Exton Quays
- Thread starter Pushpull33
- Start date
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- 00 gauge 1930s 4mm southern railway
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Hi all.
The next episode of Exton Quays is what to do about the river and dockside, referring more to the products available for the 'water'. The well tried methods of using layers and layers of varnish or PVA, we all know about but i feel that things have moved on somewhat.
I set about doing some test samples. Bearing in mind the layout is set in Devon, does a river in Devon look different than anywhere else in this land of ours. After searching through various images, i came to the conclusion that, yes it does, especially the tint of the water itself.
![20180429_160934[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180429_160934-1-jpg.87205/ "20180429_160934[1].jpg")
I have explained more on the test results on my blog. If you are going through the same trauma as me well, you may want to look here,
CParkstone's Railway modellers Blog: Exton Quays River test pods
were more is explained. Let me know what you think but i am heading in the direction of Number 2 or 6.
Colin
The next episode of Exton Quays is what to do about the river and dockside, referring more to the products available for the 'water'. The well tried methods of using layers and layers of varnish or PVA, we all know about but i feel that things have moved on somewhat.
I set about doing some test samples. Bearing in mind the layout is set in Devon, does a river in Devon look different than anywhere else in this land of ours. After searching through various images, i came to the conclusion that, yes it does, especially the tint of the water itself.
I have explained more on the test results on my blog. If you are going through the same trauma as me well, you may want to look here,
CParkstone's Railway modellers Blog: Exton Quays River test pods
were more is explained. Let me know what you think but i am heading in the direction of Number 2 or 6.
Colin
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
After trying various river beds, with the test pods, i have set about laying the river bed. While i was at i,t i set about doing something with the spare area next to the road bridge. This was originally going to be a harbour masters house but as an afterthought it just didn't look right placed there, with the other cottage behind it, it all looked a bit regimentale. As at present, it has become a pasture field. I think a derelict barn of some description would look better. Well, as they say, less is more.
Below is the river awaiting "water"
I am presently in the process of making some post and rail fencing for the field. The Footpath is for private fishing only.
Below is the river awaiting "water"
I am presently in the process of making some post and rail fencing for the field. The Footpath is for private fishing only.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Are we all having fun with the competition? I am still here and still in.
I have come to the stage of painting the "Fascia". What colour? Ian Rice doesn't really say about a specific colour that he feels is right, is there one? Thats a good thing, i am leaning towards the idea of "doing the opposite of Ian Rice's ideas hopefully perhaps to avoid ending up with a bunch of "Cameo Layouts" that all look the same.
No offence to anyone we all have are own ideas and ways of doing things. The Photograph on page 78 of Horsley Bank got me thinking, Red, It works. So, i came to the conclusion that the fascia should match the layout. This is were wives/girlfriends come in handy, they seem to have a knack of what goes with what. Horsley bank has a number of red brick and stone colour buildings so, the red fascia works well in this instance. I'm not a lover of black fascia's, this is my own personal opinion but they just remind me of those old seventies picture frames you use to buy. To me, just a tad to much in your face.
My way of thinking is that, if a layout has a lot of stone buildings then the Fascia should reflect this and be of a stone colour, lots of Red brick town buildings, then Red/ Maroon, Why not. More of a country seen, then a Pastel green, i think would work well, also the backscene can take a major part in this as well so, if you have a Backscene that is predominantly sky, then i think a subtle Blue could work well.
Why am i rabbiting on about this? perhaps, trying to find an excuse to use the leftover paint from the Bathroom.
Its Blueish. It seems to be perfectly acceptable from the female fraternity. Just agree and one will keep ones equilibrium. (curtain temporarily fixed)
![20180421_155328[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180421_155328-1-jpg.87693/ "20180421_155328[1].jpg")
Of course, taking photos from your phone in the dark, one ends up with something looking like this.
![20180421_220203[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180421_220203-1-jpg.87694/ "20180421_220203[1].jpg")
Moving on to the progress of the layout. The fencing has been added around the field, the field was used as a resting place for the working horses between any shunting duties that they may have performed if no engine was available.
