tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998283895577797792024-03-14T10:50:38.906+11:00Macca's PlaceMaccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-14188607956323678512017-08-23T23:03:00.002+10:002017-08-23T23:03:47.291+10:00Less is more.......Over a year since my last post. Still struggling somewhat with my recovery, although I am working again albeit part time.<br />
<br />
Some mates visited a few weeks ago and installed a beaut colorbond corrugated iron ceiling. Cost me pizza and a beer, but they were well spent. The ceiling with insulation has made the shed much more habitable. I am still in the process of reinstalling the work area and swapping out a few oversized articles of furniture allowing for aisles that are more comfortable. Operations will be much more comfortable. One mate spent several days helping complete the fitout and applying paint to the walls. He is also pushing me to get ready for the next step of proceedings, There is some carpentry to complete, cupboards to renovate and install and once done I can plan advancement of the railway.<br />
<br />
Along the way, I have also been involved with some track-laying at the Wagga Wagga Model Railroaders' Club Rooms and a small display layout at the local Rail Heritage Centre. This has kept my hand in and made it possible to try some different ideas. Something I am learning quickly from all 3 projects is that less is most definitely more. I am also learning that hoarding is a waste of time. I have thrown out so much of late. The sort of thing that "might come in handy" one day. Basically, if I have no plan for it, it gets thrown out.<br />
<br />
In track design as well, less is more. Working Railways are designed to be profitable, or at least not cost too us, the taxpayers, too much. We do not see too much waste, well generally. Trackage around a yard will have a purpose. A minor out of the way type of place will only have maybe a passing loop, or maybe nothing at all. A predominantly passenger through station, even on dual track, may have nothing more than the 2 main lines. If on a heavy grade, there may be a relief road. If heavily trafficked, there may be 2 or more platforms and passing loops. If trains terminate at the location there will be just enough sidings to stable the waiting sets. When planning our models, we tend to draw as many sidings and loops as will fit in a given area and then try and justify them to ourselves.<br />
<br />
We are a competitive lot, but we seem to always try to compete in the wrong areas. Instead of looking to be the biggest, the one with the most mainline, or the one with the most complex yard, why not seek to have the most picturesque scenery, or maybe the operations of your station could be designed to accurately follow prototype requirements.<br />
<br />
A friend was recently chided for not having a large enough staging yard. Maybe his yards are large enough to service his intentions? I myself will only be providing room for around a half dozen trains off scene. Not a lot you say? Yet what I have planned will possibly have those 6 trains providing enough work for around a 2 hour operating session. When you are actually working each train and not watching it going in circles, 6 trains may well be enough. That does not mean I will not have many options in storage, I mean I have several passenger sets with plans for more, and I can already put 4 or 5 Mail trains together.<br />
<br />
Driving on a well designed large layout is a lot of fun, but intense operations on even a small layout can be very absorbing and rewarding. Remember, less can be so much more.......Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-63919115605034284542016-03-25T17:39:00.002+11:002016-05-10T10:05:46.870+10:00I,m ba-ackIt has been a while since I have posted here and to be honest, I was close to not posting again.<br />
<br />
I have begun a new project for myself and my grand kids, with some help from friends it is slowly coming to fruition. My excitement for the model rail hobby has risen since the project began and I am hoping to share this project here. Yes, I will return to the solder posts, but firstly, let's talk about Jerome Junction.<br />
<br />
Some years ago, a project railway in an American Magazine caught my attention. I even collected suitable rolling stock to use. My taste swung to Australian prototype when our club decided to build Stockinbingal. Since that layout was retired, I have had many personal projects, saw my children grow up, changed jobs a few times and made some enforced life changes.<br />
<br />
I have been planning to build a home layout for many years, but seemed to always be able to find reasons why not to, all the time collecting items for the project.<br />
<br />
So here we go, I introduce to you, Jerome Junction....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhBf8ylwwiUaTqPhsxCo8ejI18jDpBB3XI92MzX6Mla14M0K9WolK2D6U2PAH-RYbXkFvySTCZeN5JKlFk8ahKPc8xSPLceHGtye09qxyL90Nc7jsYyxT3wU1PEGYfosokiWxj3InoYzE/s1600/Jerome_Jct2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhBf8ylwwiUaTqPhsxCo8ejI18jDpBB3XI92MzX6Mla14M0K9WolK2D6U2PAH-RYbXkFvySTCZeN5JKlFk8ahKPc8xSPLceHGtye09qxyL90Nc7jsYyxT3wU1PEGYfosokiWxj3InoYzE/s400/Jerome_Jct2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jerome Junction is just stage 1 of my little branch line. I took a lot of advice from others and listened to some of my own. I have dispensed with earlier plans for a multi deck layout which really was just a tad much for my basic carpentry skills and settled on a fairly basic arrangement utilizing a junction and branch terminus.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The junction has been laid on a curve, giving me some space for other items. Firstly, I drew the junction in SCARM, a free model rail cad program, then, allowing for facets of the overall plan, laid it onto panels cut from cover sheets of melamine obtained for free from a local cabinet maker. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4w28Ju4YgNw2l4GgOW6fPnOB3B32QH6RNfFCAu9cLoLEINlKT5bZcTeZhS4AvPco-9DDDEVH6ene095hkVGoA1ZZuCOyRS44j3CnVMO5JX7xkVG9uLcDEhGSNebHUdj4o2fCBiYWwVmz/s1600/jerome+junction+plan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4w28Ju4YgNw2l4GgOW6fPnOB3B32QH6RNfFCAu9cLoLEINlKT5bZcTeZhS4AvPco-9DDDEVH6ene095hkVGoA1ZZuCOyRS44j3CnVMO5JX7xkVG9uLcDEhGSNebHUdj4o2fCBiYWwVmz/s320/jerome+junction+plan.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbkWA_ZrjsXxltbqdU2JhSpqvEjVJSL9h8ba4bWWMlYU4ogKgL1oxT4CmAtAT37W6pQUZ-NAkGX3DdN1Fp53SwFD5EXeD5aFlItXNHE2nywcuOoepuoQuUpTDWBnSyDD9P7acpp4TA8bq/s1600/jerome+junction+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbkWA_ZrjsXxltbqdU2JhSpqvEjVJSL9h8ba4bWWMlYU4ogKgL1oxT4CmAtAT37W6pQUZ-NAkGX3DdN1Fp53SwFD5EXeD5aFlItXNHE2nywcuOoepuoQuUpTDWBnSyDD9P7acpp4TA8bq/s320/jerome+junction+pic+1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Melamine is a hard surfaced Customwood. It does not take to PVA and or paint readily, but I think I can get around that. