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Locomotives Rolling Stock Track Accessories Upgrades Fixing kits & Washers Chuers G Scale Figures Curve Setters

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Thomas the Tank Engine 91401 225.00
James the Red Engine 91403 230.00
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G Scale Brass 8'Diameter Curved Track (12 Pack) 94655 230
Emilys Coach 97003 58.00
Emilys Brake Coach 97004 58.00 G Scale Brass Rail Joiners 94657 14.00
Troublesome Truck1 98001 59.50 G Scale 25 Hex Screws 94656 6.00
Troublesome Truck 2 98001 59.50
Ice Cream Wagon 98015 56.00
Tidmouth Milk Tank 98005 39.00
S.C Ruffey 98010 70.00
Explosives Box Van 98017 56.00
Open Wagon Blue 98012 56.00
Open Wagon Red 98013 56.00
Sodor Fruit & Vegetable Co. Box Van 98016 56.00
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*In stock as of 10/10/17, please note these locos may no longer be available, check stocks online or call.
Please note basic range takes 4 weeks from inital order and other locomotives are in batches.
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Dream Steam Works manufacturers a range of PECO MSS SM32 Buffer Stop!
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Upgarde Cylinders DSUPCYL 50.00 Flexi Track - Single SL600x1 9.00 Jubliee Coach (32mm) 990601 55.00
Ceramic Gas Burner Set DSUPGBS 78.00 Setrack Curve - 6 Pack ST605x6 41.00 Maroon Tender (32mm/45mm) 911403 53.00
Three Wick Meths Burner DSUP3WMB 45.00 Setrack Curve - Single ST605x1 6.90 Green Tender (32mm/45mm) 911405 53.00
Dead Leg Lubricator DSUPDLDL 26.60 Setrack 38 Radius Curve- Single ST607 6.90 Black Tender (32mm/45mm) 911401-BL 53.00
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Brass Cab Hand Rails DSENCH 4.20 Left Hand Point SLE696 42.50 Blue Passenger Coch (32mm/45mm) 911201BL 53.00 Available in 32mm and 45mm
Brass Side Tank Hand Rails DSENSTHR 5.20 Y Point SLE697 42.50 Log Wagon (32mm/45mm) 911501 53.00 with a wide range of Radii
Brass Smoke Box Hand Rails DSENSBXHR 3.10 Small Radius Right Hand Turnout SLE691 42.50 Goods Van (32mm/45mm) 911101 53.00
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16.00
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Coal Wagon Grey (32mm/45mm)
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911505
53.00
53.00 15
Brass Tank Tops DSENWTT 9.40 Rail Joiners - 24 Pack SL810 3.10 Coal Wagon Unpainted (32mm/45mm) 911505-1 53.00
Lubricating Oil SWLUB30 2.60 45mm (G45) Track Pair of Flat Bed Wagons (32mm/45mm) 911301 57.00
Meths Burner Wick DSWWK6 1.90 Flexi Track - Six Pack SL900x6 75.00 Straight Track 910003 34.00
Curve Tipped Syringe DSWCTS 2.10 Flexi Track - Single SL900x1 13.00 Curved Track 910005 34.00
460 Steam Oil 500ml DSW460SO500 5.20 Setrack Curve - Six Pack ST905x6 40.00 Left Hand Point 910001 24.40
220 Steam oil 500ml DSW220SO500 5.20 Setrack Curve - Single ST905x1 8.00 Right Hand Point 910002 24.40
Solid Fuel Tablets 980001 3.50 Setrack Straight - Six Pack ST902x6 40.00 SLATERS
Water Filler Bottle DSWWFB 3.20 Setrack Straight - Single ST902x1 8.00 Festiniog Railway Ashbury First Class 4-Wheel Carriage Kit 16C01 73.50
Meths Filler Bottle DSWMFB 2.60 Right Hand Point SL995 54.00 Festiniog Railway Third Class Ashbury 4-Wheel Carriage Kit 16C02 73.50

ROUNDHOUSE Left Hand Point SL996 54.00

Dinorwic Slate Wagon Kit 16W01 20.00 Bachmann
On Order Point Motor Mounting Plate PL8 3.60 Festiniog Railway 2 Ton Braked Slate Wagon Kit 16W03 26.60
Silver Lady Due Dec 2017 Metal Rail Joiners - 18 Pack SL910 5.40 Festiniog Railway 2 Ton Unbraked Slate Wagon Kit 16W04 25.40 16mm Figures
Little John Due March 2018 Insulating Rail Joiners - 12 Pack SL911 3.10 War Department Light Railways K Class Skip Wagon Kit 16W06 19.50 now in Stock!
Russell Due Feb 2018
Bulldog Due Oct 2017
Dual Rail Joiners - 6 Pack SL912 5.50 Dinorwic Quarry Slab Wagon Kit 16W08 25.50 22
Bulldog Due June 2018 MAMOD Dinorwic Quarry "rubbish" Wagon Kit 16W09 25.50
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Bertie - Blue - 32mm - 628
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Bertie - Victorian Maroon - 32mm - 628 Brunel Goods Set BGS-CC-N 520.00 A wide range always in stock!
Bertie - Deep Brunswick Green - 32mm - 628 Tender MTDR 39.00 Specials can be ordered on request
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25
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Guards Van MGVAN 50.00
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WE HOLD A FULL RANGE OF MSS SPARES FOR OLD MAMOD & MSS LOCOS inc. P&P

Dream Steam Ltd, Ground Floor Suite, Vanguard House,Mills Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NA
Call us: 01622 793 700 or send an email to sales@dream-steam.com
www.dream-steam.com sales@dream-steam.com @dreamsteamworks facebook.com/dreamsteamworks

2 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

p002_GRDec17.indd 2 30/10/2017 13:26

 Garden Contents GARDEN Over 20 new products reviewed
for the large scale modeller

rail
Rail
DECEMBER 2017
ISSUE
MARCH2802016
ISSUE 105

IN SHOP DIGITAL MOBILE APP

4 View from the end of HAVE CHAINSAW,
the platform WILL MODEL!
A novel approach to
6 THE ashford high line building a tunnel
Adrian Johnstone

>
Incorporating GARDEN RAILWAY WORLD

12
The

www.garden-rail.co.uk

DECEMBER 2017 | 4.75

15 A turntable for the cathedral

9 770969 952085
Ashford High Line:
A railway that floats
Issue 280 December 2017 above the plants

mountain railway
Publisher: Steve Cole
stevec@warnersgroup.co.uk Ralph Pitcher
Weathering: Getting down and
Editor: Phil Parker dirty with a Gauge 1 Terrier
phil.parker@warnersgroup.co.uk 20 a cheapncheerful starter GardenRail 280 cover.indd 1 01/11/2017 09:14

