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.

One Thousanth Visitor

The first milestone in the blogs history- Thanks to all viewers.
Progress is being made and more on Teignfords construction will follow. It has to be ready to be shown in May so time has to be found.
Thanks Again!

Happy New Year.

 Another year leaves us and a new one begins.
Teignford is now returned and fully wired. Buildings are started and the ballasting must begin- so a couple of shots of my local station-Pokesdown- on the main Waterloo to Bournemouth line, I remember it during steam days and before they removed the fast through lines. Steam reigned supreme then and how I wish I had more photos of that time- Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Best wishes!

To all 3MM Modellers worldwide, may I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas.

All things come to those who have patience.

No pictures today but a few thoughts! Teignford is at present being wired by my good friend Nigel. It has been converted fron a continuous circuit to a terminus to fiddle yard layout. This is mainly due to the fact that I could not get the curved Peco points to work properly. I am of the opinion that they are not true curved points- for this reason the layout has been changed as described in earlier posts.
However, this is being resolved and with Teignford booked to be exhibited in May things are moving on apace.The buildings are being built and new stock is being sourced. Allan at Worsley Works has produced a new 'B' Set coach kit -one of the original type that was made for the 3mm Society by Ian Kirk. They should be delivered soon after the current festivities and are eagerly awaited.
I have ordered some new etches of windows by Brian Golding, of Brynkits fame, which are of Bodmin station. I have it on good authority that these etches are the Bees Knees and will be used for Teignford and the next planned layout, an Ashburton type Terminus.
I am looking forward to the next Dorset Group meeting when hopefully the main boards and fiddleyard can be reunited and finally work as I had intended .Hopefully the first loco to traverse the rails will be my rebuilt Prairie Tank- Thanks Peter. This will be on the 7th January 2012 at our usual meeting place. If you would like to get details of this please mail me. Look tomorrow for this yaers Christmas Card!