tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67337556982473039292024-03-14T06:54:36.205+11:00Laker's Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon WorkshopsA grand title for a small untidy desk in the spare room of a suburban home in Wollongong, NSW.
The plan is to showcase some of my work, share pics of current and past projects, tips and techniques with other like minded modellers trying to recreate the motive power and rolling stock of our past and ever diminishing NSW rail system.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-62647315758907699382015-02-24T14:22:00.000+11:002015-02-24T14:22:03.618+11:00Modelling The Railways of NSW Convention blog and new website.As part of the revamp of the Modelling the Railways of NSW Convention structure the convention now has its own website which will replace the blog as of now.<br />
It can be found at <a href="http://www.mrnsw.org.au/">www.mrnsw.org.au</a><br />
Details of where and when can be found at this stage and additional information, including brochures and registration forms, will also be available when the programme is finalised.<br />
There is also a contact facility to handle any enquiries.<br />
This years programme is almost finalised and details should be avail soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-31582042924922274422013-07-29T23:59:00.000+10:002013-07-29T23:59:27.799+10:00Sleeper Wagons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently was able to find a small slot in work bench schedule and do something rather different - build something for myself !</div>
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Purchased these at Thornleigh from Aaron Denning (InFront Models) and am glad I did as they are now out of stock till more Austrains chassis become available. </div>
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The cradle is a one piece casting which required very little flash removal at all, none at all in some instances, and drilling out of 0.4 mm holes to insert ladder rungs and hand rails cut from supplied wire stock. Drilling these rung holes proved a challenge, even with the dimples quite clear I found it difficult to drill them straight and as a consequence some of the rungs look a little 'how ya goin' ! Now whilst this could be put down to 'in service abuse' it still messed with my head not being able to work out how get the drill bit in there properly, I'm sure it can be done. An etched brass fret contains the stanchions to hold the sleepers in place and these are glued into 0.4 mm holes drilled into the ends of the bolsters. Take care that they are facing the correct direction and don't be too stingy with the glue or they will fall out with a little handling.</div>
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Removal of the weight from the chassis comes next. Take care handling these chassis' as the detail, whilst quite strongly built, has a propensity to un-attach itself and disappear into the black hole under the work bench ! The weight is consigned to the bits box for future use.</div>
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The kit comes supplied with two sleeper load castings which have nice definition and the sleepers appear to be just about in scale. Some flash needs removal and I gave mine a going over with a stainless steel toothbrush sized wire brush to add a bit more texture. I then sanded the base of each casting on a block to ensure it would sit flat in the cradle.</div>
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Washing time, this is where you will find out how well you glued the stanchions in ! Usual warm soapy water and dry well. I stuck mine under the bench lamp for a few hours to make sure. Etch prime everything then a coat of Tamiya German grey for the chassis and cradle and Tamiya flesh for the sleeper loads. I brush detailed the loads using Tamiya flat brown and hull red in small amounts. </div>
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Finish off, a day or two later, with a wash of Mr Kelly's patented isocol and black Raven oil. I measured out 1ml of isocol into a medicine cup and added 1 drop of Raven oil. You can always add more coats !</div>
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Decals supplied with this kit, for these less than perfect eyes, bordered on micro surgery. Why are white lettering decals printed on white paper ?? Aaron has provided many options for decaling but oh so close together on the sheet ! I used embroidery scissors combined with my normal glasses plus the magnifier of my bench light to cut out the required numbers, depot and the standard lettering for these wagons. There are two little oops' with the decals, the first is "Ways and Works" should be "Way and Works" and the other is the printing for "Werris Ck". Have a look under the magnifier and you will see what I mean !</div>
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Add plenty of rust and dust the wagon, I also lightly dust the sleeper loads as well, this may not show in the pic, and finish with your fav flat finish. The instructions advise gluing the loads in place and I doubt they would run empty due to the lack of weight but I am going to try a small dot or two of blue tack to hold them in so I can unload them in situ for future photo ops.</div>
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Very nice kit and satisfied my bent for unusual wagons. Three down and three to go. </div>
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In Yettobenamed perway siding on Werris Ck. Pic courtesy of Ray Pilgrim.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-51821766320062458682013-05-23T15:33:00.000+10:002013-05-23T15:36:56.852+10:00Modelling the Railways of NSW Convention 30All is pretty much finalised now for Convention 30.<br />
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Please have a look at <a href="http://www.mrnsw.blogspot.com/">www.mrnsw.blogspot.com</a> for all the latest information and registration forms.<br />
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Hope to see you there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-56107695521498366692013-02-11T17:09:00.000+11:002013-02-12T21:59:20.311+11:00Rumors of my demise..........have been greatly exaggerated !<br />
But if you were to judge this by my activity on this blog of late, 7 months to be precise, you could not be blamed for thinking otherwise !<br />
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Whilst activity here has been very quiet, I think I have set a new PB for inactivity, elsewhere it has been all go. In a big push to finally get the cave completed to a point where I could make a start on the layout I engaged the services of a gyprocker to line the cave and make it habitable for as much of the year as possible. In hindsight this was a very good move. I went through the quoting process and it was actually Boral themselves who gave me the best price with a job time of two to three days and then ready to paint.<br />
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Three days in and the sub contractors were inventing some new words to describe both the guy that quoted and my cave as well ! While walls and ceiling were well within the norm for being a "bit" out of square, it was the beams that had to be boxed in that caused the most grief for them. The 'quoter' had also only allowed for 'square set' edges (no cornice) but the subbies said this was not going to work and I would have problems with cracking later on due to the metal shed expanding and contracting in the temp changes. So Boral coughed up for the cornice, supplied and installed, for free ! Thank you very much indeed and Im more than happy with the job they did. Ivé since had several offers from people wanting to move in, not believing that this 'shed' is to become my playroom ! I suppose having carpet, an air conditioner and LCD hanging off the wall may have swayed them a bit to !!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storage level track plan created on AnyRail<br />