T: 07879 664 383 Cover caption: Matt Bourke finds

Design: Neil Sayer 16mm loco
Advertising: Bev Machin
a novel use for an old log on
bevm@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 01778 392055
Bill Watson page 54 (Photo: Erin Bartell)
Allison Mould
allison.mould@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 01778 395002 23 RAGLETH REHASHED (Part3)
Production: Pat Price
Email patp@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 01778 391115 Tag Gorton
Advertising Designer: Amie Carter
Email amiec@warnersgroup.co.uk 31 500,000 SHADES OF COAL (PART 2) Garden Rail: Published monthly
Marketing Manager: Carly Dadge by Warners Group Publications
Email carlyd@warnersgroup.co.uk Mark Thatcher
Columnists: Matt Bourke, Glen Brooks, Tag Gorton, Next Issue: 281
Adrian Johnstone, Ralph Pitcher, Peter Robinson, Matt
Scrutton, Mark Thatcher 36 weathering a terrier On sale: 21 December 2017
Matt Scrutton
www.warnersgroup.co.uk
40 entertaining the public
Glen Brooks
Warners Group Publications plc 2017
All rights reserved. Material is only accepted on the
understanding that there are no copyright restrictions. 41 RUNS LIKE CLOCKWORK!
Although every care will be taken, all materials submitted
are at the owners risk and Warners Group Publications
Peter Robinson
cannot be held responsible for loss or damage however
caused. Copyright on all materials in this magazine 47 PRODUCT NEWS
remains vested in the Authors and Warners Group
Publications. Reproduction of the whole or any part is
forbidden without relevant permissions. Warners Group 53 Diary Dates
Publications and the Editor cannot be held responsible
for any error that might occur in text or advertisements.
Reliance placed upon the contents of the magazine is
54 a timber tunnel
entirely at the readers own risk. Matt Bourke
Printed by: Warners Midlands plc

Distribution
News Trade Warners Distribution
T: 01778 392417

Model Trade Warners Trade Sales

T: 01778 392404

Overseas Agents Japan

Erei Co, Ltd 1-1-12 Toyotama-kita,
Nerma-ku, Tokyo 176

Subscriptions
T: 01778 392465 F: 01778 421706
(UK & Overseas)
subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk
UK: 57.00 12 issues (1 year)
(UK DD: 11.99 Quarterly, 49.99 Anually)
Rest of Europe: 71.00 12 issues (1 year)
Rest of World: 83.00 12 issues (1 year)
You can now manage your subscription online at:
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Back Issues
T: 01778 391180
subsaccexecteam@warnersgroup.co.uk
West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Next Month Douglas Roberts takes us to a steam up at the Butterley Garden Railway Association.

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

3
 WELCOME
View from the end
of the platform
Back to the workshop
D
ecember signals time for me
to wish all our readers the
compliments of the season.
Hopefully tis the season to be merry
but for most, at least in the UK, tis the
season to retreat to the workshop in
front of a roaring log fire and indulge in
some model making.
Some of these models on the bench
will be presents from Christmas past. I
know I have a few kits that have been
maturing for a few years, but that
doesnt mean Im any less pleased to find
a new one under the tree.
Family and friends should be grateful
to our hobby. When the question,
What would you like for Christmas?
is asked, we dont struggle for ideas. No
socks or amusing ties for us. Railway
modellers can simply brandish a copy of
Garden Rail to suggest that something
from any of our advertisers would be
perfect.
With potential gifts to suit every
budget from model cats (whos layout
couldnt find space for another scale
moggie) to live steam Garratts (Santa has
failed me every year on that one so far)
the choices are endless. A wagon kit is
both welcome and easy to wrap up too!
This month, we have the busiest
Product News section for some time
my present to our designer Neil
will have to be a shoe-horn to squeeze
everything in!
Dark nights and weather that sees
only the hardiest of souls operating their
railway mean indoor pleasures appeal
and whilst something for the line is a
4 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
good idea, can I point readers
at another possibility?
Over on our RMweb forum,
we are running The Cake Box
Challenge, a competition to
build a diorama that will fit into
a standard 8 inch square, 6 inch
tall cake box. Each scene has to
include at least two railway items,
anything from a locomotive to a
tail lamp is acceptable, but apart
from that the only limit is your
imagination.
Entries will be posted
on the forum
and judged
by votes
towards
the end of
2018.
This might not
seem like much
space for garden scale
modelling, but with some imagination, Cakebox mockup and 8 inch square board
its perfectly possible. Small scale doesnt seem a lot for the scale we tend to work
locos will fit in but not all lines used in, but with a little imagination, an attractive
scene is possible.
mechanical power people pushing
wagons, horses, all make excellent
subjects for a non-moving scene. Garratt Scratchbuilt over 20 years, this
Since the competition was my idea, fantastic Garratt was running on Portmadoc at
the Elsecar show.
Ill going to have to build something
large scale just to prove it can be done.
If you fancy joining me, head over to
www.rmweb.co.uk and look in the
Modelling Zone for the BRM/RMweb
Cakebox Challenge area for rules and
inspiration.
In the meantime, a Merry Christmas
to all our readers.
 DISTRIBUTEDBY

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NEWGSCALELOCOMOTIVES 38746 Santa Fe Auto Transport Wagon with Chevy Load 110.00 38756 RDG Bulkhead Bogie Stake Wagon with Pipe Load 115.00
38875 Christmas Wagon 2017 78.00

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37428 OBB Rh1116 072-0 Gebruder Weiss Electric Loco VI 360.00 38747 Conoco Tank Wagon 91.00 38876 Santa Fe Rib Side Hopper 752310 69.00

38644 C&S Coach 110.00

37567 DR BR114 Diesel Locomotive IV 360.00

38748 Sinclair Tank Wagon 91.00 38877 Reading Ore Car 51125 55.00

38645 C&S Combine 110.00

37570 DR BR118 Diesel Locomotive IV 425.00

38749 D&RGW Pipe Gondola 115.00

38878 Santa Fe Steel Boxcar The Chief 200515 69.00

37581 DB Cargo BR232 Diesel Locomotive V 455.00

38646 C&S Drover's Caboose 160.00

38750 Union Pacific Container Wagon Building America 91.00

38879 B&O Steel Boxcar 69.00

38224 C&S Mogul Steam Locomotive (w/Sound) 470.00

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38740 Santa Fe Bogie Stake Wagon with Lumber Load 96.00

