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!

'Written by some of the best contemporary modellers, the book is an excellent reference work for the modeller's bookshelf no matter of what gauge or era of the world they model'
Modern Locomotives Illustrated, Jan 2010.


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!

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

Further extension progress

nevard_090803_cement-ext_IMG_5298_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

3 August 2009; some midway baseboard progress for Cement Quay's 3ft 6 x 2ft extension. Note the hybrid construction of timber, hardboard and foam board (the bases for this is in fact a set of disused folding legs!). Why? That's because I had these items to hand - waste not, want not.

The track (Peco large radius curved code 75 points which will have all the nasty bits trimmed off and SMP bullhead for the plain track) is just temporarily placed for effect. Between the 2 vertical uprights (which will support a lighting pelmet) will be a curved 1/16 inch thick by 1 foot high marine plywood backdrop - I'll be adding that next, with apertures for the two exiting tracks linking to the existing layout (with the exit to the right going to a cassette yard behind the backscene).

Eye Eye!

nevard_090728_cement-ext_IMG_5259_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

At Cement Quay's last outing back in January it became obvious that operationally the layout could be a little more interesting if another fiddle yard was added to the right hand side. Sidings and headshunts on the right were originally designed with this in mind. Almost 3 years on and I have started to put this into action. The nice folk at Wycrail (the layout's next out in November) have very kindly granted me the extra space, so, as not to disappoint I though I'd better start.

Rather than simply add another fiddle yard, I might as well run something scenic along the front (quarry and further wharfage), this will make the existing 5'6 now 9ft.

Bespoke Motive Power for the Quay

nevard_090722_cement-20168_DSC_5349_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

Pete Harvey's LaFarge modified Bachmann class 20 as featured in Hornby Magazine December 2007.

'm very happy to now have this locomotive in my ownership - cheers Pete, thanks for offreing it to me! Here she is propelling a short rake of cement PCAs along the wharf at Cement Quay.

New Life in the Old Dog

ChrisNevards4F_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

I've had this old tender drive Airfix 4F for quarter of a century, and for most of that time it has been in desparately need of a proper loco-drive chassis.

Being seriously crap when it comes to chassis construction (being far happier with track, buildings and scenics) so thought I'd treat myself to the skills of an expert in this field. As a birthday and christmas pressie to me, local loco building guru Phil Hall built and added a Comet chassie to the old dog. It really is the dog's danglies with full compensation, all wheel pick up etc - runs a dream. Phil has left me to do it up, paint and weather the loco - that's the bit I enjoy.

The odd missing bit under the boiler has be filled in by Phil. The splashers do look a little big here, building a new kit body would probably be easier than replacing them, so it ain't going to happen.

Pic courtesy Philip Hall

July '09 Hornby Magazine - shameless plug....

OK, I admit, this one really is a little self indulgent, July Hornby Magazine is Catcott Burtle's first proper editorial debut so I am going to give it a shameless plug along with the mag in general!

Below, excerpt from the Hornby Magazine website...

Editorial

This is Hornby Magazine’s 25th issue. Mike Wild looks back and forward to what’s in store for future issues.

Update
Latest shots of Bachmann’s ‘3MT’ 2-6-2T, Ixion recasts ‘Manor’, and Mike Wild reviews the Bristol exhibition of May 1-3.

Exhibition preview
A preview of Hartlepool Model Rail Group’s exhibition on July 11-12, sponsored by Hornby Magazine.

Catcott Burtle
Chris Nevard’s stunning ‘might have been’ take on part of the Somerset & Dorset shows just how much atmosphere can be squeezed into a small layout.

Parkers Guide
In the first of a new series tackling rolling stock kit building, Phil Parker builds two different mineral wagons and shows how he did it in step-by-step guides.

Scenes from Life
Coal merchants were common sights at many goods yards all over Britain. James Lavery builds a typical facility and shows how to create a realistic cobbled yard surface.

Digital Command Control
Hornby’s Select controller is a tempting proposition to add to an existing set-up. Ian Morton looks at how to make the most of multi-controller operation using Hornby’s DCC system.

The Melbridge Box Company
Phil Parker proves size doesn’t matter with his fascinating ‘OO’ scale layout – built in two A4 box files!

Taking stock
Cases for storing and transporting rolling stock can be expensive, but Chris Nevard shows that an A4 box file can also be converted into a cheap and effective carrier.

Favourite models
One of the longest-lived and most popular models ever is Triang’s ‘Jinty’ 0-6-0T. Evan Green-Hughes looks at the history and development of this iconic model.

Hornby Post
A bumper Hornby Post with views on everything from electrics to the Underground.

Garrochburn
Mike Bisset’s loft layout takes us to South-West Scotland and the rarely-modelled ex-GSWR lines, which saw an extraordinary variety of traction.

Smallbrook’s LSWR brake van
Looking for a different vehicle to bring up the rear of a goods train? Chris Nevard has the answer with this delightful 10-ton brake van kit from Smallbrook Studios.