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I also made a start on the benchwork for the storage level and this is nearly completed. This also incorporates 4 traverser type yards and once I get to the wiring of these yards, which will incorporate around 36 micro switches, progress will slow. As I'm sure I have mentioned in other posts, despite being in the hobby for over 3 decades Ive only built one layout, which Mum made me dismantle because she couldnt get to the bed anymore, which was built from Hornby set track from the Hornby track plans book from 1980 or 81. Apart from this attempt I've never laid a length of track. Despite this I am most fortunate to be a part of a group which comprises a truly awsome model railway "brains trust" which I will draw on heavily over the coming years. Although not a club in the true sense, it is from this experience that I can see the real value in belonging to a club or group and having access and exposure to so many varied skills, knowledge and experience.<br />
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View from east end showing showing loop storage and through road. Two traverser decks can be seen on the right.</div>
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View from west end. Two more traverser decks on right.</div>
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As you can see I have gone with the tradional blue walls and white ceiling colour scheme. There is a total of 8 double and 3 quad power points spread around the room. It is lit by four double tri phospher fluro's. </div>
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Another example of "brave new world" syndrome was the purchase of a FastTracks jig from Gwydir Valley. With around 150 sets of points with the current track plan for Cambewarra this was a financial decision as well as just wanting to have a go !</div>
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Here are the fruits of my labor so far. Have done six sets so far and have it down to about 1 hour per set not including the timber sleepers.</div>
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Thats about where I'm at so far. Still have a few jobs on the bench which may rate a post later on. Preps for the convention are well and truly underway and, as always, we are on the lookout for presenters and demonstrators. Date is yet to be finalised but towards the end of June is looking like a possibility at this stage.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-90400585577582707652012-07-19T21:39:00.003+10:002012-07-19T21:39:50.508+10:00One for the Poms !Of late the DLE has put his foot down and demanded that all those "odd jobs" be completed - now. As the staff of LLC&WW failed to meet last financial years deadlines (the share holders were not happy!) all outstanding jobs were issued with a 90 day "notice of completion" deadline. Of course this most intimidating behavior by management was dealt with in the time honoured workshop tradition and the shop steward called a stop work meeting immediately, the local watering hole was declared the most appropriate place to convene said meeting. The notice was tabled (or was that under the table ? I think that part came later) many responses from the rank and file were duly noted in the minutes, none of which are printable, there may be children reading, and a "notice of intended industrial action" (read strike) was the motion which was voted, unanimously, to be conveyed to management ! <br />
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After some furious (and quite colourful to, so I have heard ) negotiations were entered into, a compromise was agreed to by all parties. The shop steward returned from the meeting, every one went quiet, he looked quite flustered, his dust coat unbuttoned and his tie was askew, his face was red (possibly leftover from the earlier stopwork meeting !?) he called everyone to order, you could of heard a pin drop, "It's the Scotsman"<br />
he bellowed "and we've got one week to get it out of here!". Damn thing had ruptured a defraginator flange whilst on a tour down under and we were the closest workshop. We had the parts but had placed a black ban on repairing it because it was painted a non union endorsed colour !<br />
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Don't you miss the old days ?? When everyone new exactly who really ran the railways ?<br />
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Whilst the above rant may seem to be the result of the misunderstanding of the term "standard drink" it's actually the compilation of a whole bunch of stories that my Dad shared over years from his 28 years at Eveleigh workshops on the loco side. Not much inducement was required to "walk out" in the 60's and 70's. My PB in this regard was being a part of the great "there goes the brakevan" strike of '82, I think that's the right year, I really didn't care that much, as an 18 year old fireman at Thirroul, still living at home with no commitments, it was just another couple of weeks to be spent at the beach.<br />
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Whilst I'm not quite sure what triggered the above the true story here is that, probably close to a year ago, my mate Branchline Bob ( <a href="http://coolah-bobsilver35.blogspot.com.au/">The Coolah Branch</a> ) made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Although it pained me greatly this is not the first time I have done jobs originating from that "other" country where their love of anything that runs on rails can, but not always, go to lengths that I personally find a little disturbing. I did, however, ensure there was some Australian content and it wears the plates and head board (according to Fox transfers in the UK) that it wore whilst on tour down under may years ago. Jokes aside, the guys at Fox were excellent to deal with and I had the required etchings within a few days of the order. The level of detail and the quality of the etchings is amongst the best I have seen. The flowers on the "ornate" head board are hand painted and stand up to any scrutiny under the magnifier.<br />
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Here's the end result. I'm only responsible for the finishing. Bob built and applied the green and black to this OO scale A3 (?) DJH kit.I apologise for the 'hue' of the pic, it's the lighting in the room where I work. You will notice this on most of my bench shots.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-3647130257060799632012-07-10T18:18:00.001+10:002012-07-10T18:18:43.251+10:00On the level......Those of you that follow Rod Kelly's <a href="http://southernline.blogspot.com.au/">blog</a> ,<u> NSWGR Southern Line in a Shed</u>, will know that he has resurrected his <strong>Laser Rail Bits</strong> line of detail/structure kits. After an absence of 7 years from the market, their return marks, in my opinion, a swing, or trend if you like, in the hobby in general. <br />
<br />It's no secret that, in the rolling stock area, modellers of NSW outline (and other states) have never had it so good as far as choice, detail and quality go. Some 'labels' have even drawn criticism for including too much detail on their models, citing their fragility as making them impractical for use on 'working' layouts and an alternative identical model with less detail should be offered, of lesser cost of course. The reality here is that the number of detail items inculded on a model makes very little, if any at all, difference to the shelf price of a a singular model. <br />
<br />While some may lament this as the 'the end of the kit as we know it' era, something that would initiate active debate between those of either opinion, I see it as the start, or restart, of the emphasis on detail(s) of the layout, both home and club, as well as exhibition.<br />
