Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
And turned into an old postcard.
Tales from The Room of Doom. Dipping a toe in various bucolic backwaters.
- Thread starter Flaxfield
- Start date
Willl
Western Thunderer
I like that a lot… what have you used for the postcard effect?
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
As an aside, Ebay occasionally works really well. If I sell something on ebay, the monies remain earmarked for " model railway fighting fund ".
A case in point today.
I've been after a Dapol/NRM SE&CR D Class 4.4.0 for a very long time.
Earlier this week I sold a coach, one that I no longer had a use for. It was bought for £70, almost three years ago. It sold for.....£178+pennies..
I happened to pop onto eBay today and there was a D Class, described as new and it certainly looked like it. I'll obviously find out on it's arrival but it came in at around the £135 Mark which if it is as good as it was described/looked then I am very happy with that as they can go north of £200 at auction.
If it isn't as described then it can of course go back but hopefully, all is well.
With a further example of Hornby's H Class due soon, a newly tooled G Class 4.4.0 from Rapido, due later this year, plus the newly announced O Class 0.6.0, due to arrive next year, it's looking rather good for the SE&CR.
Rob
A case in point today.
I've been after a Dapol/NRM SE&CR D Class 4.4.0 for a very long time.
Earlier this week I sold a coach, one that I no longer had a use for. It was bought for £70, almost three years ago. It sold for.....£178+pennies..
I happened to pop onto eBay today and there was a D Class, described as new and it certainly looked like it. I'll obviously find out on it's arrival but it came in at around the £135 Mark which if it is as good as it was described/looked then I am very happy with that as they can go north of £200 at auction.
If it isn't as described then it can of course go back but hopefully, all is well.
With a further example of Hornby's H Class due soon, a newly tooled G Class 4.4.0 from Rapido, due later this year, plus the newly announced O Class 0.6.0, due to arrive next year, it's looking rather good for the SE&CR.
Rob
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
I went online and searched for free download old paper textures and this one was among them and you can also search and download additional effects as dust and scratches. I then create the image in Affinity Photo.
When processing Rob's (@Flaxfield) colour image into black and white I reduced the red filter/channel to make it appear black as if taken on orthochromic film hence the dark numberplate and reversing rod.
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
Thanks, Dave. Nice job. I do think that the reversing rod and the sanding lever thing on the Manning Wardle, in my opinion, would have been better in black, rather than the red used. It looks rather gaudy to these eyes.
However, I really don't fancy popping them off to repaint, and I'm certainly not having a go in situ. Far too tricky for these wonky eyes/hands, no matter how well masked everything aroundabouts would be.
The Manning Wardle, by the way, is numbered 331. The SE&CR did have a Manning Wardle 0.6.0st but not a L. It was numbered 752 and did receive full Wainwright livery, then went into overall grey with accompanying large white numerals on the tank sides.
The SER though, did have a Manning Wardle but it was an 0.4.0st, numbered 313. As the Rapido Manning Wardle is therefore a 'what if', this 'nod to' probably accounts for the number decided upon for their 0.6.0.
Rob
It can be done. This one uses the RT Model kit and I scratchbuilt a cab for it. I actually have a 0-4-0st to build as 313 in full SECR lined green which should be fun.
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
Morning all.
Well, the Dapol D Class arrived yesterday and, one bit of detached detail aside ( easily reattached ) , it looks and runs like new. Very pleased. I just wish Dapol would drop the blingy treatment on the dome and safety valve base but it is what it is.
And, yes, this and the other SE&CR locos really do need somewhere to run, or at the very least, somewhere to be displayed, rather than sitting in boxes.
SE&CR engine shed ?
Well, the Dapol D Class arrived yesterday and, one bit of detached detail aside ( easily reattached ) , it looks and runs like new. Very pleased. I just wish Dapol would drop the blingy treatment on the dome and safety valve base but it is what it is.
And, yes, this and the other SE&CR locos really do need somewhere to run, or at the very least, somewhere to be displayed, rather than sitting in boxes.
SE&CR engine shed ?
Last edited:
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
Evening, all.
An update is perhaps in order regarding the Manning Wardle saga.
After much angst, I finally have a SE&CR liveried example which runs reasonably well. To be honest, I've got to the point where it will do..Satisfactory outcome ? Probably not but it is what it is but I feel that I will not get an example which will run any better..
