th March 1966. Fortunately the construction of Hinckley Point Nuclear Power Station in the late 1950's a mere three miles away secured the future of the Bridgwater section of the Combwich line beyond that dreaded day in March. Passenger traffic held on by a thread until May 1976. Despite this loss, the railway still remains as a long siding for the sole purpose of removing nuclear waste every few months. The famous 'Combwich Crab' alas now goes by lorry and aircraft to exotic worldwide locations. The wicker basket factories have long gone, people preferring plastic ones from Taiwan these days. The Model My model of Combwich is based on the hackneyed final ten years of steam scenario, allowing a reasonable choice of trains and motive power based on what would have run on the real S&D in the period (and not in some cases!). Very occasionally the time period is moved into the early 1970s, steam power being replaced with Western Region diesel power. Construction This originally started back in 1980 with the baseboards, basic track and a few of the buildings. Becoming a student living away from home shortly after, meant that the layout was mothballed in the loft of my parents' house until the autumn of 2000. A chance venture into the loft and the threat that the half finished layout might suddenly be junked overnight made me decide to move it into our own home. Combwich consists of four boards including fiddle yard, the total length measuring approximately 13'6"' x 2'3". Construction, although pretty non-radical, is tough, tried and tested using ___ inch blockboard screwed onto a 11/2" x 3/4" frame, with the board edges tidied up using black-painted plywood following the scenery contours. The whole layout rests on several trestles piggy back style held together with small G clamps. Until recently I used coach bolts, clamps are a lot faster and allow adjustments things change shape! The layout has its own lighting with a rig consisting of two upside down 'L' shaped arms attached from the rear and stretching across the layout. Two 100w bulbs on each bracket are hidden behind a large nameboard, this creates ample light without generating too much heat. The name-board was created by the local sign-writer using the traditional Gill Sans font - so much better that trying to paint letters oneself. Trackwork The layout is in 00 gauge and much to my surprise several people at a recent exhibition commented on the fact that they thought it was EM. I suppose you can get away with 00 if nothing is viewed head on (unlike in some of the pictures here). Track colouring and general toning down really helps the illusion enormously. Despite this, if I were to start all over again, I would opt for EM over 00. P4/S4 appeals, however just making one locomotive chassis would take me as long as this whole layout to construct (22 years at current rate!). SMP Scaleway glued to 1/8th inch cork provided the track apart from pointwork, which was hand-built using bullhead rail and copper paxolin strip. The track was then ballasted using fine sand from the beach, laying it dry and then applying diluted PVA to bond it in the usual manner. Most proprietary ballast is far too coarse - hence the use of sand (of the beach variety) washed and then filtered with an old tea strainer. Ballasting with beach sand is easier than with granite chippings mainly because the sand grains are slightly rounded and tend to bed in level around the sleepers with a lot more ease. The sand was obtained from the shores of the Solent, it having a pleasing pale warm grey colour, not yellow, as we might tend to think. The set ballast was dulled down using diluted matt enamel paints to represent oil and grime, depending on the area. Sidings were treated in a similar fashion but using very finely ground real ash and clinker from various preserved railways including the ashes from the barbeque! Pointwork was recently converted from wire-in-tube operation. The omega loops (of course hidden under the ballast and needed to take up excess play) had started to expire and something had to be done. Operation is now done electrically with Peco motors and little toggle switches - nothing new here, but simple enough for even me to work out the wiring. The removable control panel, used to operate the points, can be moved from the front to the rear of the layout depending on whether at home or on exhibition. With it being operated at home 99% of the time, it was quite important for it to be operated from the viewing side - another good reason for converting the point operation to electric. The track diagram on the panel was made up with Microsoft Powerpoint. Electrics I positively (no pun intended) hate railway electrics, so much so that I really don't know how I managed to achieve a working layout. Oddly enough what I have bodged has proven to be reasonably reliable if only by accident on my behalf. Just one controller and one engine in steam at any one time simplifies things dramatically, though if ever I build something more complex, I will hire somebody to do this terrible chore. Control is achieved using a walkabout feedback Gaugemaster, allowing me to move around the layout in addition to occasionally wiping out the scenery with the lead. Scenery (my favourite bit) What little of the