![20180507_005606[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180507_005606-1-jpg.87695/ "20180507_005606[1].jpg")
And the River has been poured, quite a tense moment but nothing leaked. Ha-raaaah.
![20180510_161933[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180510_161933-1-jpg.87696/ "20180510_161933[1].jpg")
![20180510_161950[1].jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/attachments/20180510_161950-1-jpg.87697/ "20180510_161950[1].jpg")
Still some ripples to create but progressing well.
I have come to the stage of painting the "Fascia". What colour? Ian Rice doesn't really say about a specific colour that he feels is right, is there one? Thats a good thing, i am leaning towards the idea of "doing the opposite of Ian Rice's ideas hopefully perhaps to avoid ending up with a bunch of "Cameo Layouts" that all look the same.
No offence to anyone we all have are own ideas and ways of doing things. The Photograph on page 78 of Horsley Bank got me thinking, Red, It works. So, i came to the conclusion that the fascia should match the layout. This is were wives/girlfriends come in handy, they seem to have a knack of what goes with what. Horsley bank has a number of red brick and stone colour buildings so, the red fascia works well in this instance. I'm not a lover of black fascia's, this is my own personal opinion but they just remind me of those old seventies picture frames you use to buy. To me, just a tad to much in your face.
My way of thinking is that, if a layout has a lot of stone buildings then the Fascia should reflect this and be of a stone colour, lots of Red brick town buildings, then Red/ Maroon, Why not. More of a country seen, then a Pastel green, i think would work well, also the backscene can take a major part in this as well so, if you have a Backscene that is predominantly sky, then i think a subtle Blue could work well.
Why am i rabbiting on about this? perhaps, trying to find an excuse to use the leftover paint from the Bathroom.
Its Blueish. It seems to be perfectly acceptable from the female fraternity. Just agree and one will keep ones equilibrium. (curtain temporarily fixed)
Moving on to the progress of the layout. The fencing has been added around the field, the field was used as a resting place for the working horses between any shunting duties that they may have performed if no engine was available.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Trying to think of something slightly different in the scenery department for Exton Quays. Walking the dog, down by the river a couple of weeks ago i came across a rather splendid looking weeping willow. I have not seen these modelled very often, for obvious reasons. They are not the easiest of trees to get right. I thought about pipe cleaners but these are far to thick. Searching around the 'net' there's not a lot of ideas out there of how to make one. On my own with this one then.
The trunk is made up from that green wire that florists use, wrapped up with some dark brown, bark looking tape that i have know idea where it came from. To strengthen the joints i used tile grout mixed with PVA and painted. Now begs the big Question, how do you model all the hanging bits? Some are made from Woodland Scenics, those long fine dark Green fibres that they sell, the longer ones are made from lengths of cotton, dragged through Mod Podge and then dragged through some fine light green flock, has to be one of the most laborious modelling tasks i have ever undertaken. There are still a lot of these strands to add but you get the idea. I think, so far its coming on well.
The trunk is made up from that green wire that florists use, wrapped up with some dark brown, bark looking tape that i have know idea where it came from. To strengthen the joints i used tile grout mixed with PVA and painted. Now begs the big Question, how do you model all the hanging bits? Some are made from Woodland Scenics, those long fine dark Green fibres that they sell, the longer ones are made from lengths of cotton, dragged through Mod Podge and then dragged through some fine light green flock, has to be one of the most laborious modelling tasks i have ever undertaken. There are still a lot of these strands to add but you get the idea. I think, so far its coming on well.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Every railway needs a reason to exist. There use to be a Fertiliser plant near Topsham, Guano was imported from South America, unloaded into barges and brought up the estuary to be unloaded at the Quayside (ships were to big to negotiate the channel) Finished products were then forwarded by train for delivery throughout the country.
Exton Quays needs a warehouse this is my take on what might have been.