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The grand kids have already checked out the project and even though there is only about 5 metres of track laid as yet, the next to youngest now visits and his first words are, "Pop..Toot Toot?" I think he likes trains.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The mainline, where the clerestory car sits, will terminate at a set of holding roads. To the left, the mainline is planned to run through a station just large enough to serve the junction and provide traffic management for the branch. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The branch terminates after a nice big lazy 180 degree curve at a station called Georgiavale. The station has been planned and timber ordered, more free Melamine and will be installed as soon as it has arrived. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The layout will be driven using NCE DCC. A safe working system is being planned as part of the installation. I will be following typical NSW operations using Semaphore signals, as well as staff and ticket for the branch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
An operating program will be developed to spice up a running session. Rather than get involved with a fast clock it will be more a case of next train is such and such and it will have instructions such as a cross, wait for, shunting, meet and final destination.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YvKu3s9KbzzEitUudRD7JLxJShcGUCq4qeh2IHHtKZgiPva79QTfDwZDxtaf_vzHCMGc6Yrc17CJrbKYXFZ4M6JPDttBZ8sEjtOKX7wUctAUckPjatn1B_IoWYJ_NxsoiuDbF-oY8UFA/s1600/Georgia+Vale+boards.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YvKu3s9KbzzEitUudRD7JLxJShcGUCq4qeh2IHHtKZgiPva79QTfDwZDxtaf_vzHCMGc6Yrc17CJrbKYXFZ4M6JPDttBZ8sEjtOKX7wUctAUckPjatn1B_IoWYJ_NxsoiuDbF-oY8UFA/s320/Georgia+Vale+boards.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The drawing above, straight from SCARM, is Georgiavale. Fairly simple really with an interesting arrangement to access the turntable. There is a little more to work out around the table, such as coal and water, possibly a single road engine shed and I am considering two locations for stockyards, one being on the station approach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The through station is early in the planning stages but will follow some of the features of Griffith, where I grew up. Adding interest to this station, will be an industrial line which will reach right around to Jerome Junction some 4 to 5 metres away. On this line will be several rail customers such as fuel depots and rural customers, maybe even a brewer's warehouse, Can't have a dry town.... </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zU7F41aybsWAmr1109d8pJloHp1wNlY5HC1qc7wBQ2VHy9NFFjidxJLldkpa6VOr-uXxkf8kyliq5J7eimAOiDeE0mNZ-0-E4buCzuGbULqPKbhOByvgWOr3eOAaUl5tAMxzKdC_szv1/s1600/Madelyn+190116+dr.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zU7F41aybsWAmr1109d8pJloHp1wNlY5HC1qc7wBQ2VHy9NFFjidxJLldkpa6VOr-uXxkf8kyliq5J7eimAOiDeE0mNZ-0-E4buCzuGbULqPKbhOByvgWOr3eOAaUl5tAMxzKdC_szv1/s320/Madelyn+190116+dr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>TRACKWORK:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have taken a little criticism from some of my friends for using some set track items. I think though that I have made the correct choice for me. The layout is being built in a garage, in the Riverina, where temperatures range from -4 or -5 to the mid 40s. Expansion and contraction of the rail is expected to be a factor. Even with lining and insulation, shed temperatures are not always going to be very comfortable. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To this end, I have decided to use some Atlas set track curves. These are available in larger radius pieces and at reasonable cost. Jerome Junction and Georgiavale have been been designed using Peco long curved points and Atlas 24 inch radius set track. Yes, a larger radius would have been nicer, but space is not going to allow that. I can live with 24 inch. It does mean a few more track feeds to add, but they only need to be added once.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Laying flex track to any radius is easy using track setter templates. But I felt that using 24 as a minimum, along with the possible temperature range, was asking for trouble with kinked track. The set track pieces introduce more joints into the curve for movement and a fixed radius hopefully eliminating unwanted kinks in my minimum radius curves. I did learn quickly to throw the Atlas track joiners away though, they are way too sloppy fitting and caused poorly aligned rail at joints. Easily rectified by using all Peco joiners, I simply discard the Atlas ones....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Code? I am using code 100 track. I have been collecting track and points for this project a long time and really don't want to start all over. I do have some code 55 rail stored away for other planned projects.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned.....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-61132941180364659342014-12-10T21:46:00.002+11:002014-12-10T21:46:40.898+11:00Enforced BreakI have had a very hard few months unfortunately. I do not recommend standing under a falling tree. Many who know me have been keeping up with my progress and I thank you for the messages. I am back at the work bench and will post a new chapter soon in the build a loco series.<br />
<br />
MaccaMaccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-21730678701328387642013-05-13T19:19:00.003+10:002013-05-13T19:19:41.615+10:00Cylinders And Other GeometryThe end of my last post saw us with a chassis ready to solder together. Well, almost.<br />
<br />
We need to address two things with the chassis first. The rear of both side-frames has an ear which is bent to 90deg away from the chassis. These support the rear of the cab/boiler assembly. You will find this arrangement on many locomotive kits. I generally fit what is going to be attached to these ears later before I solder the rear spreader in, just to keep the two aligned correctly so that assembly later is not an issue. This may sometimes see them having to be re-bent or simply adjusted a little so that all is well. Doing this now will save a lot of heartache later. For bending things like these ears, I use a HOLD N FOLD from Gwydir Valley Models. You do not need one as a good smooth jawed pair of plyers will suffice, but it does make bending brass a lot easier and neater. Once you have one, you will not part with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEd27e4Knk3AiYCcdUa7PfoxjSldGcD_UfmX2hhSZAzpRj952diLnNDC_GLy5PXQ2DdnHm1tyrimENyXiau8QkXu0IdvIY_JwBxv69cSiWq8pFUKacKZvOOgaUqzXFPWZ-Q979zE-9sW9/s1600/164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEd27e4Knk3AiYCcdUa7PfoxjSldGcD_UfmX2hhSZAzpRj952diLnNDC_GLy5PXQ2DdnHm1tyrimENyXiau8QkXu0IdvIY_JwBxv69cSiWq8pFUKacKZvOOgaUqzXFPWZ-Q979zE-9sW9/s320/164.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
