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

South of the Border

All,

Proto87 stalwart and fellow Proto87 protagonist, Rene' Gourly, came down from Vancouver BC, Canada to Bellingham WA, USA for the day to help me out on my Australian prototype layout. These are the crazy things one can do when living close to the border.

We discussed several aspects of the layout, including legs, back scenes, carry cases for the layout and lighting. We also got the outstanding modules all but finished. Rene has had the good fortune of bumping into the modeling husband and wife team, Gordon and Maggie Gravett. (Some of the Gravett's wonderful layout, Pempoul, can be seen here.) Rene' suggested that I follow the Gravett approach by using the carry cases as layout 'legs'. They have to go somewhere, so I may was well put them to good use...

Anyway, a big thanks to Rene' for coming down - and for the box of Tim Bits. Legend.

Julian