A layout in progress, slow progress...

The grass is a doodle Keith, if I can do it, you can. I even made my own applicator from a fly swat and tea strainer. Just don't touch the tea strainer when it's charged!!! Wakes you up what?!
Marty

I'm with Marty on the old static grass - including the homemade applicator and the wake up! Shocking!  If I have learned one thing, it's do small areas at a time….

Michael

Oh… absolutely, if you do too big an area the glue dries before you get a decent coverage…. and then you get annoyed… and distracted…. and….zap! Blue Blistering Barnacles!! :lol:
You only zap yourself once though.

…and it makes a huge difference to the layout too. I was sceptical but then completely sold after the first patch went down.

Marty

Just catching up after a couple of iffy days for you-know-who, hence the delay….

S’mae Dave

Glad you like the photo, could and should have been better, but me and my camera have our limitations…

I may have a practice with one of the green lumps/hills between Hooton and the mainline – both of those are removable, once the main line section is removed. That was all to do with access to the loft for big stuff, and access to the water tanks when required. So I could work on one lump in the garden workshop, a safe distance from the house – and then any escaping static grass will quickly blend into the surroundings, as, no doubt, will I!

Cofion

Keith

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S’mae John

Yes, like you, we make the most of the good days and hope the not so good days don’t last too long, that’s all we can do.

The Bachmann compound is one of my favourites too – a really elegant loco – which does make the odd appearance in Woodside – Chester did have a few up to ’58, and could have still had the occasional visit from one of the Midlands engines after that, until their demise in ’61 . I’ve also got a Dukedog, which again can appear, stretching things a bit, on a Cambrian lines service. My other 4-4-0 is a Bachmann Director – not yet escaped from the box, but could end up on a CLC freight from Manchester and points East. Modellers’ licence is a wonderful thing!

I’m just something of an anorak when it comes to timetables, including working out realistic rosters for the locos, but seeing how the stock and engines move during the day on the layout I find fascinating and it keeps my grey cell happy. I guess that’s why there is an awful lot of track on the layout, approximately 140 yards and 70-odd points/crossings at the last count. As a result for the most part I end up just modelling the railway, and not much else. Each to his/her own as I keep saying.

News of the static grass will appear….eventually….

Cofion

Keith

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S’mae Marty/Michael

I’ve been following your Newcastle Emlyn thread Marty, and rest assured there’s lots of stuff that you can do in N gauge that I wouldn’t even attempt in OO.

All this talk of charged applicators… all I’ve got (obviously in a box somewhere under the layout) is the Gaugemaster Starter  kit – if I can get a small patch looking presentable with that I may think about going electrical, with all the inherent dangers, but for now my first efforts will be strictly clockwork!

Cofion

Keith
 

A recent good few days for you-know-who allowed me to get the trains running again – and the rush hour is now almost over. Another oddity in the timetable is the 8.39 ex Chester to Woodside, which is TC, departing 7.08, from Llandudno of all places – and like that TC from Wrexham mentioned recently has two distinct sections. For the initial run from Llandudno it appears to be a stopper – all stations as far as Prestatyn, then Holywell Junction and Chester. From Chester it is a quick dash to Rock Ferry and Woodside – not even calling at Hooton. Not really looked into this yet, but as with the Wrexham service, there is no corresponding return service later in the day.  One point, the turnaround time in Chester is a more normal 11 minutes, so not enough time to use the same engine for the run to Birkenhead – pity, could have been an opportunity for a 6G engine to arrive in Woodside, I’m thinking about the 2P and the late 50s when 6G had several.

Anyway, here is that Llandudno train behind a Fairburn tank, as it storms through Hooton (just 18minutes allowed for the run from Chester to Rock Ferry), just as a Fowler tank with the 8.39 for Helsby, ex  Rock Ferry, pulls in to Hooton. Admittedly nothing was actually moving when I took this picture – the camera had been sat on the up line for another different view, without the Helsby train in view, that's in the gallery – probably a better picture, but not strictly valid.