By the way, the photos in this blog entry are of an NN chassis which is very similar to the 35, funny that. I constructed this one while at Kaleen Model Rail Show this year demonstrating to modellers and the general public. I have not even cleaned it yet..... You can tell by the little bit of blue grease beside the RH ear. This is the copper being leached from the etching by some LACO flux residue. That is the only downfall of the flux. A quick bath is warm soapy water will fix that. <br />
<br />
The second and most important, is to ensure that the wheels and axles are going to be square
to the rail-head.<br />
<br />
Locate the bearing cover plate, the white metal casting fitted below the chassis in the picture above, clean it up and give it a buff with a soft brass brush to remove any oxidation and or mold release. Locate and clean up the spring castings and fit them AFTER you fit the cover plate to the chassis with the screws supplied for the purpose. This will ensure that it all stays straight and square. For this job I use BGM flux and BGM or Carr's 70 solder. Your Iron needs to be set about 200C. <br />
<br />
<br />
You can now clean up, fit the bearings axles and wheels and check all is good. Once happy that the chassis is square and they generally are pretty good as long as care is taken in assembly, carefully remove the wheels and axles, set them aside and solder the chassis together.<br />
<br />
For this I use LACO soldering paste and Carr's 145. Carr's 188 can be used if you have a lot of finer detail to add. You then use the 145 for the extra parts. In this case there is not a lot to add and we can manage with just 145. Your iron should be set to approx 400C for this <br />
<br />
Cylinder castings are generally, as in this case, cast in white metal. We need to solder these on. Yes we could glue them using an epoxy, but solder is a much better option. Clean up the castings, removing any flask or dags from the casting. I usually smooth any parting lines around the cylinders after I have fitted them as they are easier to handle then. To check that the cylinders are lined up properly, remember that a line directly through the cylinder will line up with the centre of the driven axle. <br />
<br />
We cannot solder white-metal directly to brass or nickel in one easy step. There are some who will tell you differently. I have never been successful doing so. After you have dry fitted the cylinders a couple of times and are happy, pre tin the area they will mate against on the chassis with Carr's 145. Turn the iron back down to 200C and using the BGM flux and Carr's 70, fit the cylinders. Unlike when using glue, if you do not get the cylinders fitted correctly first go, you can reheat and adjust or simply remove with some boiling water. You can fit the wire supports for the brake gear to the white metal cover plate using the same method. <br />
<br />
We can have use Carr's Red flux for white metal soldering. BGM flux has much better wicking characteristics which are extremely valuable to us. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLiA7Ehsgp3qq7cbS72BBa_JMH-WErUifzBrVdXBOal39Bm_szwC94TSIglD48dtq85zLVwMJjEvL2TSD6MKpH8AOF0f9ADXgjUILEP5Y3ujGOb7qdUCkrxvoYmFsH6kAh1kVnnjSL66/s1600/163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwokt_4qVv16LXV8aignFEhqi12nLZV7kwoBuWKxmy3CcbBd3f9yZ97HA-R2HkXPkzZz5Kvz1qyaGDIgxR-lb_a3wSocezwFACXEVlfBAahhAD9eE_k9BeOjGmBoLo1RYe2EIlRCMZ3KNw/s1600/162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwokt_4qVv16LXV8aignFEhqi12nLZV7kwoBuWKxmy3CcbBd3f9yZ97HA-R2HkXPkzZz5Kvz1qyaGDIgxR-lb_a3wSocezwFACXEVlfBAahhAD9eE_k9BeOjGmBoLo1RYe2EIlRCMZ3KNw/s320/162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Identify the cylinder covers and fit them. Care needs to be taken here that you do not heat the cylinder enough to remove it from the chassis. Don't be tempted to lower the temperature of the iron much below 200C. Some people do this in an attempt to keep the job cooler. You are better keeping the temperature up so that you complete the job quicker and are able to allow cooling a lot earlier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLiA7Ehsgp3qq7cbS72BBa_JMH-WErUifzBrVdXBOal39Bm_szwC94TSIglD48dtq85zLVwMJjEvL2TSD6MKpH8AOF0f9ADXgjUILEP5Y3ujGOb7qdUCkrxvoYmFsH6kAh1kVnnjSL66/s1600/163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLiA7Ehsgp3qq7cbS72BBa_JMH-WErUifzBrVdXBOal39Bm_szwC94TSIglD48dtq85zLVwMJjEvL2TSD6MKpH8AOF0f9ADXgjUILEP5Y3ujGOb7qdUCkrxvoYmFsH6kAh1kVnnjSL66/s320/163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So now we have a chassis that is starting to look one. Here are the two chassis side by side to see how much we have done. <br />
<br />
In readiness for next time, locate the boiler, smokebox and footplate. You can clean these and dry fit them. Remove the molding tubes across the footplate openings with a say not side cutters. Side cutters can distort the footplate. Also locate the crossheads and crosshead slide etches. We will fit these as well. <br />
<br />
Til next time, keep the irons hot..<br />
<br />
Macca <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-40729018941521969552013-03-16T21:18:00.000+11:002013-03-16T21:18:00.947+11:00Starting The Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpULHLrMOm_pV-RfLKky6gDpFzZx9ymnWbny3HG-R2bmlQxKWdeQlmUKbjqj2Y3a1tIiVk5ZtWgI5VfVVloXBmJVTqFWUXHYt9Zma8Dof8MWiK-xdm-GO872dxjBUJ8wKwGMY3_jRpE4rR/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpULHLrMOm_pV-RfLKky6gDpFzZx9ymnWbny3HG-R2bmlQxKWdeQlmUKbjqj2Y3a1tIiVk5ZtWgI5VfVVloXBmJVTqFWUXHYt9Zma8Dof8MWiK-xdm-GO872dxjBUJ8wKwGMY3_jRpE4rR/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Let's get this loco started.<br />
<br />
A good chassis is the base for a good model. Extra time and care spent
now will repay you with years of trouble free operation, especially with
a steam locomotive.<br />
<br />
Here are the two bags of bits that we need to take pieces from to begin our chassis. By referring to the instructions identify all the required parts. For our 35 class, we need both chassis
halves, 4 etches which will be soldered in between the two chassis
halves and 2 solid spacers machined from square bar. Part numbers, 136,
142, 139, 140x2, 141 and 138x2. 4xM2 screws are also required.identify and collect the needed parts.<br />
<br />