I won't buy any more. I feel, based on my experience with both DC and DCC fitted examples, is that these models are in some way flawed but I won't investigate any further at this time.
It is therefore time to move on............
Rob
An update is perhaps in order regarding the Manning Wardle saga.
After much angst, I finally have a SE&CR liveried example which runs reasonably well. To be honest, I've got to the point where it will do..Satisfactory outcome ? Probably not but it is what it is but I feel that I will not get an example which will run any better..
I won't buy any more. I feel, based on my experience with both DC and DCC fitted examples, is that these models are in some way flawed but I won't investigate any further at this time.
It is therefore time to move on............
Rob
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
Morning, all.
I now have a few days away from the shop, as with the grown ups back from their travels, we are back to what passes for normal.
I'm hoping to assemble the 'black layout' and attend to a few jobs, namely adding buffer stops and possibly removing and painting the wooden building thereon.....that's assuming I don't get side tracked by playing trains of course......
Rob
I now have a few days away from the shop, as with the grown ups back from their travels, we are back to what passes for normal.
I'm hoping to assemble the 'black layout' and attend to a few jobs, namely adding buffer stops and possibly removing and painting the wooden building thereon.....that's assuming I don't get side tracked by playing trains of course......
Rob
Neil
Western Thunderer
It has taken me some time to rearrange my workshop/playroom to accommodate a circular test track. After the specified running in I'm afraid that my second example is going back, though OK at mid range speed there is a noticeable bind at low speeds.
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
I'm not surprised by that, Neil.
These are not Rapido's finest. I have a SE&CR example that runs ish. That's it for me. No more of these as it took me nine examples to get one that I felt able to keep.
The one that put the tin hat on it was the replacement I received from Rapido themselves, apparently tested prior to dispatch.
Better than the first but not the best. As per the norm, wheels were bogging so cleaned. Removed the rods, cleaned paint off the crankpins and holes in the con rods and all replaced. Driven wheel set was wonky so pressed square and B2B checked. Tank was at an angle so clearly the factory were/are also having trouble accommodating the E24 decoder, plus gubbins. So screw removed from chimney, tank wiggled and pressed down. Screw tightened and all good. Still slightly tight in forwards but this looked to be as good as it gets after roughly four to five hours of running in.......Sat back and regarded this most troublesome of models....
Hang on, I thought, where are the cab steps......? Both were indeed missing so given all the above, I had to ask, was I sent a return in return for my return ( !!! )
Warranty form submitted asking for replacement steps for me to fit as I just could not be arsed returning this one.
The steps were received after a couple of days but I am yet to fit them as my excitement for this loco has pretty much evaporated.
Rob
These are not Rapido's finest. I have a SE&CR example that runs ish. That's it for me. No more of these as it took me nine examples to get one that I felt able to keep.
The one that put the tin hat on it was the replacement I received from Rapido themselves, apparently tested prior to dispatch.
Better than the first but not the best. As per the norm, wheels were bogging so cleaned. Removed the rods, cleaned paint off the crankpins and holes in the con rods and all replaced. Driven wheel set was wonky so pressed square and B2B checked. Tank was at an angle so clearly the factory were/are also having trouble accommodating the E24 decoder, plus gubbins. So screw removed from chimney, tank wiggled and pressed down. Screw tightened and all good. Still slightly tight in forwards but this looked to be as good as it gets after roughly four to five hours of running in.......Sat back and regarded this most troublesome of models....
Hang on, I thought, where are the cab steps......? Both were indeed missing so given all the above, I had to ask, was I sent a return in return for my return ( !!! )
Warranty form submitted asking for replacement steps for me to fit as I just could not be arsed returning this one.
The steps were received after a couple of days but I am yet to fit them as my excitement for this loco has pretty much evaporated.
Rob
I rarely buy RTR but having made a few in 7mm thought it might be nice to have one in 4mm without the hassle of making it. Converting to P4 was the only issue I would face, or so I thought. But all I have read and seen online has me thinking I’ll wait and see if they end up getting sold off cheap down the line. At that point I might take a punt, but not otherwise. Looking at it I don’t really have issue with the basic design seeing how small they are and what they are required to squeeze in these days but it appears as with so much else the quality of manufacture is where it’s fallen down, not reliable enough. A real shame.
