A popular layout back on YMRC

Stepping back in time but not in space the Heljan class 128 parcel car hasn't been seen on the layout for quite some time but was out for photographic purposes today and got a run with its usual tail-load of two Hawksworth vans.



The parcel cars never ran in Cornwall so this one appears under Rule 1 because I like it and because it is a superb and very powerful model.  The Bristol LD bus is a Base Toys model.



Close-up on the parcels train as it comes through Penhayle Bay's reverse-curves under the evening lights



Heading up the 1:36 from the platform end to the summit at Nansglaw the class 128 also shows another reason for today's photo-shoot.  Penhayle Bay up starter was converted (after a lot more time than I expected due to much wiring faff - a very technical term, that) from posable Crescent to working Dapol and was re-sited about 30 yards closer to the station.



The detail on these vehicles is superb.  The weathering is my own.  





And with the train departed the signal now reverts to danger.  It's a very long wire back to the panel - in the region of 10 metres - which is proving a challenge to reliable operation but as with all real semaphores a long way from their signalbox there is a technique which must be mastered for a "good pull" by the signalman.  Also evident here is the low-level house which fronts the steep road down to the beach and has a bird on a perch just visible in the fully-modelled back garden plus some of the painted backscene including "sheep"on the distant skyline.

Penhayle Bay down distant is now a Dapol signal.  The arm has been shortened from the supplied item and in common with their home signals the LEDs are too bright while the lenses are also not the correct shades of their respective colours.  But it's another working feature and doesn't look too bad.  There's a patch of ground-work which requires weathering here but it's been very wet for days meaning the PVA glue hasn't gone off and the ballast is not yet firmly fixed down.  Maybe by the weekend …..





Meanwhile the control panel requires a shelf to be fitted to accommodate the signal levers.  It also requires some cleaning and tidying!



Groundwork has been reinstated and completed at Penhayle Bay's re-sited up starter which is somewhat closer to the station than it was.  There are traces of white PVA showing here too as it hasn't yet fully gone off and turned clear.

And one more just because I like it

… And very nice it was s too.

Shortening the signal post was a brave move… Was it hard to tweak the linkage?

Interesting lock on lever 53 :roll:


Ed

[user=19]Marty[/user] wrote:

… And very nice it was s too.

Shortening the signal post was a brave move… Was it hard to tweak the linkage?

If only Marty.  It was the arm not the post which was shortened.

[user=1338]Ed[/user] wrote:

Interesting lock on lever 53 :roll:


Ed

It's a collar to remind the signalman (me) that No.53 points are out of service pending possible removal.  Another replication in model form of what you will find in real life.

As points 54 and 55, which are also out of service, cannot be reached except via 53 those levers don't need collars.  It was just lying about on the workbench when I needed something suitable …..

The future of Church Loco Sidings which require use of these points is currently undecided.  They have had very little use since being installed some years ago. Each holds a single locomotive.  The intention was that an operator would make use of a small "pop-up" area beside them to change locos as trains came through the yard.  In the event I have never had a regular second operator so the idea has never really been used.

A small workbench project has taken to the rails.

Inspired by this photo (linked as I cannot attribute copyright)

(Click to enlarge)

I purchased a pair of Bachmann Conflats recently and already had the Holman compressor spare from a previous purchase as they came in a twin pack.  It's no coincidence that the original photo location, now devoid of rails, and the retailer in question (who also commissioned the compressors) are very close.







Only minor works have been required.  The compressor required its jockey-wheel bracket shortened.  As supplied the wheel is in the lowered position for free-standing on roads but in transit this is wound fully up with the wheel resting on the wagon deck.  A quick snip of the brass bracket with the Xurons and a touch of superglue sorted that; a retouch with black mapping pen covered a missing flake of black paint.  I didn't manage to get the cut piece to stick back above he tow bar but it hardly notices.  The wheel scotches are cut and painted matches which have proved easier to work with than the balsa first used.  The wagon has been weathered and the compressor stuck down.  I still intend to source suitable lashing chains at some time.

[user=1753]Gwiwer[/user] wrote:

And one more just because I like it

In response to complaints from the S&T Department that their men could not access the signal to check the lamp and oil the mechanism I have modified the fence line to include a gate and access area.  I have also modified the lineside greenery to include a degraded and weed-grown walking route.

Apologies for the quality of these pictures; there is just about no light here today.  Even the overhead strip isn't enough and using flash washes out the detail.





And the reason this signal cannot be sited "wrong side" on the curve ….. which would have been "right side" for GWR steam loco drivers ….. is a lack of clearance

Some photo-updates.  

First the work to repair the rotted section of fiddle yard board.  The new track is loosely pinned at this stage.  It has been tested for clearance and has passed.  The line closest to the fence / back panels is the Up Back Loop while the mail train stands on the Up Through Loop. The reduction in space has resulted in a new point being required on the "patch" which is yet to have its motor fitted.  Track is placed loosely to indicate the new loco / DMU siding at this end in the space once occupied by part of the Up Back Loop.



The missing back panel has dried out and whilst it is not in great shape it can be refitted to complete the scene in due course.