38752 NYC Auto Transport Wagon with Tow Truck Load 110.00
37628 DBAG Bnrz451.4 2nd Class Coach VI 210.00 62718 Railroad Tool Sheds (2) (Built-up) 97.00
62719 Outhouse (2) (Built-up) 62.00

38741 B&O Bogie Stake Wagon with Lumber Load 96.00

37629 DBAG ABnrz 418.4 1st/2nd Class Coach VI 210.00 38753 WP&YR Sightseeing Car with Bench Seats 110.00

38742 NYC Flatcar Set (2) 96.00

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37952 DB Erdinger Beer Wagon III 91.00 38745 C&S Bogie Stake Wagon with Log Load 96.00
38755 PRR Bulkhead Bogie Stake Wagon w/Pulpwood Load 120.00 9.50 11.50

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p005_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 13:27
 LAYOUT FOCUS
1:32
The Ashford High Line
Adrian Johnstone builds a simple Gauge 1 garden track
T
en years ago I was attending a
model railway exhibition and I
thought I smelt coal smoke. In
a corner I found huge oval of track and
a live steam Garratt locomotive which,
whilst big for a model railway show, was
tiny compared to the ride-behind live
steam locomotives I was used to.
This was my introduction to Gauge 1:
mainline (not narrow gauge) engines
running on 45mm track. Since then Ive
learned the intricacies of G1 technology,
from simple pot-boilered spirit burner
tank engines to water-jacketed fireboxes
for coal.
These days Im the one inside the track
at shows, and I still find the spectacle of
a long train running at speed through
a reverse curve unmatched by anything
in the modelling world (real steam, real
smoke, and real sound: not effects) or
even in the model engineering world,
where budgets almost never allow for a
detailed engine and a long rake of well
modelled coaches.
You would need to live in a mansion
to build a complete G1 layout indoors:
anything tighter than 3m (10 feet)
6 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
radius curves look unrealistic, and in
any case smoke and steam and carpets
dont mix: the natural home for live
steam is the garden so in 2015 I built
a simple Gauge 1 track in a small
garden. My particular interest is in
engineering rather than modelling.
Whilst I very much appreciate the
super-detailed, beautifully turned out
models that many of my friends run,
I dont think I could realistically face
spending thousands on a model that I
was going to set fire to and run round
in the open. Similarly, constructing
beautiful outdoor models of stations
and infrastructure is not my thing. My
preferred style is to find an old unloved
engine, restore it to running order, and
then take the thing out and see it go.
What I wanted for myself was a
simple, and relatively cheap, track on
which I could test my engines, and on
which I could perhaps run a train round
whilst tending to the plants. Actually
the plants are the problem. Im a keen
gardener, and my particular thing is
herbaceous plants and annuals that
put on a terrific display in the summer,
The railway that floats over the flowers.
and then pretty much disappear under
the ground in winter. That represents
a challenge, because I didnt want
the railway to dominate the plants in
summer, or to stand out too much in
winter when the garden is dormant.
Typical G1 garden railways are double
tracked affairs running on plywood
bases mounted on 75mm square fence
posts. In a large garden that can look
terrific, but on my small plot that would
be pretty ugly.
Why fence posts? Well G1 engines
move fast. The scale is 1:32 and so a
train doing a scale 90mph is running at
3mph which is a determined walking
pace. If they start to run away, then they
can go a lot faster than that, and indeed
take off if you are really unlucky. You
need to be able to adjust the controls
whilst they are running, and if they are
at ground level that is very hard on your
back. G1 mainline tracks are usually
elevated to about 1m above the ground.
(There are 16mm narrow gauge ground-
 LAYOUT FOCUS
1:32

level tracks with lovely scenic effects, then soaks up moisture again in winter, The garden cleared and ready for trackwork.
but those engines move slowly, and the levels shift. Thats why houses have good
preferred gas-fired technology is perhaps foundations.
a little more well-behaved than G1s Some soils are worse than others. For
traditional meths and coal.) instance, Salisbury Cathedral famously The reverse curve.
What I really wanted was a floating
track that would waft round just above
the flowers on slender supports. I dont
think my design is the last word in this
respect, but it certainly meets that main
criterion. It was also simple and cheap
to construct, at least by G1 standards. I
thought stainless steel and aluminium,
with a decking board top might do
the trick, but stainless steel tube is not
cheap. However, a few years ago IKEA
made a shoe rack with stainless runners,
and two of those provided enough tubes
to support my track, with one side
running on stainless steel shelf brackets
screwed to the fence posts.
I discussed the design with my good
friend Alan England, and in particular
some ways that I might arrange some
height adjustment. The problem is:
what looks like a nice calm bit of garden
is really moving around all the time. As
the ground dries out in summer and
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
7
 LAYOUT FOCUS
1:32

The track wafts from side to side of the deck

board.

has foundations only just over 1m

deep, but they stand on a 9m thick
bed of weathered chalk atop another
11m of solid chalk. Thats going to be
pretty stable. At the other extreme,
heavy clay soils as I had in my previous
house can heave themselves about so
much that levels shift several inches in
a season. Live steam G1 engines dont
like downhill slopes because they have
no driver to close off the regulator,
so the engine can run away. We want
a level line, and regular track height
adjustment may be needed.
Alan went away to think, and came
back with something he had made out
of 3mm aluminium angle. He had slit
the angle on the bandsaw and bent the
ears back to make a bracket that could putting the finishing touches to the patio are at the bottom of the drawing.
be screwed to the underside of the track, so he never saw it in action. I There is an approximately 12m by 9m
track, then cut away the other end to built his prototype bracket into the growing area, and then at the bottom a
allow a hose clip to clamp the bracket top curve; Im rather pleased to have substantial free-standing building that I
to an upright. I worked up the design something he made for me doing the
a bit, using my CNC Sherline mill to
cut slots for the clip, and annealing
job it was intended for.
Peter helped me to draft a plan of
HINTS AND TIPS
the aluminium on the kitchen hob the garden using a free Autocad-like What is the black soap method?
using the black soap method, taught 2D drawing tool called DraftSight When annealing aluminium, a trick
to me by another good friend and fine and then loaded it into Templot, the of the trade is to rub soap on to the
G1 engineer, Peter Jackman, before well-known and rather unintuitive track surface of the metal and then heat it
bending. planning software. The garden is slightly on the brazing hearth with a torch.
Sadly, Alan passed away just as I was wedge shaped. The house, and a large After a short time the soap turns
black. Turn the torch off immediately
Left: Track support detail. and allow the aluminium to cool
slowly. It should now be very soft and
Below: Cutting slots in the brackets on a malleable.
Sherline mill.