Sorry about the Hornby controller in the background its purely for testing.
Exton Quays needs a warehouse this is my take on what might have been.
Sorry about the Hornby controller in the background its purely for testing.
Attachments
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
I thought it was time for an update.
What has been happening on Exton Quays well, mainly the fitting of "Sprat and Winkles" to the rolling stock, some details have been added to the layout, still plenty of this to be carried out. I have also been working on an idea of smoke from Odams chimney using an "e cigarette" I think this is going to work and look good. I have also been building another Adams 02 kit (not the one in the photos) it was previously built by someone else and is proving to be problematic.
On the whole, the layout is coming along well. All works as it should. A proper running session is booked soon to work out what stock is needed and the best location for uncoupling magnets, Generally these are fitted during the track laying process as any self respecting modeller will tell you but i have this knack of doing it my way, experience tells me that they normally end up where you don't really need one.
I have 4 of the new Brassmasters LSWR wagon kits to build, previously designed by Martin Finney. They are superb kits but look extremely complicated, if it was easy we would all be doing it. I also have another Roxey mouldings carriage to build. Plenty to be going on with over the next few months.
More photos and details on progress of Exton Quays are available on my blog here
CParkstone's Railway modellers Blog: Exton Quays another update.
What has been happening on Exton Quays well, mainly the fitting of "Sprat and Winkles" to the rolling stock, some details have been added to the layout, still plenty of this to be carried out. I have also been working on an idea of smoke from Odams chimney using an "e cigarette" I think this is going to work and look good. I have also been building another Adams 02 kit (not the one in the photos) it was previously built by someone else and is proving to be problematic.
On the whole, the layout is coming along well. All works as it should. A proper running session is booked soon to work out what stock is needed and the best location for uncoupling magnets, Generally these are fitted during the track laying process as any self respecting modeller will tell you but i have this knack of doing it my way, experience tells me that they normally end up where you don't really need one.
I have 4 of the new Brassmasters LSWR wagon kits to build, previously designed by Martin Finney. They are superb kits but look extremely complicated, if it was easy we would all be doing it. I also have another Roxey mouldings carriage to build. Plenty to be going on with over the next few months.
More photos and details on progress of Exton Quays are available on my blog here
CParkstone's Railway modellers Blog: Exton Quays another update.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Judging by the other entries, it would look as if everyone is having a good time with the competition. I was just looking back through some of the photos i have taken of Exton Quays during its build and i came across this one.
Its hard to believe that on the 4th August 2017 this is how Exton Quays looked, track laid but nothing else. Now, look where we are now, and there was me thinking at the time, Two years, its not happening.
The last couple of weeks has been taken up by painting and populating the layout. All the figures are from the excellent Dart Castings range. Its very rare that you have to do much cleaning up with these and i find they fit in very well with the time period.
Eric and his dog Guss, are enjoying a days fishing. His rod is a piece of Nickel silver rod, i added the line using, funnily enough, a length of EZ line. He comes complete with a basket of worms.
Mr and Mrs Jenkins are busy in the garden (sounding like an episode of Big Brother, this) Mrs Jenkins has just hung the washing out so it must be Thursday. I might have another go at the robin perched on top of Mr Jenkins Jacket, that pesky squirrel is back again.
An brick arch has been added over the gates to Odams Fertilizer factory, also some pipe work was added, it looked odd looking through the gates into the sky, not a good look. The fish boxes are from Anyscale models.
There is no goods shed at Exton Quays, Odams approached the Lswr regarding a rail head for there use so a goods shed was not provided. Generally any freight for the local community is shunted into the bay platform and unloaded there. This is of course leaving aside that fact that it would have blocked the view from the Hotel.
One more detail and i shall leave you with be for the evening. Pipes without water.
Its hard to believe that on the 4th August 2017 this is how Exton Quays looked, track laid but nothing else. Now, look where we are now, and there was me thinking at the time, Two years, its not happening.