Basic Electrics
Ian Morton looks at how working colour light signals can be installed painlessly on layouts ranging from the steam era to the present day.

Reviews
Major releases this month include Dapol’s stunning ‘N’ gauge Class 156 DMU and Mk 3 coaches, as well as the month’s other new models.

Reality Check
To mark the release of Dapol’s Class 156 DMU, Evan Green-Hughes examines the design, operation and detail of these popular workhorses.

Tan-y-Bwlch
The Festiniog Railway in Wales has an atmosphere all of its own and was Britain’s first preserved railway. Angus Watkins explains his fascination with the railway and how he built this ‘OO9’ scale layout.

The Clinic
Hornby Magazine’s modelling doctors answer queries from this month’s patients.

Staff Projects
Bay Street Mk II was ready, but how did its debut at the Bristol show go? Mike Wild reveals all.

Railway Realism
Locomotive sheds were vital features of the steam age but few were identical. Evan Green-Hughes investigates how they operated and what should be included on a model.

Show guide
With Summer looming, Hornby Magazine presents its definitive guide to what’s on over the coming months.

Just a Pipe Dream

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SPOOF!!! The result of too much time messing about in Photoshop and just an idle 'what if' bit of fun that would never survive in the real world . . . . .

We are lucky to be very well catered for with excellent model railway magazines in the UK, however this creative spurt of computer graphics has made me ponder my ideal magazine if I was to win the lottery ('cos there's no other way it would survive I guess).

My ficticious title 'Creative Model Railways' would concentrate very much on making things and pushing the boundaries to higher levels of realism than generally seen to date, whilst taking a more balanced approach to modelling the whole railway scene rather than concentrating on stock and track. The influence would be the likes of the delightful Voie Libre and Narrow Gauge & Industrial Review, two magazines that highlight only the very best and the innovative.

Reviews of general new products from the big manufacturers would not feature, after all they're already covered very well by the big four UK mags. I would however like to showcase the small suppliers and 'men in sheds' working in brass, white metal and resin not seen anywhere else in print.

Occasional 'How to' features would be aimed at showing modellers how to achieve advanced levels of realism from people highly qualified in their respective fields - with no snobbery! I've often felt that the higher up the ladder one goes, the more stuffy, cliquey, elderly and elitist things get - fun definately being very low in priority. Design would be friendly, full colour, bold, stylish and of course be printed on fabulous paper with top end repro! The stuffy old B&W only guard would hate it!

Then there would be the layouts, no filler tat at all, zilch! My focus given the choice, would be the smaller homegrown projects which are generally the creation of a single model maker (things designed by committee are never as good?). The magazine would not be era, gauge, scale or even country specific - but everything would need to inspire!!

It would not make a penny of course - but it wouldn't need to, it's just my pipe dream!

Back the Future!

nevard_090503_catcott-37422_IMG_4631c_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.

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.

Another dose of old tosh, in a vague attempt to justifiy a 2009 working on a 1950’s layout! I guess a FGW liveried Class 153 would look the part too? Imagine if the S&D had remained open as far as Glastonbury from Highbridge? Mid June would bring ‘Glasto’ charters of revellers from far and wide… we can dream on - that’s half the fun of this model train malarkey I guess!

Burrowbridge is a little known (imaginary actually) military establishment bought to the fore by fellow S&DJR modeller Tim Maddock’s Burrowbridge project a few miles south of Glastonbury. Take a look at Tim’s other work if you have time, it will be well worth it.

Trundling along the Nydon

The bull: 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 mounted on his brand new and very fangled Pentax Spotmatic!

Reality: This afternoon it dawned on me that RAILEX is only 3 weeks away and that there’s still a bit of extra work to do on Catcott.

The warning signs are new, well actually borrowed from Combwich - they’re etched brass. Also a couple of areas missing fencing was addressed using bespoke Tim Maddocks’ mesh from last year’s RM Web jolly in Somerset (I’m not ruling out 2010 for Catcott if the event is repeated). The horizontal rodding on the bridge was replaced with brass - the previous plastic ones kept being broken due to resting cameras! All much tougher now! This shot is straight out of the camera under the layout’s own lighting.

Click on the image above to enlarge!

Just like a model railway?

Left: Seen through distorted tinted windows from the 'Big Sleep Hotel' a 153 heads over Queen St South Junction heading for Cardiff Bay on Sunday 19 April 2009.

Click to enlarge.

It's not often one gets an inspiring view from a cheapo faceless 'eurohotel', but for once the view out of the window of this Cardiff hotel was quite impressive with views in both directions of Queen St South Junction. The only drawback for me were the tinted wondows that didn't open! The tinting also had a slightly rippled effect making photography difficult and then there was the refection of the curtains onto the glass. The harzard of a converted office block I guess! Now, imagine the same view just quarter of a century ago with class 37 hauled coal trains, or wind the clock back even further to the days of steam!

The first shot would make a cracking watch the trains go by kind of layout don't you think?


Right: 143607 heads a Cardiff Central bound service away from Cardiff Queen Street Saturday 18 April 2009.

Click to enlarge.