<br />Over the couple of decades that I have been attending exhibitions the emphasis has, generally, been on the models rolling through the varied landscapes. There are of course exceptions to this and some individuals and groups raised the bar to to new levels in both aspects. While the standard in rolling stock remains high in the majority of cases, it is the quality of scenery and the detail which has been making steady upward progress over the last few years. It was with this in mind that myself, when I recently became aware of it when I discovered his blog, and others, have encouraged Rod to start (again) manufacturing his range of laser cut/etched timber detailing parts.<br />
<br />Rod sent me a selection of level crossing kits which covers what amounts to single lane and dual lane crossings in either brand new or reclaimed sleepers. The outline appears indentical, apart from the size of course, but the etching detail is what creates the difference between new and reclaimed. The etching detail is what is the standout for me. In the reclaimed version the outline of sleeper plate wear and spike hole is quite evident and even after I applied 'distressing' with a #11 blade and stained the crossing using a Tamiya wash of grey and then black, was still quite visible. One thing which initially caused me some 'distress' was after applying the weathering wash the entire crossing curled up, almost resembling a dried out hotdog bun ! Well that's interesting, I thought, however applying a small amount of Tamiya thinners to the opposite side soon encouraged the crossing to flaten out again and it stayed that way, thankfully! It may well have flattend out by itself, in time, working with timber this thin is something new to me.<br />
<br />The pic show the crossing installed, very quickly, at Kankool Perway depot on Werris Ck. The other crossing was done using timber 'sleepers' from a different manufacturer. As you can see they are a tad overscale and don't produce the same result as the Laser Bits crossing. Installation was simply a few drops of PVA on the back of each component and place, followed by 'backfilling' with fine ballast and dirt. The distressing and weathering (staining) took about 15 minutes. Do this a little at a time as 'unstaining' basswood is an art that I'm yet to master !<br />
<br />With any of the Laser Rail Kits accuracy is paramount. Rod researches everything he does, in person where humanly possible. Most of all he is after feedback, good, bad or otherwise, and ideas from modellers for future projects. He has some great stuff in the pipeline and all it will take is some support from the modelling community (and enough hours in the day and a reliable source of suitable timber) for these projects to become a reality.<br />
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<br />Have a look at Rods <a href="http://southernline.blogspot.com.au/">blog</a> for more pics and info on planned kits and check out his <a href="http://stores.ebay.com.au/Laser-Rail-Bits?_rdc=1">Ebay store</a> for whats available now. <br />
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The installed crossing compared to its predecessor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB0wZB6PT9rAxWzsEUhAbc8R-bknHybf7ZWMwX_KjPcsjnIJfnjbY9xykSJ3jVaqjDnnKPL0YNmUJWthZ-poo4kJN2Owiyh2O0f6viFgi0XXAqSUFt6So03mVvSH23wxeS9_1lWlqgF8H/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB0wZB6PT9rAxWzsEUhAbc8R-bknHybf7ZWMwX_KjPcsjnIJfnjbY9xykSJ3jVaqjDnnKPL0YNmUJWthZ-poo4kJN2Owiyh2O0f6viFgi0XXAqSUFt6So03mVvSH23wxeS9_1lWlqgF8H/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />Here's one of the "main street" of Breeza on the Creek - because I could !Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-72022488116161466712012-06-11T13:46:00.002+10:002012-06-11T13:46:52.701+10:00Convention 29 - 2012 FormsInformation and registration forms have been posted on the <a href="http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/">Convention blog</a> . These can be printed as per the instructions for submission. <br />
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Everyone on the mailing list should receive forms in the next day or so as they were posted on Saturday.<br />
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With one of our largest presenter lists as well as commercial traders and demonstrations we are really looking forward to an increase in numbers from last year.<br />
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Once again the cost has remained the same at $55, including notes, with discounts for eligible students.<br />
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Look forward to seeing you there.<br />
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Gary<br />
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(Now maybe I can get some modelling done!!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-74252834817689033772012-05-16T21:00:00.001+10:002012-05-16T21:03:13.458+10:00Convention 29 - 2012 updateModelling the Railways of NSW Convention 29 - 2012 has been updated with a full list of presenters and demonstrators. The program is larger and more varied than it has been for while so take a look and work out what presentations you will be signing up for !<br />
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In the not too distant future all the relevant information and registration forms will be posted on the MRNSW blog for downloading and printing along with any other relevant information.<br />
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See you there.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/">http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-65270529002405430142012-04-18T18:16:00.002+10:002012-04-18T18:25:18.003+10:00Mini Milestone !Well it was to me anyway !<br /><br />Last weekend No 1 son moved the last of his car crap out of the cave. One very full 7x4 box trailer and half a Jackaroo later the only contents are now my own.<br /><br />Over the next week I hope to evict anything else that I am able to determine will have no future part of Cambewarra and make a date with some local gyprockers and get things moving ahead again.<br /><br />Due to training courses and covering sickies at work lately I havn't gone near the work bench for so long I'm not even sure where it is ! Even had to bail out of a "Friday night fix" last week at the last minute due to work, that hurt !<br /><br />Will keep you posted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-17730986756404338652012-03-23T09:35:00.006+11:002012-03-23T09:49:23.046+11:00Convention 29 - 2012 update<div>There has been an update to the Convention blog at <a href="http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/">http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-54643827845589695622012-02-12T16:38:00.001+11:002012-02-12T16:42:57.672+11:00Modelling the Railways of NSW Convention 29 -2012Detailsof the convention can be found at <a href="http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/">http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/</a><br /><br />Have a look and pass it on !Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-84103916184287773842012-02-08T17:47:00.004+11:002012-02-08T22:47:53.734+11:00Welcome 2012....shall we try that again !Yeah I know, New Years was last month, but everything else has been running on a late table lately....<br /><br />Even though the dust from 2011 has not quite settled yet I have forced myself back to the workbench in an effort to do something that does not involve solicitors, probate and certified copies of just about any document you care to name. It's not over yet, but the end is in sight at last.<br /><br />So what's been happening? The Cave has ground to a resounding halt, this is particularly depressing as the one thing I didn't want to happen has, I have been forced by circumstance to partially fill it with "stuff". The wiring has been roughed in, this insulation is now finished but unfortunately there is not enough space for the gyprockers' to do there thing. I hope to rectify this over the coming months. Stay tuned.