GNRi1959

Yes, I am a member of the Scalefour Society and am well aware of whats available. I think others, who may not be members are not.

I plan on modelling various aspects of Omagh that are part of the landscape I grew up around. I hope to model the Goods Yard which has at least six points and the line that runs to the Engine Shed and turntable. The layout won't be geographically correct but will involve modelling both locations precisely and bringing them together with some modellers licence.

Hi John, your comments are welcome. Your opening lines were enough to get me thinking...... "I have been messing around in 21mm gauge for over 20 years to EM standards though I have yet to build a successful layout mainly due to the lack of suitable space to build a layout." There seem to be many issues with 21mm, all of which compound the modeller with problem after problem. I am sure that 21mm is possible, on a budget, with a lot of skill and patience.Thats why I'm throwing this thread out there because its good to hear of the experiences of others. They are valued, thanks.

Indeed, blockwork completed today before rain started. Hopefully, the shed will be ready in 4-5weeks as promised.

Building 4" blockwork on top of 2'x2' flags to raise shed above soil level. Fitting a PVC water channel to side of shed to take any ground water away into gravel soak away. This is going to be home over the winter for a mix of scratch building and contemplating !

David, this could open possibilities. There is no need on my part to have a 'tail chaser' around the shed, the idea of a goods yard and section of shunting track would open several possibilities. I need to also think about moving the layout should I ever consider exhibitions. A series of shelf brackets or trestles would give me this option with baseboard width kept to a minimum width of 400-500mm and a much wider yard area.

John, some good points indeed. Its well worth thinking seriously about. Thanks

I've been reading nothing but Scalefour Society literature recently and playing around with Templet. Its the way to go for serious modellers but to be honest it is a huge money/time add-on to any layout. I've just forked out £650 for a garden shed to build a new layout and small area for scratch building and to be honest I have to seriously question which way to go on track work before any firm decision.

David, I'm with you on that. I plan on laying some test track on a short metre length tester with one point and siding to check my wagons. I see no point in investing in wagon drawing books and photographs to build them on 00 track. Well, thats the choice we have.

Is anyone modelling 21mm at the moment. When you consider the trouble we go to to scratch build and source decent wagon drawings its a shame that they are run on 00 gauge track - it looks so 'narrow gauge' when compared to 21mm. If you look closely at the loco in the photo, it is broad!

I photographed the building extensively in 1987 when it was the property of the local district council and still have this 6x6 negs. The rear arches have been restored and incorporated into the new Station Centre, which is a youth club. The large retaining wall to the left and buildings above are still intact.

Cheers Paul. Here it is in all its glory!

After many months of thought I've finally placed an order on a 10'x6' garden shed from a very reputable builder who specialises in quality sheds using good quality materials and techniques. This will take 6-8 weeks for delivery and installation. I'll be then adding my own 'touch' to it with insulated flooring and side walls before I make it ready for what is hoped to be my modelling aim, creating the Goods Yard at Omagh. Theres a definite plan of work ahead and a lot of scratch built stock to work on so hopefully many winters evenings will be passed there.

The people who own and secure the model of Omagh GNRi Station are unable to allow it to leave their premises in Omagh as the organisers cannot find a suitable and safe means of transporting it to Enniskillen. It is housed in a solid oak frame and heavily glazed. I hope to still attend with a small display of 12x8 prints.

Got some 12x8 prints of both Omagh and Fintona done, will fix to mounting card and bring to Enniskillen.

It would be a treat to see this layout. Omagh GNRi station is a static model of the entire station area built by me and purchased by the local Library HQ for display in their new premises. I may bring a collection of railway photographs with me to display. The offer to attend was dropped on me today by the organisers and I couldn't say no.

Model Railway Exhibition & Collectors Fair Cathedral Hall Enniskillen Saturday 30 September 10am-5pm An amazing display of model railway layouts including Diecast Collectors Models, Scenic Materials, Plastic Construction Kits and all sorts of modelling assessors available from traders on the day. I have been asked to attend by the organisers as they are bringing a model of Omagh GNRi station along that I built some 25years ago.

Just gathering my stock of new GNRi white metal castings of brake shoes, brake levers, axle boxes and W-irons. The white metal levers and shoes are amazingly detailed and really quality castings. Getting ready to start building as soon as the holiday seasons ends.

I finally managed to fly in one of these. I flew Manchester to Adelaide via Dubai, fantastic huge plane

David, a truly fascinating piece of modelling. I can see you possess the gift of patience. The detail and choice of colours are so good. I just can't wait to get back to my modelling again soon, just back from Australia yesterday and off to Naples and Rome in three weeks time. Then the challenge begins. With inspiration like yours on this forum, it all helps.

Colin, supplier is not in business at moment and I am simply buying up as much existing parts he has available. If the situation changes and he returns to full-scale production he will, I am sure, make himself known.

This week managed to get hold of a lot of white metal brake shoes, single brake levers, white metal GNRi wagon parts and axleboxes. Building the parts box.

Patrick, very nice indeed. I can tell that you are pleased with your work and I can only say that having achieved what you have done, you can now continue to add more detail on the platform to bring it all to life. Some railway staff and passengers give any layout life. Well done.

The hmrs drawings cost a ransom

Leslie, that message was posted on the forum in December last year and very soon after I bought the wagon book of Richard. I really have no interest in loco or carriage drawings. Thanks anyway for the reply. I did a fair bit of travel by rail on many RPSI tours with an old friend Norman Johnston and he had my head turned writing carriage numbers into a little log book for him. This was long before he ever launched Colorpoint Books. Little did I know then that all this note taking led to much of the research he put into writing many books.