I have to keep reminding myself that your work is 'N' size, Marty.

I live just a few miles from Henllan, North Wales.

:thumbs I'm still having fun. Hopefully, once complete, the layout will look Welsh…

Only a couple of miles away.:thudNow he tells me!!!

Visiting rights when I come to take photos in September?

[user=394]ddolfelin[/user] wrote:

I don't know if this information is of use but here goes:

There is a product in the UK called "101 Lightweight Filler".
Polyfilla do a similar product but much more expensive.
The "101" brand can be bought in pound type shops and the like.
I've not used it for modelling because my stuff is usually mailed but I have used it for interior decorating purposes.
The main thing is, it's cheap and lightweight.

Don't know if they export it or if there are similar products overseas.

thanks dd,

I'll potter around our mega-hardware and see what I can find.

A FEW miles, Marty.
Probably 9 as the crow flies and 12 if the roads are passable.

Here is some reference for you.

The newly thatched pub in Henllan and imaginative use for an oil tank in Henllan.
Poor pictures because they were taken at dusk.





Copyright DD 2009 Use as you like.

Legend :Happy

that Pub is a must.

Wouldn't have one of the post office would you?

I have always used gesso, or builders plaster over torn up old shirts or any kind of cloth I could get hold of. Has always worked for me. When I first started using this there was no such thing as Polyfilla and it's derivatives.

There isn't much of a Post Office last time I went through.
However, I'll take pics next time.
(I'm not going anywhere at the moment - frozen up and snowed in).

[user=2]Robert[/user] wrote:

I have always used gesso, or builders plaster over torn up old shirts or any kind of cloth I could get hold of. Has always worked for me. When I first started using this there was no such thing as Polyfilla and it's derivatives.

Is "gesso" the stuff artists use to seal their canvas or coat the paper before painting Bob.  It's something I've heard of but never actually asked what it is !  I suppose it's one of those questions you never ask in case people just raise their eyebrows and ask how long you've been let out for !!!

Here you go:

http://www.aisling.net/journaling/gesso.htm    Defunct Link

Thanks Ddolfelin. :thumbs  Now I'll never have to guess(o) again !!!  :pedal:pedal:pedal

I think I'm right in saying that the gesso that Bob is using is a Spanish thing and more or less the equivalent to our builder's plaster. Artists guesso (which I use) is a completely different animal.

No doubt Bob will correct me if I'm wrong :exclam:exclam 

Ah - I see.  I'll wait for Bob to explain before I go and buy 5 gallons !!!

Years ago in UK, I used Artex - it did virtually the same thing as plaster but was very slightly "flexible" - not quite the word but it wasn't at all brittle and was much lighter than plaster.

Plaster of paris sets in seconds, is very heavy, and very brittle.  Something like the modern "multi-finish" plaster might be similar - it's "sticky" and "gives" a little rather than cracking.

…and that, I think Peter, is the key, whatever you use should be light, "flexible", sticky and cheap.

The polyfilla is all but cheap, especially with the addition of PVA to help with the flexible and sticky.

I've got more to do on the "hill" and I've run out of Polyfilla, so more experimenting with a different "ground goop" recipe to come. :thumbs

I don't think I got around to saying how good your mountain looks Marty - I guesso I was side-tracked !!

It looks great and just like those huge rolling hills folding down to the coastal plain so often seen in Wales (and other parts).  I love the "smoothness" which gives no clue at all that it's a model.

Great stuff. :thumbs:thumbs

Thanks Petermac,
Looking forward to the next bit.
More as it comes to hand.

Newcastle Emlyn Cassette System

So… it’s time to work out how to add, remove and store trains on the layout.

The cassette system concept diagram… (Simples really but clarifies what the plan is) 





Colorbond steel U-channel cut to length, cork trackbed glued down inside U-channel. No track as yet as need to get accurate and reliable alignment system sorted first.

Cassette designed to take N scale Tender Engine and three Collett coaches or Tank engine and 10 or so wagons and brake van.

Here’s the current state of play. 19mm x 42mm (1 x 2) softwood guides on either side, leaving a gap somewhere in the middle for grasping of cassette for removal/addition.
Small brass cupboard ball catches either side for “clip-in” alignment and wired to carry the current. Obviously the timber riser underneath the closer end will need to be wide enough to cater for the catch plate screws.






… and closer






The bulldog clip method, while practical, was a bit untidy.

The spring clip method would mean finding some springy metal.

The questions are…

1) how to attach the brass catch to the colorbond metal? Scrape off the paint and epoxy glue? Or solder? The metal is too thin to screw.

2) Alignment template? No need to get the brass catches on U-channel spot on every time as the track will be added after but it’s got to be pretty close.

3) Any thoughts, maybe there is another way?

Marty, somewehere in the Index, is a description of making a cassette by using two pieces of right angle aluminium fixed to a piece of wood.  The angles are _l    l_  so as to make rails which can then easily be wired.  The wooden base makes it easier to go on with attaching it to your frame.  If I haven't made myself clear, I can draw a mud map and email it to you, or someone may remember where the pictures are.

I've tried a few more categories in the index Marty, but I can't put my finger on it.

That's OK mate, I know the one you mean.

Good thought, I'll see if I can make one up for testing.

cheers