<br /><br />I am trying to finish off a number of partly completed projects at the moment, all of which are for other people, I appreciate their patience. This is a strange collection of projects which includes a DJH OO scale LNER A3 Pacific, usually referred to (incorrectly I'm told) as a 'Scottsman'. Although built with a coat of green I am applying decals and other decorations. Also finishing off a partly rebuilt Lima 42 class, this will include detail items and paint work. Why you ask ?, because this model has particular sentimental value to the owner that a new 42 cannot replace.<br /><br />The other project is an Antons Trains double boiler house which will eventually reside at Kankool on Werris Ck. This model forms part of the "Adopt a Station" programme amongst the Friday night Ramblers. I have built a few small structures over the years but this is by far the most ambitious.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvXrUyAzIdjODlYrebIHQlYgE4t0GKCPf3MleOL7X2fKa57nSCaQt1vDnaBMsuX0AZrifvXZn43ukXk9BgQ08t_GhyphenhyphenKYoc3ZYdikbAKoXCetn4qph9UMQuCE-1FYt0Ia2cwySMWMNEB_C/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvXrUyAzIdjODlYrebIHQlYgE4t0GKCPf3MleOL7X2fKa57nSCaQt1vDnaBMsuX0AZrifvXZn43ukXk9BgQ08t_GhyphenhyphenKYoc3ZYdikbAKoXCetn4qph9UMQuCE-1FYt0Ia2cwySMWMNEB_C/s200/IMG_2470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706720767427232594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another fairly significant point I believe that I have reached is deciding on what 'format' my layout will take and maybe even a name for it. I have agonised for so long and changed my mind so may times that getting to a point where I have stopped changing my mind is even significant !<br />In short, it will be a single line, double deck layout with two opposing peninsulas.<br />The two levels will be connected by single long gradient which, at the halfway point, will have a crossing facility based on Dombarton, found on the Unanderra - Moss Vale line on the NSW Sth Coast. This is significant to me because I ran over this line for may years and even sat my Class 1 Enginemans exam whilst waiting to cross a train there. It will also provide a basis for bank engine working as well. <br />I use the term 'based on' because the location of the layout will be fictitious whilst trying to capture different aspects of various areas I worked trains over.<br />A major station on the layout will include features found at Thirroul over the years, but not exactly. A station, loco depot, yard and colliery in close proximity with a signal box at each end. <br />The lower level will have a coastal feel while the upper level will be more arid or western. The only feature I have decided on up there is that a terminus station based on Gwabegar will feature.<br />As for a name, Cambewarra Range.... at this stage. What if the link to the south west was a right turn at Bomaderry instead of Unanderra?? This area has some great locality names and a mine or two, it's also a favorite holiday destination of ours as well. I like the idea of having a connection to the area of choice when modelling.<br /><br />Looking forward to some progress this year and whatever challenges it throws up. Glad to see the back of 2011 and hoping to be able to put most of it behind me. Thanks again to those of you who supported me through it. I look forward to following your progress as well this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-76618398486310736722011-11-01T20:06:00.007+11:002011-11-04T18:51:43.716+11:00Life can be like that.....Not the title for my first post I had been expecting after a holiday, nor the content.<br /><br />After three wonderful weeks away with my wife, visiting some fantastic places, quite a few significant railway locations, collecting a bunch of images and walking the entire perway of Gwabegar with my mate Bob (Coolah Branch blog), I thought that these things, and a few others, would be shared. Instead I will share that last Friday, just 5 months and one day after fare-welling my Dad, my family and I said our farewells to my Mum.<br /><br />In the same chapel, at the same time, in another beautiful service, led by the same minister to almost the same people, we went through the same painful experience again.<br /><br />In stark contrast to Dads 8 year battle, Mum suffered a stroke in the early hours of the morning and passed away at 9pm the same night, never regaining consciousness. Francine and I were by her side till the end.<br /><br />And as a precursor to a wonderful week, last Monday, whilst driving to the funeral directors to make arrangements, we were involved in a 'hit 'n run' accident. A car traveling in the opposite direction, hit a truck, then us and just kept going. Whilst I am thankful no one was hurt I was left speechless and suffering from an acute dose of what-else-can-go-wrong-ittis ! He, or she, never missed a panel down the drivers side of our six month old car, our first new one in 17 years.<br /><br />I received an email from a friend a few days after Mum passed away and he said "I guess they just wanted to be together on their journey", now this friend never knew Mum, or Dad, so I replied with a grin "if they are indeed continuing their journey, it's a safe bet that they will be arguing about which way to go".<br /><br />There is one farewell I am definitely looking forward to....2011.<br /><br />I will miss you Mum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAyBoyzow5rEt5Pt4TTD1iqelgKbxC3zFBp__6vM-BlLAUCX9ujzbEKuVO_bkIchfwyrwEC-w26YuoFj3c7hpczTg9pfWFabTMSXXFIvcomhCfqFDUB5eeiUnjhQv8vZ1_R2U-WFcIWIy/s1600/2010.12.25-Christmas+Day+105.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAyBoyzow5rEt5Pt4TTD1iqelgKbxC3zFBp__6vM-BlLAUCX9ujzbEKuVO_bkIchfwyrwEC-w26YuoFj3c7hpczTg9pfWFabTMSXXFIvcomhCfqFDUB5eeiUnjhQv8vZ1_R2U-WFcIWIy/s200/2010.12.25-Christmas+Day+105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670166065701045378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mum with my son Andrew. Christmas 2010<br /><br /><br />Patricia Mary Laker 28/3/1924 - 22/10/2011<br /><br />Pat and Roy, together 62 years, apart just 4 months and 28 days.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-80079186977350096872011-08-31T22:40:00.004+10:002011-08-31T23:31:51.654+10:00Heading North<div>Whilst the work bench and progress on the cave have been somewhere in between 'quiet' and 'non existent' lately I have made plans to be at the next "Our Town Model Show" at Newcastle.</div><div>The last time I was at this show it was manning the Gunning exhibition layout nearly 10 years ago ! I think it was at the basket ball stadium ?</div><div>Whilst I have managed to maintain some sanity lately, with regular visits to Bylong and Werris Ck and now that the convention is over for another year, Newcastle will be the clincher beacause it also marks the start of what seems like a long overdue holiday. Just on three weeks of touring the countryside with my wife beside me and camper behind me.</div><div>Visits will include the 'real' Werris Ck and railway museum and as many other of our fast disappearing rail infrastructure sites as I can find along the way and ending up at Lightning Ridge. This was one of my Dad's favorite places and we will be scattering some of his ashes over the opal fields. </div><div>With still and video cameras along for the ride I hope to have a fair collection of images when I return.</div><div>So if you plan on attending Newcastle do stop by the Eureka stand and say G'day ! </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-60849470164711582752011-06-13T15:32:00.002+10:002011-06-13T17:08:24.337+10:00Thornleigh and our shrinking planetThis probably should have been two separate posts as they are completely unrelated.<br /><br />Spent Saturday and Sunday at Thornleigh (Epping) exhibition, did some buying, some selling and some browsing. Saturday was a fairly short visit as travel plans were thwarted by the total absence of trains on the north, you would think I would have checked first...der! but Sunday was a little more relaxed leaving more time for chatting and buying!