original scenery remained from pre-storage days was looking a little tired after sixteen years in the loft and most of what you are about to read has taken place in the last 12 months or so. Raised sections were created using polystyrene ceiling tiles covered in a PVA plaster mix. Some more recent sections have been created using aerosol foam; wonderful stuff that dries to four times its original size and which can then be shaped with a bread knife. Long rough grass areas are mainly represented using a German product called 'Silfor', an excellent new product (I am told it is fade resistant and a recent exhibition has proven it to be child-proof as well). Other areas of grass are represented with dyed carpet underlay. Garden centres produce a green dyed version for lining hanging baskets! Colour adjustment is then achieved with diluted acrylic and a little washing up liquid. Trees are from twisted wire coated in tile grout, then painted and foliated with teased-out wire wool that was itself painted and coated using PVA (applied with one of those paint diffusers - remember 'splatter painting' at school?) to which fine coloured foam from the likes of Greenscene and Woodland Scenics was finally added. A few trees were created with 'Sea Foam' and treated in the same manner. The finished trees and bushes are then further coloured with acrylic mixed with PVA applied by diffuser to provide additional variations of colour, which also helps to fix the foliage in place. Barley (or is it wheat?) crops are represented with sisal - most effective albeit rather time consuming! The backdrop is plywood or battened hardboard and is semi permanently fixed to the rear of the layout. Acrylic has been used to paint the Somerset landscape from photographs of the area. Great pains were taken to ensure the painted landscape recedes properly so as not to dominate the layout - at last my formal art background (not much use otherwise) has been of some use. In addition to paint, images from the real Combwich have also been included from photographs that have been computer scanned and tweaked in Photoshop to remove unwanted items. These were then stuck to the backdrop and blended in again with acrylic. In the station area some low relief warehousing has been added. The name 'Riddick' displayed on one of the warehouses was a well-known name with industrial connection in the Bridgwater area during the 1800's. Buildings Most of these are styled on various S&D structures and all are made from plastic sheet using the various pre-moulded textures to replicate wood and stone. Tiles and slates are either applied individually or as scribed strips of paper layered up. A lot of care is taken with the distressing to represent the effects of age by using thin colour washes and dry-brushing. The station building is similar to that at Glastonbury, with the canopy following the design of Edington Junction. The signal box is a mirror image of the one at Moorewood Sidings, and is a London & South Western Railway design, the fiction being that the original wooden one burnt down in 1899, whilst the engine shed is a modified Airfix kit (in a hurry for the layout's first exhibition). Most of the brickwork has been replaced with corrugated plastic sheeting to help disguise its roots, but at some stage this building will be replaced with something more prototypical. The crossing keeper's cottage is based upon Lamyatt Crossing near Evercreech Junction and is a typical Somerset Central Railway structure. The 5ft long slightly curved platforms were created from wood strip and brick effect plastic sheet. Thick plastic sheet surfaces are coated in tiling grout (after scribing the plastic surface to make a good key), producing a very tough surface. Why grout? Well we simply had a tub of the stuff after tiling the bathroom! Once the surface had set it was sanded flat and painted with matt grey enamel paints. The dry paint then had dry baking soda (chalk or dry plaster would work equally well) rubbed into the surface to help recreate the effect of tarmac. To represent the inevitable tarmac patching and repairs, differing shades of grey were dry-brushed through rough paper masks. Roadways were created in a similar fashion with grout, 'repairs' being created as above. The platform crosses a baseboard join, with hindsight this is not something I would repeat for it is impossible to disguise the join. The oil lighting is modelled on the S&D practice of lanterns mounted on old rail. I used 'Mike's Models' spiral-fluted gas lamps without their posts (I no doubt will find a use for these elsewhere). Replacements were made from Code 75 bullhead rail with two small lantern supports soldered on from copper wire, and the lanterns were mounted on top. I'm quite pleased with these, for on the real S&D these types survived right through until closure in 1966 and were a common feature over the entire system. Signalling The starter bracket signal was cobbled together from a Ratio LNER kit (the only signal so far and built two days before the most recent exhibition). Looking at various pictures of LSWR brackets it has been 'LSWR-ised' (the SR was responsible for all signalling on the S&D), with the distinctive LSWR finials coming from Model Signal Engineering. Other bits came from hacked about