Christmas Presents

Happy new year to all :)
I thought I’d write a quick post about some things I got for Christmas for the layout! Mainly I got some Rolling stock and a loco. Here are the pictures of the prototypes on the FR.

Worsley Works Obserbation Carriage 100. (Observation and 1st class)

Worsley Works Service Carriage 124 (Guard, Buffet and Toilet)

Worsley Works Carriage 103. (Buffet)
(No picture)

Baugley Drewery 0-6-0 'Harlech Castle' (Kit and chassis!!)

What i am going to do with the 'Harlech Castle' kit is build it as Cricieth Castle, the FRs 'passenger' diesel. Harlech Castle is the Permanent Way Department’s loco, plus I’ve already got the kit. Luckily the only difference cosmetically is the bonnet is flush with the side of the cab on Criceth Castle, but isn't with Harlech. So, some 'filling in' will be required. All of the above will become 'Set A' with the addition of either carriage 18 or 122. I've built the platform so it can take up to 4 FR coaches and two small locomotives. With some of my Christmas money, I’ve decided to buy some KR multiclass, I haven't decided with which type yet, any suggestions?

Nadolig Llawen! (Merry Christmas)

Merry Christmas! I’d like to thank the people that have visited this blog over the last few months. And I’d like to thank Colin Lea, creator of Rhyd Ddu (www.Rhydddu.blogspot.com) and Rob Waller creator of Bron Hebog (www.bronhebog.blogspot.com) for advice and constructing carriage 100.
Just to give the narrow gauge modellers a taste of the Ffestiniog in the snow (if you didn't see the picture on the BBC news website). Here is a picture I took of Tanygrisiau Station as I went for a walk up to Stwlan Dam (for the people that don't know, Stwlan Dam is the 'top' Resevoir built for the Hydro Power Station)
If you look very closely, you will see the Baugley-Drewery 0-6-0 Harlech Castle, on Ploughing duties on the 'Up' line, before the Passenger trains.

For the ones that might not be able to see Harlech Castle, It's just to the left of the middle of the photo.

Not much progress :(

Similar to Rob Waller's recent post here, progress has slowed down dramatically due to Royal Mail.
Last weekend I bought a new soldering iron at Warely as my old one (which was my dads when he was a apprentice, 30 odd years ago!) was quite literally on its last legs, a new tip was put in, connections tested etc but it just wouldn’t heat up.
So i bought a new one from Squires, at Warely. To be fair it was fairly cheap, but it was also a 'health and safety conscious' soldering iron (didn't heat up!) So after a phone call, they said that they would replace it, so I’m currently waiting for that.
Also at the NEC, loads of bits and bobs where bought. Wire, 25 pin connectors + connector housing, plastic cement, plasaticard, plastic 'letters' for station name boards etc, and suitable material to make a hoist to go outside one of the workshops / engine shed.
I enjoyed all of the layouts, they where truly of great quality. They gave me plenty of ideas on what I can do on my own. Here are a few things I will most probably be doing.

1) Adjustable feet. A no brainer really, for uneven floors etc, I will need 16, 4 have already been made last Saturday, at the Lodge.

2) Control panel / Stock transporter. This was taken from 'Bridport Town' I'm not sure if it was all a control panel or not, but it was simply a cupboard, with leads connecting to the layout, and two doors at the front for access. I will most likely go for a browse at the local recycling centre to see what they have, but I could make one if I can’t find one. The top 1/4 will hold the electrics, transformers etc, with the mimic panel on the top and the stock will be kept in box files on shelves in the bottom 3/4.

And there’s plenty more ideas whizzing around my head! Hopefully once I get the soldering iron, the track for the station can be soldered together, glued down, then the ‘alignment pieces’ at the joints be lined up, then, it’s test time! The point motors have been roughly fitted, holes have been drilled for Peco uncouplers (yet to be bought) and track feeds.

Progress over the weekend

Firstly, I apologise for the lack of updates over the last month, been a bit busy with collage and work.
But, over the weekend massive progress have been made! The legs have been screwed into the baseboard and a frame the same dimensions as the baseboard has been screwed into the bottom of the legs. 50mm castors have then been screwed into the bottom of each leg to make it portable. The baseboard for the station module was re laid. The way I did it last time wasn't the best way in the world. So hers a picture of the progress so far....



Unfortunately I am starting to regret converting the B.L board (and had plans to convert the rest of the layout) to DCC. It dawned on me, that its going to be a fair bit more expensive to go DCC... So watch this space...
Also some Peco 009 points and Gaugemaster PM-1 point motors have been ordered. a neat little feature on the PM-1 is a built in accessory switch, which will be used for powering the LEDs in the control panel to indicate which way the point is set. There is still quite a bit to do to get the layout running, including building a 6 or 7 road fiddle yard. Hopefully some N gauge points will be bought at the Warely Exhibition at the NEC in three weeks.