<br /><br />Lending a hand on the Eureka stand, that was the selling part, it was interesting to note the similarities between exhibitions and the differences between the days.<br /><br />Saturday - Arrive about 11, no parking left, long queue at the front door waiting for the starters gun, credit cards warping from the heat generated from being swiped so many times per hour (a certain retailer is reported to having two cc machines going at once while another's failed in the first hour !) and my personal favorite, watching the expression on wives/partners faces when they hear the total of the other halves purchases...priceless, the almost tidal stampede to the 'pre-loved' area, next year the club may have to consider providing shopping trollies, it's wonderful to watch and so much a part of the hobby.<br /><br />Saturday is modellers day. So many familiar faces, the core of the NSW modelling fraternity and the reason that most of the exhibitions exist, IMHO of course !<br /><br />Sunday - Arrived about 5 past 10, park six steps from the front door, no queue? (but BBQ smells good), must be inside already. Move inside, six or eight people waiting to buy tickets and half of them are pushing strollers or hanging onto little'uns, this must be family day ?! Move inside, look around, was there a bomb threat or something ?? It is a bit cold (this years understatement !) Traders looking way too relaxed...or is that a bit anxious?!, cc machines starting to accumulate dust, it's a tragic sight!<br /><br />This is the day when, hopefully, exhibitors and traders alike will introduce someone new to the hobby, the day that first spark ignites and a life long passion, no matter how long or short, begins.<br /><br />No matter the location of the exhibition I have seen this pattern on many occasions. The only variable is the numbers through the door. Whether Liverpool or Healsville (lovely place) the pattern remains the same.<br /><br />I came away somewhat poorer, with a layout now on the horizon I have a great reason (excuse) to start acquiring layout type stuff, like structure kits ! I have a feeling Anton and John may start sending me Christmas cards.<br /><br />As for Monday........that's a special day reserved for those "gee I wish I had of bought......" or " what do you mean I was allowed to buy......." situations.<br /><br />I always enjoy the smaller exhibitions in the 'burbs. They're a nice balance between the sometimes mayhem of the big exhibitions and the occasional "is anyone coming" feeling of some country town exhibitions. This is of course from a retailers and exhibitors perspective, nothing I like better that spending time in a country town but when an entire day can pass and you answer 3 questions it can have you wondering if the long drive was worth it, but it's rare.<br /><br />Now the shrinking planet part. A feature that I recently discovered on 'Blog spot' is the 'stats' section that the blog owner can access. It's really quite amazing the info that can be gleaned from this section. I have 52 public followers and approaching 5000 hits. The bulk are from Oz, no surprise there, but it's the other places that I find fascinating. US/Canada comes in second but third was a surprise - France !?, followed by England, Germany and several other European countries. What I also found was quite a large number of hits from Russia, Ukraine and Thailand.<br /><br />Fairly quickly the penny dropped, as they say, I realised these folk probably aren't interested in my prowess as a modeller but are probably what is referred to as 'fishers' or 'phishers'. Prowling the internet for information to use in scams and the like. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it, it's a sad aspect of the world we live in that someone on the other side of it can sit at a computer with no other intent other than to work out a way to relieve me of some hard earned funds. Be careful of how much personal info is on your blog for, quite literally, the whole world to see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-14633867040362113542011-06-06T23:45:00.002+10:002011-06-06T23:53:57.470+10:00Forms for Convention 28 - 2011I have just posted all the forms and information for Convention 28 on the <a href="http://mrnsw.blogspot.com/">blog site</a> .<br /><br />My apologies for it being a little late but a certain 'Telco' let me down and internet access has only just been restored with home phone intermittent at best !<br /><br />By the number of hits the blog had today I would say a fair few people have been looking for the forms as there availability was being released on other model railway related sites.<br /><br />My apologies once again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-126961874985667552011-05-27T19:20:00.005+10:002011-05-27T20:09:00.106+10:00Goodbye Dad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoTSWYMf_UlzmhN5ws2TSJyaQfkk8AjWqz_B2Jis0PJAF0S98xjwnVgKqtPnMnx97suym2Cf4zd09YWfgC0_hqpU_-953rn6PmtNjfHyaEH7dV1RNWI432YnU3hUgGCdwHem-L9Xs2A5F/s1600/poppy.tiff"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoTSWYMf_UlzmhN5ws2TSJyaQfkk8AjWqz_B2Jis0PJAF0S98xjwnVgKqtPnMnx97suym2Cf4zd09YWfgC0_hqpU_-953rn6PmtNjfHyaEH7dV1RNWI432YnU3hUgGCdwHem-L9Xs2A5F/s400/poppy.tiff" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611335253376554562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the early hours of last Tuesday morning my Dad's 8 year battle with cancer came to a peaceful end.<br /><br />Today my family and I, along with a few friends, said our last goodbyes.<br /><br />In a beautiful service, which was led by our pastor, we celebrated the life of a quiet achiever who had packed a lot of living into one lifetime.<br /><br />I was able to get through a eulogy, although it was a struggle towards the end. It highlighted a truly Australian story of someone growing up during the depression years. In one of the proudest moments of my life, my two children spoke of the fond memories they had and the influence that their Pop had had on their lives. A musical and vocal tribute of "What a Wonderful World" was delivered by a family friend over a slide show of images from the 1940's to Christmas last year. There were not too may dry eyes in the chapel.<br /><br />Another railway man has clocked off for the last time. I will miss you Dad.<br /><br />Roy Laker 24/7/1924 - 24/5/2011 (86)<br />(Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops 1961 - 1989)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-12123895677946470972011-04-21T15:35:00.006+10:002011-04-21T17:34:28.556+10:00IDR Railway Castings - MLV kitI was given 4 of these to build for a work colleague so I thought I would jot down a few words and pics for those contemplating building these kits.<br /><br />The MLV is a 36' louvre van of 24 ton capacity and a 'fish belly' type underframe, which was built by Tullochs during 1957-58 (so it fits my era perfectly) and were all gone by the early 80's. Originally fitted with a dual skin corrugated steel roof, for insulation from the heat of the sun, the model is as it appeared later in life with a smooth roof and comes with either 2CF or 2AP bogies.<br /><br />The main castings, all 2 of them, make assembly of this kit straight forward. Roof, sides and ends are a single casting and the other is the underframe, with some underfloor detail cast in. These castings are straight and flat, always a good thing, and required minimal 'flash' removal. Close inspection of the actual louvres reveals a few inconsistencies but in this case, I regard this as a good thing. They are not perfect, just like the real thing after a few years in service. Some of the metal body fittings, straps and other brackets, do lack the 'crispness' that depicts them as a separate component but are still pretty good.