The last couple of weeks has been taken up by painting and populating the layout. All the figures are from the excellent Dart Castings range. Its very rare that you have to do much cleaning up with these and i find they fit in very well with the time period.
Eric and his dog Guss, are enjoying a days fishing. His rod is a piece of Nickel silver rod, i added the line using, funnily enough, a length of EZ line. He comes complete with a basket of worms.
Mr and Mrs Jenkins are busy in the garden (sounding like an episode of Big Brother, this) Mrs Jenkins has just hung the washing out so it must be Thursday. I might have another go at the robin perched on top of Mr Jenkins Jacket, that pesky squirrel is back again.
An brick arch has been added over the gates to Odams Fertilizer factory, also some pipe work was added, it looked odd looking through the gates into the sky, not a good look. The fish boxes are from Anyscale models.
There is no goods shed at Exton Quays, Odams approached the Lswr regarding a rail head for there use so a goods shed was not provided. Generally any freight for the local community is shunted into the bay platform and unloaded there. This is of course leaving aside that fact that it would have blocked the view from the Hotel.
One more detail and i shall leave you with be for the evening. Pipes without water.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
FACT OR FICTION?
On the 12th July 1858 an act was passed through parliament to open a line from Exeter to Topsham along with an extension to Exmouth. The Topsham to Exmouth section using the original route that was first planned by Brunel for a broad gauge line from Exminster to Exmouth the idea was never built.
Around 1866 the Odams fertilizer factory approached the LSWR for a rail head to be built serving the factory and the local community. An act was passed and a small Station was provided along with Two sidings serving the factory and the Quayside, the line opened on the 29th June 1871 under full ownership of the LSWR. (Exmouth docks did not exist at this point) Five weekday trains a day were planned although, this was soon upgraded to Seven. No access was allowed from the public to the Quayside except on Sundays when a permit could be obtained from the station master for fishing and crabbing.
Goods traffic was the main income for the line taking advantage of the Quayside at Exton built by the LSWR and the lack of navigational waters to Exeter. Odams main import was Guano from Brazil and South Africa, this was off loaded from barges at the Quayside and transported into the Factory. Finished fertilizer products were than transported by train to all points in Great Britain. Other goods traffic included fish and timber products. Two covered wagons a week arrived from Nottingham with products for the local 'Boots' Stores. Coal was another major product distributed to the local community. One cattle train a week was booked on Wednesdays to take cattle to the market at Exeter. One other special wagon a week arrived at Exton, this was a gas tanker to supply gas for the station lighting and carriages, although these were sometimes filled at Exeter.
Adams 02's were the mainstay of the line but often a spare Adams radial from Lyme Regis would stand in for some services. An Adams B4 could often be seen on the morning goods from Exeter, Two hours were allowed to shunt the yard before returning to Exeter.
Its 1936, a warm early September day, storm clouds are gathering in the distance. The sounds of Seagulls squawking, chirping and wailing. The waters lapping against the Quayside wall. Station Master 'Mathews' pulls off the signals with a clunk. Passenger waiting on the platform discussing the day ahead. The porter, Eric is busy lining up the empty milk churns ready to be loaded.
In the distance the beat of an Adams class 02 climbs the short bank towards the station, then the sounds of hissing steam as driver John shuts off the regulator, the rattle of steel wheels on steel rails, moments later the 02 bursts through the over bridge and coasts into the station. This is the 7.32 from Exeter. The start of a new day as the first train arrives. The fireman jumps out to uncouple the 02, they have Eight minutes to run round uncouple the covered van from the rear of the train shunt into the bay platform couple up to the train ready to return. Eric is fairly new to the job and still getting to grips with the job of rolling milk churns. Passengers aboard the train, Annie is off to Exeter to start a new job in town. Doors slam, “all aboard” Station Master 'Mathews' blows his whistle, Driver John opens the regulator the 02 barks into life and disappears under the road bridge. Calm is restored. Hurry hurry, No time to relax as the morning goods will be arriving in Seventeen minutes.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
In the bottom of my 'soon to be built' draw was lurking an MSE Lswr lattice signal kit. After spending Two to Three days building and painting the kit we have what i feel is a superb looking signal.