Carefully remove parts from the etch to avoid bending or damaging them. Many methods have been offered at different times. Some use a knife and a block of wood, say use a small chisel against the block of wood. I have used both these methods but actually prefer a small pair of metal shears. Sometimes I even use a Dremel with a small work wheel.<br />
<br />
Tip number 1.... Get yourself a container to store parts which are not immediately used. <br />
<br />
I like to compare the two chassis halves to each other, to ensure that they are in fact the same. Put them back to back and see that all the holes and such line up together.<br />
<br />
Some chassis use a bearing soldered in for the axles. This one uses a bearing which will be trapped by a cover plate. A much better arrangement I think, especially for future servicing or replacement of parts.Use care and work slowly with a file until they just fit. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxQnkliFCARf5HkQW1fEmSKbOOsksXMRpetxjn2JRnpc68PJPwM8EW16owpKAXdraofebf3XE6TL5H7kvQfmpD_9t7wSseztsnB9y2OGV7HWr0EA2ivoBrjIoPm0EcDOLd03gEZTivgns/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxQnkliFCARf5HkQW1fEmSKbOOsksXMRpetxjn2JRnpc68PJPwM8EW16owpKAXdraofebf3XE6TL5H7kvQfmpD_9t7wSseztsnB9y2OGV7HWr0EA2ivoBrjIoPm0EcDOLd03gEZTivgns/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There will be some cleaning up to do. You can use jeweler's files to do this. Make sure there is no distortion around the check outs for the axle bearings from the manufacturing process. A gentle tap with a small hammer will fix that. Do not use heavy blows as this will do more damage than good. Carefully and slowly file just enough material so that the bearings fit just snugly<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxQnkliFCARf5HkQW1fEmSKbOOsksXMRpetxjn2JRnpc68PJPwM8EW16owpKAXdraofebf3XE6TL5H7kvQfmpD_9t7wSseztsnB9y2OGV7HWr0EA2ivoBrjIoPm0EcDOLd03gEZTivgns/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Take the solid spreaders and clean any burrs around the screw holes in the ends with a drill bigger than the hole. I generally use about a 1/8" drill mounted in a file handle. This will firstly allow the chassis to sit flush against the spreader and allow the screw to travel into the spreader properly. The base of the screw may not initially travel fully into the spreader. Using your 1/8" drill again, take a little more material from the screw hole until it does. Just a few turns will do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpB3rjquq3gUcuITuNTpb2iRMsySZbAFrOLDjhBP9dS-xllNDEijCf9apT4XKx6_dvqqSJs7yV3w86SWA23cr2sq9-7iqpT04PuydP20ITt5pi5wVHqscOci2-mt1SfEFIm21877yMIWx/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
By referring to the instructions, identify right and left sides, using the spreaders, (138), join the two halves to begin construction. If the screw holes in the etch are tight, open them with a small rat tail file or a cutting broach. The forward etch spreader, has a shallow bend. you can generally do this with no tools, but a pair of smooth jawed plyers may help. I use a Hold and Fold bender, available from Gwydir Valley Models, but it is not really necessary. It does however make the job easier and often much neater. Bend a little at a time until it sits in the rebates in the chassis. Back off one screw and fit it. Do the screw up again. fit the other three now the same way. The rear etch spreader has a small terminal attached. You can add a short length of wire before painting, or simply tin the tag and scrape the paint off later, when you fit the motor and gear box.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpB3rjquq3gUcuITuNTpb2iRMsySZbAFrOLDjhBP9dS-xllNDEijCf9apT4XKx6_dvqqSJs7yV3w86SWA23cr2sq9-7iqpT04PuydP20ITt5pi5wVHqscOci2-mt1SfEFIm21877yMIWx/s1600/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpB3rjquq3gUcuITuNTpb2iRMsySZbAFrOLDjhBP9dS-xllNDEijCf9apT4XKx6_dvqqSJs7yV3w86SWA23cr2sq9-7iqpT04PuydP20ITt5pi5wVHqscOci2-mt1SfEFIm21877yMIWx/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Page 6 of the instructions shows the motor and gearbox being fitted at this point, along with the wheels and axles. I do not do this. In fact the motor and gearbox are always fitted last by me, or at least after the chassis is rolling sweetly and is painted. The steel axles will not take kindly to being washed and a far better paint job can be achieved without them fitted.<br />
<br />
What we will do though, is test fit the wheels and axles and see that everything is square. Once happy, we can solder this much together.<br />
<br />
I use a Dick Smith T-2200 set to approximately 400C for this job, with LACO Regular Soldering Flux Cream, available at Reece Plumbing and Carr's 145 or 188 solder. 179 could also be used. You could use Carr's Green label Flux, Baker's or a number of others. I like Laco as it is a cream and easy to apply. It is also not toxic and non corrosive. Don't forget to clean up. I use Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner which I obtain at Bunnings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, join Soldering Techniques Facebook page. Hopefully we can sort your query for you.<br />
<br />
http://www.facebook.com/groups/497428973606817/<br />
<br />
Til next time, keep the irons hot..... Macca.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-89636677752786063852013-02-14T23:24:00.002+11:002013-02-14T23:24:21.388+11:00Building a Brass and Whitemetal Loco<b>Preamble...</b><br />
<br />
As noted previously, I have been encouraged to share my soldering knowledge via this blog. I will be assembling a DJH Kit of a New South Wales Government Railway's 35class.<br />
<br />
The kit comprises everything we need apart from solder, flux, paint, decals and brass numbers.<br />
<br />
So what do we need to build a loco? Firstly and most importantly, we need the patience to ensure that at each step we are assembling the kit correctly, with the right solder and flux and of course that the model is as accurate as we are capable of making it. There are hundreds of photos available of the 35 class and it is worth perusing as many as you can collect. An accurate, cleanly assembled, well running model is a joy to behold and I still feel pride every time I finish one. <br />
<br />
The products and techniques that I use have been tried and trued during the assembly of well over a hundred locos for myself and friends. They are not the only products and techniques, they are simply what I have found to work each and every time.<br />
<br />
<b>Tools</b><br />
<br />
You will need a temperature controlled soldering iron. I use a Dick Smith T-2200. These are no longer available at the stores but you may be able to acquire one on line. I noticed that a tools link on the ARKits website has them available. I have no idea about numbers. I use the largest tip available for the iron for good heat transfer. Jaycar have a suitable Solder Station. TS1390. Buy the TS1394 tip with it.<br />
<br />
