3mm Scale, Chipping Compton

[Bob]

Hi folks,

Well, the new bridge is in place and with some basic scenery it looks at home. I will weather the brickwork a little too at some point. Now I've got the layout set up once again in the spare room I'll even manage to take a few shots that include rolling stock. I'm a bit disappointed that the rivet detail included on the bridge sides doesn't show up but it's there. The prototype is of course from the East Gloucestershire Railway but using red brick and the side are copied from those that still grace the one at Lechlade.

Sorry folks, here's the picture

 

[Wagonman]

Sorry folks, here's the picture

View attachment 19452

Ah yes, that is more appropriate to the setting. Nice model.

Richard

 

[mintri]

Which static grass applicator did you use Bob? Considering for next project but would appreciate which one you have used.
Good to catch up last weekend
Steve

 

[Bob]

It was the one from FMR (Finescale Model Railways). Not sure what it goes for as it was a Christmas present but I like it. Just checked and they're on ebay for £25 ish.
I'll have a few more piccies of the layout shortly (including some stock) but I'll be spending the evening sticking another piece of photo backscene on............not my favourite job as it reminds me too much of wallpapering.

Good to catch up with you too, Teignford looked good.

 

[mintri]

Is it just a matter of clipping it on, filling with grass and sprinkling over glued area? Does it 'wander'?
Sorry for dumb questions but I am completely ignorant of these things- probably wife will use it as a tea strainer- could it give her a shock?

 

[Bob]

Yes, just earth it onto track or a pin temporarily tacked into the scenery, fill it and off you go.
It could give you a nasty jolt but if you're doing a spot of late night modelling it does perk you up a bit.

 

[mintri]

Does the board have to be earthed?
Perked up tea eh! Damn, have to give up the beer then.
What glue do you use?

 

[Bob]

Give up the beer Steve? Steady on old chap....
No, the board doesn't need earthing and good old PVA does the job.
Right, now to have a bash at finishing off the darned backscene......then post some photos.

 

[mintri]

Might pop in and get one tomorrow- will use to add weeds initially- photo on Teignford shows a bit of weeding uip is needed.

 

[Bob]

A while back Dogstar commented on the lack of trains in the photos. Whilst waiting around at home this morning (for a gardener who never turned up) I plonked a few items on the layout for a bit of fun.
Progress on this end of the layout has been slow to say the least but I'm in no hurry as it's first booking is for this September and they asked for an incomplete layout!
There is obviously a heck of a lot to do and the lighting I hastily set up makes it look rather clean and "chocolate boxy". Most of the backscene (which doesn't really fit in with the chosen area) will in due course be obscured by trees.
Another development is that I've finally decided to go for 14.2mm standards on the next layout and although this a long way off the latest loco under construction will have 12mm and 14.2 chassis.

 

[Bob]

The layout has been progressing slowly and there will shortly be some photographic evidence of this. The last week has seen me cutting, shaping, painting and placing hundreds (well it seems like it) lineside fence posts and glueing the wonderful Eezi-wire to each post.........36 posts so far.......5 strands on each.

 

[mintri]

I thought of that Bob- but with about 5metres of fencing thought sanity should come first.
Steve

 

[john lewsey]

I like this those wagons look really good

 

[Bob]

I thought of that Bob- but with about 5metres of fencing thought sanity should come first.
Steve

Too late to worry about my sanity Steve! That train left the station years ago.

Thanks John, glad you like them.

 

[dltaylor]

Hi Bob,
Beautiful modelling, lovely layout; I will be watching closely. I particularly like thewarm brickwork of the buildings, how did you produce that?
Thanks very much,
Dave.

 

[Bob]

Hi Dave,
Thanks, you're too kind. The brickwork used is good old Howard Scenics, the pre coloured non-embossed variety.
Once applied to the wall (before assembling the sides/ends/roof etc) I lightly go along each course of brick with one of these tools:

You can use a spent fine biro (and indeed I used to) but these are much nicer to hold. I got mine from Hobbycraft but any decent arty/crafty shop should have them. I think they're meant for making greetings cards. Incidentally I only do this to the buildings at the front of the layout. It's nice to have a hint of texture but this isn't really necessary in this scale at the back of a layout.
The brickpaper is admittedly 4mm but there really isn't a decent 3mm brick paper available and I'm more than happy with it.
I've done a bit more fencing tonight.........only another 8 feet to go.......!

Bob

 

[Bob]

Having finished the length of fencing at the buffer stop end of the line I decided to add a touch of static grass before taking a photo. More in the way of bushes, weeds, wildflowers and bramble will be added at a later date,
I'm quite pleased with the fencing but the sharp-eyed amongst you (that means all of you) will see I've cheated and only put fours strands of wire. The fence posts for the disused line at the bottom of my garden have 5 strands.......I'll just make the weeds higher.

 

[mintri]

Brilliant things-weeds!
Steve

 

[Phill Dyson]

What kind of static grass applicator are you using Bob?

 

[Bob]

Hi Phill,
I'm using one from FMR (Finescale Model Railways) and a puffer-bottle for awkward areas such as tight up against the backscene.