dantimmy Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Fantastic, I remember seeing Tim Ventons 'Clutton' on youtube and he talks about the lighting in a similar way 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CourthsVeil Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 What a great layout - so small and yet so great! Will keep a very interested eye on its progress. Armin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aberdare Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Hi Nick That completed lighting has made all the difference to the view of the layout. I'm sure it will be a great success on the exhibition circuit. I will have to try and take it in if I have a short break in the south somewhere, of course you may get an invite further north. Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted December 1, 2012 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 1, 2012 Hi Nick That completed lighting has made all the difference to the view of the layout. I'm sure it will be a great success on the exhibition circuit. I will have to try and take it in if I have a short break in the south somewhere, of course you may get an invite further north. Jim Thanks Jim. I don't know where you are but it will be north of home territory at the Cradley Heath (West Midlands) Exhibition on 13th October 2013. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcampbell Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Definitely worth the extra lights, the result is very even and really shows the layout to it's best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRIAN T Posted March 7, 2013 Share Posted March 7, 2013 Lovely atmospheric and inspiring ,thanks Nick BrianT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 7, 2013 Share Posted March 7, 2013 Smashing layout!Don't know how I've missed this one...I stumbled accross it, while looking at Brian T's superb "Abercynnon Fach" micro...That's rmweb for you - there's so much quality stuff on here,and it's always throwing up nice surprises Great work sirYes, I too believe in getting some sort of lighting in placeIt shows the layout much better, and you get to see all those small details, which you might otherwise miss,in "murkier" conditions......Your lighting is nice & even too....No blinding highlights or deep shadows - just the trickLove the name too - I know Much Marcle,and I think you have captured the essence of the countryside nicelyCheers Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welsh Yorkie Posted March 7, 2013 Share Posted March 7, 2013 Lovely layout, especially like the buildings. Your video shows that it should be good fun operations-wise as well. Towards the end of the video, did I hear a burp, or was it a passing reference to other railways? Dai Davies Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted March 7, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 7, 2013 Thank you all for the kind comments and my apologies to michael for not responding earlier. Marc - I agree that there is so much on RMweb that you are always stumbling across gems that you miss. Threads fall off the radar very quickly. Dai - That made me laugh Yes it was a burp and has already been mentioned earlier in the thread. I didn't notice it during editing Shunting can get quite tricky and is lots of fun. Much Murkle is in the garage and all the stock in the house. It's been too cold to spend much time in the garage over winter but I would like to do some more photos and video soon, especially as I've been working on some new stock that needs an airing. Hopefully spring will be here soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted March 31, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 31, 2013 (edited) Now's seems an opportune moment to show some of the stock I've been working on over the winter. First up a few humble wagons The first three wagons were a generous gift sent to me all the way from Utah by my friend John Flann a while back. Whilst he will have seen the photos before it is only right that I should show my appreciation again by showing the completed kits here on RMweb. I have been working on a few more to increase the stock including these Coaching stock next... Edited December 22, 2022 by nickwood 19 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post nickwood Posted April 1, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 1, 2013 (edited) Work on coaching stock has been confined to upgrading an old Airfix Autocoach with a Dart Castings detail kit and adding flush glazing and passengers. I've also acquired this completed Wheeltapper Kit of a 57' toplight double ended slip coach from the secondhand stock of my club. For those who do not know these kits they come with pre-printed sides and cast and etched detail on the underframe. I've also acquired an unbuilt kit of a toplight 57' brake third. and finally for the passenger stock this beauty will now be running on Much Murkle. Acquired again from my club, it has needed a bit of fettling to get it running well. It does sit a little high due to the clearances on the valve gear but it isn't noticeable so long as it's not buffered up to other stock. Whoever made it, painted and lined it have done a very good job. Locos next.... Edited December 22, 2022 by nickwood 23 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post nickwood Posted April 1, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 1, 2013 (edited) The upgraded Autocoach just wouldn't look right being propelled by a bog standard Dapol 14xx so that had to get the treatment as well. I decided to backdate it to a 48xx and fitting a mainly trains detailing kit, at the same time getting rid of the traction tyres. I thought about using an ultrascale set but decided in the end to canibalise another chassis for the wheels. The upgrading using this kit has been described a few times before on RMweb so I won't bother boring anyone as I've done nothing different. The body in primer ready for top coat Top coat on and flush glazing fitted (cut out of clear plastic) Safety valve cover still to go on. Chassis is done and buffer beams have now been painted. It's waiting for etched plates to be made up from Martin finney etches. She will be numbered 4863 which worked in the Hereford / Gloucester area. That's as far as this one has got to date. Another recent acquisition (same club source again) is this lovely Bulldog (Bird variant) 3447 Jackdaw. I think it is a K's kit but I'm not sure. As with the Steam Railmotor Jackdaw was not