An assortment of files will be needed. I have a lot of jeweler's files as well as a couple of single cut Mill Bastard files.<br />
<br />
Various knives, scalpel and or Exacto types are ideal. We will cover the specific types I use as we go along.<br />
<br />
Drill bits are essential. Packs of assorted drill bits in 0.1mm steps are readily available. A 1/8 inch is also required. Buy spares of 0.5mm as you will break a few. A couple of pin chucks are handy, at least for the smaller drills. Try and track down a little bee's wax to lubricate your drill bits.<br />
<br />
Something for cleaning the whitemetal is essential. I use a suede shoe brush, hard to find now, however, AMRA NSW were able to source some after I conducted a work shop in their rooms. A glass fibre pencil is also very handy, but extreme care should be exercised with it. <br />
<br />
My Dremel is something I just cannot cope with out. I built a few locos before I bought one but found the investment well worth it. DON'T PUT SMALL DRILL BITS IN THE DREMEL. You will fry them. <br />
<br />
<b>Solder and Flux.</b><br />
<br />
I once stated at a work shop that I had quite a range of fluxes and solders that I used. I have now reduced the range to only a few. I use BGM flux and their solder or Carr's 70 for whitemetal. I use LACO Regular Soldering Flux for brass to brass and for tinning brass before joining to whitemetal parts. Carr's 145 does the majority of my brass soldering. Sometimes I will use a little Carr's 188 or 179, but rarely.<br />
<br />
How and where will be discussed as we travel along.<br />
<br />
My next post will show, yes with pictures, how I assemble the locomotive chassis. come back regularly and check on my progress. If you have a specific question regarding this build or indeed another, I can be contacted through the Facebook Group Soldering Techniques, Murrumbidgee Mail, or through this blog. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Macca</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-55200889608635586442012-12-02T13:15:00.000+11:002012-12-02T13:15:58.117+11:00Build a LocoAfter some encouragement, I have decided to document the assembly of a white metal loco kit. The loco chosen is a DJH NSW 35 class. This kit is of white metal and etched brass construction and I plan to document the construction showing you some of my techniques, which are really no secret, and hopefully dispell a number of myths proliferated through out this hobby. In some instances, I will be using special tools, e.g., a metal folder.<br />
<br />
Please come along for this ride with me. Ask questions via FB or thru the blog.<br />
<br />
Macca Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-54097897737639086862012-09-04T20:54:00.002+10:002012-09-04T20:54:57.371+10:00Been busy and a step back in time. The last few weeks have been rather busy on the Exhibition front. Newcastle and then Caulfield. It seems that I get far more enjoyment from catching up with friends, such as the members of the Wyee Model Railway Club where I get to share trains and tails all afternoon before retiring to the home of a couple of the members for maybe a movie and eventually some sleep, than I do from the trains them selves.<br />
<br />
The trip to Caulfield was a bit different as I travelled with 3 friends. Two of them were members of the original Stockinbingal crew and the third a former neighbour into trains and slot cras crossing my 2 main interests.<br />
<br />
Leaving Wagga at approx 4 in the morning Saturday was a challenge for some but we were eventually on the road heading for the Southern State where we enjoyed a coffee and muffin at the golden arches Glenrowan.<br />
<br />
A visit to the Buffer Stop and Rail n Thusiast had us arriving at the show just on lunch time. A wonder around, a pie to satisfy the worms and then the serious job of looking at what was new began. Leaving the show at just short of 5 PM, we headed to the Westgate Bridge, the Western Ringroad and the Hume Highway to lead us home. <br />
<br />
What an enjoyable day. 4 friends, no real time constraints and we simply went about enjoying ourselves. Just like we used to do when we first became excited as a group with the public side of this hobby.<br />
<br />
Now to get some of the excitement back.<br />
<br />
A discussion centred around setting one night a week aside to get my layout started. Looking forward to that. Sharing the hobby with friends I mean.....Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-76803281018939705732012-07-20T12:52:00.000+10:002012-07-20T12:56:15.851+10:00Double Nickel not so ShinyI just turned 55. My battle with Rheumatoid Arthritus has been going on longer now than I want to remember. One month just rolls into the next. New issues appear and need to be managed and dealt with.<br />
<br />
The latest on the health front? Injections are working, cold weather has me with another chest infection and apparently, according to the latest examination, asthma.<br />
<br />
On the modelling front, I am still slowly moving not really making a lot of head way at times, but when I am up to things, I seem to travel ok. This lack of progress only deepens the depression. 10 years now until retirement, I hope, and my home layout is still not started, although my ideas are running along at about full throttle plus 50%. I am still leaning towards a display where my models can lap so that I can sit back and watch. My heart wants to be able to settle to full operational status, signals, lever frames and of course shunting.<br />
<br />
My friend James pointed out that unlike our American cousins, shunting really is and was fairly minor in New Sout Wales. An operating session on his layout some time ago required that as a driver, I had to wait at the Home Stick to get SM's permission to enter the yard. Once there, one or two cars were picked up and the train, again after being granted permission, was able to movefrom the yard to the next location, a fiddle yard.<br />
<br />
Whilst this was challenging, interesting and totally different to anything I had done before, I wonder just how interesting it would be while operating alone. A tail chaser, would allow me to sit back and simply watch. I could shunt a wagon when I feel like it and share the layout with non railway friends. Even on Stockinbingal when the local Club was exhibiting, shunting was limited to pushing a few cars down beside the Silo. <br />
<br />
A recent visit home reminded me what trains represented when I was a small child. Shunting occurred at Griffith mostly at night. A 30T, later X200, 48 and 44 would boss around the various cars for the fresh produce train to markets and then of course the general freight which left much later. I would expect this would have been more a case of swap the Gaurd's Van end to end then push the lot into the relevant siding. Thing is, their banging and clunking would often wake me in the wee small hours. Most intolerable to a young fellow more interested in slumber, sport and eventually girls. I am only now beginning to understand this aspect of operations.<br />