8 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 LAYOUT FOCUS
1:32

Bending back the ears after the aluminium has

been annealed.

use as a combined workshop and office.

During 2014 I had finished clearing
the garden and laid out beds to suit
the railway. The running line is a basic
oval with 3m radius curves. The right
hand straight goes up the fence and the
return is a gentle reverse curve which
gets the trains swinging as they come
back towards the house. There is a single
trailing point off of the running line
leading to a pair of 5-6m long sidings
down to the house to hold stock and for
steaming up.
I spent quite a lot of time trying
different geometries for the deck board.
In the end I used an 18-segment circle
(thus an angle of 20 degrees between
segments) for the basic curves, adjusting
to suit on the transitions and the reverse
curve. I wanted an odd number so
that there would be straight section
alongside the top and bottom paths.
The track drifts from one side of the
board to another as it goes round the
curve.
Originally I planned to leave the deck steam engines. On the other hand, it always intended to use scaffold pole
board plain, but it was a little stark with doesnt stick brilliantly well to smooth uprights for robustness either side of
the track on it, so over the winter of planed deck board, so I may have to the path which is spanned by a lift-out
2014-15 I painted it with a proprietary regularly patch it up. section. In the end, I put in a scaffold
wood treatment that has some wax in Alan had wondered whether in the pole every five or so stainless ones and
it. This is quite good at shrugging off end the stainless steel tubes would made double-clamp versions of the
the oil and hot water thrown out by live be rigid enough... They are, almost. I bracket to suit.

The lifting section and scaffolding

pole support.

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

9
 LAYOUT FOCUS
1:32

The AT&T building, New York City. Goods trains

once ran straight through here.

The main running loop is around

24m long which comes out as just under
half of a scale mile; a train running at
a scale 30mph takes one minute to go
round. The track and points are Peco:
I found some excellent bargains on a
well-known auction website, and the
points in particular are very well made.
They might not suit the purist since the
code 200 rail is a bit chunky, but for a
test track like mine they look great, and
I like the look of nickel-silver outside.
The uprights are inserted into 10cm
diameter holes in the ground drilled
with an auger Peter lent me, and cleaned
up with a sharp trowel. I set the posts
using fast-curing concrete, the kind
that is sold for fence posts. About one
third of a bag was enough to hold each
one steady. The uprights, track sections
and brackets were assembled together
before concreting and then temporary roses. Rivet counters, on the other hand, is the New York High Line. This was
stacks of bricks used to hold everything might not enjoy my style of railway. an elevated freight line that ran down
in position whilst the concrete set. This Fortunately, theres space for everybody the Hudson River side of Manhattan
way the track geometry and neatness in Gauge 1. until the 1980s. They even punched
of the posts is assured without needing One other thing: the name. There it straight through existing buildings:
carefully measured groundwork. are not many prototypes for G1 style the Bell Labs building on the Lower
The garden is not overwhelmed by elevated lines. My father grew up West Side had freight trains running
the railway, and I rather like the look near the Bootle end of the Liverpool through it.
of my little tank engines fighting their Overhead Railway, which perhaps Much of the rest of the line is now
way past scale 3m diameter peonies and qualifies, and of course the first line into an elevated public park; I like the
London (Greenwich to London Bridge) juxtaposition of technology,
was built on a viaduct. trains and public
The New York High Line is now a public park. The real source of the name though gardens. n

Meet the
modeller
The real source of the name though
is the New York High Line. This was
an elevated freight line that ran down
the Hudson River side of Manhattan
until the 1980s. They even punched
it straight through existing buildings:
the Bell Labs building on the Lower
West Side had freight trains running
through it.
Much of the rest of the line is now
an elevated public park; I like the
juxtaposition of technology, trains and
public gardens.

10 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 KENT GARDEN RAILWAYS
Check out the extensive listings R19-12B L&BR grey - data only
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of "in stock" items and special

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of 399 - chrome plated and sound 1700.00

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Kent Garden Railways, 66 High Street, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3NH
Telephone 01689 891668
Shop open Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:00
www.kgrmodels.com

p011_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 13:28

 BOLE LASER CRAFT

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We supply a full range of items for G Scale and 16mm modellers from Accucraft, AMS, AML, Aristo-Craft, Bachmann, BMS,
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12 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