A mix of soot black and grimy black weathering powders dusted over the fence has removed the glossy effect nicely



The Dapol signal now fitted at the top of the bank from Ponsangwyn Yard.  The motor worked when tested, then had its arm shortened and repainted (as can be seen in the enlarged photo but not readily visible to the eye) but it hasn't worked since.  It was going to be binned but as the LED powers up I have used it here on a "better this than nothing" basis.



And a view of more loaded wagons in the fleet - a little more conventional than the compressor-on-conflat perhaps.

British Railways Board                           
 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 
WITHDRAWAL OF RAILWAY PASSENGER AND FREIGHT SERVICES
BETWEEN PENHAYLE BAY, TREHELIGAN; also St. Agnes and Ponsangwyn branches
 
The Western Region of British Railways hereby give notice that on and from a date to be specified but not later than Easter Monday 17th April 2017 the railway passenger and freight services on the Penhayle Bay Railway will be withdrawn.
 
PENHAYLE BAY and TREHELIGIAN stations will be closed to all traffic.
 
PONSANGWYN goods depot will also close to all traffic.
The line between Treheligan and St. Agnes will also close to all traffic.
The Secretary of State for the Environment has consented to the above closures which will take effect EARLIER than the date stated if circumstances so require.
 
It appears to the British Railways Board that the following alternatives exist in the general area:
         Llanbourne Station
         Newton Broadway Station
 
Bus services in the area are also operated to and from Newton Broadway station.
If objections are received to this proposal negotiations may be entered into with person or persons willing to ensure the future of all or parts of the Penhayle Bay Railway.
 
BY ORDER – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

What's happenin' Rick :hmmquest:


Ed

[user=1338]Ed[/user] wrote:

What's happenin' Rick :hmmquest:


Ed

The Good Lady has secured a very senior appointment in the London area which has been on the cards for some time but was only confirmed at 2am this morning my time when I took her call.  

A lot to figure out and organise in the months ahead but one thing is certain and that is the layout being firmly bolted down to Australia is not able to come with me. In any case we expect to have to downsize from a good sized house with gardens to a small flat probably with no outdoor space.  At least in the short to medium term.  

Her appointment remains subject to being granted a visa but as she is officially now a (possibly the) world authority in her field and was recruited against worldwide competition that should be a formality.

Well, best of luck to you and your Good Lady :cheers

Be a shame to not see any more updates from Penhayle Bay though :sad:


Ed

There will be more updates.  Probably until New Year and perhaps even a little after that.  But no more new work will be put in hand.  Only "care and repair" maintenance.  The Dapol signals will be the last new items to be fitted and the large patch over the rotted baseboard is the only significant repair I intend to complete.  Nothing else is really important.

Well, I have been lucky then to have seen Penhayle Bay in the flesh a  few years ago.
 A pity but things like this come along and are too good to miss out on so I wish both of you the best for 2017 and onwards.

Indeed Sol you are one of the lucky few.  I reckon fewer than 100 have seen the layout in the flesh simply because this country is so large and remote.  Over the years only five people have been regular visitors.

I hadn't thought that leaving here would bring about its closure.  It might have been the ability of everything to survive outdoors or it may have been the eventual need to replace the fence; one entire side rests on the fence rails for support.  

There are also the two unused but fully functional boards stored for the planned Beer & Branscombe project and upon which test trains have run under power.  It might be possible to take those and make use of them.  There is a lot of talking for us to do and some decision to make - some of those will be harder than others.

Repeating our Facebook chat: good luck to you and SWMBO, and congratulations to her for landing such a prestigious position.

Just a thought: maybe you could instigate an outdoor railway in her new workplace (I'm trying not to give away where it is at this point, but you know what I mean, Rick!)

:cool wink

Thank you.

It's certainly a thought Jeff.  I might wait just a few months before submitting my proposal …..

***** SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER *****

Anyone within reach is invited to come and enjoy Penhayle Bay between 2 - 6pm.  

I can provide address and directions for anyone who requires them.  Hint - you will need to be within reach of Melbourne, Australia ;-)

This will be one of the last opportunities to see this layout in operation.  I know the date clashes with a nearby BRMA meeting and I have no desire to detract from that in any way but I have few options as I work most weekends.  

As usual for these events I ask that anyone interested PM me in advance as I need some idea of likely numbers.  Tea, coffee and nibbles provided.  

For anyone interested but unable to manage this date I shall arrange at least two more open days one of which will be the closing-down gala when "anything goes".  I can sometimes be available on weekdays for private viewings as well - again please contact me in advance to confirm available dates and times.

Surplus and retired rolling stock will be available for sale.  I don't have a full list as it is being added to regularly.  Most will be offered unboxed and some will carry my weathering.

An Act.

The proposal to build a new railway after Easter Monday 17th April 2017

Details to be announced by the Chief Engineer Gwiwer

Somewhere in or around London,

Exact date and where to be announced

Pies and Ale optional

We all hope to see you building something as soon as possible.



Good luck with you and  your Ladies move.
 
An interested passenger on your future line….