Bob
Bob
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
Morning all,
There is a bit of modelling going on at Chateau Sheep, of which more details in a bit.
However, a week today will see one of the best, if not THE best, small shows in the South West being held in Bath.
I know that there are quite a few Western Thunderers making their way there. Always a lovely day out spent socialising and looking at nice train sets......and there is cake.
Rob
There is a bit of modelling going on at Chateau Sheep, of which more details in a bit.
However, a week today will see one of the best, if not THE best, small shows in the South West being held in Bath.
I know that there are quite a few Western Thunderers making their way there. Always a lovely day out spent socialising and looking at nice train sets......and there is cake.
Rob
Flaxfield
Western Thunderer
In other news, I have been working on a rather old layout.
Ranelagh Bridge was built around 2012 by a friend of mine and featured in BRM in July 2014. It was exhibited at a number of exhibitions for a few years then quietly retired.
At some point, it found it's way to Lord and Butler, where it it appears to have had some work done to it...............It was certainly not as built by my chum.
When I started there, some four and a half years ago now ( ! ) it wasn't really doing much, other than taking up rather a lot of much needed space. It wasn't operable and frankly looked unfinished and a bit of an eyesore. I offered to store it, with a view to improving both it's appearance and allowing something to move about.
Well, I finally had a look at what was involved a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't encouraging..Who ever had tried to up date the wiring, had simply ( in my opinion ) had just over complicated things and had actually not covered the basics. The layout was DCC. Keeping it simple, the layout needed to have the track live ( obviously ) and the presentation needed improving, mainly because it looked unfinished and essentially crap following it's " upgrade ".
Wiring was a nightmare and the layout was hugely over weight.
First job was to a few pounds and everything, backscene, 'roof' and ends all came off. It had also been extended using a lump of 3x 2 at one end where a bathroom mirror had been added.......
The wiring was a nest which seemed to have been added to without any real plan..Colours changed on runs and multiple wires stuffed into screw terminals. I am as far from an expert on layout wiring as you can get and as a result, it has to be simple. This was not simple. Bizarrely, the point motors were wired, but there was no provision to make them move or in fact power the frogs. I am not about to lift the track so that was out though to do it properly, that should be done. So I've decided to dispense with that as it really isn't needed for what will be a display/ test track..
Literally, yards of predominately red wire have therefore been cut out.
The track is now 80% powered. The stumbling block is a Peco asymmetric 3 way point which has no power whatsoever going to it but given it's location, it leaves a small section of the layout unpowered. Access to the rest is fine and will be sufficient for what is required of the layout.
This is proving to be an interesting exercise. The on layout lighting to buildings and lamps is being worked on and should be completed over the weekend and I hope to start on the replacement backscene and fascia, etc.
I will update accordingly.
Rob.
Ranelagh Bridge was built around 2012 by a friend of mine and featured in BRM in July 2014. It was exhibited at a number of exhibitions for a few years then quietly retired.
At some point, it found it's way to Lord and Butler, where it it appears to have had some work done to it...............It was certainly not as built by my chum.
When I started there, some four and a half years ago now ( ! ) it wasn't really doing much, other than taking up rather a lot of much needed space. It wasn't operable and frankly looked unfinished and a bit of an eyesore. I offered to store it, with a view to improving both it's appearance and allowing something to move about.
Well, I finally had a look at what was involved a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't encouraging..Who ever had tried to up date the wiring, had simply ( in my opinion ) had just over complicated things and had actually not covered the basics. The layout was DCC. Keeping it simple, the layout needed to have the track live ( obviously ) and the presentation needed improving, mainly because it looked unfinished and essentially crap following it's " upgrade ".
Wiring was a nightmare and the layout was hugely over weight.
First job was to a few pounds and everything, backscene, 'roof' and ends all came off. It had also been extended using a lump of 3x 2 at one end where a bathroom mirror had been added.......
The wiring was a nest which seemed to have been added to without any real plan..Colours changed on runs and multiple wires stuffed into screw terminals. I am as far from an expert on layout wiring as you can get and as a result, it has to be simple. This was not simple. Bizarrely, the point motors were wired, but there was no provision to make them move or in fact power the frogs. I am not about to lift the track so that was out though to do it properly, that should be done. So I've decided to dispense with that as it really isn't needed for what will be a display/ test track..
Literally, yards of predominately red wire have therefore been cut out.
