Some questions to the audience...

Hi fellow bloggers and enthusiasts,

I would be interested in your opinions on a few subjects:

1.  Lighting; what do you use to light your layout and why?
2.  DCC - which system do you use and why did you choose that one?
3.  Track - did you hand build your track?  Which method did you use?  what did you use for underlay?  Did you use an assembly template?  Have you detailed the pointwork and what parts did you use?

Hope to learn from others experiences and stimulate a bit of discussion!

In fairness, here are my answers so far:
1.  Overhead warm daylight fluoros, though I'm toying with the idea of some spotlights for a warmer light.
2.  I have an NCE system; dipping my toe in the water so far and limiting the expense.  But it's the way I want to go.  Will upgrade this once I'm running and need more cabs and controllers (that's probably a way off - prices and technology will change in the mean time)
3.  Handbuilding and detailing all track.  Code 70 and 55, but not P87 (yet).  It's only a little test module to try out a few techniques before I take on a bigger layout.  Cork underlay.  Using printed templates for pointwork (courtesy Data Sheets #6 point).  Stephen Johnson detailing parts, but when I run out of those, I will be hunting for an alternative.  US and UK parts might be an option, but they are probably either the wrong size or the wrong shape.  Don't know of a good supplier of NSWGR track parts...might need to do this myself.

Cheers
James.

Track detailing

Hi all,

A short post today, but there is some progress to report.

I have been detailing my #6 code 55 turnout from the loop to the goods siding.  I'm using some Stephen Johnson chairs I've had stashed away.  They're very nice and I wish I could get more!  (I really miss the Stephen Johnson range and Steve himself, for that matter).   I was contemplating making some new masters for code 55 rail, and code 70 rail (and for some other bits and pieces which are not available from anyone) when I remembered proto87 stores (Andy Reichart in the US).  I have some I bought years ago (when I was making sole plates for Ian Millard) so I'll give those a go, and if they're any good I can buy more.  Andy also has some very nice bolt and rivet detailing parts.

Photos and another update soon.

On another note, I've purchased the ARHS Bulletins on CD collection.  It's like porn for railway enthusiasts.  Do yourself a favour...

Pendon Museum

Hi all,
Been a while since my last post due to holidays, Easter and then a business trip to Europe.

Last weekend, I did get time to visit Pendon Museum near Didcot/Oxford in England.  This has long been an ambition of mine because I really admire the ability of the Poms to model their landscape and buildings and Pendon seems to be the pinnacle.

The highlight is their layout called "The Vale Scene", a vast layout based on an area known as The Vale of White Horse in the 1930s, on the GWR main-line. 

As expected, I was impressed and inspired.  I stocked up on Wild Swan publications and left with a very warm feeling indeed.

I attach some photos, from which you might get the idea.

Happy modelling

James.