<br />
The point is, James is probably very right. Shunting on the NSWGR can be accurately portrayed by turning a train at a terminus and setting it in an appropriate siding. We have very few online customers. Depending on the location modelled, you may have a fuel depot or dairy, silos of course, but little else. The search goes on.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-23726489377130730402012-06-08T20:17:00.002+10:002012-06-08T20:17:23.676+10:00VisitorFour years ago, our family was involved in the World Youth Days in Sydney. For a week prior, we hosted two young ladies from Hong Kong in our home as they took part in activities in our local parish associated with World Youth Days.<br />
To say that they had an effect on us would be an understatement. Through the Internet, we have kept in touch, promising to continue to keep in touch. We have shared events in each other's lives. The girls with their continuing education and us with grand children. We have swapped Christmas cards and birthday wishes. I guess you could say we consider them part of our family.<br />
<br />
Well, one of our Hong Kong daughters is with us presently and we are having a very full week. Spending a little time with all of our local family and some of our friends, shopping, travelling and watching movies in front of the fire at home.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we visit Canberra, a new experience for our visitor and she is excited as you can imagine. The week has been way too short. And yes, our other Hong Kong daughter, is a little jealous.....Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-530962043727311852012-05-02T17:37:00.000+10:002012-05-02T17:39:23.575+10:00Two steps forward and three backJust as I was feeling good about things, the new drug therapy and physio finally doing some good, I get hit for six again.<br />
<br />
A sore eye and visit to the doctor finds that I have a growth in the cornea of my left eye. Some time off work feels good, but I am so sore that doing anything with my eyes is extremely uncomfortable. Worse than that, advice is that this may be a part of Rheumatoid Arthritis.......Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-3369967513429428622012-02-16T19:55:00.001+11:002012-02-16T19:55:16.403+11:00Injection number 4 today. I actually feel pretty good and i am really getting to a point now where i can consider working again.<br />
<br />
<br />Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-8169940530680359362012-01-17T21:31:00.000+11:002012-01-17T21:31:11.998+11:00ActemraSomething out of science fiction for Rheumatoid arthritis, but I am testing it. This week I get my 3rd Intraveinous Infusion of a drug called Actemra. Seems to be working. I definitely have less inflamation and pain. Blood tests this week and in 4 weeks will tell the story though. Side effects are a tad hard to manage at present, exhausted all the time and falling asleep at embarrassing times is only the half of it. I am sleeping better at night so with luck I may come full circle with that, hopefully anyway. <br />
Wish me luck..................Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-18732169250740369232012-01-17T21:25:00.000+11:002012-01-17T21:25:29.949+11:00Lambing Flat VisitA trip to Sydney with my little mate Rod to meet up with a group of Sydney modellers at the home of "Lambing Flat" occurred a couple of week ends ago. This layout has been photographed many times for AMRM and elsewhere. To actually drive on it, under instruction of course, was so much fun and very educational. James operates using a car card system. Running between 3 locations 2 of which are fiddle yards, allows more than enough variety for shunting. No looping, just operation and we were stoked.<br />
<br />
What the visit brought home was that operation is a lot of fun. We were all enthusiasts, but I dare to say that some had never done more than simple running in a circle. My own Exhibition experience was little more than looping, with the occasional silo shunt.<br />
<br />
I have questioned my own planning testing the operational possibilities. A few minor changes will occur to the drawing and the final plan now. I want both, operation and the ability to lap a loco and sit back watching. It can happen.<br />
<br />Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-47579862591109449582011-11-10T19:43:00.000+11:002011-11-10T19:43:13.188+11:00More AccupunctureMy Physiotherapist gave me a bit of a work out today before inserting a number of needles into my neck and shoulders. The addition of a tens machine and some heat had me feeling quite comfortable. I don't think I was meant to fall asleep thought. Ah well, he did say relax and the pain levels are definitely lower than earlyer.<br />
<br />
I can highly reccommend this therapy. I will now be a regular.... <br />
<br />Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-14380441121365879982011-11-08T19:35:00.002+11:002011-11-08T19:42:07.541+11:00I'm Back, Did Ya Miss Me?Yeah, It has been a while But I am still here. Unfortunately Health is not my best friend yet and along with this blog, a number of things have had to sit idle. I recently succumbed to suggestion and tried acupuncture. I have a second session later this week. It works. I don't know how I don't know why, I just know that pain levels dropped.<br /><br />Well, My E News letter is about to see the 20th issue. Written by myself and a circle of good friends, it is always chatty and informative.<br /><br />I hope shortly to be able to begin reporting on the construction of my home railway. A long time coming, like other things, but planning over the last frew months has seen a lot of changes and modification to my overall theme with a final design obvious not going to be final, until the last track pin is hammered in.<br /><br />Slot racing has been fun. When I am having a good night, it is awsome. When I am off colour, the racing suffers. Ah well, makes it all a challenge.<br /><br />Talk to you all soon.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-49514088449640848242010-05-09T15:28:00.004+10:002010-05-09T15:47:50.744+10:00Epping Model Railway Club Southern DivisionI had a great time on Friday evening being entertained by members of the Southern Division (ACT) of the Epping Model Railway Club.<br /><br />The evening was exactly what a Model Train night should be. You can betcha I will go again when able to.