a good runner but I seem to have got that sorted with a good clean and service. She runs slightly better in one direction than the other and I've noticed from the photos that maybe the quartering is slightly out. Something I'll have to investigate further. Edited for poor spalling !! Edited December 22, 2022 by nickwood 20 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mikkel Posted April 1, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 1, 2013 What an extravaganza of stock Nick! Just the right way to end Easter :-) Some very nice builds, and your work to personalise the autocoach and loco has really paid off - there's nothing Airfix about those two anymore, I think. The ex-club stock is very appealing, someone must be happy to see this stock running again and in such a setting. It's good to know John will readily part with kits, can you give us any tips on how best to go about it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted April 1, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted April 1, 2013 What an extravaganza of stock Nick! Just the right way to end Easter :-) Some very nice builds, and your work to personalise the autocoach and loco has really paid off - there's nothing Airfix about those two anymore, I think. The ex-club stock is very appealing, someone must be happy to see this stock running again and in such a setting. It's good to know John will readily part with kits, can you give us any tips on how best to go about it? Hi Mikkel It's not ex club stock as such but stock acquired from outside sources to sell on and make a small profit to fund the club's activities. I'm not sure but I think most of the current list was acquired after someone enquired how to dispose of an estate. John and I have been following each others progress for some time and he was aware that I enjoyed building wagon kits. As he now prefers to use and adapt rtr and had these spare, he very kindly sent me a surprise Christmas present of those he had left over knowing I would put them to good use, and he was right ! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Neal Ball Posted April 3, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 3, 2013 (edited) Lovely layout and 'photos of the 48xx and Autocoach. PLUS!!! - The Railmotor is great! Edited April 3, 2013 by Neal Ball Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john flann Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 (edited) Nick, I've only just caught up with this and your kind remarks. I knew you would make good use of the kits and I'm very happy to see the results. Excellent workmanship as always. Now on a slightly different tack it would seem to me that your new coaching stock and locos might look slightly out of place on bucolic Much Mutkle, so, to justify the use of slip coaches and 'Jackdaw' and the like is it in your mind to upgrade it to a station with a direct main line connection? Edited April 4, 2013 by john flann 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted April 4, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted April 4, 2013 (edited) Thanks Neal, John and everyone who has given me more 'likes'. John, you are right, they may look a little out of place although maybe not wholly unknown for a Bulldog to venture down a small branch, probably in my case to haul an emergency 'cider special' for one of the King's garden parties at Buckingham Palace. I've yet to come up with a beievable scenario for the slip to venture down the branch form the junction but give me time ! In reality they were available at a good price, and were very well made and I couldn't resist buying them, even if I do need a bit of modellers license to run them occassionally. Edited December 22, 2022 by nickwood 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David C Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 Redundant slip coaches were used on branchlines instead of autocoaches, B sets etc. The slipping gear was removed, but everything else, including the highly distinctive vacuum cylinders , seemed to have been left. Examples of branches using slips are Faringdon and Newcastle Emlyn, both of which had the 70ft long concertina dia F13s. I believe the Henley branch also had a toplight slip, but I don't know the diagram. Quite when these coaches were relegated to branch line work, I don't know. Russell's book contains a photo of the Faringdon vehicle taken in 1947, so it was just within the GW period, but could well have been earlier. On the other hand, an F13 was still being slipped at Bicester as late as 1959! From the Management's point of view, ex slips were very useful on branchlines as they had accommodation for both 1st and 3rd classes plus a small guard's/luggage/parcels compartment. I'd be inclined to use your slip on ordinary services frankly and not worry too much quite when it had been cascaded down to Much Murkle! MM incidentally is a very nice layout with some beautiful modelling! Regards David C 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isambard Kingdom Brunel Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 (edited) Nice looking Locos, I love the 48xx, I am just building another 58xx for my layout, I am interested how you created the hooks on the back for the fire iron? I have made some using flattened .45 mm brass wire, but, could not get a uniform shape as you have. Edited April 4, 2013 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted April 4, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted April 4, 2013 Redundant slip coaches were used on branchlines instead of autocoaches, B sets etc. The slipping gear was removed, but everything else, including the highly distinctive vacuum cylinders , seemed to have been left. Examples of branches using slips are Faringdon and Newcastle Emlyn, both of which had the 70ft long concertina dia F13s. I believe the Henley branch also had a toplight slip, but I don't know the diagram. Quite when these coaches were relegated to branch line work, I don't know. Russell's book contains a photo of the Faringdon vehicle taken in 1947, so it was just within the GW period, but could well have been earlier. On the other hand, an F13 was still being slipped at Bicester as late as 1959! From the Management's point of view, ex slips were very useful on branchlines as they had accommodation for both 1st and 3rd classes plus a small guard's/luggage/parcels compartment. I'd be inclined to use your slip on ordinary services frankly and not worry too much quite when it had been cascaded down to Much Murkle! MM incidentally is a very nice layout with some beautiful modelling! Regards David C David, thanks for the compliment and the info on the Slip coaches. Very useful. Nice looking Locos, I love the 48xx, I am just building another 58xx for my layout, I am interested how you created the hooks on the back for the fire iron? I have made some using flattened .45 mm brass wire, but, could not get a uniform shape as you have. Terry, The hooks are just thin strips of brass cut from the edge of a etch with a pair of Xuron shears. They are then formed around a cocktail stick with the ends kinked with a pair of thin nosed pliers. Then just trimmed to length. Easier (and quicker) to do then describe. Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davywilson Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 Great layout,is it possible to get track plans,as i am just starting back into n gauge and i would like to try this one Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed a/c Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 How weird I was just reading about this layout in a back issue of Hornby Magazine today. Great layout and glad to follow it on here. Regards Scott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davywilson Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Hi everyone. Please let me introduce Much Murkle to you all. Some of you who have been around a bit may remember that it did make a brief appearance on the old RMWeb up until I was at the point of building the platforms. Everyone seemed keen on using the blog facility at that time and I decided that wasn't for me so didn't bring the thread over and used the time instead to get on with some modelling and concentrate on a couple of other forums that I use. I did remain a member of RMweb but more in the "lurking" category until recently, my post count will bear that out. This is my first layout that I have ever got near to completion after a number of abortive attempts. Much Murkle is a GWR BLT for which I make no apologies having collected GW stock over the years. The layout is located in the area south of Ledbury, Herefordshire as I wanted to feature a cider house (rail served of course, even if unlikely). The name "Much Murkle" is fictitious but a derivative of the actual village of Much Marcle, which is well known for its cider making and serial killer (Fred West was born here). Whilst there is a Cider factory on the layout, Fred has not made an appearance as of yet. Construction began in January 2009 and the layout had its first outing to the Model Rail Group Forum meet at Bristol in April this year. Since then Much Murkle has featured in the July 2012 edition of Hornby magazine Whilst it performed well at the MRG meet, a lot was learnt from that first outing and I've just started the process of redesigning the fiddle yard cassettes and still have the fascia and lighting to do as well as building more stock, detailing the locos etc. Here's a few recent photos to get things started. MRG Meet up Apr 12 004.JPG Station Building 053.JPG Goods Shed 038.jpg MM March 2012 004.JPG MM June 2012 008.JPG MM June 2012 016.JPG MM June 2012 017.JPG MM MRG Apr 12 019.JPG MM June 2012 022.JPG Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I've enjoyed the journey so far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davywilson Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Hi everyone. Please let me introduce Much Murkle to you all. Some of you who have been around a bit may remember that it did make a brief appearance on the old RMWeb up until I was at the point of building the platforms. Everyone seemed keen on using the blog facility at that time and I decided that wasn't for me so didn't bring the thread over and used the time instead to get on with some modelling and concentrate on a couple of other forums that I use. I did remain a member of RMweb but more in the "lurking" category until recently, my post count will bear that out. This is my first layout that I have ever got near to completion after a number of abortive attempts. Much Murkle is a GWR BLT for which I make no apologies having collected GW stock over the years. The layout is located in the area south of Ledbury, Herefordshire as I wanted to feature a cider house (rail served of course, even if unlikely). The name "Much Murkle" is fictitious but a derivative of the actual village of Much Marcle, which is well known for its cider making and serial killer (Fred West was born here). Whilst there is a Cider factory on the layout, Fred has not made an appearance as of yet. Construction began in January 2009 and the layout had its first outing to the Model Rail Group Forum meet at Bristol in April this year. Since then Much Murkle has featured in the July 2012 edition of Hornby magazine Whilst it performed well at the MRG meet, a lot was learnt from that first outing and I've just started the process of redesigning the fiddle yard cassettes and still have the fascia and lighting to do as well as building more stock, detailing the locos etc. Here's a few recent photos to get things started. MRG Meet up Apr 12 004.JPG Station Building 053.JPG Goods Shed 038.jpg MM March 2012 004.JPG MM June 2012 008.JPG MM June 2012 016.JPG MM June 2012 017.JPG MM MRG Apr 12 019.JPG MM June 2012 022.JPG Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I've enjoyed the journey so far. Hi nick,do you have plans of layout ?as i am thinking of getting back into MR in n gauge as i have retired and need something to keep me occupied, the weather is not great so i am looking for a layout when i cannot get out and about Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted May 20, 2013 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted May 20, 2013 Great layout,is it possible to get track plans,as i am just starting back into n gauge and i would like to try this one Hi Davy. I replied using the email address that you sent by PM. Hope it helps. How weird I was just reading about this layout in a back issue of Hornby Magazine today. Great layout and glad to follow it on here. Regards Scott Thanks Scott, nice to know someone has read it Hi Nick My first good veiwing of the thread, lovely layout, nice wagons, like the lighting it makes all difference. 81C Thanks 81C. The layout has been neglected lately due to work commitments and domestic decorating duties. Hopefully I can get some more photos taken soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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