p012_GRDec17.indd 12 30/10/2017 13:30

 PRACTICAL
1:22.5

A Turntable for the

Cathedral Mountain Railway
Ralph Pitcher sends his locos for a spin

I
n my last previous article I
mentioned I hoped to finish the
turntable extension project by the
end of the year. But why did the line
need a turntable?
I had previously constructed a small
16mm scale turntable from a Ford
Escort wheel rim and felt that with
more space available it would be a
challenge to build a much bigger one
that would accommodate a G Scale
K27 or my Roundhouse Darjeeling
B, together with four wagons. That
was just an idle thought until I was
planning the track work on the final
extension and wished to utilize all my
surplus track. There was enough for a
long passing loop but I now had two
spare points and more spare curves, so
I needed to consider how to use them
and fit them into the loop. The points,
which were 10ft radius, could only of the main turntable bridge. The drop blocks and concrete infill that would
be fitted into the new passing loop in frame cradles would in turn be carried be needed, but would involve more
locations which would be too closely at each end by a pivoting bogie that ran time being spent on designing and
spaced to accommodate another on the circular track. constructing two made to measure
outer passing loop, so after much Needing to keep the weight down, I bridges. These would, however, provide
thought, my earlier idea of a large decided on an inverted arch span bridge two very accessible steam-up bays.
scale turntable was the only solution design because it would only have to Me and bridges, no clues here as to
to connecting the two tracks. The be wide enough to carry the track, which option was taken.
turntable of course would be an all any other form of bridge would need At last work now really began with
round asset (please excuse the pun) in side clearance and end up much wider much digging of the foundations for
turning trains around. and heavier. Another advantage of this the block work turret. This was a 6 inch
design was having the centre of gravity deep concrete pad which also required
Design thoughts of the bridge well below the circular a drain underneath that would carry
The obvious thought was to just build a carriage track on which it would be rainwater away from the centre of the
larger version of the previous turntable. rotating, thus making it very stable. block turret, hence more digging. Then
I could utilize a 42 inch diameter there was the new section of concrete
tractor rim and cut it down, but that Work begins pathway going around the turret to be
would not be large enough, so thoughts The obvious place to start is the laid, meaning even more digging and
of basing it on a circle of 4ft diameter bottom, or correctly speaking, the shovelling. I drove several lengths of
track appeared to be the easiest solution. foundations. I estimated that I needed steel tube into the ground to prevent the
I was kindly given the track and it a 6ft diameter width of blockwork to concrete foundation pad from drifting
seemed an obvious requirement to have support both the turntable and its outer away from the existing wall. The tops
four two axle bogies, two at each end of retaining wall. But, should I just build of the tubes I kept to a precise level that
the turntable bridge. an extension bulge to support it and corresponded to a block course of the
Copying previous welded structures the two approach tracks, something perimeter wall. Thus the turret block
on the CMR, I planned to use a solid which would consume a large amount wall courses would all correspond with
20mm square steel bar for the main of building materials, or a simple turret those in the existing wall.
turntable bridge and the two drop frame with two approach bridges? The second After the concrete foundation pad
cradles. They would each carry one end option greatly reduced the number of was laid and set, (with my drainage pipe
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
15
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5
in the centre) I built the wall with the
blocks end ways on, giving a wall width
of 18 inches and the centre left hollow.
Every other block being used on the
end curve had to be tapered which was
quite time consuming and hard work.
The ground plan of the turret was half
circular at its outer end with straight
sides joining it to the perimeter wall of
the extension. At four courses from the
top I bricked the turret completely over.
To bridge the 3ft wide centre void I
had built a centre arch of blocks, which
was then able to support two lines of
18 inch long blocks. These I set 10 mm
apart so that rainwater would drain
away, down into my drainage pipe.
Upon this layer I would later build
the ring of bricks, two courses deep, that
would carry the circular carriage track.
Around that would be a higher level of
stone slabs cut and shaped to the outer
curve of the track. This would hold the
circular track in shape whilst leaving it
free to move a tiny amount sideways for
temperature expansion and contraction.
Finally, higher up again would
be the outer top guard course of
perimeter bricks which would ensure
that no loco could ever plunge off the
end of the turntable!
The base of the turntable was
starting to resemble a model Roman
amphitheatre, which at its lowest centre
level, would collect a large amount of
16 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
rain water. Hence my initial drainage
work and the 4 inch diameter pipe,
which would empty into a ditch.
These top three courses would have to
wait until I had finished the complete
turntable. Until I knew the exact height
difference between the circular turntable
carriage track and the track level of the
passing loop which the turntable bridge
had to join with, I could not proceed
with the brick work any further.
The circular brick base supporting
the turntable carriage track would
have to be at the exact height to ensure
that the turntable track levels were all
the same. It also had to be absolutely
level and in a completely flat plane,
with no undulations, otherwise the
turntable simply would not function.
The circular track itself needed to be
a perfect circle to prevent derailments
of the turntable bogies. This meant
that the outer retaining stone slabs
which would limit the sideways
movement of the track, also had to
be perfectly circular with all diameter
The turret construction
begins. To avoid the
turntable pit becoming
a swimming pool, a
large drainage pipe
was included.
measurements being the same. The
circular carriage track would not be
fixed down but free sitting, relying
solely on the outer retaining slabs to
hold it in position.
Constructing the
turntable
I decided to start with the four bogie
units, suspecting that they would have
to carry a lot of weight, so heavy duty
and coarse scale wheels were the order
of the day.
Searching through our store of
steel offcuts I found a length of box
section which was the required width.
By cutting length wise through it I
produced a channel section. Once cut
into four lengths each piece would
be slotted in the sides to take 45mm
gauge Accucraft Lynton and Barnstable
gondola axles. These would run in brass
channels that would be set square on
to the track (parallel to the sleepers)
and not the frame of the bogie. This
would be a simple arrangement with the
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5

Using a cardboard template to lay out the sides.

weight being taken across the full width

of the axles. To prevent axles dropping
downwards when lifted, I installed a
light gauge brass plate underneath each
unit that lightly sprung upwards at each
end against the lower edge of the axles.
These retaining plates were bolted to
cross members that were welded under
the bogie chassis. This would also make
changing axles very simple to do. A
centre spindle hole was drilled and
would be the bogies pivot point.
Next to build would be the two end
cradles that would each be supported
by two of the pivoting bogies. I needed
to keep not only the cradles as low
set as possible but also the turntable
bridge that they, in turn, would carry.
This would lower the centre of gravity
even more, thus increasing the general
stability of the turntable. I used 20mm
square bar for the cradles. This is a
The turntable carriage
very good material to use model wise. is supported by coarse
It might rust, but being solid will last four wheel bogies.
for years and if one grinds back the
edges to be welded, not only is there flattening off. By welding three pieces simple drop frame shape was achieved.
better penetration but there is very together with the centre length over The centre length that would carry the
little surface weld showing that needs lapped by the upper pivot ends, a ends of the turntable bridge, only just
cleared the circular carriage track. The
centre of the cradle was then drilled to
accept a bolt that would retain it rigid
to the turntable bridge, but would still
be able to be adjusted to ensure equal
dimensions between the bogie pivot
points on both sides of the turntable.
The final piece which was the inverted
arch span bridge that would link
everything together. First there were a
lot of measurements to be collected, the
most important one being the distance
between the two bolt holes in the
centres of the drop side cradles. This was
just a simple matter of placing the two
cradle units, complete with their bogies,
opposite each other on a temporary
circle of track which I checked for a

All the steelwork has been well painted in an

effort to repel rust.