<br /><br />The casting material is polyurethane and this includes a separate brake lever casting. I would have preferred to see this casting done in brass with the brake cylinder, which is readily available from other detail parts manufacturers, as most of the detail is lost in the poly. One of the kits contained a brake lever casting which appeared to be cast from a different material to the others and the detail was much better than the grey poly version. Other detail components include brake hoses (lost wax casting), hand brake spiders (etch brass) and a few lengths of 0.4 mm brass wire. One of the four kits I had also included preformed shunters steps in flat strap 'brass', the other three kits did not. I contacted IDR and he advised that he had run out, hence the extra wire to 'dyo' steps. These were an A-Line product sourced from Walthers and may be included in future kits, they made a nice touch and were certainly easier and better looking than the alternative. The Model Etch equivalent is also an alternative to brass wire. KD whisker couplings, AR bogies with blackened wheel sets and a quantity of screws for fitting both are supplied, along with a pre numbered decal sheet. I'm not sure how many number variations are available, but all 4 of mine were different numbers. The decals also include 'A' and 'B' door decals, as well as a decal to represent the cast departmental number plate as well, the decals are very nicely done, crisp in detail and easy to apply.<br /><br />If your kit does not come with the pre formed steps, you had better like bending wire ! There a 8 hand rails, 6 shunter steps, 4 lamp brackets , 4 brake rigging hoops and 2 brake pull rods to bend up and fit. Also a hand brake axle, hand brake release axle and aux reservoir drain handle to fabricate and fit. There is a grade control handle cast into each side as well, but fitting an actuating rod to this would have obliterated the detail of the casting. The brake cylinder, dummy brake cylinder and aux reservoir are cast into the floor, as well as the the brake pipe itself.<br /><br />Assembly involves gluing the floor and body together and adding the detail, did I mention bending some wire !?? I used a slow setting 'super glue' (Delta brand from HobbyCo) and had no problems with the fit in any of the kits.<br /><br />Painting is the standard affair, wash, prime, paint (your favorite shade of black), decal and make dirty ! Bogies and couplers are fitted with the screws supplied. The first one I completed went straight to the owner so it could be used on the Maitland Clubs layout for Steamfest 11, so I didn't get time to photograph it, but I will include some pics as the others are completed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCm9daP7OAxPv1Q69jM_lG4U5RThf05w-XHmBiYpAlsH8ZpD5-A9UiVs_ycOVMARGIE2iYIoY67TsqPrld5wZkjqHypap2JNBYPL97WsPMTRS07xK-csLWvZPMcC1RM-4LKdZ9LOFEFN-n/s1600/MLV+2011+001.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCm9daP7OAxPv1Q69jM_lG4U5RThf05w-XHmBiYpAlsH8ZpD5-A9UiVs_ycOVMARGIE2iYIoY67TsqPrld5wZkjqHypap2JNBYPL97WsPMTRS07xK-csLWvZPMcC1RM-4LKdZ9LOFEFN-n/s400/MLV+2011+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597929488323578642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Underframe with detail added. This shows the 'one off' brake lever casting in black which was much better than the other three.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVHlPK2wrDR0Z-J8ykhtQH8B1NmUNJZR8Q69_vubnEHDgzD9exqVdNmcP1K7W1s3EJpLgeH1Y9BlohrB9D-0jmHjRXm3OjSTrukaBrJeppAtHRocbKNhTZ2IdTUkhoij0uZxfz62QWNH6/s1600/MLV+2011+002.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVHlPK2wrDR0Z-J8ykhtQH8B1NmUNJZR8Q69_vubnEHDgzD9exqVdNmcP1K7W1s3EJpLgeH1Y9BlohrB9D-0jmHjRXm3OjSTrukaBrJeppAtHRocbKNhTZ2IdTUkhoij0uZxfz62QWNH6/s400/MLV+2011+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597930693512184002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Side view showing shunters steps (the preformed ones from A-Line), handrails etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVDPbTDIal6geUdLhymoCJnGjYinO8ZimWsosbcHaT33ubAtAjzZnxvw7kVe48Sy9Jj4uljgUJW2Ti_wljYcfzB_OENr6JIqFM-l1-pSgOQRLd9UPDxMidTPDt8X99EncdvSVwgRRK0m5/s1600/MLV+2011+005.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVDPbTDIal6geUdLhymoCJnGjYinO8ZimWsosbcHaT33ubAtAjzZnxvw7kVe48Sy9Jj4uljgUJW2Ti_wljYcfzB_OENr6JIqFM-l1-pSgOQRLd9UPDxMidTPDt8X99EncdvSVwgRRK0m5/s400/MLV+2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597931888840684450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />End view showing shunters steps, handrails and lamp irons.<br /><br /><br />Would I buy some for my collection ? Yep. Not the cheapest kit at $50 each, but nothing else to buy apart from the paint and glue. A lot of work has gone into the masters and molds and it is a very good representation of an MLV. Available from Micro Models Hobbyland at Hornsby.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-62463351431645412662011-04-19T23:20:00.001+10:002011-04-19T23:22:26.876+10:00Convention updateFurther info has been posted on the Modelling the Railways of NSW blog. There is a link from my reading list.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-27031878265956925492011-04-05T21:35:00.002+10:002011-04-05T21:48:59.212+10:00Modelling the Railways of NSW Convention 28 - 2011Just to let everyone know, who is interested, the the next convention will be held on Saturday 23rd July 2011 at Loftus TAFE.<br /><br />As one of the organisers, I look after the conventions blog, which is now on my 'reading list' for a quick link.<br /><br />Have a look, sign on as a follower ( so I know someone is actually looking at it !), all registration forms (down loadable) and info will be posted as it becomes available.<br /><br />Please pass this on to anyone you may feel may be interested in attending.<br /><br />Note that we are always looking for people to present or demonstrate on a relevant NSW subject or modelling skill.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />GaryUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-80114406799190152672011-01-25T23:13:00.003+11:002011-01-26T00:06:35.080+11:00Progress...?Sometimes a hard thing to measure in this hobby of ours.<br /><br />Whilst this is my first post in over 4 months some things have still been happening. The LLC & W workshops have been rather quiet with only a few minor jobs, that didn't even rate a post, passing over the bench. Be assured though that I continue to read the blogs of fellow modellers with much interest and just a little envy of your progress and achievements. They have been and continue to be an inspiration.<br /><br />Whilst I am blessed with a '4 on, 4 off' job, a big chunk of my '4 off' is taken up caring for my aged parents. Things haven't, and won't, improve on that front and I am not looking forward to the months ahead.<br /><br />The Cave has not progressed past the construction stage (see last post) but I have finally pinned my electrician (also a keen modeller) down t0 a date in early Feb to come and start the wiring. Once that is roughed in I can install the insulation and think about sheeting with gyprock (drywall to my U.S. friends!). There will be an air conditioner in there somewhere as well to cater for our ever, seemingly, psychotic climate. Whether I can afford to turn it on remains to be seen! What a great idea privatising our power was !<br /><br />I have also been working on some track plan 'concepts' with the help of friends and fellow bloggers which has been an incredible help as I have never pinned down a length of track in my life and it has allowed me to start visualising what the end product may resemble. Whilst I have accumulated a fairly healthy inventory of prototype knowledge, translating that into something that can be modelled is a completely different matter and set of skills.<br /><br />I have also purchased a NSW outline #7 point jig from Fast Tracks, courtesy of Gwyder Valley, and some supplies for point building. I have also decided on code 70 ME track and have ordered a rather ridiculous amount direct from Walthers while the AUD is at it's prime (and the track is on special!) and placed other items on a 'wish list' for future damage.<br /><br />So while my new Runway 13 air brush has not had a drop of paint through it since purchased at Liverpool last year I'm going to venture out on a limb and say "Yep, I've been doin' a bit" and I'll even call it progress !Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-15020003442854437642010-08-24T17:57:00.002+10:002010-08-24T18:36:24.413+10:00Locked Up !No, not me, the Cave !<br /><br />Making the most of my last block of days off and the fact that most of these jobs could be done by one person, I got stuck into it and here is the result.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9R0foB6sfM8PvPrY3eR7cgUgO9uVXjqOdNRGjnn6n5iQPgKUOdzNGHurWK0dXJ22HernoP9ZtL3Ip8hqafboQvLWR2JjGWVCMSj3ToWjulAe_06-k3FRcM5-DkA_EZ6JF2jB-LJoilPi/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9R0foB6sfM8PvPrY3eR7cgUgO9uVXjqOdNRGjnn6n5iQPgKUOdzNGHurWK0dXJ22HernoP9ZtL3Ip8hqafboQvLWR2JjGWVCMSj3ToWjulAe_06-k3FRcM5-DkA_EZ6JF2jB-LJoilPi/s400/IMG_1577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508884102981135714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cutting in the doorway required removing a couple of sheets either side of the opening so the wall girts could be 'coaxed' into their final position. No top door jamb brackets were supplied so it was off to local hardware, again.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyBxHiuTDFF3G0pUsbZV6wkJ0i_v2F7UW5XfEx1oDKDAq3ygxflP2TeATmp6Ac_4HkezLIH398peugXVV8XrYEpytlr2JT-KfzZh3gc9XuwcLvaqyktrQR9rs16CQPLXfJUA6UYzV3SOV/s1600/IMG_1580.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyBxHiuTDFF3G0pUsbZV6wkJ0i_v2F7UW5XfEx1oDKDAq3ygxflP2TeATmp6Ac_4HkezLIH398peugXVV8XrYEpytlr2JT-KfzZh3gc9XuwcLvaqyktrQR9rs16CQPLXfJUA6UYzV3SOV/s400/IMG_1580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508884109953767442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pre hung doors, gotta' luv'em!, dropped straight in first go. A hand full of tek screws later and it's in.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_rfGK1hADjjAWwufEBVzi3-dGxEe9vknG6M0lK_QKh0Tzm1ZukifC2LNCBZdsvRb_cNxieh-zkeHboh6zvuz1HeeV7fSp7s7NQWEAtbBiJNBn2PLRhBoPj80cSl1zW5e7uGU46iaff_4/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_rfGK1hADjjAWwufEBVzi3-dGxEe9vknG6M0lK_QKh0Tzm1ZukifC2LNCBZdsvRb_cNxieh-zkeHboh6zvuz1HeeV7fSp7s7NQWEAtbBiJNBn2PLRhBoPj80cSl1zW5e7uGU46iaff_4/s400/IMG_1584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508884118335035730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cut a piece of cladding to go above the door, refit the wall sheets, another days work to add guttering and down pipes and there you go!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yJdnuhALktzr5AWSRxh9PzDSOAfP84B1pMH8RPWXD0rL3BKzYgT6g47_RHfUo2GZCikDK7jsUuOxv3vUk9ThDcUH809iU0Ym-ArvtKt-9MFooW3hlXApKRe94DbGe1R_okGQ_6Co6CVj/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yJdnuhALktzr5AWSRxh9PzDSOAfP84B1pMH8RPWXD0rL3BKzYgT6g47_RHfUo2GZCikDK7jsUuOxv3vUk9ThDcUH809iU0Ym-ArvtKt-9MFooW3hlXApKRe94DbGe1R_okGQ_6Co6CVj/s400/IMG_1585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508884130047110834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the view from the back and the side wall now replaces the fence. Neighbour's happy as his veggie patch is 6" wider. The old fence frame will come down - one day!<br /><br />The hardest part of the cladding stage (and the producer of the most naughty words) was trimming the gable flashing off vertical with the edge of the guttering with snips. The DVD made it look so flamin' easy. I even have scars!<br /><br />Next stage will be a roughing out of the electricals. My electrician is also a keen railway modeller and is building a 6M x 10M layout room himself, at least we will be speaking the same language when it come to explaining what my needs are.<br /><br />Then comes the insulation, lining, painting, flooring and air conditioning - now I'm depressed again. I thought it was time to start some benchwork !Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-4826295651144061432010-07-07T19:58:00.014+10:002010-07-07T21:38:49.622+10:00The Cave gets a lid (almost) and 3265 gets a home.A productive few days off with some corrugated colourbond getting heaved into position as 'lockup' gets a little closer.<br />Chief Construction Engineer Hardie (looking more like an Italian fisherman on this occasion!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgczSr_O8TuPmaCda1ki5ZyaQJRW8Atk_tTTZYbD2KO0aAdF7Hh5zHm-GYwf18egJ5d50tpjVibu9Sc_wOmDRcXC07xHQaAjAcc96apL4RBF2mGxw5_phXhTl3SQ_8zlYP_jYjch26U6z/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgczSr_O8TuPmaCda1ki5ZyaQJRW8Atk_tTTZYbD2KO0aAdF7Hh5zHm-GYwf18egJ5d50tpjVibu9Sc_wOmDRcXC07xHQaAjAcc96apL4RBF2mGxw5_phXhTl3SQ_8zlYP_jYjch26U6z/s400/IMG_1574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491122672884295442" border="0" /></a>rolled up for another stint and we discovered why there are people who do this for a living and the importance 'checking for square' when building anything.<br />I thought that I had been pretty vigilant in this regard, checking, adjusting, checking again etc etc. Frames went up ok, walls went up ok, roof went on ok...nah! I knew the slab was square but something went awry in the framing stage I think, as when the roof sheets were were set atop the frames and lined up with the end wall they were not square to the side walls, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd881aB6xyhhLWR5wBfHymJQKJKCf7HOYR_dOoLusG73MB0hsjBN_JGKOxAasiZQ4GFEnyacbKL05KguRB7zkAT6R6qTHWMkP2DJw5qBhZMQeLg8Z7EDy-zy-Pr4fQyHlTwEUj-hhHDs-/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd881aB6xyhhLWR5wBfHymJQKJKCf7HOYR_dOoLusG73MB0hsjBN_JGKOxAasiZQ4GFEnyacbKL05KguRB7zkAT6R6qTHWMkP2DJw5qBhZMQeLg8Z7EDy-zy-Pr4fQyHlTwEUj-hhHDs-/s400/IMG_1575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491124044828419458" border="0" /></a>the disturbing part was that it was more pronounced on one half of the roof than the other!...go figure.<br />After a frustrating hour or so trying to work out what was going on, it ended up being a case of 'put and look' with each roof sheet and trying to get each sheet progressively back into square. The side wall is more critical than the end wall as the relationship between the guttering and the ends of the sheets is pretty important to get rid of storm water into the guttering rather than over it!<br />It took about 3 hours to get 8 sheets up (not quite half the roof) and secured in place, and about 10 minutes to silicon up the holes where the tek screws missed the roof girts completely after sheets were re aligned.<br /><br />At the end of the day I offered a prayer of thanks....for gable flashing, as it will certainly cover a multitude of sins.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the bench.</span><br /><br />The saga of 3265 came to an end with the addition of a crew and some coal and will be delivered to it's new, and very patient, owner shortly.<br />Many lessons learned from this project. Whilst I am a proponent of DCC it really does cause a 'raising of the bar' when building locomotives. I suppose I have built around 30 or so white metal loco's but this was the first to have DCC and sound fitted. The lack of 'electrical tolerance' of DCC decoders and more so when sound is involved, will cause this builder to refine assembly methods and be more vigilant of potential electrical problems during construction rather than trying to fix them afterwards. I have described <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6ImvGHgsO5Th2hoYDGOBEnQT2yOmO6IISMFHXh5wTu7e6i4cl7WYaw6Zcfkq1OG-cbsFXzOuqIbOcgwF-ik9Gz1opbMMcM0vLE9SsOOJfjA_TbZYIuLPUgG-3IRHPqCqw4Yd4IS3sKFj/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6ImvGHgsO5Th2hoYDGOBEnQT2yOmO6IISMFHXh5wTu7e6i4cl7WYaw6Zcfkq1OG-cbsFXzOuqIbOcgwF-ik9Gz1opbMMcM0vLE9SsOOJfjA_TbZYIuLPUgG-3IRHPqCqw4Yd4IS3sKFj/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491121333578720962" border="0" /></a>these kits as "rolling short circuits" before and this project has shown this to be even truer on this occasion. I have at least another dozen of these kits in storage, with a few more on the list. It was my intention to sound equip them all as I eventually build them, and probably still will, but with some trepidation as I tune my 'DCC sense' to spot problems as they become apparent.