It mated to a digital servo linked to a Heathcote control module with 'bounce'
They take a while to set up, lots of buttons to play with. One word of advice i would give with these things (you might guess through past experience) set the servo to a minimum of movement before connecting the srvo to the signal control wire. Horrible things can happen.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="MVI 0650 - YouTube" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It mated to a digital servo linked to a Heathcote control module with 'bounce'
They take a while to set up, lots of buttons to play with. One word of advice i would give with these things (you might guess through past experience) set the servo to a minimum of movement before connecting the srvo to the signal control wire. Horrible things can happen.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="MVI 0650 - YouTube" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
I thought i would share some of the rolling stock used on Exton Quay.
I am trying to keep to kit or scratch built but some wagons are from the RTR box
Adams Class 02 No 224 turned up at Exmouth shed from 1932 for shunting the Exmouth branch and Topsham Quay.
Built from a South Eastern Finecast kit. All engines are fitted with one of Chris's High level gearboxes and mashima motor. This one has one of his new 120-1 gearboxes fitted, it crawls. Still have brake gear to fit and searching through the bible to check on Pushpull gear. The 02s are a minefield.
Adams Radial 3125 we all know about these. the first kit i ever built way before Hornby or Oxford rail got there mits on the idea. Built from a PDK kit.
A smallbrook studios kit. 20T ex Lswr goods brake van
Just have to have one of these on a Southern Layout.Lswr goods Brake van Dia 1541 otherwise known as a Road van.
I believe this is from a Falcon Brassmasters kit. i bought the kit a long time ago. it was a pig to build, the days before fold lines or tags and no instruction.
In real life only one was ever built by the Lswr mainly for use on the Seaton branch. It survived into BR days. Can you imagine the amount of Cider drunk by the drovers on market day.
And another 02, again a South Eastern Finecast kit
Yes, another SEF kit, again built before Dapol got there mits on the idea.
Not sure who's kit this was but there is a drawing of this gas wagon in LSWR miscellaneous wagons book and a cracking photograph of it at Exeter.
This started life as the Hornby BR model before they bought the SR version out so, it has been repainted and renumbered plus a touch of weathering.
Thought i would have a go at sheet a wagon in 4mm scale, its far easier on the real thing.
Was this a Wessex Wagons production?
A Roxey Mouldings Ex Lswr 48ft Tri-composite lav. One of the type that was eventually rebuilt on 58ft frames as Hornby have got there mits on. Seats still to fit. Wonder if anyone does a transfer or similar for the motif that was on the Lav window ? I have another of these to build.
I am trying to keep to kit or scratch built but some wagons are from the RTR box
Adams Class 02 No 224 turned up at Exmouth shed from 1932 for shunting the Exmouth branch and Topsham Quay.
Built from a South Eastern Finecast kit. All engines are fitted with one of Chris's High level gearboxes and mashima motor. This one has one of his new 120-1 gearboxes fitted, it crawls. Still have brake gear to fit and searching through the bible to check on Pushpull gear. The 02s are a minefield.
Adams Radial 3125 we all know about these. the first kit i ever built way before Hornby or Oxford rail got there mits on the idea. Built from a PDK kit.
A smallbrook studios kit. 20T ex Lswr goods brake van
Just have to have one of these on a Southern Layout.Lswr goods Brake van Dia 1541 otherwise known as a Road van.
I believe this is from a Falcon Brassmasters kit. i bought the kit a long time ago. it was a pig to build, the days before fold lines or tags and no instruction.
In real life only one was ever built by the Lswr mainly for use on the Seaton branch. It survived into BR days. Can you imagine the amount of Cider drunk by the drovers on market day.
And another 02, again a South Eastern Finecast kit
Yes, another SEF kit, again built before Dapol got there mits on the idea.
