High Density Insulation Foam

All,

I've been getting on with things. In order to 'bridge' a large gap associated with a window located in the wall on which the shelf layout is attached, I opted to use some high density insulation foam. Its stiff but light - I can see why many use it for exhibition layouts. Apart from applying some more cork for the track bed, I've also been 'sculpting' the foam. It's planned to construct a low trestle over a 'swampy, wet topographic low'. Its still a work in progress...

In response to Phillip Overton's question in my last post (sorry Phillip, I only saw your comment the other day), the brackets are removable. I built the layout such that I can save the metal brackets and wooden frames, along with (of course) the layout modules. Thus, I can take it with me in the event that we have to move house etc. So I guess its 'semi-permanent' in a 'semi-removable' kind of way!

Julian

Layout Takes Shape

All,

It’s been a while since I last posted – even longer since I posted about my own work!

I decided late last year to modify my plans for an exhibition layout and go for a permanent, shelf alternative. To that end, I have constructed the frame, surrounding box, and back board. I managed to install four LED strips and get some undercoat on the backboard over the weekend.

We’re getting there.

Julian 

VR Rail Tractor

Hi All,

I was in Australia for Christmas and was fortunate enough to meet up withe some excellent VR modellers - thanks to the organisational efforts of Damian Chrystie.

One such modeler, Brett Whelan, has been involved in some fantastic prototypical work. Brett models Proto48 and does so in a rather 'slave to detail' sort of way - is there any other? As Brett stated to me; "...the problems with larger scales, such as Proto48, is that more detail can be seen - so it must be included..." With that in mind, please see below some of the details Brett refers to.

Julian

 

Frank Kelly: S Class, F Class, and Baldwin W Class (4mm scale)

All,

Frank has sent me some more photos of early VR steam locomotives. This time it is S Class 4-6-0, F Class 2-4-0, and Baldwin W Class 4-6-0. Again, all items are scratch built by Frank's fair hand.

Julian

Frank Kelly: Various VR Locomotives and Rollingstock (4mm scale)

All,

And here are some more examples of Frank's work. This time there are some various locomotives he has scratch built in 4mm scale, including a B Class riding the turntable.

Julian

Frank Kelly: J Class (4mm scale)

All,

Frank Kelly agreed for me to post some pictures of his work.

Below is a VR J Class (that same class of locomotives that I am converting to P87 18.39mm). This model is scratch built in 4mm scale. A lovely replica of the prototype.

Julian

Frank Kelly: VR D4 Tank Locomotive P87 (18.38mm)

All

Below are some photos of a Victorian Railways (VR) D4 tank locomotive which Frank Kelly recently converted from 16.5 mm to P87 18.39 mm gauge. As Frank has told me "...a lot of machining had to be done but enjoyable work."

Frank has spent many years scratch building VR and South Australian Railways steam locomotives in 4mm scale. He is a relative new comer to working on P87 18.39mm locomotives. He's said that he would have got into it a long time ago - amongst other things, he said that prototype designs don’t need to be converted as the gauge (and everything associated with that) is correct scale. Amen to that, Frank.

Julian