plastic, piano wire and dressmaker's pins. It is operated by solenoids and a rather 'Heath Robinson' maner. The point rodding is again supplied by MSE and there is still a bit to do in this department. The supplied soft iron rods will be replaced with piano wire in due course to reduce the sagging effect. I'm afraid I just can't remember how the ground signals were made but they look nice even though they don't work. Motive Power & Rolling Stock Engines are a mixture of kit and ready-to-run items - the latter's quality is so good these days. Bachmann items in particular are very often way better that any of the older kits that duplicate them. Nevertheless, RTR items are never simply 'out of the box', for there is usually scope for a repaint and some extra detail, topped off with the all-important weathering. Wagons are mainly kit-built, whilst a couple of the old Midland ones are scratch built. Milk traffic was a big thing in this part of Somerset, but as far as I am aware there are no kits (how odd?) so some Lima six-wheeled tankers have been tidied up, re-wheeled and repainted and I think they look the part. At the moment passenger stock is based on heavily modified ready to run items. On the real S&D branch, in the late fifties to early sixties, trains were generally two-coach rakes using LMS suburban stock or GWR B-set coaches. Airfix produce both of these - to bring them up to scratch they have been improved enormously with a repaint and 'Flush Glazing' (this has to be the best value improvement ever) from SE Finecast. Additionally moulded handrails are removed and replaced with wire and wheels are replaced with Romfords or Gibsons. From about 1963 passengers were treated to the luxury of ex GWR Hawksworth bow ended stock, Comet supply these - a current project at the time of writing. Conclusion After almost quarter of a century it would be fair to say that Combwich probably has come as far as it can. I certainly have no plans to scrap it though! Any modifications will be to make the layout simpler to transport to occasional shows, because the layout was never really designed for the exhibition circuit is is rather un-wealdy to say the least. Beyond the future - ah yes, over the hills to Watchet surely?

Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich Combwich A Bedform OB crosses over the Combwich Branch and Ankle Bend Crossing. A pre-war OS map of the real Combwich showing lines & possible site of station. The real Combwich, possible site of station. The real Combwich, possible site of station. The real Combwich, possible site of station. The real Combwich, possible site of station. 4691 on shed at Combwich GWR Pannier 4691 (renumbered and painted Bachmann) on shed at Combwich. On a Bridgwater service, GWR Auto Trailer (Reprayed, flushglazed and lined 1980 Airfix) at Ankle Bend Crossing, Combwich. 44417 awaits departure at Combwich with an Evercreech Junction service. Repainted, numbered 1981 Airfix MR 0-6-0 with reprayed, flushglazed and detailed Dapol LMS Suburban carriages. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! GWR Collett 3206 (re-numbered Bachmann, finished off with actual S&D coal found on the trackbed near Shillingstone) arrives at Combwich with its train (Flushglazed & re-painted Dapol carriages) from Evercreech Junction. A quiet moment on Combwich as a Drewery Class 04 0-6-0, No D2298 pushes its LMS desinged brakevan back into the siding. Note the narrow gauge quay line to the right. The 'Bridgwater Bubble' waits with its mid morning departure. Note the petrol driven narrow gauge rail-bus on the right. You would normally expect to see South Wales on the horizon, the distant cloud cover suggests a fog over the Bristol Channel is blocking our view.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Mon Oct 5 2009 Arne Wharf http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c112122.html Scale/gauge 4mm to the foot on 9mm track, depiting 2'3" gauge. Aka '009' Footprint: 3'00" x 2'00" Concept Arne means dwelling, it being derived from the Anglo-Saxon' word, 'aern'. Arne is situated on the peninsular hugging the south-western extremity of Poole Harbour, the largest natural inland harbour in the world. This piece of land has been inhabited for thousands of years, visiting it now you may be forgiven for imagining that it has ever been inhabited. There were several narrow gauge lines in this part of Dorset, known as the Isle of Purbeck. The numerous lines served the rich mineral deposits in this beautiful and quite unique part of southern Britain. In the 19th century there were probably more narrow gauge railways per square mile than in any part of north Wales. None of the lines officially transported passengers other than the men that worked the mines and quarries (though I believe one the lines did carry school children for a while before the war). My interpretation; Arne Wharf is based on a fictitious line running from Arne to Wareham via Ridge & Stoborough. The line was built to transport ball clay, lime stone, salt and oysters in addition to general merchandise. The time frame? Well a little vague here, lets just say that it is pre satellite TV and a world controlled by accountants. A rose tinted world more akin to the Titfield Thunderbolt and the Darling Buds of May will