Robatron86

Oh no...they are breeding.

Been doing a few bits and pieces to the yard, and getting it running smoothly for the Solent exhibition at the end of the month...all I can say is that the track and rolling stock need a damn good clean! I finally finished the electrical wiring. Only took another hour and a half! It now crosses over the tracks at the over bridge. Dan is on his break with his pup, Sparky. Sparky has his eyes on lunch... Yard was busy today...I don't know where that reefer came from... Short video for you all.

I haven't yet decided if I will actually do anything with the N gauge stock. I think I'm actually in the process of streamlining my modelling and focusing on one area.

Who doesn't love Alco's! In other news, I'm looking to shift some unused items (I haven't listed in the buy and sell area as I figured it may get missed by the target audience). PM me for further details.

It's quite alright. As I said it was great just to watch it in action, although I fear I may be a bad influence on the layout as the 3 times I visited the layout, something went wrong!

Oh and I meant to say hello but you were always deep in conversation and I didn't wish to interrupt!

It was lovely to see this yesterday in the flesh. Glad you had a good day overall.

I would love to do american O gauge, but I don't have any space for it, Tilley Yard South takes up all the available space in my shed. N gauge on the other hand can live anywhere.

RS-2 2099 pauses in a quiet yard.

I realised I hadn't shown you the rest of the n gauge. Posed with their HO cousins.

Well I dabbled with American N gauge years ago, but nothing really came of it. I don't think this is going to be permanent change to N gauge, just a bit fun. A wild boxcar spotted with her calf.

I will be popping down to Alton this weekend. I've always wanted to see it in the flesh. I have seen its fiddle yard already though....

I'm hoping it does slip in under the radar!

What?! No! What ever makes you think that?!....

So, I have a funny story for you all, and a cautionary tale... I am perusing Ebay (as we all do I'm sure) and I saw an Atlas VO-1000 in Santa Fe zebra stripe for $60 or so. Not bad I thought, I'll watch that. A couple of days later, I get an email saying the item is nearing the end of it's auction, so I look again. It has a buy it now or best offer, so I offer a cheeky amount of $50, and think if he says no, not a massive issue. About half an hour later, I get another email saying offer accepted, please pay now. Great stuff! I pay and just look at my new bargain purchase (about £35 in real money). I am reading the description again and notice a line right at the top: "All items are N gauge unless stated".... Oh b****r!.... Within 15 minutes it now has a 40ft boxcar, stockcar and caboose to join it. And that's how I accidentally started in American N gauge.

Thanks chaps. The boxcars came from Model Junction. Still had one of each in stock. Over half way there! My non prototypical consist will be made up from: Athearn F7A/B (or PA/PB) Walthers RPO/Baggage (on order) Walthers Baggage/Lounge Walthers Sleeper Walthers Sleeper Walthers Large Window Walthers Diner Walthers Small Window (on order) Walthers Small Window (on order) Walthers Observation (on order) It's really designed to offer the vibe of a full Super Chief consist.

New goodies time! Both Walthers. I love the colours on the NYC car. I bought the Reading one because my wife works in Reading (Berkshire, UK though, but the sentiment is there). Walthers Sleeper. I have another one due on Saturday, along with a large window coach. Once the 4 on pre-order come in next March, I will have 9 coaches for the mini "Super Chief" esque train I am putting together. Now just need somewhere to run it.... Lastly, I have been weathering things.

It is a really good hobby store. Wholly recommended. I spent a whole morning in there just looking at everything.

Thanks Stephen. I have painted the street lamps and the highway gantry. I have yet to weather the bridge, that is the next job. Thanks Mark. I hope you had a lovely christmas. It's an idea definitely Nick, thanks for the suggestion. I will do some experimenting.

I did try it. I may rebuild it to be closer to a 50's gantry, but finding detail on them is nearly impossible! And I suspect they wouldn't have been used on a small road like this one.

Jordan - Originally the layout was going to have some buildings to the right of the bridge, but I couldn't disguise the backscene join effectively, so the bridge is now boxed in. I bet it was b****y cold without the optional heater! I will be giving them a light dusting. That is a radical idea. Considering that bus cost me £25 and is predominantly plastic, I don't think I have the heart to hack it to bits.

That's the next problem. What colour?! I know, I didn't really plan it to the nth degree, just sort of let it evolve then deal with the engineering challenges later. I do take all the suggestions on board, especially from more experienced modellers like yourself Ray. All part of the learning process! So, my extra vehicles arrived, so I put my bridge back on to see how it looked. And I couldn't resist this little guy. And also this wonderful ebay find to finish off my heavyweight collection.

Little mock up I did tonight, kitbashed street lamps and a road sign borrowed(!) from Jack. I'm personally very happy with this little scene, and once the additional vehicles arrive it should look great.