Wednesday 30 May 2012

Mixed Goods

Going round the bend, a mixed goods train slowly approaches Homestyal Halt.
Passing a railcar patiently waiting for her passengers at Homestyal Halt.
Carefully does it whilst passing the new foundations of the Brookwood Extension.
Past the cordyline and over Buddleia Pond bridge.
On looking shires follow the progress of the mixed goods train.
Pulling out of Buddleia Pond station and passing the sleepy signal box.

Monday 28 May 2012

Brookwood Extension - Girder Bridge footings (1)

With the dryer weather now upon us, it was time to begin the construction of the Brookwood Extension.

After the initial removal of a 10610 straight section (1200mm) replaced with an electric left switch 16150, a straight section 10600 (600mm) and two straight sections 10080 (82mm), it was time to lay the foundations for the new bridge supports.

The first bridge support foundations were laid to a depth of 175mm using spar, sand and cement to a 3:2:1 ratio.









Once the foundations have dried, after approximately 7 days, two concrete edging stones will be mortared together and back filled with more concrete. (See future post.)







Whilst waiting for the conctrete to dry, I covered the whole area with a solid plastic sheet to help the mix to slowly dry and thus not crack. (Not illustrated.)

Wednesday 16 May 2012

KOF first to roll out with new logo plates.

After being recalled to the HLR Bodyshop, KOF 3005 proudly presents her new logo plates.

















The decal was applied over a pre-painted patch of Johnson Klear, before another thicker coat was painted over the decal. The initial coat was to provide a suitable surface for the decal to be applied and the second coat was to provide protection.


Wednesday 9 May 2012

Billy becomes..........

Ninety years ago today my mother was born and subsequently christened Florence. This morning in her memory, Billy too was christened Florence and given the operating number of 9, representing her birth date.

The crowds gathered for the renaming ceremony, including the guest of honour, The Controller.
The Stationmaster began the countdown for the curtains to unveil.
Gradually the curtains opened to the anticipating crowd.
Whilst her name is revealed, a couple of proud engineers polish and oil her components.
The Controllers secretary whispers, "What a lovely name".
"I now declare her Florence, number 9" announces The Controller.
Did you guess her name?

Saturday 5 May 2012

Girder Bridge - Stage 3

Using 10mm x 10mm angle aluminum the track supports were fixed in place with 3mm pan headed zinc plated screws.


The supports are slightly wider than the sleepers to allow for movement and expansion.

















Friday 4 May 2012

Stainz - Deutsche Post

















Typically found in starter sets, this alternative Stainz steam locomotive version was created for and to represent the Deutsche Post.

Model: Complete with smoke generator, sound and directional lights.

Length: 240mm Weight: 1950g

Tuesday 1 May 2012

HLR Logo

Thanks to Roger from The Cottage Group for the artwork and  to John from Precision Labels for the decals, I now have ready for application, the logo plates for HLR. During the following weeks locomotives and rolling stock will be re-called to the HLR Bodyshop for their logo plates to be fitted.