The Pug and the Chummy

nevard_091118_catct_pug_IMG_6033_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Radstock's 'Pug' No 51202 made a very unusual appearance shunting the sidings at Catcott Burtle one bright Tuesday in September 1952.

The 'Pug' which is a 2004 vintage Hornby offering was picked up on Ebay back in the summer. I have added additional detail, a repaint, renumber and weathering. Much to my surprise it is a delightful runner. Opening out the wheel back-to-backs to just under 15mm have minimised any tendency to waddle and allow the little loco to negotiate C&L pointwork with no problems. Prototypically, the overall look is quite close, the thickness of the cab apertures are probably the weakest link.

The Austin 7 is from a Springside kit.

Pug!

nevard_091118_pug_IMG_6028_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

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.

Old Dog

nevard_091111_catct_44417_IMG_6015_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

The reality: this is just an excuse for another shot of my re-chassied and detailed up 1981 vintage Airfix Midland 4F as it is captured sliding across into the short siding at Catcott Burtle.

The bull: Midland 4F No. 44417 became the subject for well known SDJR photographer Ivan Locksmith to test out some Ektrachrome X on his new Planar lensed Rolleiflex f3.5. The location is Catcott Burtle and the date is 21 August 1961.

A Moment in Time......

nevard_091110_catcott_44417_IMG_6006_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

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 on the photographer's new Voigtländer Vitomatic II in the late summer of 1963. Has anyone any further thoughts on this?

Wycrail 2009

nevard_091108_cq_44417_IMG_5942_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Well, Cement Quay and its new 'mini me' survived it first outing in extending form at the excellent Wycrail. Not only is the layout 60% bigger it's also higher (4ft 3") - it now sharing Catcott Burtle's legs and drape, which I hope improved the experience for viewer.

Just after the doors opened, some weird electrical fault cause total failure for a minute or two, I think this may have been caused by me snagging the wiring loom whilst rather hastily shoving the dustbin liner cocooned layout into the car during a rain storm on Friday night. A grope of the wiring to ensure that maybe a couple of droppers weren't touching and shorting appeared to solve the problem (I have a 1978 MGB with Lucas/Prince of Darkness electrics so I'm used to groping electrics in a mindless way to get a result).

Ergonomically the layout really is too big to use the original control panel on one end which was OK for a layout which in its original form was just over 5 feet long. I'm tempted to simply go back to manual under baseboard push pull point control using rods which is simple to work and easy to fix. The same will be said of the Spratt and Winkles, whilst they uncouple when you want them to, they also do the same thing when you don't. Additionally the hook tends to get in the way and bind with loco buffer beam detail and cause the odd derailment when going over a crossover. So, back to three links in due course I fear - they're bullet proof and so easy to install (I'm still 3 link with all my steam stock and it's going to remain that way).

I still need to sort out the lighting on the extension, it doesn't match the main section despite same scenic colours and illumination. The problem lies with the bulb positioning which I'll address in due course.

Picture above: next outing will be steam/early diesel (not forever) - I favour the idea of and evolving layout to keep things fresh.

Just when we think we've caught up with European ready to run.....

nevard_091107_cq-wycrail-brawa_IMG_5949_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Just when we think we’ve caught up with European ready to run they’ve already jumped to the next stage……..

OK, I probably beng a little unfair becuase things have moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years – well on the looks front at least. Where we are still very much behind, is running qualities with examples varying enormously between what should be identical locos – especially when it comes to steam outline and short wheelbase variety.

The simply stunning Brawa V15 shunting locomotive (Road no. V 15 2231, 2271) runs and good as it looks - the running being way and above anything that comes out of the big three in the UK.

I'm sure you'll agree that this little loco which looks very happy indeed on Cement Quay. It was borrowed from Model Rail regular Peter Marriott for a few minutes during Wycrail on Saturday 7 November 2009.

The Cement Quay - LIVE at Wycrail - Sat 7 November 2009

nevard_091026_cq-ex_37422_IMG_5903_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Cement Quay and its 'bit on the side', 'little bother', 'son of', big sister or whatever you want to call it hits the road this weekend for one day only in its extended format at the highly regarded Wycrail in High Wycombe.

Wycrail, the annual show of the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society is held at the beginning of November at:

John Hampden Grammar School
Marlow Hill
High Wycombe
Bucks HP11 1SZ

Open 10am till 5pm

See you there?

Hornby Magazine Yearbook No.2

I've just obtained a copy this year's book and I'm amazed how busy Mike and his team have been (including a few snaps from me). I did know that Mike had been secretly building a new layout not seen in HM and had been out photographing other layouts - now I know what for!