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

17
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5
At first, the bridge was supported on the bogies
without a centre spigot but proved difficult to turn.
common diameter all around. I then
positioned their centre drill holes over
opposite rail joins on the track circle
to ensure an accurate measurement.
This was checked at different points
around the track circle thus giving me
the distance needed between the bolt
holes which would be drilled at either
end of the turntable. If the end cradles
were bolted to the turntable bridge
even 1mm too far apart or too close
together, then one side or the other
of the bogies wheel flanges would be
binding against their rails. In a nut shell,
all of the measuring was about one basic
requirement, which was the need for
all four of the bogie pivot points, not
only to have an equal length of radius
out from the centre of the turntable
but also of the exact length of radius in
relation to the diameter of the circular
track. Another measurement was the
clearance of the circular track and
the ends of the inverted arch, which
naturally had to miss each other. Also if
I got the depth of the inverted arch too
great, it would contact the surface of
the lower block work. I was now able to
measure that the best overall length of
the turntable bridge and its track would
be 4ft 8 and a half inches! With all of
this information, I marked out a full
size template of the bridge profile on a
length of cardboard.
A mass cutting session with the
mechanical hack saw followed, and a
mix of 20mm square bar, 25mm steel
angle section and various width steel
strap pieces soon awaited being welded
18 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
together. I formed the two bow sections
of the arches together as an identical
right and left handed pair. These were
made from the 25mm angles that I cut
and shut to follow the template and I
used a finished one to clamp the other
to it before welding. They were then
clamped to the deck edge members that
ran the full length of the bridge. The
deck edge members were cut from the
20mm square bar and they, in turn,
were clamped down on top of a short
length of steel girder. This ensured that
there would be no welding distortion.
With the main welds completed, the
turntable was freed of all of the clamps
and the lighter steel braces could be
added with no worries about the bridge
deck not being completely straight and
flat.
The cardboard template was
invaluable in checking the
measurements of all the internal braces
and cross struts. Two heavy cross beams,
each situated near the ends of the
bridge deck, could now be drilled to
hold the fixing bolts of the step down
cradles - hopefully the right distance
apart. The holes also had to be exactly
equal distance from the turntable bridge
centre point and also equal distance in
from either end, otherwise one end of
the turntable would be longer than the
other, which obviously would not do.
When I picked up the completed
structure, for the very first time, I was
staggered to discover its heaviness.
Worries grew about the poor bogie
axles that would have to carry all of this
weight, at least changing a failed axle
would be quick and easy!
I now had the vital measurement
which was the height difference between
the upper deck track of the turntable
bridge and the lower circular track
on which the whole turntable steel
structure would rotate. By measuring
down with a gauge stick against the
existing level of track that was adjacent
to the blockwork turret, I would now
be able to finish the circular tracks
supporting brickwork at the exact
height. In the event, it required two
courses of second hand engineering
bricks plus a layer of heavy, slate
coloured, floor tiles that I cut to shape.
Before cementing these down I checked
the levels very carefully and with double
glazing plastic shims placed and glued
where required (different colours for
various thicknesses) it was possible to
achieve a very flat and level surface. The
stone sections that would support the
outside of the circular track also had to
be cut to shape and fixed very accurately
so as to not push the track unevenly in
one place and make it egg shaped.
Next came an outer and higher
course of bricks at the same level as
the turntable deck, followed by a final
higher perimeter course that would
guard against any engines going over
the edge. As the internal brick work
had progressed, I had built up the outer
wall of the turret using more of my
engineering bricks. I had corbelled out
these courses to add some detail to the
turret. But the very top course needed

to be curved on its top outer edge to
make it more user friendly. My sister
had salvaged a number of blue half
round engineering bricks from a skip
and brought them where she knew they
would be used again. I carefully cut
them in half, with a diamond cutting
disc, and they finished off the turntable
turret with their nicely aged patina.
The turntable in use
Now the big moment had arrived,
after all the building work, would the
turntable actually work? To set it on
the circular track, the bogies were first
approximately placed on the rails, then
the whole of the rest of the assembly
was lifted on top with the pivot bolts
being inserted one at a time as the
bogies were each brought into position.
My previous, much smaller, turntable
used a centre spigot, but I had been
apprehensive about using one in this
construction. With the track not being
fixed down, a fixed centre spigot might
have caused complications, especially
if it was not absolutely dead centre. In
the event the turntable did rotate, but
I found that it was quite heavy to push
around. I was unsure as to the exact
cause of this difficulty. I had used a
dry silicone spray lubricant on the axles
and their brass housings that hopefully
would not attract grime, but despite the
lubrication I still needed to push both
ends at once to whiz it around like a
childs roundabout. In the end I built
and installed the centre spigot which
could be adjustable if necessary. It did
not carry any of the turntable weight
but just acted as a rotating spindle.
The moment of truth had arrived,
would it improve the turntables rotation.
One spin of the roulette wheel so to
speak would reveal all resulting in either
much happiness or upset. The result was
much relief as I could now happily now
spin it around quite freely. With even a
sudden, harsh push from only one end,
there was just a smooth motion with
no hint of derailing from the turntable.
This was for extreme test purposes only.
Of course with an engine in place, the
turntable would be moved very carefully.
One good result about the turntable
being so heavy is that whilst moving at
speed the inertia would keep it going. If
I moved it slowly it wanted to stop and
I did not think that it would rotate at all
With the centre spigot added, suddenly long
trains can be turned with little effort.
when an engine was moving on or off it.
With the turntable being so heavy it was
absolutely rock solid when moving an
engine from one end it to the other. So,
for the time being, no track alignment
mechanisms are envisaged.
Was it worth it?
Was it worth all of the time and effort?
It took many times longer to construct
than I had originally thought. The
simple notion of using a circle of 4
foot diameter LGB track seemed an
appealing idea at the time as short
cut over other possible methods of
constructing the usual basis of a
turntable, a wide diameter single rail.
In retrospect, I walked into the
turntable build with a blind faith that it
would simply all work out. But having
a notional idea and then relying on
measuring, cutting, and working things
out as I went along, was always likely
to cause me problems on this complex
project. Because of the larger diameter
over the previous turntable, I had
assumed it would be easier to construct.
Having, a 1mm margin of error in a 4
feet 3 inch diameter turntable would
be proportionately tiny compared to
having the same margin of error in my
earlier 1 foot 8 inch diameter turntable.
But, in hindsight, trying to keep within
that margin of error on that great
expanse of circular track was always
going to be very difficult. The bogie
axles were always going to have the same
tiny gauge tolerance unless I went for
much wider and coarser wheel rims. In
the end the centre spigot came to the
rescue but it was luck not judgement
that it was fixed dead centre.
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
PRACTICAL
1:22.5
The amount of time spent thinking
problems over, did however keep the
old brain busy, which will hopefully
prevent future daffiness. I do make lots of
mistakes at times, but then I remember
a saying of my father, The trouble with
clever people is that they find too many
reasons for not doing things. Well I
cannot be accused of not doing things,
only just not having a precise plan in
place before starting. On the other hand
I did not have to spend much money on
the construction, the blocks were from a
demolished building and cost nothing,
the steel was mainly off cuts from a local
steel fabricator and my own time was free.
One unexpected plus point was
the visual surprise element. From a
distance one can see very little of the
turntable, only the profile of the turret
wall. Although 9 inches in depth, the
turntable remains hidden, deep down
below the top level of the turret with
only its track deck being evident. It
is only as one comes up close that the
turntable reveals all of its steel structure
together with its accompanying levels
of circular brick and stone surround.
However it is the thought that this great
heavy mass can now actually rotate
gracefully and safely with an engine on
top that I think made the whole project
worthwhile.
It was a project that, once it was
started, had to be seen through to the
end. Although it is now finished and
will be a useful addition to the garden
railway, I am happy that the CMR
will not require another turntable. Of
course when I say finished, there is still
the little matter of the two approach
bridges... n
19
 CONSTRUCTION
1:19

