Western Hills MPD extension part4

18/04/2020 

After putting off splitting the storage yard from the main layout I removed the bolts and separated the board. I took the opportunity to perform a little TLC with the wiring whilst I was able to turn the board over. The modified Hornby turntable can be seen using a small low geared motor from China directly coupled to the pinion [S.9643] that drives the Geneva drive parts [S.9602 & S.9573] are not used. The motor assembly is DCC controlled and works much quieter than the old Hornby motor. Next I plan to remove the terminus section of the layout to fit uncoupling ramps. More of that later

pix valley operational once again

New track arrived and laid secured with a couple of pins whist it was tested 2409 negotiated the newly laid section with no issues as did a couple of larger types. The track was ballasted and the greenery reinstated.

Re-purpose an Airfix OO gauge 20t grey brake van to track cleaner

Wednesday, 8 April 2020

Pix Valley wagon works has been busy repurposing an Airfix OO gauge 20t grey brake van. Using Evergreen strip and plastic card I fabricated a cradle to fit under the brake van some fettling of the inside of the under frame was required. I made a plate from 60thou plastic card weighted with lead flashing is positioned under the frame supported on two 2mm Allen bolts 2000 grit carborundum paper provides the abrasive pad. Additional weights were fitted inside the van to provide some down force and the plastic wheels replace with turned metal ones. I shall try Scotchbrite Scouring Fibral Hand Pads grey #600 in place of the carborundum paper

Essential travel in these difficult times

Crew arrive today for the Dean Goods despite travel restrictions all the way from Bristol. I am going to put them up in a hotel until their uniforms arrive, oh and while the track is re-laid.

Modelu 1070-076R and 1073-076L

The April fool

2301 Class Dean Goods first impressions

So what have I been doing? My new locomotive arrive the other day from Hatton’s a Class 2301 Dean Goods 0-6-0 2409 in BR Black with early emblem DCC Sound fitted. It’s a very tidy loco detail is good my only reservation is the moulded coal load which is easily rectified. I’ve tidied up the retaining wall on Arlesworth station which was slightly damaged. That’s really all I’ve up too. Oh you tube “pulled” my videos because I had music playing in the office and I could be heard on the video.

2409 Dean Goods 0-6-0 has had a little tweak of the CV’s only loco ID and deceleration. For some reason which I have eventually established the leading driving wheels left the track on the first curve out of Arlesworth just behind “Arkwright’s open all hours” shop.

Filming the derailment fro two different angles I realised that the track bed is twisted. As you can see in the video the leading driving wheels on the right hand side are off the track so the flanged are no longer in contact with the running rail hence the derailment.

I have ordered more track and will rip up the offending section and relay it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64qYGVbZ6M8

Arelesworth winter maintenance

Due to ham-fisted attempt to fit magnets to uncouple the loco from the train I made a right LuLu resulting in the running rails splayed out of gauge. The time is right to refurbish the platforms whilst the damaged rails are removed.   More to follow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM1Iio1hpGE

As you can see the ballast was wetted and old damaged track and ballast was removed, left for a couple of days to dry out. A light sanding of the trackbed before tacking new rails in place. A test to see where the uncoupler should be fitted masking off those sleepers and the area where the platforms sit. A quick rusting to the track before re ballasting. New self adhesive wrappings for the platform printed from Model Railway Scenery sheets printed and fixed to the platforms before fitting back on the base board. 

A smattering of static grass to simulate aged trackway.

Western Hills Latest loco arrives

Again its being a little while since I have written anything to this blog, so a quick update. I was hoping to get hold of a Dapol 122 from Hattons and pick it up at Warley unfortunately my plan to save £4 on the postage was thwarted. Well the model arrived today one day after me ordering it on line. This Saturday 23^rd I’m taking two of my grandsons to Warley; I hope to pick up a sound chip for the railcar. I have resisted all temptation to chip it with a standard 21pin chip from my stock; there is a lot of intricate detail on the chassis so I only want to take the body off once. I guess I need some passengers too.