<br /><br />Tables arranged so that everyone was facing one and other across them and everyone had a tool box on the floor and tools spread about themselves on the table. In the midst of this organised chaos were a number of models and each attendee was working away at his new or latest model. Much of what was occuring was either scratch building or kit bashing. Some may not be touched until next week.<br /><br />It put paid for me to the argument that new modellers have to be taught ALL the skills. They just need to be exposed to the techniques, materials and ideas. Most modellers learn by doing. There are a million books and magazine articles available to the novice, once they know what they are looking for.<br /><br />I consider myself of a reasonable modelling capability, won a couple of trophies. I have spent time demonstrating various skills to other modellers. But here is the thing, I learnt a number of things on Friday, things which I will try in my own work shop.<br /><br />Thanks to the Epping boys, I did enjoy myself immensely.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-5102226177303683502010-05-05T17:44:00.003+10:002010-05-05T18:00:11.065+10:00Where's Macca?Unfortunately Macca has not been very well. An extended forced break from work and a stay in hospital has given Macca much time to think a few things through and reconfigure his own modelling plans.<br /><br />A booth for air abrasion is almost completed and has been tested. I will post a photo once completed.<br /><br />A spray booth is well under way as are plans to completely remodel the "Train Shed". Existing plans were too restrictive. New plans will see a multi layer railway with good long runs of both single track and dual track main. Staying with a NSW prototype is an easy choice as a respctable stud of models are already in the collection just waiting for track to run on.<br /><br />I should add a big thank you to the Doctors, Staff and Nurses of the Emergency Department and Ward 3, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, who gave me much needed care and attention to get me on the road to recovery from what was a serious and could have been a much more serious condition.<br /><br />And a big thanks to the little Woman who came and sat with me time after time, even when I was almost incoherent and not quite up to visitors. Yes, we have both had a rather trying few months.<br /><br />More soon.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-36187853204136100662009-09-05T10:23:00.004+10:002009-09-05T10:41:42.537+10:00Leafy Bay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN84zkRxofFg-GaePFBrr_5NytwzXztervrkZbIFAs2VCNyfsmuGdm7SUDCvtEgcU9oEj5exLBEEK-CaJs7ljQXbb16n5L0xDMCLRWYRFeACTor2CanIZa4qjhrIb_yihzSJUBySC_Mv3-/s1600-h/Leafy+Bay.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN84zkRxofFg-GaePFBrr_5NytwzXztervrkZbIFAs2VCNyfsmuGdm7SUDCvtEgcU9oEj5exLBEEK-CaJs7ljQXbb16n5L0xDMCLRWYRFeACTor2CanIZa4qjhrIb_yihzSJUBySC_Mv3-/s320/Leafy+Bay.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776733829550370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="">Too Small To Be A Branch!<br /><br />I can hear Martin now explaining the name of the popular shunting layout which he exhibited for a time prior to his more recent effort, Leafy Bay, which is a more ambitious project than Twigg. Not that Twigg was not fun, photogenic or entertaining, it was that and more. Martin’s natural edutainment style of interaction with the public at exhibitions is a bonus for managers and to be honest, a display like Martin’s should be included in every show floor plan. (Note to self, find pics of Twigg.)<br /><br />With Leafy Bay, Martin Murdon has managed to combine a terminus, small wharf, yard and beach into a very natural looking model display which would fit into many small cars and more importantly along a short wall in a small room in most homes. And yes, I could handle having it in my home.<br /><br />This model is so complete that you can stand in front for hours watching the action and easily imagine the train heading off back to Melbourne and not actually stopping in a fiddle yard. Did I say fiddle yard? Martin has incorporated a Train turn table, basically a rotating table top which has tracks to hold 5 complete trains. Once he has used all 5 trains and managed to have them all facing the wrong direction, he simply rotates the table 180 degrees and begins again. Trains are short, so changing a few wagons or indeed a whole train every so often will only take seconds, allowing even greater variety.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVRMArW-80TH_dOt2V-WkzegGxjqmA3p-yp-niWVR0AQKiyDS_mvj-bAruZgkUuo0UYSeyc4ldjrPek5wkjQkv6dcTEdNh3SShKCsC4AQaZOWr1sFH-Bc6g6PQrJi4CQftFpOyqVVpZqs/s1600-h/Leafy+Bay+Fiddle.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVRMArW-80TH_dOt2V-WkzegGxjqmA3p-yp-niWVR0AQKiyDS_mvj-bAruZgkUuo0UYSeyc4ldjrPek5wkjQkv6dcTEdNh3SShKCsC4AQaZOWr1sFH-Bc6g6PQrJi4CQftFpOyqVVpZqs/s320/Leafy+Bay+Fiddle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776952067258146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=""><br />The track plan bears some resemblance to the classic “Timesaver” designed by John Allen of “Gorre and Daphetid” fame and the execution of the plan is neat, tidy and believable. He has resisted the urge to cram track into every available corner and the scenery enjoys a rather hefty slice of the available real estate. More importantly, it allows the operator just enough room to break up his train and make up a new train for the return journey. I like the way that trees have been used to divide the station from the wharf as well as hide the opening to the fiddle yard. The trees themselves are large enough to realistically hide the train as it passes.<br /><br />The thing which makes this model look more natural than many others is the track work. All roads are obviously short but notice the station is not laid parallel to the base board edge. Curves have been used to advantage in the centre portion and the whole scene wraps around the beach which does tend to distract the eye requiring that you look again and again to see everything.<br /><br />Something like this is a perfect starter railway and could easily be managed by many beginners and incorporated into the great network we all have planned for one day. Not many have the room to build a huge empire, but here we have something we could all find a space for. I plan to show you many more like this.<br /><br />Photos courtesy David Bromage<br /><br />Macca<br /><br /><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span>Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-72152744211751174972009-08-29T22:58:00.000+10:002009-08-29T23:11:23.912+10:00Wyee WeekendWell here I am at a borrowed keyboard after two very full days on the coast. Drove up from Wagga on Friday dropping in at every Model shop I could get to catching up with many friends.