Open Wagon - Low Sided

These multi-purpose wagons were once found on the Deutsche Reichsbahn (East German Railway).

Model: Authentic DR markings, 99-41-10.
Length: 300mm LGB: 41100

Tank Car

From the early days of railways, it was clear that tank cars were needed. Tankers normally haul liquid freight, like oil and gasoline, but they are also used as maintenance cars to provide water.

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve, 97-09-54.

Length: 250mm LGB: 40010

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A Winter's Tale

With radio control fitted, this is Billy's first ever controlled run. Filmed during a cold and freezing mid January's day, the smoke (steam) plumes are enhanced and lingered long after her passing.


Next stage, Billy will be renamed to her operating name this spring. Look out for the renaming ceremony in a future post.

Locomotive Lamps - 2

After priming with white primer, the lamps were given two coats of white gloss enamel paint, applied by brush and a steady hand. Once dry, the handles and lenses were painted with black and red enamel respectively.

Here they are, hanging on the rear of Billy's cab.

W&LLR SLR No.85

 

The W&LLR ex Sierra Leone Railway No.85 engine was repainted in 2009 from it's midnight blue scheme to matt black, representing her appearance in Africa.

Today after her boiler certificate expired back in April 2010 she resides at the NRM Shilden, on a five year display until 2016.

Here she can be seen departing Welshpool during the W&LLR Steam Gala of 2009.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

To reach the top of Snowdon you can either walk or take the train to the 3560ft summit.  Since 1896 visitors have been able to travel to the summit on this 'rack' railway whilst enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. 

On this occasion I just visited Llanberis Station, but I was still able to take some departing shots.

Slowly the journey begins as the 1500 departure pushes out of the station.

No.2 Enid, pushing hard on coach No.8.

With Enid on her way, No.9 Ninian prepares for the next departure.

Locomotive Lamps - 1

A couple of lamps were needed to put on the brackets at the rear of Billy's cab. Roundhouse make and sell these in a two part kit made from white metal (Product code: CLL).

A little epoxy resin was mixed and applied to the two parts of each kit. They were then left to set for 24 hours before being primed with white metal primer.

Next stage, painting.

Trackbed

Back in Spring 2009, the creation of Homestyal Light Railway began.  Here follows the method that I used for the construction of the trackbed.

Most of my garden is relatively level so building the track bed wasn't too difficult as it only had to vary between two to four inches above the existing terrain.

Using LGB R3 (16000) curves and straight sections as templates I was able to construct the trackbed with tanalised decking planks supported on light weight breeze blocks positioned at regular intervals.

Most sections of curve were represented by two R3 (16000) pieces whereas each straight section was made from various lengths, all divisible by 300mm (10000).

Once the decking planks were in position each individual section was covered in heavy grade mineral roofing felt. This would both protect the wood from the elements and provide an initial surface for the track to adhere to prior to the ballast being laid. 

Mineral felt laid, daffodils re-located and completion of the home loop.

The track bed was fitted with a 95mm x 6mm uPVC edging strip which would provide additional protection to the wood, allow future cabling to be routed and form a boundary for the 20mm green slate chippings. The strip sits approx 8mm above the felt (same height as the sleepers), which will allow for ballast (grit) to be laid in between and around the sleepers whilst preventing the ballast from spreading. 

Before the chippings were put down a weed barrier membrane was laid to prevent weeds from re-appearing. The slate depth varies between 50mm and 80mm. In the foreground are small Boxus plants which in time will form a dwarf hedge. 

With the laying of the chippings complete - the home loop awaits the introduction of ornamental grasses and monoliths and of course, HOMEstyal Halt Station. 

Ornamental grasses, monoliths and a temporary location for HOMEstyal Halt Station complete the construction of the home loop.

Billy Radio Control - Stage 2b

With the Radio Control equipment fitted, setting and adjustment of the regulator is best achieved with the locomotive 'in steam' and on blocks to raise the wheels off the ground.

Once full working pressure is raised, the transmitter and receiver were both switched on.

The regulator arm was adjusted until the transmitters 'stick' was in the half way position as the wheels began to rotate.

The movement and settings of all linkages can be seen in the above video.