Tullygrainey

I think for me that might remain a bridge not crossed

I've looked at CSB but I've yet to try it. I find it hard enough to fit a single compensation beam between the frames as it is. As well as getting it in the right place!

His basic thesis seemed to be that in order for them to work properly, compensated axles need to be able to tilt. Any system that inhibits or doesn't allow for this won't work as effectively. It makes sense to me but yer pays yer money...

Yes David, nice crisp etches which seem to go together well. Like many kits of the era though, the instructions tend to assume a certain amount of prior knowledge and can be a bit vague in places. I suspect a novice builder would be pretty flummoxed. As an example, there are half etched cutouts for hornblock mounting but no reference to these in the instructions which describe building a fixed chassis. The builder of a compensated chassis is assumed to know how to do it I suppose. There's no guidance on, or provision of etches for, compensation beams.

Another High Level gearbox takes shape - a RoadRunner Plus this time. This one is destined for a GNR(I) AL Class 0-6-0 locomotive which Kieran Lagan is building in 4mm from a NorthStar kit acquired at the Bangor Show. IMG_3655.MOV

Coming along nicely Patrick

Innovation and improvisation. Name of the game. And if it works, it ain’t wrong.

Makes it seem like you’re standing lineside.

Always tricky going round corners. That arrangement works well.

All the best for the exhibition John

The Stone Yard had an outing to the Erne Model Railway Club's annual exhibition in Enniskillen on 20 September. Many thanks to the EMRC for an enjoyable show and to Kieran Lagan as always for help and for this photo. An angle not often seen.

Actually it’s a flight of fancy

Maybe, but I think we may be looking at the rear of the train. I don't see a driver and the destination board seems to say Central.

Let there be light. Someone appears to have nicked the lead flashing from that roof. That needs seeing to.

Did you warn the new owner about Mr Weaver Patrick? Or has he really retired? I'm sure I can already hear him issuing orders.

Stanley Unwin! Brilliant. He was a one-off. The only man able to talk completely comprehensible gibberish.

Mr and Mrs McQuillan who patiently waited for the 7mm narrow gauge train at The Stone Yard recently decided to move house and now they wait for a different train on the platform at Kilmore. Yes..., they've downsized. I'll get my coat.

Lovely work Patrick. Totally convincing

Thanks everyone. A real team effort, this one.

A change of direction with the Countess of Antrim project. The original plan was for Patrick @Patrick Davey to build a body in plasticard on my chassis. However he managed to source a 3D printed body, printed in resin by a friend from a file created and generously donated by @J-Mo Arts of this parish. And very nice it is too. As a result, the brass running plate is now redundant since the 3D print incorporates one and it would be highly problematic to try to remove it. Both body and chassis needed a bit of fettling (that's a technical term for "hacking lumps out of each") to make them get on with one another but we're just about there, I think. The Countess so far... Some cosmetic tidying up, detailing and then paint. Over to you Patrick

That looks good David. Most unusual layout so well worth doing. I think modelling coaches requires high levels of determination and cussedness to see it through, so very well done. I've made a grand total of 3 in my time (in 4mm so fewer acres of metal and less need for detail) and it'll be a while before I have the stamina to tackle the three other kits nestling in the to-do drawer. I think it's the repetitiveness that gets me - multiple door handles, multiple grab handles, multiple ventilators, goodness knows how many window frames, etc etc. and every one a real fiddle. As David H said above, every bit as demanding as locos, just in a different way.

Yes, it's quite a good way to deal with that particular problem. A hedge would do the job too. I think it works best when there's a small gap between the physical barrier and the back scene board.

We've had some heavy rain this week after a prolonged dry spell. It's had an amazing effect on the countryside around Kilmore.

Fine modelling of the derelict buildings. I do like a bit of rusty metal