The track is now 80% powered. The stumbling block is a Peco asymmetric 3 way point which has no power whatsoever going to it but given it's location, it leaves a small section of the layout unpowered. Access to the rest is fine and will be sufficient for what is required of the layout.
This is proving to be an interesting exercise. The on layout lighting to buildings and lamps is being worked on and should be completed over the weekend and I hope to start on the replacement backscene and fascia, etc.
I will update accordingly.
Rob.
PaulRhB
Active Member
At a recent show one of my old layouts was there and I got asked to have a look as no points were working. It had been converted to dc by adding a seeming birds nest of wiring into choc blocks! Tracing power was very difficult and it was all loose so i suspected a crucial wire off somewhere, I politely left them to it as i had to run my layout and the chap who did it was now en route.
Turned out the wrong power supply had been plugged in!
All it really needed was labelling to avoid that 
I’d have just put a few single pole isolating switches in to achieve the same thing with far less wiring.
Good luck with the renovation, when it comes to powering frogs I just drill a hole through and run an extra wire then cut the rails to isolate it between two chairs so it’s supported well.
Turned out the wrong power supply had been plugged in!
All it really needed was labelling to avoid that I’d have just put a few single pole isolating switches in to achieve the same thing with far less wiring.
Good luck with the renovation, when it comes to powering frogs I just drill a hole through and run an extra wire then cut the rails to isolate it between two chairs so it’s supported well.
jonte
Western Thunderer
A wonderful and most atmospheric scene created by your friend, Rob. Such a shame it became interfered with/ abandoned in the way it did.
The buildings are skilfully created and the trackwork laid very neatly. Plenty of operating potential in such a small space too.
Funnily enough, admiring the photos (especially the ‘aerial’ shot)I began a bit of mind modelling (just rambling, really, in the way I do so please feel free to ignore), and considered that if the two outer roads were extended after the entry points on each side, then a greater space would be crated between the adjacent lines into which a platform could be ‘popped’. Another slight extension (could that ‘lump’ of wood be reintroduced ? )to slightly increase the length of said roads at the ends, and lo and behold you have a station, albeit a single line, but like many early lines in towns/cities. You could employ those characterful pregrouping locos you’ve been collecting to create a very atmospheric Victorian scen, summit like this?:
Hope you don’t mind but I’ve attached a link from the Disused Station’s site to show such an example of an early intercity terminus that was single line, the plan of which can be found if you scroll down a tad, Rob Disused Stations: Birkenhead Monks Ferry Station
Just shows you don’t need all those points or signals to give a nod to the real thing.
The three-way would provide a smashing run-round facility for two of the platforms, and the short sidings to the right, handy homes for the shunter required for serving the two roads just mentioned, or servicing/coal/water.
I’m sure the MPD buildings could also be employed too, especially the engine shed.
I’ll cease now, Rob, and hope you don’t mind the distraction. Just got a little carried away!
Best of luck with the project whatever you decide.
Jon
The buildings are skilfully created and the trackwork laid very neatly. Plenty of operating potential in such a small space too.
Funnily enough, admiring the photos (especially the ‘aerial’ shot)I began a bit of mind modelling (just rambling, really, in the way I do so please feel free to ignore), and considered that if the two outer roads were extended after the entry points on each side, then a greater space would be crated between the adjacent lines into which a platform could be ‘popped’. Another slight extension (could that ‘lump’ of wood be reintroduced ?
)to slightly increase the length of said roads at the ends, and lo and behold you have a station, albeit a single line, but like many early lines in towns/cities. You could employ those characterful pregrouping locos you’ve been collecting to create a very atmospheric Victorian scen, summit like this?:Hope you don’t mind but I’ve attached a link from the Disused Station’s site to show such an example of an early intercity terminus that was single line, the plan of which can be found if you scroll down a tad, Rob Disused Stations: Birkenhead Monks Ferry Station
Just shows you don’t need all those points or signals to give a nod to the real thing.
The three-way would provide a smashing run-round facility for two of the platforms, and the short sidings to the right, handy homes for the shunter required for serving the two roads just mentioned, or servicing/coal/water.
I’m sure the MPD buildings could also be employed too, especially the engine shed.
I’ll cease now, Rob, and hope you don’t mind the distraction. Just got a little carried away!
Best of luck with the project whatever you decide.
Jon