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKzo1lxG2um47D812BMFBRKJ0ZeFeQ-rbwVHS3kOmE7Cte1zNVs6agi_k_-iRWL1nEE4pxyiLb_KF4xoGD0XZSwJMV0RqYWcIk1XyUdMKrJ5glosHJXniID2XNXfiN9kuzdLgg-HmqluC/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKzo1lxG2um47D812BMFBRKJ0ZeFeQ-rbwVHS3kOmE7Cte1zNVs6agi_k_-iRWL1nEE4pxyiLb_KF4xoGD0XZSwJMV0RqYWcIk1XyUdMKrJ5glosHJXniID2XNXfiN9kuzdLgg-HmqluC/s400/IMG_1561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491127194662576994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some pics of 2606 are included, not built by me but required some attention and a dusting up for that 'in service' look. The side and connecting rods had been left silver and the paint work was 'as delivered'. A coat of black metal etch on the rods followed by a light coat of TLB 'Grotty Black' all over and some weathering using Humbrol Brown 113 and a little gray primer. Finished off with Testors Dulcote, which also masked the edges of the number decals somewhat as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYqwCuSyTnLnOVo515j1PnZB2bENGNX1QNzBzjjjKHdZgYMSrck5WksCS0hUsEmbsfW7TEp-LtYXFSHqKck7Kd1S6tKeqGti4VgH17LhOwsoqsQsn6brQ9LaXFTAGw25Cgp4P_JDFlLBA/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYqwCuSyTnLnOVo515j1PnZB2bENGNX1QNzBzjjjKHdZgYMSrck5WksCS0hUsEmbsfW7TEp-LtYXFSHqKck7Kd1S6tKeqGti4VgH17LhOwsoqsQsn6brQ9LaXFTAGw25Cgp4P_JDFlLBA/s400/IMG_1554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491126331772128914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHvVRUaGMtuc-BZFg40aaSXRnyiQ_T7_x5Op3EN2jH_zDsC-OTMIscuyEXL5wM5JQzUaSL2h_pPG_DILNFGGzQz_5vSTpkzvyMFQ-EXohudt5X8IXCf9VVwk06mQUKYhfiEYXpzlcMh64/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHvVRUaGMtuc-BZFg40aaSXRnyiQ_T7_x5Op3EN2jH_zDsC-OTMIscuyEXL5wM5JQzUaSL2h_pPG_DILNFGGzQz_5vSTpkzvyMFQ-EXohudt5X8IXCf9VVwk06mQUKYhfiEYXpzlcMh64/s400/IMG_1553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491121072834162722" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-36405986321514174802010-06-11T19:45:00.002+10:002010-06-11T20:16:18.280+10:00Still alive....Someone said to me the other day "the blog's a bit quiet lately, what's happening with the cave?"<br /><br />April and May were 'post free', this is the first time this has happened since I started "the Works", and pretty well 'everything else modelling' took a back seat due to some fairly serious ongoing health problems with my parents.<br /><br />The cave did get a bit of a kick along today thanks to some help from my mate Lindsay, who also helped with the slab pour, with his help we were able to get both end walls sheeted in less than 2 hours. This bit of progress has inspired me to get a move on and get the thing locked up as soon as possible. Thanks Lindsay - again! Next stage with be to insulate and sheet the roof and seal things up to satisfy the bush fire requirements for my area.<br /><br />3265 is finally a runner with the help of Marcus Amman and Ray Pilgrim who both played a part in it's commissioning. I have learned that Romford tender wheels are most DCC unfriendly. The hub of the wheel is actually wider than the tire and touches against the lip of the top hat bearing in the bogie side frame causing all sorts of short circuit problems. Wheel sets were replaced with SEM axles and all is well. Thanks Marcus for ID'ing the problem and Ray for your 'programming persistence'.<br /><br />Not much else has been happening on the bench of late, unlike my counterparts North of Narrabri and at Splitters Swamp Creek, some very nice rolling stock work there Blair and Geoff, if you haven't seen it yet check it out from my blog list.<br /><br />I'm off to Epping tomorrow to give Ron a hand on the Eureka stand, so stop by and say g'day if you're around.<br /><br />CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733755698247303929.post-77470405994289647512010-03-24T22:59:00.007+11:002010-03-24T23:45:01.295+11:00The Meccano set I never had.No I haven't left the country but I did leave the state for a while. Not long back from nearly 3 weeks away touring Gippsland and southern Victoria. Caught up with friends and was able to get to the Healsville Railway Festival, a mix of model and 12" to the foot railways held during the Vic Labour Day long weekend.<br /><br />As you can see from the pics I have struck a blow on the "cave" project. Two fairly full on days work (one started at 7.30!, most out of character!) with a pretty impressive result, if I don't say so myself!<br /><br />Big thanks to Layne, who actually volunteered with no coercion whatsoever, definately would not have got this far without his help.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8wJVfeQxlpShAEXZvOROGE1Gbtixg-N8Vn_1ISKokG4EqYW0rutL3mGOni2qKZVDt4c22KzkJEh25WHLRurUpHqLtCW_g1Z0b8kUsNzDjIgdVElX_-if2d50e8pdg3THFFqPYvge2eN2/s1600/shed+walls+frame+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8wJVfeQxlpShAEXZvOROGE1Gbtixg-N8Vn_1ISKokG4EqYW0rutL3mGOni2qKZVDt4c22KzkJEh25WHLRurUpHqLtCW_g1Z0b8kUsNzDjIgdVElX_-if2d50e8pdg3THFFqPYvge2eN2/s400/shed+walls+frame+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452173313338509346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The wall frames I assembled and clad the day before on the slab. The gap is for the entry door which is cut in last. Chief Contruction Engineer Hardie can be seen here admiring our handy work. The walls, at this point, are supported by nothing else other than the orange ropes! Before you even think it....no, we did not drop them. Everything, to this point, went disturbingly to plan!? You can see the assembled rafters on the ground, next step.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPqUJ2xBzxS_UI31Ig3F_P0lF32J1tRsq7LiKrbfZ8CNzsTl5cJmjCuHHQDf1SqR3dWpV16V6-AcrA84UCBoSLk9VzWrZ_r3q3FtzjsiKd3I_5kV2D8dtnD73NLl_jzbna-8cM8spLhnH/s1600/shed+walls+frame+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPqUJ2xBzxS_UI31Ig3F_P0lF32J1tRsq7LiKrbfZ8CNzsTl5cJmjCuHHQDf1SqR3dWpV16V6-AcrA84UCBoSLk9VzWrZ_r3q3FtzjsiKd3I_5kV2D8dtnD73NLl_jzbna-8cM8spLhnH/s400/shed+walls+frame+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452173447589140322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Rafters in place, ropes remaining, just in case. These gave us the most grief of the whole job. Getting them at the same angle and the same height was frustrating and time consuming. The first attempt resulted in an 80mm difference from one end to the other. Not long after this stage my neighbor stuck his head over the fence and said "Starting the benchwork tomorrow ??"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpHH_BfRWmwk-NR_Ncaa6BBYmrPSPuyzpKPx2kwo8zfh3VGO9xVxj5MvqHayY9mwoaxIcrmONCWpsTOcfzSDiJuHzaz08QEYtHmDn97p0sdN4cnW_unbPzZ1NqV4lQrP6uzsd4FQHkPhyphenhyphen/s1600/shed+walls+frame+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpHH_BfRWmwk-NR_Ncaa6BBYmrPSPuyzpKPx2kwo8zfh3VGO9xVxj5MvqHayY9mwoaxIcrmONCWpsTOcfzSDiJuHzaz08QEYtHmDn97p0sdN4cnW_unbPzZ1NqV4lQrP6uzsd4FQHkPhyphenhyphen/s400/shed+walls+frame+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452173568519313986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Around 5.30 in the afternoon this was where we left it! Cladding the end walls next, then the roof insulation goes in with the roofing to follow. Resting tomorrow for sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO96Z4o4DjpO74zVLVn0-zsRfoExdzN7KWfQ8nhnc6XG0X1Sr_fEWQfVVuChDzhwj6G0Dk1uX4ys_5ZsbOmzjG757CSHkNb4BoLrVoWFJ6Cm-F2ugl-IHBns1Q2gfUQQFUjL6dfT89kbWX/s1600/shed+walls+frame+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO96Z4o4DjpO74zVLVn0-zsRfoExdzN7KWfQ8nhnc6XG0X1Sr_fEWQfVVuChDzhwj6G0Dk1uX4ys_5ZsbOmzjG757CSHkNb4BoLrVoWFJ6Cm-F2ugl-IHBns1Q2gfUQQFUjL6dfT89kbWX/s400/shed+walls+frame+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452173717356811394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From the other side. The pipe work in the fore ground is the remnants of the fence, which proved quite handy to lean on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4