Time to build a railway...but where?

[RobRossington]

Smart!

[IanC]

Indeed. I can still remember the Emett railway you exhibited at Warley many years ago. I kept going back to it. All my friends couldn't understand me as usually I am known for prototypical accuracy as much as possible but I thought it was the best layout there by far.

[Peter Butler]

Thank you Ian, that's nice to hear and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience.
I can assure you the layout was as prototypical as I could possibly make it!

[IrishPeter]

Indeed. I can still remember the Emett railway you exhibited at Warley many years ago. I kept going back to it. All my friends couldn't understand me as usually I am known for prototypical accuracy as much as possible but I thought it was the best layout there by far.

The slightly bonkers has its appeal. I think a lot of successful modelling relies on something that is convincing on its own terms, but not necessarily slavishly accurate, or even - at times - remotely prototypical. I am sure there is some sort of a connection between good railway modelling, and story-telling in the sense of the sagas, or good drama, but I cannot quite articulate the thought.

Peter in Va

[FWLR]

What's all this about "prototypical"! who cares! That is some brilliant modelling Peter. Use of everyday items to make a loco that is outstanding in every way. At least you come up with ideas and carry them out mate.

Sorry for the rant Peter, it's one of those days that is getting to me.

You should of put up what you ran out of on my thread about "When you go to" mate. I was thinking I was the only one.....

[IanC]

Thank you Ian, that's nice to hear and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience.
I can assure you the layout was as prototypical as I could possibly make it!

Prototypical or not, and I wasn't implying it wasn't, it was brilliant and enjoyable. When I model in OO for others it's me who often strives for accuracy within my modest abilities.

[Peter Butler]

The only prototype for the layout was from imaginary cartoons by Emett himself and I tried to be faithful to them and give them the credit they deserved.
You might recall the large cartoon illustrations in the background (with publishers consent) to show where the influences originated.

[FWLR]

Now I do like Emett......

[IanC]

The only prototype for the layout was from imaginary cartoons by Emett himself and I tried to be faithful to them and give them the credit they deserved.
You might recall the large cartoon illustrations in the background (with publishers consent) to show where the influences originated.

To be honest Peter it's a distant memory now. (please don't remind me how long ago it is as I know I'm getting old), but I know it's not recent. I'd certainly love to see the layout again if it exists. If not, perhaps you could share some pictures on a thread on here, or another forum if you have any?

[ge_rik]

Great looking rebuild, Peter. It certainly looks the part alongside your latest creation.

Rik

[FWLR]

I agree with you Rik. They must be in with a chance of Models Of The Year....

[Peter Butler]

The only prototype for the layout was from imaginary cartoons by Emett himself and I tried to be faithful to them and give them the credit they deserved.
You might recall the large cartoon illustrations in the background (with publishers consent) to show where the influences originated.

I'd certainly love to see the layout again if it exists. If not, perhaps you could share some pictures on a thread on here?

As far as I am aware the layout still exist and is in the collection of Warley MRC who owned the original stock and set me the task of displaying it on a layout of my own design. I hope there will be opportunities to show it at exhibitions in the future but it is not to everyone's taste...... no layout ever could be!
I do have photographs, although on 35mm prints, so if I can copy some I will put on another thread.

[IanC]

The only prototype for the layout was from imaginary cartoons by Emett himself and I tried to be faithful to them and give them the credit they deserved.
You might recall the large cartoon illustrations in the background (with publishers consent) to show where the influences originated.

I'd certainly love to see the layout again if it exists. If not, perhaps you could share some pictures on a thread on here?

As far as I am aware the layout still exist and is in the collection of Warley MRC who owned the original stock and set me the task of displaying it on a layout of my own design. I hope there will be opportunities to show it at exhibitions in the future but it is not to everyone's taste...... no layout ever could be!
I do have photographs, although on 35mm prints, so if I can copy some I will put on another thread.

Thank you Peter. Yes, no doubt the rivet counters and purists will be horrified, but I will enjoy it, and I wouldn't mind betting a lot of others will. Even if they won't admit it.

[FWLR]

I can't wait to see it Peter. I love a good layout and like IanC, I hope the rivet counters and the like get about it.

[Peter Butler]

Now that my vertical boilered loco, 'Snail' has been reduced in scale I put the old driver figure next to the new one to see the difference. Looking at the picture it seems as though the larger one is superimposed but he really is standing next to the loco.......

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Quite a difference between the scales of my BURPS stock and the Emetts.
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Time for something different.
Some years ago I installed two inclines for my disused stone quarry workings. Since then the ballast has gradually washed away down the slope revealing the underlay. It was time to fix the problem but the cause is the fact that dropping loose ballast on a slope and expecting it, and the SBR, to stay put is asking too much.
Time for a re-think on design options and the solution is to make the trackwork and ballast on a flat, horizontal surface first and then apply to the incline when finished. So a black, 1mm thick HIP sheet was cut to size and the track laid on long, raised strips of HIP sleeper strip which was grained, painted and weathered.....

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As can be seen, the HIP has been scored to give the SBR a 'key' and mix of fine ballast and waterproof cement applied and well soaked in neat SBR and left to dry.....

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Looks alarming when it is wet but will dry clear.... eventually!
The two sites for the bases, when ready, look like this and they just slide down on top......

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[steamgeorge]

That wood effect looks amazing! I've always struggled replicating aged wood. What does your paint palette include for creating that effect?

[Peter Butler]

Thanks George, the effect I create for aged wood has been covered somewhere back in my thread but briefly the main concern is to make the material (HIP) look like it has a grain. This is done with a razor saw scraped sideways along the length with additional deep scratches done with a Stanley blade, again sideways. After a light sanding I spray grey primer and allow to dry. In this instance I have dry brushed with Citadel acrylic paint (Dryad Bark) to show highlights and after drying a wash coat of Agrax Earthshade to settle in the grooves. I find this works well and can be enhanced with other colours if you want to alter the tone.
I use only Citadel acrylic paints for all my buildings and much of my stock...... The paint is of the highest quality and has dense pigment and will withstand being left outside in all weathers for many years......

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Other wood effects could look like these.....

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[steamgeorge]

Thank you for sharing

George

[ge_rik]

Yes, thanks for the reminder, Peter. I, too have never been able to simulate weathered wood. I've now ordered the paints and will give it a try. Though, no doubt, there's a touch of Butler Magic also required.

Rik

[philipy]

"Me too", Rik!
I've also just discovered that there is a Games Workshop shop in Banbury, only a couple of minutes walk from "The Works", so may be it will be worth atrip in the not too distant future, after all.