do. The Model Arne Wharf is modelled in 009 (representing 2'3" gauge) and totally contained on 3' x 2'. I wanted to see what could be achieved in a matter of just a few months. It is very easy to be over ambitious and get bored. Building layout to such a conservative size would also allow it to be worked on almost anywhere in the house. Wooden bits The baseboard is of traditional construction recycled from Bettycloff, a previous 009 layout. The only modification was the widening of the original board by 6 inches or so to accommodate a wharf in the foreground. The layout is quite heavy, but rock solid sitting on detachable legs that fold flat when not in use. Despite its weight the layout is still quite manageable for one person to carry. The back-scene curves from one corner to the other in a long arc, something I have wanted to try for many years. Its creation is simply a sheet of hardboard. Corners in a back-scene from my experience always jar and create a useless negative voids that simply collect dust, spiders and loose bits of scenic debris. Trackwork Well nothing new here; Peco 009 'Crazy Track' with their own point motors performing the switching. Before ballasting the track was sprayed with red oxide primer, once dry the sleepers were picked out in darker tones by dry brushing, the rail sides being left red oxide. Ballast is fine sand from the banks of the Solent, fixed with diluted PVA in the time honoured way. The areas between the tracks were built up with modelling clay of the type that doesn't need kilning. Clay is much easier to use than plaster - one simply pushes it into place with ones fingers, texturing it by stabbing with a stiff brush whilst still soft. Modelling clay does tends to crack a little when it dries, so a little touching up might be needed. Some cracks were left in place to typify the effect of cracked ground of a hot summers day. The final result was then coloured with light earthy tones, both ballast and sleepers. Pale tones were to characterise an area that has a high sand and clay content. The lighter shade also suggests more space than there actually is. I am a great fan of matt emulsion match pots from the local DIY store, they are great value, come in various muted colours and don't stink the house out. Scenery The raised area between the backdrop and the foreground, is expanded foam in an aerosol. I discovered this useful product whilst fixing a hole in the garage roof a few years ago. You simply spray it into the required area, watch it grow 4 times original size! 24 hours later you can carve it into required shape with a bread knife. Once happy with the shape, I finished it off with a layer of plaster and PVA. Whilst setting, the plaster was shaped with a knife to create the effect of sedimentary layers. Once solid, it was coloured with matt emulsion washes. Silfor grass matting from International Models creates the effect of long grass. Silfor is an incredible product from Germany, in my opinion nothing comes close, it even has that slight sheen that real grass has in sunlight. Colouring is tweaked with matt emulsion and acrylic with an almost dry brush. Bushes are mainly wire wool teased out very finely, sprayed with British Racing Green coloured aerosol paint (Halfords) and covered in fine foam. BEWARE! It is important to use a waterproof paint here. Failing to do so might open up the wire wool to corrosion, the effects of decay shedding fine magnetic particles all over the trackwork and then into the electric motors. The foam coated foliage is then further coloured and fixed with more aerosol paint and finally finished off with a layer of diluted PVA once stuck in place. I have been using this technique for a few years now without any adverse results. Just to be on the safe side, wire wool technique is not used right next to track areas and the layout is vacuumed frequently. Other small bushes and trees are created from everybody's favourite, 'sea foam'. Before the fine stems are coated in foam foliage they are spray painted with a dark paint. The finished trees are treated as above with further coatings of paint and glue to keep everything in its place. The backscene as already mentioned forms an arc from one corner to the other, this has a landscape (mainly clouds) painted directly onto it with acrylic and matt emulsion. Buildings The dominating structure is a limestone crushing plant, the bases is a Cornerstone kit from Walthers. This kit has been narrowed down to fit the plot. The supplied roofs have been replaced with rustic corrugated ones from plastic sheet. Additional scratch-built structures have expanded the plant hopefully disguising its roots a little. The delightful wooden warehouse is an American Model Builders laser cut wood kit, this has been enhanced with the addition of a winch and an upper level floor. Both the American kits were ordered direct for the USA via the web. The engine shed is scratch-built from plastic, it is sort of Colonel Stevensesque (I think?). The little electricity power hut was a freebee from Artitec, the Dutch company who supplied the kit for the fishing boat seen in some of the shots. Painting & Weathering To convey the look of better days, salty air and the ravages of time, weathering plays a major part with the look of the corrugated