Also unique to this book is further modelling inspiration, history and tips from Hornby Mag regulars James Lavery, Phil Parker and Evan Green-Hughes. All this is neatly printed on 127 pages of A4 format high quality paper (with great repro) and sandwiched inside solid glossy card cover.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hornby-Magazine-Yearbook-No-2/dp/0711034125

Updating a quarter of a century old ready to run loco

nevard_091102_44417_IMG_5933_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

1982 vintage Airfix Midland 4F 0-6-0. Repainted with Humbrol and finished with Krylon Matte Medium, detailed with lamp irons, separate handrails and renumbered as Bath Green Park's 44417 by Chris Nevard. The chassis and tender frames are Comet built by Philip Hall and are fully compensated, ditto on the tender whose weight bears on the rear dragbeam, with pickups on all wheels. The running quality is way beyond anything that could be achieved ready to run.

The locomotive still awaits full couplings and weathering.

59005 ‘Kenneth J Painter’

nevard_091027_59005_IMG_5910_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

59005 ‘Kenneth J Painter’ slowly eases a short rake of MFA high sided aggregate wagons out from under the screen at Cement Quay Old Wharf during the late summer of 2007.

Dear Kenneth is a Hornby/Lima 59 with a modified from end to represent the earlier design with US lamps etc. Additional details are from A1 and Shawplan.

The photograph: this was taken under the layout's own lighting. There is nothing fake added, this is the view that the eye sees. The only jiggery has been to extend the depth of field by layer stacking.

Pernicious Palisade

nevard_091024_phd-palisade_IMG_5885_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

For some truly lethal looking miniature palisade, new kid on the block PH Designs have introduced an etched brass design that will please even the most critical 'N' 'HO'/'OO' and '0 gauge' enthusiasts

Finishing is straightforward, with a blast of grey automotive primer giving a good representation of the galvanised steel finish of the real thing.

Go to www.phd-design.co.uk/ to find out more.......

Exit Stage Right!

nevard_091026_cq-exit_IMG_5908_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Update 25 October 2009: The new exit off stage on Cement Quay's right had side is in the process of being disguised with another screen. The top half will be finshed in a similar fashion to the existing screen but will have a bare concrete base. More on this to follow later in the week.

Joining the two modules together!

nevard_091015_cement-ext_DSC_5863_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Earlier today, the two boards were offered together on the new higher (4' 3") trestles I share with Catcott. This is the viewing angle for someone around 6 foot high. Total length scenic is 9 foot x 2 foot. I may operate from the front or behind depending on how scary the audience are when out on the road. The open end on the right hand end allows a wider viewing angle for the punters.

Further Cement Quay extension progress

nevard_091011_cement-ext_IMG_5792_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Further cement Quay extension progress.

It's all neatly tidied up (with top and rear all boxed in too) seen without lighting pelmet. The white splodges in the water is another layer of PVA drying (goes clear when set).

Last night I joined it up to Cement Quay proper again to align the lighting pelmet height.

Just 3 weeks to Wycrail now.....

Triang Blue Pullman

nevard_bluepullmn_DSC_5843c_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

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.

Railway Modelling FAQS

Railway Modelling FAQS
Written and photographed by Ian Futers, Peter Marriott, Chris Nevard and Pelle Søeborg

Order your copy right now on

01778 392 002 - quote 'Nevardmedia Blog'

Have you ever wondered how railway modelling experts get great looking grass, track or even water? Or maybe you are confused by all the different scales, gauges and other model railway jargon?

No longer do you need to be baffled, broiled and bamboozled – 4 highly acclaimed railway modelling experts, Ian Futers, Peter Marriott, Chris Nevard and Pelle Søeborg answer over 75 questions that frequently confuse and mystify those new and experienced with what has to be the world’s greatest hobby!


Railway Modelling FAQS is published by Warner Group Publications – the home of British Railway Modelling.

Links:

National Festival of Railway Modelling
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk/railway-modelling/national/

British Railway Modelling
http://www.brmodelling.co.uk/

Catcott Burtle - Top Drawer!

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 lineside 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?

• This and other 'in' and 'out takes' for my recent feature in July '09 Hornby Magazine can now be enjoyed here: http://www.nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1672495_1.html

All aboard the 2.15pm Service from Bleakhouse Road to Combwich!

Exclusive to Wycrail 2010; (next year) Saturday 6 November 2010 will see two well known Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway layouts come together under the same roof for the very first time!

After several years of eager anticipation and discussion, the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society have created a rare opportunity for this overdue pairing of railways to at last become reality - but only for one day!

On the day, the highlight will be the anticipated running of passenger and goods trains between Bleakhouse Road - Tim Maddocks' wonderful bucolic portrayal of the Somerset Levels and Combwich - Chris Nevard's web famous, but exhibition shy layout based on the banks of the River Parrett.