Not sure who's kit this was but there is a drawing of this gas wagon in LSWR miscellaneous wagons book and a cracking photograph of it at Exeter.
This started life as the Hornby BR model before they bought the SR version out so, it has been repainted and renumbered plus a touch of weathering.
Thought i would have a go at sheet a wagon in 4mm scale, its far easier on the real thing.
Was this a Wessex Wagons production?
A Roxey Mouldings Ex Lswr 48ft Tri-composite lav. One of the type that was eventually rebuilt on 58ft frames as Hornby have got there mits on. Seats still to fit. Wonder if anyone does a transfer or similar for the motif that was on the Lav window ? I have another of these to build.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Hi all.
Well after catching up on things, Exton Quay didn't make the final 8, I would like to congratulate the ones that have and hope to meet up with them in the future, (we could start up our own little 'cameo club') I also hope the ones that are not yet finished, the enthusiasm will not wane and they are completed. As someone else has mentioned, any thing that encourages the hobby has to be a good thing, so we are all winners whether you have participated or not, it means the hobby is still strong and more layouts to view and encourage others to have go.
Well done all.
Colin
Well after catching up on things, Exton Quay didn't make the final 8, I would like to congratulate the ones that have and hope to meet up with them in the future, (we could start up our own little 'cameo club') I also hope the ones that are not yet finished, the enthusiasm will not wane and they are completed. As someone else has mentioned, any thing that encourages the hobby has to be a good thing, so we are all winners whether you have participated or not, it means the hobby is still strong and more layouts to view and encourage others to have go.
Well done all.
Colin
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Firstly, i would like to congratulate the winners. Sorry, Simon, i couldn't make it to the show. Perhaps next year.
As Exton Quay is based around the old Fertilizer plant based at Topsham, i thought it would be a bit of fun and perhaps a talking point at exhibitions to have a couple of wagons in there own livery (made up of course). I found a picture of an old enamel advertising sign for the factory and used this as the bases for the livery.
My son, clever with computers drew the artwork, they were then printed onto transfer paper, using a couple of unpainted Dapol wagons. Below is the result. I'm rather pleased. Remember this is just a bit of fun.
As Exton Quay is based around the old Fertilizer plant based at Topsham, i thought it would be a bit of fun and perhaps a talking point at exhibitions to have a couple of wagons in there own livery (made up of course). I found a picture of an old enamel advertising sign for the factory and used this as the bases for the livery.
My son, clever with computers drew the artwork, they were then printed onto transfer paper, using a couple of unpainted Dapol wagons. Below is the result. I'm rather pleased. Remember this is just a bit of fun.
Pushpull33
Western Thunderer
Hi all.....
Thank you to everyone for the kind comments. I tend to stick with things that i know and ways of doing things. Exton Quay has been greatly received at exhibitions and we have a few more booked for the future. Looking forward to meeting some of you in the future.
Anyways, getting back to the topic of this particular post.
A new addition, not that it ran down to Exton in my particular period but it was around at the time, mainly around Southampton Docks taking School children and VIP's on tours of the new docks being built up at the time. Eastleigh paint shop in there wisdom decided to keep the carriage part in LSWR livery.
Built from an old Jidenco kit, i'm pleased with how she has turned out. Still some details to add but we are almost there.
She will make occasional appearances on Exton Quay so keep a lookout.
Thank you to everyone for the kind comments. I tend to stick with things that i know and ways of doing things. Exton Quay has been greatly received at exhibitions and we have a few more booked for the future. Looking forward to meeting some of you in the future.
Anyways, getting back to the topic of this particular post.
A new addition, not that it ran down to Exton in my particular period but it was around at the time, mainly around Southampton Docks taking School children and VIP's on tours of the new docks being built up at the time. Eastleigh paint shop in there wisdom decided to keep the carriage part in LSWR livery.
Built from an old Jidenco kit, i'm pleased with how she has turned out. Still some details to add but we are almost there.
She will make occasional appearances on Exton Quay so keep a lookout.