This is my first attempt at making masters of L&B couplings which I’m hoping will prove suitable for lost wax casting. These were made with bits of brass rod, strip and tube all soldered together with 221 degree C tin/silver solder (I’ve got the burnt fingers to prove it). The base is a separate component and the springs will be functional just like the real thing. The long bit hanging down from the chopper is a sprue.
Update 5/2/2011 – see: running trials
Here are a few shots of the scratchbuilt Manning Wardle taken just before she enters the paintshops. The loco is one of two built in Leeds in 1868 for the short F+B line, built the same year as a feeder and potential rival to the Festiniog. The little locos and the 6 carriages were destined to last only 14 years, being taken to Swindon and scrapped when the line was converted and extended by the Great Western in 1882. The model is all nickel construction, using profile milled frames from John Taylor using my own masters. Rivet detail using a GW models rivet press and tiny hex headed bolts from Scale Hardware Inc (USA). Power by Maxon and all my usual sound / smoke / steam effects on board.
White Hill is is based on one of the small cement works that once flourished in the Adur Valley in West Sussex, but have sadly, long since closed. It represents a typical cement works that was part of a much larger system with all of the various works inter-connected by means of a narrow gauge railway system. The scene is set in the late 1960’s when operations were being run down and their was a general air of dereliction about the place.
This fine layout by Mark Hesketh features both 2′ (O14) and 2′4″ (O16.5) gauges. Full details can be found here: http://www.whitehillcementworks.co.uk/
Although not specifically for O14 (or even for 7mm scale) I’m sure this Easy Street simulated tram girder rail produced by PROTO:87 STORES might find some use, as it will accommodate RP25 wheels.
Full details can be found here: http://www.proto87.com/easy-street–track-system.html
Prolific modelling blogger Phil Parker has recently been updating on his experiences with the KBscale track sample kit. His impressions are positive, describing it as good value for money and useful encourage into a new scale.
There have been two posts on the subject so far, and it sounds like there may be more to come as Phil mentions the thought of modelling the Groudle Glen railway in O14…
This link has lots of photos by Geoff Plumb of various British Industrial Systems including the 2′ gauge Leighton Buzzard Light Railway. Many of the photos are in colour and provide a superb model reference whatever the gauge.
This is the track plan of the standard and narrow gauge interchange yard of the Pentewan Light Railway – my long in gestation layout. Only some of this track is built.
The purple block on the plan is a tippler on a raised section of track from which loaded wagons of china clay will be tipped into standard gauge wagons below.
A couple of photos showing progress of the Hudson Hunslet kit from KBscale. The kit will be available in two versions to represent early and late versions of the prototype. Various cab and canopy options will be available at a later date.
This kit features lost wax brass castings for the frames and details with etched brass parts for the engine cover etc. This kit will be 14mm gauge only.
I’ve been making some more turnouts in the last few days (with Peco rail to match my other track). I tried to time how long it took but forgot to keep notes – I reckon each one takes about 4-5 hours spread over 2-3 days.
Whilst I am mainly involved with Signals and Track for Standard gauge Model Railways, I can also offer a track/point building service in narrow gauges.
I can also offer servo operation of points, either for the modeller to install himself or included in the build. If you visit my website, you will see a Youtube video of an 00 gauge point being operated by an onboard servo.
My website address is www.borg-rail.com
Stephen Freeman
