O gauge layout fiddle yard conundrum.

 I blithely built the extension for the 0 gauge layout ( must decide on a name) before thinking about how the fiddle yard would work. To say I got it wrong is an understatement!

Because one track was at an angle, the sector plate idea wouldn't work- ho hum!

So a rethink- and a solution. Extending both tracks meant that I could get both tracks entering at roughly equal angles.

So, the tracks have been extended which I will show on a later post.

0 Gauge wagons.

I must admit that the value of the Dapol 0 gauge wagons continues to impress me.

For a little over £40 both of these offerings are a super way to enter 0 gauge.

OK so there is an issue of space but so it is with all layouts. My latest, an 0 gauge build has a viewing area of 5ft x 1ft with a fiddle yard of 60cm.

The wagons have a presence which belies the fact that only two wagons at a time can be moved. The lower pic is of the latest 9ft wheelbase chassis release.

009 Heljan L&B Manning Wardell.

 There has been much discussion about the phase 1 and phase2 issue of the Heljan 009 Manning Wardell.

On the right is the latest issue YEO, identified by the red head lamp.

The lining seems to be more intense tan that of the original issue shown below for comparison.

Outwardly there is little apparent difference but closer viewing shows some subtle differences.

 The earlier issue, which I had no issue with is shown to the left. The lining is less defined and the valve gear slightly coarser than the new issue.

I have tested both after running in on my Bacrus rolling road. Each was run for 30minutes in either direction without fault.

After running both were lubricated generously with machine grade oil and run again for 15 minutes. The result is a silky smooth runner in each case.

 The nameplates have some subtle differences as show to the left and below. The new issue is clearer but there is glue marks around the plates- the earlier issue appears to have the nameplates cast as part of the side tanks. I stand to be corrected as otherwise the fit is perfect.

After checking and adjusting the bogie truck wheels, running appears to be acceptable but I wouldn't use on less than 14 inch curves or 18inch turnouts.
Am I happy? Yes!

Happy Christmas one and all-Ho Ho Ho etc. etc.

Twas the night before Christmas!!

This may explain the late arrival of Christmas future!

OOOOOOP'S

Thinking about next Christmas already.

These are a brilliant bargain!

Whilst looking around The Works I found this small house and church which are , more or less, suitable for next years christmas diorama.

Just need some snow effect and all the work is done-well pleased.

New O Gauge layout- but what name?

 The simple answer is I don't know-yet!

Having laid the track and wired the track including wiring up the solitary point motor the whole lot has been extensively tested and seems to work as I had hoped.

Then disaster! Whilst moving the layout the operating transformer dived headlong to the floor- this is NOT a good thing.

It left the wiring to the layout and the connector into the rear of the transformer and the body on the floor-wrecked. Must contact the maker to see if it can be reasonably repaired or if a new one is needed.

009 Mystery solved.

 After some web searching I have found out what this little loco is.
It is a GEM Manyways kit which can be built in several different styles.
This one has now receivedits top coat and some yellow lining plus a name- Kalevala.
I have no idea where this comes from but was one set of several that I obtained from 247 Developments at Taunton.
When searching for the meaning I have found that the name Kalevala is a Finnish national epic of which, like the Illiad, grew out of oral tradition.

Dundas Festiniog Bogie Coaches.

A new rake of coaches to run as a rake. They are all short bogie coaches so should be useable for Hillbrow and Woody Lane.

I have two brake coaches and the open, below, which will form the rake.

Shown in undercoat, they will eventually be finished in red and white for something different.

009 0-4-0 tank loco and chassis.

The body has had handrails fitted to the cab and has had an initial coat of primer.










The Minitrains chassis has been carved about to fit the body and to balance there has to be a piece of lead under the boiler.

The loco is to be painted Maroon.

0 Gauge Parkside GWR Fruit Van.

The first 0 Gauge piece of rolling stock has been completed except for couplings which are being batch built.

The transfers are included with the kit so no extras to source.

All in all a substantial wagon to join , and just about  complete, the fleet.

Another 009 GVR Tram engine?

Yes another one. This one will be
different though.

Where the first two have open front cabs, this one will have the enclosed cab as per GLYN.

I have yet to source a farish 94XX chassis or I may fit a KATO chassis with the adaptor plate advertised on e-bay.

We shall see!

Minitrains 009/Hoe wagon with added bulldozer.

This I found, again on the 009 Sales table .

A nice model of a bulldozer which I have given a coat of matt varnish to tone down the glossy finish.

Looks good on Quarry Siding.

A couple of 0 gauge wagons.

This wagon was rescued from a model shop for a small sum. The underframe and chassis were poorly painted and on buffer seized.

A session with the paintbrush saw the chassis finished in dirty black.The wagon interior was also given the same treatment.

The seized buffer now moves but still wants a bit more work to make it fully working.

Below is a Parkside  GW Fruit van which I acquired half built. With the chassis now completed a couple of coats of primer have been applied- Grey from Poundland- and I think the finish is a good representation of GW wagon/chassis grey. Next, once all dry, is to affix transfers and couplings. For 0 gauge I am going to fit Spratt and Winkles which I got from Wizard Models as a starter pack.

Another 009 mystery-to me!

 You never know what you will find on the 009 Society Sales tables.

At the recent Wimborne open day I found this. First the body, then a Minitrains chassis which looked as if it would fit.

A bit of carving to the chassis and body and this is the result.

The front of the boiler is packed with lead and this balances the loco nicely. Some carving was necessary to the chassis as well including a rear coupling being fitted.

Once I find out what the prototype is a coat of primer and then top coat- then to match with some stock!

IKEA find.

 I absolutely hate shopping!

So when I took my granddaughter to Southampton Hospital recently - as I had a considerable wait my wife asked me to collect a rug from the blue and yellow box on West Quay Road I think.

On the way to the rug department I spied this, strangely enough in the children's department.

Flat packed, it took a couple of minutes to assemble and a useful toolbox is created.

Recommended.

Wessex open day at Colehill, Wimborne 1st December 2018

A few shots of layouts at Colehill on 1st December 2018.