Wencombe /Kingsbridge Regis/Louville Lane

[Alan]

Geoff, I tried a couple of bits but was not too happy, hence the plea for advice. I think I'd settled on a reinforcing strip and I was checking to see if anybody had had experience with it. I doubt if I shall go as far as you in shaving things down though.

 

[Geoff]

I doubt if I shall go as far as you in shaving things down though.

I had no choice but to do so Alan as the rodding looked ridiculous towering over my track, I don't really need much so can afford to spend both time and patience refining the parts but if I had a large layout such as yours then it would drive me crazy.
Set against your track which is a little higher I think it will look fine once painted a dark grey /rust colour. Mind you with only two compensator's and point locks per pack it's going to be an expensive exercise !

Looking forward to seeing how you get on

 

[Captain Kernow]

Steve, I will also take the liberty of commenting. Whilst I think that Geoff has done a really cracking job on his point rodding, it does seem to have been a fair amount of work. Now, you don't get decent 4mm point rodding without the appropriate level of input, either way, and if I wanted to model square section rodding (the slightly more recent kind, especially if thinking about a WR prototype), then I'd give it serious consideration.

On the other hand (and thinking about the number of compensators and other bits in the Wills packs), if I'm putting that amount of modelling time in, my personal preference (as per BHR and CL) is to use a combination of metal components, from Brassmasters and Wizard/MSE.

I like the Wizard cast stools, because you can work with them to anchor them firmly on the baseboard, albeit at the price of drilling holes and epoxying bits of brass rod to do the actual work, otherwise they may be vulnerable to an accidental swipe when track cleaning etc.

There is a 'flexibility' advantage in using (mostly) brass components, as you can configure the cranks and compensators to precisely the prototype arrangement, whereas I suspect with the Wills, you may end up needing a goodly number of packs to get the right amount of cranks etc.

At the end of the day, I think it's horses for courses... I personally prefer the (self-perceived!) robustness of the brass and whitemetal product, but everyone will have their preferences, and Geoff has certainly shown us what can be achieved with the Wills product, with a bit of work!

 

[Steve Cook]

Thanks for your input Tim
Having previously gone down the Wizard / MSE route, I'm looking forward to seeing how Alan and Geoff get on - my inkling is to stay with what I know best / have used before, but I'll happily consider the experiences of others if I think it makes a large enough difference.
Hope its all going OK Alan, you best have your thread back
Steve

 

[Bob]

Very nice Alan especially the middle shot. She looks right at home on Wencombe.

Point rodding is a "must do" for Chipping Compton and is something I must get around to sourcing/commissioning pretty darned quick so thanks for reminding me!

 

[Alan]

Whilst still pondering about the point rodding and where to go next I ran a few more trains and for those Maroon Western lovers amongst you I give you Western Queen on a North bound expressas she drifts through Wencombe.







And I wish all at WT Seasons Greetings and Good Health.

 

[Alan]

Still pondering Point rodding and a couple of other ideas I decided to run the pigeon special from the cool climes oop north.

The vans are kit built, a Chivers 4 wheeler and the other 2 are Kirk kits.

 

[Alan]

I do like those shots where one is looking up at the loco so I took some. These are the first.

 

[Jon Gwinnett]

I know a post saying "just lovely" doesn't add much to the thread, but, well...

Just lovely!

 

[Alan]

A couple of 4-6-0s this time pause on the bank for the camera.

Burmington Grange (Newton Abbot) and Lotherton Hall (St Philips Marsh) in 1960

 

[Alan]

Couldn't resist a cab shot.

 

[Jordan or Plymouth Mad]

Ooh, NICE!!! My kind of 'cab shot' - loco & tender close together, & Crew not only present & correct, but in nice positions too, not the usual "frantically shovelling Fireman" & "full throttle Driver"...

 

[Jon Gwinnett]

If i can be (slightly) critical, the effect is spoilt for me by the "jeans and trainers" look on the driver and the red shirt on the fireman, unfair of me to be picky since the whole effect is superb, but it gave it a modern day feel that detracted slightly.

Sorry, as it seems churlish to criticise what is one of my favourite layouts, I only hope the comments are taken in the constructive sense they are meant.

 

[Alan]

I agree Jon. The "trainers" are a slight over application of super glue and the red top certainly needs toning down.

 

[Alan]

Knowing that many of you are addicted to Hydraulics, I give you a couple. I make NO apologises for them being GREEN not Blue

 

[lancer1027]

Great pics Alan, although not sure about your comment about GREEN / BLUE

ROB

 

[Alan]

Some more hydraulics passed the stream this time a couple of Westerns. Sorry still not Blue.

 

[lancer1027]

Although not the right colour Alan all is forgiven as they are the best locos ever

Great pics

Rob

 

[Alan]

One of local haulier Frank Drake's photos of a mogul hauling a failed Class 22.

 

[lancer1027]