Another view of the Llandudno train entering Hooton taken from the South end of the station, just before the Helsby train emerged from the tunnel at the North end.



I had another go at that tunnel shot using the Landscape setting, I’d forgotten about that, this time it’s another Fowler tank – but better I think as there is more of the actual train in focus – I reckon this is as good as it gets, well for me anyway.



With the rush hour almost finished now, I’m looking forward to getting the freight running again – and trying out that new panel in the fiddle yard as the various trains are organised, but……

Since this burst of activity Fflyff has had a couple of small strokes severely affecting her back legs, so the trains have stopped again. Just waiting to see if she can recover, we are now in 24hr care mode (hence the unusual, for me, posting time!) and fear that we could be entering the end game, that said she has rallied somewhat, only time will tell.  Things may well fall quiet for a while…

Keith

I hope she recovers

Hugs and kisses to our furry friend in the north,

Magic, Misty and Robs, xxx

Best wishes Keith……..its a horrible time for you right now……I know “my thoughts are with you “ is awfully trite ….but I am doing just that 
John

Many thanks Brendan, Bill and John for your kind thoughts and understanding. Yes, these pets do tend to take over our lives somewhat, but there again so they should, they are ‘family’ after all.
   
  Against all the odds, Fflyff continues to improve, even the ablutions routine is getting back to normal, and if that continues we may soon be able to withdraw the 24 hr care mode, which I’m sure will meet with Fflyff’s approval. A cat and her litter tray is a very private affair, which should not involve humans in any way whatsoever, other than to clean it afterwards, of course.
   
  Once the 24hr care mode is withdrawn I can finally finish the rush hour, and then get on with that backscene extension on the mainline and get the signal box built…. and even make a start on this static grass….
   
  Keith
  

Keith

Poor Fflyff, here's hoping she again continues to rally and everything can get back on the straight and narrow. Fingers crossed, eh? Can't be much fun for you or her. Rooting for her at this end.

Again, nice "tunnel" shot - a huge improvement on the previous. Keep up with the photography and experimenting with different camera features. I tend to be more of a 'point and shoot' kinda person myself and am always hesitant to 'play' with the settings in case I can't get it back to what works/worked in the past.

Can't remember the last time I ran trains - too busy with health issues of our own (thankfully not on 24 hour watch though) and trying to get some layout building finished at the same time. So we're both in similar boats regarding trains.

Again, fingers crossed for FFlyff and her recovery.

Dave

Hi Keith

I have been following your thread with interest - sorry to hear about Fflyff.  We had three cats and a dog as the family pets, now sadly just with one cat so I know what you are going through and how much a part of the family they become.  So many memories and significant moments with them.  I hope all goes well for you all.

Lovely to see the photos and that trains are running.  I am concentrating so much on buildings at the moment that I have almost forgotten it is a model railway I am making!

Look forward to more pics.

Regards

Michael

It sounds like fflyff is in good, caring hands and that is really all that you can do. Never a fun time for a family. We have said sad goodbyes to a dog and three cats in the last six years. 
Lovely tunnel photo and always good to catch up with the constant comings and goings at Woodside.   

S’mae Dave, Michael and Marty

Once again sincere thanks for the kind messages regarding Fflyff, it is really appreciated by both of us, we all have  our memories of pets no longer with us.

Dave, please don’t think I’m anything but a point and click photographer… I’m more of a Brownie 127 type – if your memory goes back to those days! All I’ve done is changed the setting to ‘Landscape’, rather than the usual ‘Auto’ … wouldn’t dare touch anything else. Michael, yes, I do like to run the railway – if only to remember what all the switches are for….  and Marty, yes, that tunnel shot is growing on me too…

After the euphoria of yesterday, Fflyff’s improvement was short lived and we now have to face the agony of the timing of the inevitable decision, so apologies in advance for any tardy responses for the next few weeks.

