Flaxfield- A bucolic 1950s Suffolk backwater

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Osgood

Osgood

Western Thunderer
I see young George (who appears to be picking his nose) has cut his right knee?
Martin Shaw said:
Isn't it just. I gather from Mrs Santa that Lightmoor's recent publication "Railways with a Colourful Past" has been despatched from the North Pole which I'm rather looking forward to if the colourisation of Pilton Yard in 1926 is anything to go by.
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I was certainly not disappointed, Martin - a very nicely laid out book :)
 
Joe's Garage

Joe's Garage

Western Thunderer
I think both George and his mate have been scrambling around in the undergrowth, judging by the state of their legs!!
Lovely photos of a lovely railway.
Julian
 
Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Morning all,

By way of reassurance, Flaxfield only doth sleepeth.

There's quite a bit going on of a non-railway nature which inevitably has not just impacted on a start being made on Flaxfield but also on the other smaller projects such as Blackwater Pier and Seahorses which will be documented on the main layout thread in due course.

In the meantime, we may well see smaller parts of these projects emerge so do stay tuned.

Rob
 
Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Morning all,

Well, in something of a major step forward, I've requested a quote from Grainge and Hodder to supply the boards for Flaxfield. The scenic board for the terminus will be 145cm x 40cm which is the maximum I can accommodate in the Room of Doom and more importantly, get around the bend in the stairs in the event of an exhibition appearance, and therefore, fit in Maurice the MG.

The fiddle yard board, thanks to the anticipated short train length, will be 90cm x 40cm.

Rob
 
Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Willl said:
Exciting stuff Rob. Is it a canopy / cameo style board or will lighting gubbins be added later?
Will
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Hi Will,

The intention is that Flaxfield will follow the Cameo style. Full boxing in as per usual. However, whilst I'll cut the backscene, end boards etc, they are not finally attached until the scenic work is well advanced, if not finished. I prefer to keep things as accessible as possible for as long as possible.

When I built Ewe, I didn't actually see what it looked like under layout lighting until a week or so before it's first show. Risky in terms of how colours will look, but it generally works out.

The boards are a month or so away, at least, so in the meantime I can hopefully start working on individual components.

Rob
 
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Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Morning all,

Well, it feels like a start has been made on Flaxfield and, dare I say it, I'm looking forward to the arrival of the boards.
The other exciting thing is the announcement by Rapido of a ready to run, ex GCR 15T six wheel brake. These cropped up in East Anglia with examples seen on the Framlingham and Tollesbury branches, with one even guesting on the Wisbech and Upwell.

GCR 15T Brake Van – Rapido Trains UK

rapidotrains.co.uk rapidotrains.co.uk

So that would appear to see the branch brake van sorted out though I also have examples of Toads E and B available. In fact, the Toad B is one of the things to be worked on whilst awaiting the boards.

The remaining structures will however get some attention. I have a grounded van body and a wooden store for the platform to start with before moving onto the engine shed, coal stage and stores etc.

And then we have the J15s.......

So plenty to occupy me.

Rob.
 
James Spooner

James Spooner

Western Thunderer
NHY 581 said:
Morning all,

Well, it feels like a start has been made on Flaxfield and, dare I say it, I'm looking forward to the arrival of the boards.
The other exciting thing is the announcement by Rapido of a ready to run, ex GCR 15T six wheel brake. These cropped up in East Anglia with examples seen on the Framlingham and Tollesbury branches, with one even guesting on the Wisbech and Upwell.

GCR 15T Brake Van – Rapido Trains UK

rapidotrains.co.uk rapidotrains.co.uk

So that would appear to see the branch brake van sorted out though I also have examples of Toads E and B available. In fact, the Toad B is one of the things to be worked on whilst awaiting the boards.

The remaining structures will however get some attention. I have a grounded van body and a wooden store for the platform to start with before moving onto the engine shed, coal stage and stores etc.

And then we have the J15s.......

So plenty to occupy me.

Rob.
Click to expand...
And there is one thing no self respecting East Anglian railway can have too many of, the trusty J15…

IMG_5894.jpeg

(And if you think I have a collection, George @herbgarden of this parish, has dozens of them…)
 

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Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Morning all,

Just an micro-update. The Flaxfield project doth sleepeth but is certainly far from forgotten. Things are a little less than structured at present with personal project management akin to trying to herd cats.
The good news is that the imminent arrival of Accurascale's Buckjumpers will no doubt reignite things of an East Anglian persuasion though they were never really destined to run Flaxfield. I have more than enough J15s for that !

However, with a new build gathering momentum, Flaxfield dozes.........for now at least.

Rob
 
Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
Morning, all.

Well, it's been a bit quiet but in part, this is due to a three week trip and stay in the Czech Republic. Being devoid of access to the Room of Doom was quite therapeutic as this enabled a bit of thought to be given to ' project management'. Nothing too drastic but I've decided to apply some focus and thought long and hard about what is achievable and what isn't.

Flaxfield sits in the achievable box, which frankly it always would. However, with space currently at a premium, I will be working on bits and bobs destined for the layout rather than starting on the layout build itself.
This includes stock, as well as buildings etc.

Some of these individual projects may well be seen at this year's Scaleforum where I am down to demonstrate scenic and weathering techniques.

And whilst on the subject of stock, the Accurascale Buckjumpers have landed. Though not envisaged as a Flaxfield loco, they are very attractive and will no doubt eventually make an appearance. I've been very brave and ( so far.....) I've only acquired one, 68646. The late crest and o/h warning signs will be removed/replaced which is more in keeping with my early 1950s period. Here is the little chap on Ewe.

1000022541.jpg

1000022550.jpg

Also now arrived are the Bachmann M&GN ( Ex- L&NWR ) coaches but they currently reside in Lord and Butler awaiting collection. These will provide an alternative to the 6 wheelers which will form the majority of services on Flaxfield. Think latter services on the Mid-Suffolk where elderly GER bogie coaches replaced the leaky roof 6 wheelers.

So, not much of an update, more a statement of intent.

Rob

Rob
 
Flaxfield

Flaxfield

Western Thunderer
chigley said:
how was the G&H board Rob
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Mmmmmm.......Due to space issues, the G&H boards haven't been assembled and won't be until I'm ready to get properly underway. No issues though, they were the right choice and have no hesitation in recommending them.

Joe's Garage said:
I like the look of the sky Rob, very East Anglia!
Very tempting those Buckjumpers.
Cheers
Julian
Click to expand...

Thanks, Julian.

There is a slight degree of editing on the sky ( extending the image in the second picture ) but it turned out okay.
The Buckjumper is lovely. It's the factory sound job and I'm very happy with it. Runs beautifully and sounds rather good. I eagerly await batch 2, whenever that may be announced and will certainly add a further BR example.

Rob
 
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