Brief Exposure

This is quick look at the Briers Grove termini.

I've got plenty of modelling a head of me, working in direction and stages has proved the best idea - I've got lots to look forward to and this section offers more modelling scope.

Back On Track

Well the first entry for 2009, so what's new?

Not a great deal, processed the photographs from the NRM visit, will post some on the Picasa site soon. Have got some nice photographs, could do with another go there soon, need a trip this time though.

As for the layout, had a little running session on Tuesday evening, general tidy up, sorted the space out so I've got more room to move about. Thursday was slow, getting into the ideas mode is slow, but got there in the end.

Painted some of the base boards with Burnt Umber and Terracotta for earth colouring, painted out an idea for the Railway Arms PH. Will need more time to see how it'll shape up.

Next job I need is some sections of track to extend the coaling sidings and, get myself some railway cottages, more then likely Hornby Skaledale. (a free plug there)

NRM Visit

My first visit to the NRM in York has left me wanting more of it. Missed the Tornado, that arrived around the 13th, but enjoyed seeing some great locos and what was on show of Flying Scotsman.

I think a weekend or at least a couple of days would be a better idea, now I know the format of the museum I can spend more time looking at the exhibits, would have preferred to see something running, so a summer visit is called for.

I would think a few days in York then over to the North York Moors to finish a steam filled trip.

"just a blog"

Well the Quo were good, but used the Wembley sound system which, was horrible...!

A good rockin' night had by all, support band Manfred Mann's Earth Band were really good, got us singing along and excellent selection of numbers...

"just a blog"

All being well I'm watching the Quo tonight at Wembley Arena...!

Been a Quo fan most most of my life, seen them every year since about '82, the only year missed was '98 when I moved up to Scotland.

So come on Quo, give it to us...!!!!!

Brushes

Brushes come in various sizes and forms. For most people they are of pointed tip variety, however many other shapes can often help out, depending on your needs.

For me I tend to use the pointed tip range, but I do have a few others, flat brushes can be very useful when painting large figure Gauge O and buildings. Within the range of brushes I have, they range from '5' through to 'ooooo'. Depending on make, the '00000' can vary in size, it is best to look for brushes at trade stands or from makers that you have personal knowledge of.

I once purchased a 'oo' size brush that was thinner than my 'ooooo' brush from a named paint brand.

I use four different types of brush, these are divided by my judgement of their quality.

1. High quality, these are either by brush tips or brush hair type. The finest quality brushes are reserved for detail work. I once painted a station master, complete with watch chain in 'N' gauge, 'OO' gauge and Gauge O are both excellent working scales for fine detail work.

2. Mid range brushes, normally reserved for older high quality brushes and brushes used for general painting. As with high quality, the bristles must offer a good shape.

3. Cheap brushes are ideal for large amounts of non essential paint work, such as scenery. These can vary in size, but normally cheap brushes are sold in boxes or packs, offering mainly the larger type brushes. These packs also come in handy when applying PVA glue to models or scenes.

4. These are the left overs from the above three types, idea for weathering models, applying additional paint detail in places that are non essential.

Try to use brushes until the very end of their life span. If you do use brushes with PVA, just put them into hot water and rinse the PVA off, your brush is then ready for use again.

Glues

Modelling uses different forms of glue, the most commonly used are:

PVA
Liquid Poly
Super Glues

Like paints, keep the lids on and once used recap them, never leave PVA near the track, clear-up spills immediately, forget the modelling, glue can cause disaster.

If you are lucky enough to be modelling in an environment that is wihtin your home, make sure the carpets are protected, ideally when building models, have a work bench type of area to use.

Hornby Stanier 4MT 2-6-4T Class 4P

Just purchased two of these for running within the 'preservation' day-to-day role for the layout. Have run one of them very quickly, stunning locos, really worth the purchase and will fit nicely into the concept of Briers Grove.

I purchased them from Kernow Model Rail Centre, thanks to Trevor for sorting them out for me.

(will publish some photographs after my holiday)

"just a blog"

With my holiday approaching I decided that Thursday evening 20/11/08 would be the last night in the railway room. This is to tidy the place up, leaving it clutter free and ready for my return.

I'm also looking at some new storage boxes, some of the modelling items really do need a proper home, not just on the work bench, so this might be a purchase prior to my holiday.

Currently looking at a couple of loco purchases, the Class 4 2-6-4Ts Standard Tank early emblem.

Elkin Station - Station Yard

This evening has seen a cleaning up evening, especially with my holiday looming.

Sunday turned into part running day, spent about two hours running locos and some freight. The track needed some minor cleaning, but all in all the locos ran first time so that is a bonus.

With the holiday just round the corner I wanted to finish the station yard off, to complete this I've put the fencing up on the platform of Elkin Station, photographs to be posted shortly.

This almost completes the furthest scenic area from Elkin Station to Tunnel Corner, what remains is to paint the small detailing kits and figures that make up the station yard feature.

This will now wait until I come home, perhaps Christmas will see me spending extra time finishing this section.

The next big section is the far end of Elkin Station, allotments and railway cottages, prior to entering the engine shed area of Briers Grove.