Keith

After the last post Fflyff rallied again, and during the week her condition improved significantly, but then on the Friday evening she deteriorated again, and the following day (23^rd Feb) after something of a recovery was down again. In the evening she suddenly lost all use of her back legs and tail – totally paralysed, and she was in real distress as she tried and failed to sit up on her chair – a sight that will live long in the memory, she had reached the end of the line, so we had to ring the vet.  Angharad duly arrived, and confirmed what we already knew had to be done, before sending Fflyff on her way to that great big cattery in the sky to meet up once more with her sister Fflo. The end of an era, nothing more to be said, other than things here will never ever be quite the same again.

Recently I have managed to advance the timetable, as part of the general attempt to keep busy and so reduce the time spent just thinking about recent events. The local parcels has finally arrived in Hooton (platform 3) at 9.03, complete with that CCT van – which had given the fat controller all sorts of problems in the loops under Woodside, while it waited (for loading and unloading parcels at each station before Hooton). Must make a mental note not to add a CCT van next time, but knowing me I’ll probably put a GUV on – just to see what happens! I’ve no record of MPVs ever making it to Birkenhead, but in the early days I’m sure one of the Manchester based examples would have been tried in other nearby locations, failing that there’s always modellers’ licence. As I’ve mentioned before all freight/parcels is down to my own ideas, I’ve no actual info – indeed it is quite possible that local parcels from Woodside may well have been a road based service by ’61, the current timetable, but then I’d not have a use for the MPV….

Here the 9.06 Paddington train, behind a Stanier tank, is just pulling in to platform 2 alongside the local parcels.



There’ll be more soon-ish showing the recent activity in the gallery. Thankfully the rush hour is almost over and so soon I can get some actual freight out on the layout, the fish empties, pick-up freight and the Ellesmere Port oil shuttle have been waiting patiently in the yard for far too long.

Another birthday due this week, definitely feels like they’re making the years a lot shorter these days, so an addition to the 2-6-4T stock with the arrival of another Standard 4 tank. This one (80092, another bargain, this time ex-Hattons) was actually a Chester engine from ’58 – ’60 so won’t need renumbering (if I ever get around to doing that with those that do – it’s on a list, of course), just a 6A shedplate (and those are in a box…). There is another Standard 4 tank on the layout now – another example of modellers’ licence, given that I’m running Winter ’61, and all examples of that class had moved away from Chester and Birkenhead by the end of 1960…. Still I’m only a year out, and the class did reappear in Wrexham, Oswestry and Shrewsbury from ’63. Just a thought, the last four examples of the class only entered service in ’57 – for a short working life on the Southern Region of no more than ten years.

During the final days of 24hr care I’d kept myself awake on my share of the night shift watching Youtube videos on static grass, and decided that, yes, it does look remarkably straightforward so even with my limited skill set, I should be able to do it – so I ordered an applicator and the necessary glues in order to give it a go. I think that it should prove less messy than the puffer bottle, which I fancy may well allow me to spread the static grass far and wide. I’ve decided to try the small green bit to the left of the tunnel mouth south of Hooton Station – mainly because it is on the edge of the layout, so it will be easy to mask off everything worth keeping grass free. Just for the record, this is the ‘before’ picture…


 
We should be getting back to something like normal in the next week or so, still a big ask, but hopefully then I can report on progress, I use the word loosely, very loosely – possibly even including an ‘after’ picture with lots of static grass….  and with a bit of luck, only where it is supposed to be….

Keith

Oh Keith, I am sorry re your family member Fflyff, I know what that is like and I am not looking forward to the days any of my 3 feline famliy decide to "leave". At least you have the hobby  & SWMBO,to take your mind onto other things.

When it comes to the railways, I work under Rule #1.

Hi Keith
I am so sorry to hear about Fflyff. Even when it is not totally unexpected its still very traumatic as we know only too well. We had to do exactly the same two weeks ago with Hunter, our 14 year old rescue Wheeton terrier. It leaves a big hole in ones life and you keep remembering so many little cameos. Its very painful…..you both have my deepest sympathy.