iron structures. The look here has been achieved in a few stages, all quite simple. The finished structures are firstly sprayed red oxide (Halfords again) primer. Next the colour the building would have been when new (in this case pale green) is brushed on (matt emulsion). Whilst the paint is still wet a large dry paint brush (decorating brush) is brushed over following the direction of grooves in the corrugated iron randomly to create variations of tone. This tends to remove some of the paint revealing the red oxide coloured paint below. Further dry-brushing and washes can be used for localised effects in addition to Carr's Modelling powders. There are several ways these can be applied, in this case I literally dipped wetted fingers into the powders and rubbed the filthy goo onto the required areas. The wooden structures were painted in dark colours (using black washes or black matt aerosol). The lighter sun-bleached wood effect was then dry-brushed on with matt enamels. All roof tops were given pale washes of the same colour used for the ground cover so as to suggest stone dust from the crushing plant. A limited palette of pale creams, faded greens and rusty shades are common throughout the layout from track and buildings right through to the back-scene. Hopefully the limited selection of colours creates a level of uniformity a little like a faded painting or old colour photograph. Wharf The sides of the wharf were vacuum formed stone effect plastic sheet glued with a hot glue gun onto mounting card curved into place. The plastic is then coloured using techniques similar to above. Balsa was used for the jetty and vertical supports, distressed accordingly. The water in the harbour is simply 3 or 4 thick layers of PVA (dries clear, also great for gluing in glazing!) stippled thickly over greeny/grey matt emulsion as per Alan Downes. PVA looks so much better than varnish, additionally lack of a pungent aroma will do wonders for brownie points with your nearest and dearest. Reeds are plumber's hemp coloured with acrylic. The fishing boat is an Artitec kit ordered direct from Holland via the web. Artitec produce some wonderful nautical kits. I intend to explore their range further before Arne Wharf's next outing, I have my eye on some barges for transporting the limestone. Lighting and Presentation The layout has its own built in lighting in the form of two 100 watt bulbs behind the name board. The name board was made up professionally at the local sign writers for around £15 onto black foam-board. The whole layout gives the impression of being housed in a box. When at shows, the layout sits at a height of 4'3". I feel that most layouts are far too low at exhibitions. Model railways should be viewed from 'ground level' rather than the view seen from a high rise flat. I admit 4'3" is too high for small children with sticky adventurous fingers to see unaided. For these little folk, to see the layout they have to be lifted up (thus under their parent's control). Stock This is the next area to tackle, apart from a few excellent Parkside kits and some Roco tippers, all wagons have been built from scratch on N gauge chassis to various prototypical and freelance designs. Locomotives so far include a Roxey Kerr Stuart Hampton Waterworks engine, sitting on the excellent Fleischmann chassis. A Chivers Avonside 0-4-0 on a Bachmann Dock Tank chassis (now amaiting a new motor!) and a repainted and glazed Roco diesel (owning one of these is obligatory!). A freelance rail-bus sitting on the useful Kato 'Shortie' chassis, this can be seen below right. I aim for hands free operation so Greenwich etched couplings have been used. Uncoupling is achieved by hidden magnets. The 'Greenwich Coupling' is available from Parkside Dundas. Conclusions As a 'quickie', this layout has certainly achieved its goal. To reach its current state is has taken about 8 months with most of the work being done in the last 3. The layout's first outing to the Egham & Staines MRS Show in January highlighted the advantages of having a small layout to cart around to shows. I was up an running in under 10 minutes from parking up. At the end of the show packing up took under 5 minutes! The layout and stand fits nicely into the back of the saloon car. Apart from portability, another one of the goals I wanted to achieve was to create an industrial narrow gauge railway scene a little like a stage set or painting, a diorama with movement. The eye had to be drawn into the scene, the eye not being tempted to wonder off set. Has it worked? Only you can decide that. Wednesday 2 July 2008: Scale/gauge 4mm to the foot on 9mm track, depiting 2'3" gauge. Aka '009' Footprint: 3'00" x 2'00" Concept Arne means dwelling, it being derived from the Anglo-Saxon' word, 'aern'. Arne is situated on the peninsular hugging the south-western extremity of Poole Harbour, the largest natural inland harbour in the world. This piece of land has been inhabited for thousands of years, visiting it now you may be forgiven for imagining that it has ever been inhabited. There were several narrow gauge lines in this part of Dorset, known as the Isle of Purbeck. The numerous lines served the rich mineral deposits in this beautiful and quite unique part of southern Britain. In the 19th century there