<br /><br />Friday Evening was spent slot racing with Shane and the racers at Tuggerah. My first time on a large commercial track and I did not disgrace myself. Managed to run in the lead for portion of one 2 minute heat ansd finished up in the top half of the field for the session. I did not expect to run too well but managed to do ok. I definitely enjoyed it. A big thanks to you guys for making a very tired traveller feel at home. I learnt heaps and will be back to try and do better so watch out. Thoroughly enjoyed a trial in a flexi with 16D power. These things are a blast. Managed to post a 3.8 sec lap which had me on the edge on the track and apparently it was a fairly competitive lap for the car. I just want one......<br /><br />Spent this morning at theOur Town Model Show in Newcastle and the afternoon with the Wyee Model Rail Club running on "Upper Hunter". Always fun. Tonight we have just packed the guitars away after a jam that lasted for tea time until now and we are all just settling in now for a movie before bed. Tomorrow will be a low stress day travelling home through Sydney catching up with more friends and hopefully being home again in Wagga at a reasonable time tomorrow night.<br /><br />So guys and gals, race it on the track and keep it safe on the road. <br /><br />Cya all soon.........................Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-40097575886837371002009-08-26T19:00:00.000+10:002009-08-26T19:19:19.773+10:00Nuts and BoltsI am a Model Railroader. I like trains, deal with it. I like building model trains. I like to see operation in a model railway but I can also appreciate watching a fine model roll by while imbibing in a cool beverage.<br /><br />Been a while since I could say that. Circumstances in my life over the last two years have seen me hiding from a hobby that I have been a very active member of.<br /><br />Of late, I have been looking firstly at becoming involved again but find travel a little difficult so attending each and every show has become for me very difficult.<br /><br />I am the editor of the Murrumbidgee Mail, an electronic news letter connected with the Wagga Wagga Model Railroaders which I was made a life member of last year. Humbling experience that one.<br /><br />But I have been asking myself what form my personal modelling will take over the next few years. I am partway through installing an around the walls empire in my garage which is also my work shop but that has become not enough. For now it is probably just fine. I will be able to sit at the work bench building whilst the Riverina Express trundles along just above my head. It will also be a place friends can visit to run a train or just talk crap. Another fine pastime. But I have become more and more interested in operational yards and a reason for my stable of mostly kit based models to turn a wheel other than going in a circle.<br /><br />I check in on a few sites regularly for inspiration like Carl Arendt's fine site promoting minimum space layouts. You just cannot go there and come away believing you have no room for a layout. But they are just a little small for mine although I do like the idera of a small display with a purpose, yes I will possibly do one. I am leaning more towards small operational layouts like "Anthony's Room" By Paul Hawdon, hope I spelled that right, and Adrian Hoad's "Ladysmith Sidings".<br /><br />John Allen's Timesaver is an obvious start and along with my friend Dale, I have been examining different ideas. So starting soon, I will be debating some of these layouts and hopefully encourage and challenge you as well as myself.<br /><br />In the current issue of the Murrumbidgee Mail, I begin to examine Crookwell as a possible subject. Crookwell is the end of a branch through Roslyn from Goulburn and has a reasonable yard suitable for medium sized Locomotives and rolling stock. I could be tempted to reproduce the mutterings here on that subject as well.<br /><br />So come back and check out Macca's Place for information on small, not quite minimum sized operational layouts. If yoiu have an idea or own something like this, give me a hoy and we can discuss it and share it as well.<br /><br />MaccaMaccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-79406532785400044832009-08-20T21:09:00.000+10:002009-08-20T21:21:16.840+10:00Off SickThe Great Australian Pastime, the sickie, more often than not the extra little holidays taken every so often and paid for by the boss. Have you ever noticed just how slowly the day goes when you are off genuinely sick?<br /><br />I have unfortunately been at home the last couple of days and not only have the days been long, there has been an element of boredom. Between sleeping in a little and having no real pressure to complete anything, the days have had no structure. Obviously the headaches and nausea have had me feeling sorry for myself and the trips to the bathroom as well as to the kitchen to keep fluids up have occurred as demand required. Not much else though.<br /><br />I have had the choice of hundreds of movies to watch and you know, I have drifted off during both movies I have attempted to watch. I have not been able to do anything in either of my two main hobbies as both involve an amount of pungent chemicals and solvents and both have effected my breathing in an undesirable manner. That is what a viral infection will do to you.<br /><br />A trip into town today to see the doctor and basically be told I have been doing the right things and no more can be done as I am apparently getting on top of the infection and should be back at work Monday. Not her fault, but it just seems a little much to have to pay $50 to be able to claim 3 days sick pay.<br /><br />Ah well, time for another cup of tea.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-899828389557779779.post-50834631515659601262009-08-13T22:15:00.000+10:002009-08-13T22:22:07.635+10:00Hello and welcomeWagga is a little damp as I sit here typing, setting up my own little peice of the internet. I hope to share things about me, this city and region as well as my hobbies.<br /><br />I am probably on the high end of middle aged and work as an accounts officer for a national transport company.<br /><br />I am married and have 4 children and soon 2 grand children.<br /><br />My hobbies include Model Railways, Slot cars and music.<br /><br />Drop in time to time and say "hi". Hopefully some photos and comment will appear here regularly.<br /><br />I am currently planning a new model railway based on Crookwell. But, I have planned a few and there is no gaurantee this will actually be built. Ah well, one shed full of raceway and one full of model railway and model work shop I guess is enough for any bloke at my stage in life.<br /><br />Cya soon.Maccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04377119036200139742noreply@blogger.com0