19.05.09
After measurements were made, I decided to take the lineside fence out and move it further back. This left room for some cable trunking (I always wanted to add some) and also a signal if I get one. The trunking is made from some plasticard I bought from a crafts seller (dolls houses etc) and I cut it into same size pieces for the tops and slighter longer bits for the underside to allow the line to be less straight and perfect (as they never are). I then added in some old bits of rods and wires and then glued the tops on, leaving one or two gaps where the trunking has been removed. The whole lot was then painted to dull it down. Next I replace the fence but with bigger gaps in so it wasn't to eyecatching.
I also received a new loco from a friend. A Bachmann Class 37 (411) in EWS livery. I used to have this loco but sold it last year to another friend and I regretted it so bought another. It arrived this morning and by this afternoon it was detailed with pipes and a plough and weathered on the roof and plough with a brush and black weathering powder. I am quite impressed with the result and I just have to save for DCC Sound for it now to go with the 66.
I also received a new loco from a friend. A Bachmann Class 37 (411) in EWS livery. I used to have this loco but sold it last year to another friend and I regretted it so bought another. It arrived this morning and by this afternoon it was detailed with pipes and a plough and weathered on the roof and plough with a brush and black weathering powder. I am quite impressed with the result and I just have to save for DCC Sound for it now to go with the 66.
21.05.09
I have been wanting to fit this since I had the loft layout - the Peco Inspection Pit. I started by drilling holes either side of a drawn out rectangle. I then knocked out the middle bit and filed away until the edges were straight enough to put the pit in. I have used the whole of the kit for one pit (one road of the depot) and am hoping to order another one. However, not happy with just fitting it, I decided to fit LEDs in it as I saw on a layout in a magazine recently.
It is a simple circuit of a loop with a resistor on, and the other LEDs connected to that loop. I am no electrician but it worked out ok. The 66 was the first loco to be inspected on the pit...
It is a simple circuit of a loop with a resistor on, and the other LEDs connected to that loop. I am no electrician but it worked out ok. The 66 was the first loco to be inspected on the pit...
12.06.09
I am still waiting for the second inspection pit to arrive but in the meantime, the guardrails for the car park arrived. I fitted these by drilling small holes and fitting the posts in. I should have perhaps put the posts in then attached the railing because by doing it the other way round, I struggled with the correct distance between the posts. I then painted it yellow and althought I did put the railing facing the wrong way, it was better than only seeing posts and the back of it.
I have also tried to make use of the Peco side mounted point motors. I used them as they were easy to fit and my baseboard is very thick for an underside motor. I have tried sticking some small rod with tipex on the end to make a ground frame and although not that convincing, does perhaps make use of the motor. I have also put an AWS box on the other one along with some bushes. The other 3 I will try some other techniques to hide them.
Yet another small project I tried was fitting engine room lights to my Hornby Class 60. I only had the one spare white LED. I soldered that and a resistor to the head and tail light outputs. At the moment it only comes on when its going forward but it's OK for now (as well as the light contacts not working when the body is fully down but I will sort it).
I have also tried to make use of the Peco side mounted point motors. I used them as they were easy to fit and my baseboard is very thick for an underside motor. I have tried sticking some small rod with tipex on the end to make a ground frame and although not that convincing, does perhaps make use of the motor. I have also put an AWS box on the other one along with some bushes. The other 3 I will try some other techniques to hide them.
Yet another small project I tried was fitting engine room lights to my Hornby Class 60. I only had the one spare white LED. I soldered that and a resistor to the head and tail light outputs. At the moment it only comes on when its going forward but it's OK for now (as well as the light contacts not working when the body is fully down but I will sort it).