were probably more narrow gauge railways per square mile than in any part of north Wales. None of the lines officially transported passengers other than the men that worked the mines and quarries (though I believe one the lines did carry school children for a while before the war). My interpretation; Arne Wharf is based on a fictitious line running from Arne to Wareham via Ridge & Stoborough. The line was built to transport ball clay, lime stone, salt and oysters in addition to general merchandise. The time frame? Well a little vague here, lets just say that it is pre satellite TV and a world controlled by accountants. A rose tinted world more akin to the Titfield Thunderbolt and the Darling Buds of May will do. The Model Arne Wharf is modelled in 009 (representing 2'3" gauge) and totally contained on 3' x 2'. I wanted to see what could be achieved in a matter of just a few months. It is very easy to be over ambitious and get bored. Building layout to such a conservative size would also allow it to be worked on almost anywhere in the house. Wooden bits The baseboard is of traditional construction recycled from Bettycloff, a previous 009 layout. The only modification was the widening of the original board by 6 inches or so to accommodate a wharf in the foreground. The layout is quite heavy, but rock solid sitting on detachable legs that fold flat when not in use. Despite its weight the layout is still quite manageable for one person to carry. The back-scene curves from one corner to the other in a long arc, something I have wanted to try for many years. Its creation is simply a sheet of hardboard. Corners in a back-scene from my experience always jar and create a useless negative voids that simply collect dust, spiders and loose bits of scenic debris. Trackwork Well nothing new here; Peco 009 'Crazy Track' with their own point motors performing the switching. Before ballasting the track was sprayed with red oxide primer, once dry the sleepers were picked out in darker tones by dry brushing, the rail sides being left red oxide. Ballast is fine sand from the banks of the Solent, fixed with diluted PVA in the time honoured way. The areas between the tracks were built up with modelling clay of the type that doesn't need kilning. Clay is much easier to use than plaster - one simply pushes it into place with ones fingers, texturing it by stabbing with a stiff brush whilst still soft. Modelling clay does tends to crack a little when it dries, so a little touching up might be needed. Some cracks were left in place to typify the effect of cracked ground of a hot summers day. The final result was then coloured with light earthy tones, both ballast and sleepers. Pale tones were to characterise an area that has a high sand and clay content. The lighter shade also suggests more space than there actually is. I am a great fan of matt emulsion match pots from the local DIY store, they are great value, come in various muted colours and don't stink the house out. Scenery The raised area between the backdrop and the foreground, is expanded foam in an aerosol. I discovered this useful product whilst fixing a hole in the garage roof a few years ago. You simply spray it into the required area, watch it grow 4 times original size! 24 hours later you can carve it into required shape with a bread knife. Once happy with the shape, I finished it off with a layer of plaster and PVA. Whilst setting, the plaster was shaped with a knife to create the effect of sedimentary layers. Once solid, it was coloured with matt emulsion washes. Silfor grass matting from International Models creates the effect of long grass. Silfor is an incredible product from Germany, in my opinion nothing comes close, it even has that slight sheen that real grass has in sunlight. Colouring is tweaked with matt emulsion and acrylic with an almost dry brush. Bushes are mainly wire wool teased out very finely, sprayed with British Racing Green coloured aerosol paint (Halfords) and covered in fine foam. BEWARE! It is important to use a waterproof paint here. Failing to do so might open up the wire wool to corrosion, the effects of decay shedding fine magnetic particles all over the trackwork and then into the electric motors. The foam coated foliage is then further coloured and fixed with more aerosol paint and finally finished off with a layer of diluted PVA once stuck in place. I have been using this technique for a few years now without any adverse results. Just to be on the safe side, wire wool technique is not used right next to track areas and the layout is vacuumed frequently. Other small bushes and trees are created from everybody's favourite, 'sea foam'. Before the fine stems are coated in foam foliage they are spray painted with a dark paint. The finished trees are treated as above with further coatings of paint and glue to keep everything in its place. The backscene as already mentioned forms an arc from one corner to the other, this has a landscape (mainly clouds) painted directly onto it with acrylic and matt emulsion. Buildings The dominating structure is a limestone crushing plant, the bases is a Cornerstone kit from Walthers. This kit has been narrowed down to fit the plot. The supplied roofs have been replaced with rustic corrugated ones from plastic sheet. Additional