A cheapncheerful
starter 16mm loco
Bill Watson builds a Houstoun Gate Locomotive Works kit

C
alled in on HGLW the other
day, David had left the gate open
again, and I could smell laser
cut wood in the air. I looked in to see
a brand new body and chassis being
cut. This is HGLWs latest offering, the
body was originally designed to fit on
an old Triang Big Big chassis, and then
the grey matter kicked in and low and
behold a new chassis was developed and
added to the catalogue. GORDON
was born!
I usually have to buy my own
birthday present, so therefore decided
on an early gift this year, and after
parting with some of my Bawbies
(Pounds, shillings and pence to those
of a non-Scottish upbringing), I said
cheerio to Mr HGLW with a smile and
a little package under my arm.
On coming home, I downloaded the
instructions from the website, made a
cup of tea, and sat down for a read. painting with your favourite colours. axles driven, and with the addition of
One can press or twist most of Davids Remember to use acrylic paints, the some lead to give it a little more traction
laser cut parts out of the sheet, but I like sealer is acrylic based, and enamel paints it performs beautifully. n
to just cut the little pips with a scalpel, if dont like going onto an acrylic base
your fairly confident you can cut them The kit comes with a battery holder Garden Rail Resource
all out, if not just cut what you need for a pair of AA cells and an on-off-on
according to instructions. Its all very switch, which is fitted in the cab. You Houstoun Gate Locomotive Works
straight forward, and you can use PVA can wire it up as you wish, but I like 66 Buchanan Crescent, Houstoun
for a slower build, or break the sound switch up for forward and fully down Gate, Livingston, EH54 7EE
barrier and use superglue so the model is for reverse. These two cells will keep www.hglw.co.uk
finished in less than an hour. (Make sure your loco in power for hours. Please mention Garden Rail
you wear a mask when sanding the pips I added a radiator cap, an air when contacting suppliers.
off, sanding dust is not good for you!) filter case and a simple
The body kit is available as a separate
Give the body and the chassis a coat exhaust, turned item. Its laser-cut in MDF so benefits
of MDF sealer, once dry you can fill up on the faithful from a coat of sealant before painting.
any blemishes with knifing body filler, Myford lathe. Note
and then give it a light sanding before this loco has both

The four-wheel
drive chassis is designed as a
replacement for the now rare Triang
Big-Big loco chassis.

20 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 LMS DUCHESS CLASS
GAUGE 3 GAS-FIRED, 4 CYLINDER, LIVE STEAM

LMS Duchess Class

City Of Birmingham

THE ULTIMATE LOCOMOTIVE FOR YOUR SCENIC GARDEN RAILWAY

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00000 Garden Rail - LMS Duchess Oct 17.indd 1 18/10/2017 11:56

