Control Panel.

Nigel has kindly completed the wiring and the control apnel which is now fixed securely to the side of the second board.
The sidings can be operated independantly from the Main Line making more operational interest and prevent us from falling asleep!
All that needs doing is to tidy the wires with some cable ties and thats completed.

Trackwork weathering.

 I was not particularly happy with the way the track colour turned out. So, as described in the last post, some more appropriate colour was purchased.
This has now been applied to the whole of the visible track and I think the result is a lot more acceptable.
The buffer stops have also been given the treatment. Once ballasted, more weathering can be applied and the lamp and buffer strip can be appropriately coloured.
Well, time to let it all dry and then ballasting can begin.

Painting the Rails.

Not particularly happy with the paint I had used to colour the railas, I looked for somethins a little better.
One thing about a good Model Railway Exhibition is that there is a chance to compare products.
Recently at Southampton Model Railway Societys show I looked at several products for my purpose.
The one I decided on was this.
Phoenix Precision Rusty Rails. From the sample lid colour it looks about the colour I hope to achieve.
Must crack on and try this.

Buffer stops.

Whilst painting the rail sides, the buffers were affixed with superglue.
Given a light wash of track colour, the buffing board is yet to be coloured.
Please excuse the yellow colour, this is produced by the camera when set on fluorescent light, shoul have left it on incandescent!
However, a good base to start from and tones down the original plastic finish.

Track Colour.

 Now for the tedious bit.
The top photo shows the track as laid, cleaned with a fibreglass brush before painting to remove any dirt or flux.
Using Track Colour Acrylic paint this was applied neat to the rail sides and chairs. I reserve judgement on the use of this type of paint, always having used enamels on previous layouts.
Coverage seems not as good but will let it harden overnight before a final judgement is made.
Engine stand areas will be painted darker brown or black.
The lower photo shows the effect given when painted. A tad light but I think will be ok once ballasted.

Bad News.

New Year and already it brings news we would rather not hear. I have been threatened with redundancy-again and today I learnt that the hall we use may not be available to us as the caretaker is also similarly threatened.
It is in the early stages but an alternative must be lined up . So our Group members are endeavouring to find suitable venues where we can pursue our pastime.
Hopefully some good news in the not too distant future-watch this space!

Worsley Works B Set.

Just recieved these stunning etches from Allan at Worsley Works. They are a kit of sides, ends, chassis and roofs for a GWR Diagram E147 B Set.
The tumblehomes are already formed and ready to be soldered together.
Whilst not on Allan's list of Scratch Aid kits, he has produced these for a couple of us after a request to him- try it yourselves, you never know, you may get that coach you wish for.
Enlarged below are the ends and the Battery Box etching. These are items that photos cannot do justice to.

The roofs are the standard aluminium
extrusions and need cutting to length.
Then all that needs to be done is affix the ventilatorsof your choice.
The chassis are fold up as normal after cutting to length and making a hole where the bogies need to be attached-simples!
I am looking forward to assembling these coaches- they will be part of the stock- all brass coaches for Teignford.