scratch-built structures have expanded the plant hopefully disguising its roots a little. The delightful wooden warehouse is an American Model Builders laser cut wood kit, this has been enhanced with the addition of a winch and an upper level floor. Both the American kits were ordered direct for the USA via the web. The engine shed is scratch-built from plastic, it is sort of Colonel Stevensesque (I think?). The little electricity power hut was a freebee from Artitec, the Dutch company who supplied the kit for the fishing boat seen in some of the shots. Painting & Weathering To convey the look of better days, salty air and the ravages of time, weathering plays a major part with the look of the corrugated iron structures. The look here has been achieved in a few stages, all quite simple. The finished structures are firstly sprayed red oxide (Halfords again) primer. Next the colour the building would have been when new (in this case pale green) is brushed on (matt emulsion). Whilst the paint is still wet a large dry paint brush (decorating brush) is brushed over following the direction of grooves in the corrugated iron randomly to create variations of tone. This tends to remove some of the paint revealing the red oxide coloured paint below. Further dry-brushing and washes can be used for localised effects in addition to Carr's Modelling powders. There are several ways these can be applied, in this case I literally dipped wetted fingers into the powders and rubbed the filthy goo onto the required areas. The wooden structures were painted in dark colours (using black washes or black matt aerosol). The lighter sun-bleached wood effect was then dry-brushed on with matt enamels. All roof tops were given pale washes of the same colour used for the ground cover so as to suggest stone dust from the crushing plant. A limited palette of pale creams, faded greens and rusty shades are common throughout the layout from track and buildings right through to the back-scene. Hopefully the limited selection of colours creates a level of uniformity a little like a faded painting or old colour photograph. Wharf The sides of the wharf were vacuum formed stone effect plastic sheet glued with a hot glue gun onto mounting card curved into place. The plastic is then coloured using techniques similar to above. Balsa was used for the jetty and vertical supports, distressed accordingly. The water in the harbour is simply 3 or 4 thick layers of PVA (dries clear, also great for gluing in glazing!) stippled thickly over greeny/grey matt emulsion as per Alan Downes. PVA looks so much better than varnish, additionally lack of a pungent aroma will do wonders for brownie points with your nearest and dearest. Reeds are plumber's hemp coloured with acrylic. The fishing boat is an Artitec kit ordered direct from Holland via the web. Artitec produce some wonderful nautical kits. I intend to explore their range further before Arne Wharf's next outing, I have my eye on some barges for transporting the limestone. Lighting and Presentation The layout has its own built in lighting in the form of two 100 watt bulbs behind the name board. The name board was made up professionally at the local sign writers for around _15 onto black foam-board. The whole layout gives the impression of being housed in a box. When at shows, the layout sits at a height of 4'3". I feel that most layouts are far too low at exhibitions. Model railways should be viewed from 'ground level' rather than the view seen from a high rise flat. I admit 4'3" is too high for small children with sticky adventurous fingers to see unaided. For these little folk, to see the layout they have to be lifted up (thus under their parent's control). Stock This is the next area to tackle, apart from a few excellent Parkside kits and some Roco tippers, all wagons have been built from scratch on N gauge chassis to various prototypical and freelance designs. Locomotives so far include a Roxey Kerr Stuart Hampton Waterworks engine, sitting on the excellent Fleischmann chassis. A Chivers Avonside 0-4-0 on a Bachmann Dock Tank chassis (now amaiting a new motor!) and a repainted and glazed Roco diesel (owning one of these is obligatory!). A freelance rail-bus sitting on the useful Kato 'Shortie' chassis, this can be seen below right. I aim for hands free operation so Greenwich etched couplings have been used. Uncoupling is achieved by hidden magnets. The 'Greenwich Coupling' is available from Parkside Dundas. Conclusions As a 'quickie', this layout has certainly achieved its goal. To reach its current state is has taken about 8 months with most of the work being done in the last 3. The layout's first outing to the Egham & Staines MRS Show in January highlighted the advantages of having a small layout to cart around to shows. I was up an running in under 10 minutes from parking up. At the end of the show packing up took under 5 minutes! The layout and stand fits nicely into the back of the saloon car. Apart from portability, another one of the goals I wanted to achieve was to create an industrial narrow gauge railway scene a little like a stage set or painting, a diorama with movement. The eye had to be drawn into the scene, the eye not being tempted to wonder off set. Has it worked? Only you can decide that.

Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf Arne Wharf One of a couple of shots grabbed with available light due to lack of time under the existing light in the spare room. 10 secs at f22. 100 iso! Proper lighting is of course better, however the joys of digital allow all sorts of things we'd have never chanced before with film. One of a couple of shots grabbed with available light due to lack of time under the existing light in the spare room. 10 secs at f22. 100 iso! Proper lighting is of course better, however the joys of digital allow all sorts of things we'd have never chanced before with film. With an impending show, the first one for two years, thoughts turned to addressing the lack of loco water facilities. The wooden platform thats straddles the tracks was built some time ago with the view of placing a tank of some sort on top. A quick look at some Walthers spares revealed part of an aerial conveyor/walkway. This was cut down in length and some plasticard 'tongue and groove' placed over the facing open aperture. The various water pipes are from old sprue with joints made up from strips of self adhesive lable. The flexible filler pipe, which has collapsed just like the real thing when not in use, is simply paper masking tape painted matt black. The rest of the structure is coloured in my usual way of misting various primers and washes of diluted matt emulsion. Inspired by US based Pete Piszczek, who has distressed several of these highly acclaimed and very cheap little motor vehicles, I thought I'd have a go too. This is the result of an hour of work with some enamels, matt varnish and some of the 'pebbles' coloured holdhold matt emulsion used on nearly everything else on this layout. A 'Classix' Austin A40 Devon was the bases of the foreman's heap. BMC metal was never that well protected against the wet English weather. That and the added bonus of salty air, meant that this car started rusting within 3 years of manufacture. 10 years on, and the various DIY repairs have failed to keep the dreaded rust at bay. With the new MOT coming along in the next few years, the effects of tin worm will no doubt send this little car to the scrapheap - if it lasts that long! The ex Zillertal 0-6-2 rests on shed at Arne Wharf. It's all quiet during a sunny Sunday morning on the Wharf in the summer of '59, as the curious import is captured by the shed foreman's Ziess Super Ikonta with the newly introduced Ilford Selochrome Pan (Selochrome was otho up until then) ....... A freelance rail-bus built onto a Kato ‘Shortie’ bo-bo chassis, rests next to the foreman’s rather rusty dilapidated Austin ‘Devon’, which is a customised vehicle from the inexpensive die-cast ‘Classix’ range. Back in the 1950’s, British built motor cars would rust very quickly, often with the first signs of corrosion showing within just a couple of years. The car here is only 10 years old, the ‘do it yourself’ repairs have done little to improve the look or increase the life of the car! A snap on Arne Wharf of the now finished Bemo HOe unit after spending too long near those salt flats in Poole Harbour. The loco on your screen here is bigger than it is in real life. A snap on Arne Wharf of the now finished Bemo HOe unit after spending too long near those salt flats in Poole Harbour. The loco on your screen here is bigger than it is in real life. A snap on Arne Wharf of the now finished Bemo HOe unit after spending too long near those salt flats in Poole Harbour. The loco on your screen here is bigger than it is in real life.

Published in Model Railway Layouts by Chris Nevard

]]> Wed Jul 2 2008