Visiting loco

.

A friend came to stay last weekend, and as is normal he brought a visiting loco, in this case 46521. It is an analogue loco but can be run on my DCC layout using address zero on the controller.

Here's a link to a short video, which shows I have a few running issues with jerky motion which have yet to be resolved Click here for video

A wall for the brewery yard.

Making a wall for the brewery yard

I have been running a couple of trains recently, the track really needs a clean after it's been folded up for a while as the trains sometimes stall unecpectedly, I think I need a track cleaning truck, but they are very expensive, unless I can design one of my own. Here is the link to the latest video of the trains in action, the GWR is one I have been trying to repair for my Nephew, but I failed so the motor has been removed allowing it to be pushed round by another engine. Click here for the video

2012 - new year new additions

Following Christmas and my birthday on the following day, I found myself with a number on new items to add to the railway. Thanks to all my family for buying these items or providing vouchers so I could select the items myself.

Railway Modeller magazine for December had a model kit attached for a signal box, ideal for use near my new level crossing and my presents included a couple of Amazon vouchers which enabled me to get one or two more additions.

All I need now is time to get the layout down and to start sticking the items in place. Here is a picture of the Christmas and Birthday 2011 collection, clicking on the picture should bring up a larger version:-

and one I forgot when taking picture:

Running trains again

Lots of visitors during the summer keep the model folded up against the wall, but a visit from a train enthusiast gave me the chance to get the model down for a demonstration. It ran surprisingly well considering the break from the last run. I've also purchased a few more trucks during the summer, second hand ones found at Tavistock Market and West Somerset railway, so I can now make longer goods trains. Hopefully during the winter I will have more time to add more bits and pieces to the model and fix trees etc into place so they don't have to be removed when it folds up. Also the trucks need proper loads to be put inside. I may also try some weathering as some of them look very new. The video is just a few short clips of the trains in motion.

(Oh, and I suppose I'd better ballast a bit more track.)

Model Rail Operations (without cat)

I need to work out a way of keeping the camera steadier, but this gives you some idea of what the layout looks like now.

Model Rail Operations (with cat)

Some model rail operations, with slight interference from Morgan the cat.