Metrovik

My god, one engine on your railway has more backstory than my entire layout!

Now I wonder who this friend could have possibly been?

Roughly a month, right on schedule. Somehow, and against all odds alot has happened. Buildings have been painted, static grass has been added and the full Tramore signalling setup has been completed. And here it is. Well, they only had 1. But it is working! It's a 3d print file available for free on thingiverse painted by myself and I have to say I'm very pleased. Following this alot of static grass was added to the field at the front of the layout. While it's a bit plain for now I'd like to add plenty more greenery and shrubs to give the impression of "Bad land" as the farmers would say. Unfortunately, I've run out of Ballast but at least the tracks themselves are complete, I just need to apply it between the running lines.. now also serves as a good opportunity to point out that the "pond" in the top left is no longer a hideous mess, well, it's not too bad anyway. Just need to get my hands on some fishing wire and I can add some fencing and telegraph poles. The station backdrop of sorts is complete also. Hopefully the foliage up the side of the station can mask the fact it's an engine shed! I've been waiting ages to do something like this, (inspired by @jhb171achill) September 17th 1950 an unidentified J-26 stands at Tramore station awaiting the signal drop to proceed to Manor station. (Ignore the north eastern livery!) Anyway. I've done an awfully big ramble about comparatively little work but I do think that the layout is on schedule to be ready for its first outing! Probably needs legs first though.........

Just a quick question about the Headlights on the A and C class locos. Around what year did they receive the Middle headlights at the top of the cab just under the horn as seen in the Picture. I'm guessing it was gradually but any idea when it started or ended? I'm assuming it's impossible to have seen a loco in the silver or green liveries with that top headlight outside of preservation/ heritage liveries?

How small can something be to still count as a diorama? Undertook a bit of static grass practice today (big step!) and I'm happy enough with the results although I'd say they'd not be up to the high standards on here. It looks ok though? (photo less traction engine)

A roof will certainly be added to the hotel, I'm just procrastinating. The two terraced houses have currently received their identical first coat of brown but I the details like the sills, doors etc, will probably be unique.

Nice to know I got to see it before it's retirement....

Sorry I probably should have zoomed out the picture. 555 is on a rescue mission!

These progress reports are becoming bi-yearly..... As you can see, Tramore now has civilization! Obviously still needs painting weathering and detailing, but that's a nice job. A small makeshift backscene has also been added in the shape of a painting of Strand Road. While it still looks nothing like the real location, I think it captures the feel. Right now I'm trying to choose a colour for the terraced houses. I'm leaning towards the top brown for the main walls and the lighter grey for the sills etc. All I'm certain of is that the yellow is definitely out! I'm quite happy with this scratchbuilt facade of the "Hotel De Luxe" (formerly the Marine hotel and now the Sands) especially considering the limited reference photos I had to work from. I'm probably going to paint this in the lighter grey. All but one came from that faithful day in 1947 when the engine didn't stop. And that one comes from a totally different era.... Anyway enough of that. I now have a deadline on the Horizon. An Exhibition! (well sort of.)

Nice work Derek, personally, I like the amount of greenery you've gone for.

Looking forward to making the pilgrimage up next weekend to see it.

As a young Thin Lizzy fan I can say I'm extremely jealous.

Saw that before too, not sure whether or not the thing actually existed as like you said, info on it is like hens teeth. Now that's interesting!

I could be wrong but last time I checked, Kilkenny still has a few of these signs.

Any ideas of somewhat simple oo gauge RTR stock that makes a reasonable conversion to AEC railcars?

Oh my god, it was August when I last posted a "monthly" progress report..... While it has been a very long time, being snowed in has allowed me to make some very decent progress. Firstly the plan has changed somewhat. The layout is now set firmly on the Waterford and tramore railway and despite looking nothing like either of the stations is a rough (emphasis on rough) representation of a scaled down Tramore station. (New layout name: Trá beag?) To reflect Tramore station a bit more accurately, I got rid of that ugly flat roof and added a second storey. The real world ain't flat so similarly to the actual station I'll be adding grass behind the platform and beside the running line. Does anyone know can you apply static grass directly to a wooden baseboard? And finally I have managed to assemble a somewhat prototypicalish W&T passenger train. Let's hope next month comes a bit sooner eh?

Sounds great! Look forward to seeing progress and with snow falling heavily ten minutes away from you, I'd say you'll have plenty of time!

Bring it on!

This guy has gotten further than me on a layout in the space of 3 hours! Looks nice though.....

Just thinking of the stock running on it is amazing!

Still no email about shipping yet, I'll have to give them a ring again if I don't hear from them today....

Just hoping for something southern, otherwise I'll have to run an excursion train!

Spoke to rails on Friday by phone and the nice gentleman said they're just completely overwhelmed but are trying their best to get to them. I'd be surprised if we don't get shipping emails this week.

Invoice paid, Awaiting with excitement!

Oh for gods sake! How many references are you up to now 10,12?