Warmest regards

John

Hi Keith, so sorry to hear about Fflyff.  When we said goodbye to our big old ginger tom, Howard, it left such a hole - the end of an era - despite having two other cats and a dog.  Just one cat now.  Honestly!  Who would have thought that pets would become such a part of family history?  Eventually we put photos around the house…. they raise a smile every time I look at them, with a tinge of sadness even 5 years later.

Glad you are going to press ahead with the static grass, and if you will humour me, I will share a few things I have learned….

1.  If you are modelling wild grass, rather than lawns or cultivated grass, use a base layer of 2mm grass, then scrunch it up creating peaks and troughs.  Then, using strong hairspray or proprietary static grass spray glue, add other longer grass.  It creates a very natural finish.  You don't have to wait for glue to dry between the layers

2.  Use a variety of colours.  I use at least 3 or 4 colours - one dominant colour and then others for variation.  Dry grass colours, whatever season you are modelling, even if only used sparingly, add a good effect to the finished look

3. Vacuum up as you go.  Not all the grass sticks and you will be amazed how much you can collect for re-use

4.  Don't hold the vacuum too close - it sucks off a circle - unless you want to model crop circles (guess how I know this!)

5.  The vacuum can also be used to get the grass to stand upright (rule 4 applies).  You can also use a puffer, used for cleaning camera lenses, to get the grass to stand at the appropriate angle on banks and slopes.

6. I load the applicator with grass, then, holding it up, rather than down, turn it on and give it a shake.  It seems to charge the grass better.  This may all be in my head, but it seems to work and has now become a ritual

7. Take the battery out of the applicator when you have finished.  It prolongs the life and avoids storing the applicator in the on position (again, guess how I know this)

8. Not all static grass is the same and some definitely work better than others.  I have found those supplied by War World Scenics (WWS) to be consistently good and their colours realistic.  I have no connection with the company, just  a happy customer.  Others may have their own favourites

9. I prefer to work in small areas at a time.  It creates some natural variation which seems much more realistic.  Well, to me anyway. .  

10. Buy some silicone baking paper.  Add blobs of glue.  Apply static grass to the blobs.  Let them dry.  You can then add coloured flock and woohoo, you have flowers.  Peel off and add to your scenery as desired.  Or keep adding long grass, using hairspray or proprietary static grass glue spray,  and you have weeds.  Use tweezers to pluck out bare patches, animal runs, or spaces for your flowers and weeds.  I notice you have painted the area to grass green - I might suggest painting it an appropriate earth colour but…. Experiment, because in true Spinal Tap style…..


11.   If it all goes horribly wrong you can scrape it off and start again.  Anything left behind will only add to the texture.   But you won't go wrong!


Regards


Michael

My condolences on Fflyff... May she and her sister tear around the heavens and enjoy all the salmon the afterlife can give them

Hi Keith,
  
I was very sad on hearing of dear Fflyff’s departure from your care, not that she will ever be truly gone of course and together with her sister, will always be close enough to touch you and your bride when you least expect them to. Our 15 year old twin sisters, Magic and Misty, send their feline affection to you in ways we mere humans can only marvel at.
  
So, static grass! A great little coverer and your chosen barren corner will soon become a classic grassy knoll to be proud of.
  
Just read the instructions, unlike the guy on YouTube shaking his applicator over a dollop of PVA’d baseboard with the earthing clip firmly attached to a remote piece of trackwork! The best bit was that he thought the resultant sticky clump foliage was perfectly satisfactory. Some people should never venture out on their own!
  
Best,
  
Bill
  

Condolences on Fflyff’s passing Keith. Never an easy time. We commemorate our dog’s life by calling our garden and kitchen produce a product of “Paddy’s Yard” but I must get some of their photos up on the walls too.
We were completely pet free for a wee while, all three cats and the dog completing their allocated time and moving on. We deliberately chose not have another pet for a while to enable us to go away with the camper trailer at the drop of a hat.

My eldest son, a submariner in the RAN, had other ideas and we are currently “grandparents” to a little princess of a boxer/whippet cross while he is at sea. Probably just as well as I was getting quite unfit!

Looking forward to seeing the fish empties emerge. 

Our best wishes… M & T and Cortana