Both layouts have appeared in the model railway press on numerous occasions over the years. Although both fictitious interpretations of the real S&DJR, due to the ‘could have been’ nature of the projects Tim Maddocks and Chris Nevard frequently get communications via the internet from railway hungry web surfers asking more about the real locations. Chris only recently had an email from a chap in the real Combwich wondering if the railway actually ran through his garden!

Please note that this is going to happen in 2010!

To find out more:

Bleakhouse Road www.enginewood.co.uk/bleakh.htm
Combwich www.nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/show_group.php?id=4542
Wycrail www.hwdmrs.org.uk/Wycrail.htm

Cement Quay Extra! Kettles & Photosynthesis!

nevard_090923_cementq_58086_IMG_5718c_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Yesterday, I built up another conveyor from the scraps bin (Cornerstone left-overs) and some pipes (Pikestuff - err I think) - no idea what they do, won't lose any sleep over that....

Update this morning, a barrage of sea-foam, various foliage materials, flocks, moss, dried miniature ferns (pinched from the mother in law's arrangements)more static grass, crushed Somerset limestone (from an actual S&DJR cutting at Midford).

Cement Quay gets a Big Screen!

nevard_090911_cement-ext_IMG_5633_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

A slight departure from the original plan, I have decided to add another screen, this one might be for sand, who knows. It's unusual for a loading screen to be on a dead end siding, but it adds a little extra operational and visual interest maybe (there are now 2 screens in total)......

This one was knocked/scratched up on Wednesday evening in front the of the telly from a few plastic card odds and ends and bits left over from the Walthers cement works kit used on Cement Quay proper. It was painted yesterday morning using my usual mix of Halfords primers and emulsion washes (took about 45 mins in total). The pipe with tap on the side was added just because it looked pretty - maybe it's for beer? The conveyor is a kit again courtesy of Walthers (Model Junction - ta Sam Bennett for tracking this down). Both these structures need proper bedding in still.....
The 'water' still needs to be added to the wharf.

Whirlwind Progress on Cement Quay Extra...

nevard_090907_cement-ext_43017_IMG_5622_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

It's amazing what limiting ones time here on RM Web can do. Friday things were bare, but despite a busy weekend in the real world I managed to find a few hours to have a bash with a Grasmaster (the grass here scales out about bum height, in the high summer it can get alot higher than this) and get started with the scenic work. Lots to do yet, weeds, bushes, a proper disguise for the exit (pipes, bushes etc. ), water and maybe another loading screen to add a point of focus. I think it even works with steam motive power too in the form of good old 43017....
There are no computer graphics here - all 'as is' just photographed under single bulb in the ceiling (10 sec exposure on a Canon G9). The backsdrop is painted very simply with pale blue, greys and greens all mixed with the same pale blue used for the sky so to match in with Cement Quay proper. I think the lack of a sharp corner in the backscene is a bonus here.

Cement Quay Extension Progress 1 Sept 2009

nevard_090831_cement-ext_IMG_5578_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Due to the depth of the Peco I decided to ballast the track first with some beach sand prior to applying the Humbrol Dry Clay.

I used tile grout rather that plaster - why? Because I had a tub in the garage. The bases of the spoil heaps which will be covered in real crushed limestone are cones of cardboard - they're seen here covered in grout and a wash of emulsion.

Much of the exposed rock will have grass (Silfor, Hanging basket liner and Noch Static Grass) and weeds covering it.

The orange dry clay once set was coloured with various pale organic shades of interior matt emulsion - the same colours as used for Cement Quay ('Clotted cream', 'pebbles', 'chocolate shake'.)

Although it's tricky to see it now, the arid moonscape seen here in due course will look like this shot of Cement Quay once treated http://www.nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/p55447178.html

Shillingstone Preservation Update

nevard_090819_shillingstone_DSC_5441_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

On Wednesday 19 August I popped into Shillingstone to catch up with what’s been going on. Not having been there since 2001, I was amazed at the amount of progress. The quality of the work is all to a very high standard indeed! The official project website can be followed here http://www.shillingstone.addr.com/

More pictures from my trip can be seen here http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/c1745423.html

Cement Quay extension progress, 12 August 2009

nevard_090812_cement-ext_IMG_5415_mockup_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Cement Quay extension progress, 12 August 2009. This is a mockup with some CGI to gauge how it might look in due course (deadline 7 Nov 09 - WycRail Expo)

An overdue update showing antics over the last week as promised.....

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.

I have on order some Walther's conveyors as on Cement Quay here.
www.nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/p55447179.html