p021_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 13:42


RAGLETH
REHASHED (Part 3)
Tag Gorton finishes his modifications with a look at the body beautiful
Y
ou too can have a body like mine
and this article concentrates mostly
on the bodyshell. The Ragleth is a
comparatively inexpensive generic model
and is therefore fairly plain as found - but
to me, this is an opportunity to be a little
bit creative.
Now I will say right away, that
I generally follow the line of least
resistance. The lining mentioned in a
previous instalment is an example. I
could certainly have a go but even an
inexpensive loco is not cheap by any
means and, trust me, a bad lining job
is quite expensive to row back from.
There are however, many items available
from a range of suppliers to customise
ones new pride and joy. Be careful
however, not to hang white metal items
around your loco like baubles on a
Christmas tree. There are only so many
buckets, toolboxes and jacks required.
Lets start with an easy one.
Locoworks, apart from their slim-line
lined boilerbands and other items we
will come across later, produce simple
rain strips for ones roof. This is simply
a matter of drilling four holes, using
the strips themselves as a template then
bolting into position. Once fixed, I
give the roof a coat of semi-matt or
eggshell for the reason afore mentioned.
The most difficult job of the lot is to
drill the holes for both whistle and the
ejector pipe on the spectacle plate. This
operation is dodgy, partly because of the
difficulty of manoeuvring the bodyshell
for drilling in ones drill press. If one
drills from the back then, if one does
not have a suitable extension, the drill
chuck will hit the top of the cab. If
drilling from the front then the chuck is
very liable to hit the side tanks, thereby
damaging the paintwork. Now, I am no
engineer and so I can only tell you what
I did here.
There is no need to go through the
instructions for drilling the holes for the
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
PRACTICAL
1:19
Cannon Pig here poses by
Trematon Rock, overlooked by
an incontinent seagull (we are
blessed with many of these in
our hill top eyrie overlooking the
Royal Albert Bridge) and the
fireman leans on his shovel and
admires the view.
whistle itself. The only thing I would
say is that a template is supplied with
the kit. Before one starts then put a bit
of masking tape on both the front and
rear of the area to be drilled and there
is a certain amount of offering up to
do. You see the whistle has to be sited
so that it does not conflict with the
spectacle window (and we are going to
do something with these in a bit), or
the safety valve bonnet and we must
also ensure that the resonator chamber
in the cab does not want to occupy the
same space as the steam turret. Having
done this then mark and pop the holes
to be drilled. If you have picked a spot
equidistant from the edge of the window
(without the brass ring) and the safety
valve (bonnet on) then you should be
able to drill with little trouble.
Remove the Coal Bunker
To set up for drilling, then remove the
coal bunker/basket (you will have to
23
 PRACTICAL
1:19
do this anyway later) and also remove
the Accucraft tank filler castings. Wrap
some thick card around the sidetanks
and secure with linen masking tape. He
reason for this is that if your hands are
not rock steady and the chuck touches
the side tank you will remove a bit of
paint. Better card than paintwork! The
hole for the ejector pipe is too close to
the side tank to allow front drilling in
this way. It is also too long a distance
from the back and luckily, I had acquired
and extension collet designed for small
size drills from the local Pound Shop.
This enabled me to drill a very small hole
in the correct place. Unfortunately the
extension could not cope with a suitably
sized drill bit and so I had to open out to
size with a needle file. This takes a while
but then my time costs nothing. Think
how much all this would cost to have
done professionally!
Offer up the resonator to the inside
of the cab and screw fix from the front.
If you have drilled really accurately
then you should be able to push the
whistle shaft through the platework and
into the chamber. Realistically you will
probably need to do a bit of adjustment
with a needle file. The top hole should
be a slightly larger diameter to allow for
a millimetre adjustment up and down
(dont worry you wont see this when we
have finished).
To cover any adjustment filing, I use
black silicone fuel tube to slide over both
shafts. These need to be about 6mm
long and an easy way to get sharp square
ends is to slide a length of tube onto a
bit of rod, put it in your drill press and
just touch it with a craft knife at 6mm
intervals. Slide the lengths onto the two
24 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
shafts, then push into place
perhaps with a drip of Loctite
on the resonator shaft and
there you are a very neatly
fitted whistle!
Next job was to sort the
spectacles. I do have an
excellent spectacle kit from
Swift Sixteen, but given
the extra real estate on the
platework required for
this kit and the fact that
I have fitted a whistle
it made things a bit
tight. I therefore had
a bit of a think.
Normally I use the
spectacle lenses
provided by ACME
Engineering and it
struck me that, if I got
a friend to turn down
the standard Accucraft
spectacle rings so that
they would actually just turn in the
holes I could sort some sort of hinging
well it was easy! Drill a 1.5mm hole
top and bottom of the turned down
ring and pop in the ACME lens. Cut
6mm (ish) sections of handrail wire
and push into the holes. If you then
set up the bodyshell on its nose you
can carefully position the windows
centrally in the hole, resting them on
the two items of wire. Given that these
items are not under any sort of strain, I
removed a strip of paint around where
the wire would sit, then permanently
fixed the wire top and bottom with two
part epoxy, I didnt need much. Once
dried overnight, I touched in the cream
paint inside the cab and there I was,
The basic
bodyshell (lining
and coachwork by
Berry Hill Works) is
prepared for fittings
but I have only
just noticed that I
had not yet drill the
holes on the front of
the sidetanks for the
Locoworks oilboxes.
working spectacles. I rarely close them
completely but they look fine when I do
no different to my previously standard
trick of just turning the rings round so
that the smaller diameter part of the
ring was external. Mostly however they
are open because we all like to show off
our work a bit dont we?
Diamond Plate
I had already ready ordered a set of tank
front oilboxes from Locoworks and
these went on next. Like most of their
stuff dead easy to fix and a check of the
photographs will show you how. An
alternative is to make a step and use the
little sheets of diamond plate from Swift
Sixteen to put on the top. If you have
decided on a step then of course you
will need a short handrail on top of the
side tank for the driver to pull himself
up. I have actually replaced the standard
Accucraft tank fillers on this model, but
I cannot remember where I got them.
What I do know is there are various
brass or white metal items that may be
used or indeed, you may wish to retain
the Accucraft version.
I do an otherwise fairly standard fit
This top down view shows various modified
items. The Swift Sixteen toolbox is dead easy
just a dab of silicon over where the bunker
used to be and affix You can see the bunker
now on the port side, where, with real coal, it
camouflages the gas tank filler very well. The
brass tank fillers, sadly no longer available,
replace the standard Accucraft type. I am very
pleased with the working spectacles.
 PRACTICAL
1:19

on the various four-coupled Accucraft The business end of the

locomotives that I have worked on and locomotive is significantly more
attractive than the standard
the most obvious modification to me model. The lamp is a standard
is to not replace the coal basket/bunker cheapo white metal item with
where you found it. First of all dig out the reflector drilled out and
that horrible 0 gauge scale coal from varnish dripped in.
the basket, or indeed start again with a
Swift Sixteen version.
Offer up the basket to the port side
tank over the gas filler hole. You will
have to first of all drill out fixing holes
using the holes on your basket as a
template and then mark out and drill
a hole through the floor so that once
fitted, you can fill the gas tank. Fit your
empty basket onto the tank, and then
break up a piece of real coal to get scale
lumps. Carefully add the coal to bunker,
securing with dabs of silicon as you
go, ensuring you leave a direct entry
through the coal to the gas filler valve.
Trust me, you will have to look very
carefully straight down to see any sign
of a filler valve at all
Of course we still have two holes on number plates wherever you wish, but circumstance, the ordering and simple
the top of the starboard side tank top do remember that these items can cause fitting of new nameplates will reduce
where the bunker used to be, and I just more damage and hassle than taking a the pain somewhat!
cover this with the very inexpensive drill to your locomotive. The latter is You remember that I mentioned
large toolbox from Swift Sixteen. You fine if you use masking tape and pop diamond plate earlier. Well I have fitted
may drill and tap to secure, or be lazy the place to start the drill in the right this to the standard Accucraft cab steps,
like me and use a small squirt of silicon place, but off square plates or using but intend to fit the Swift Sixteen set
to fix. Silicon actually is removable too much glue can mean a new paint because the look so good. I have put off
without damage, but sticks like the job and that aint cheap! I therefore writing this again and again as I have
proverbial to a blanket. use silicon. It secures into place, but will added or modified, but while there may
twist off and the stuff then removed by be other improvements, one really has
The Home Straight rubbing with a finger. to call a halt at some point or this would
Burning on gas now, we are heading for I also know at this time the never be written. Fitting the body is
the home straight. Of course you must locomotive may be your pride and joy, largely straightforward. The ejector pipe
fit your name plates, work plates and but when it comes to selling, badly is a bit awkward, but what I do is just
fitted permanent plates or use of an put a dab of silicon on the end of the
Photographs pick up every item of dust and dirt. You unpopular name will significantly pipe that goes into the ejector elbow in
can see the long resonator chamber for the whistle reduce the value of your model. It has the smokebox and I use this so the cab
and actually when one glances into the cab, the also been known for someone to name is easily removable. The silicon tube
items that catch ones eye on the port side are the
fireman and the cup of tea, while on the starboard
his steam locomotive after a significant
side it is the oilcan and the driver. A bit of art is other who subsequently, has run off The draincocks are rather more impressive than
always a good adjunct to bush engineering. with the Vicar. In this unfortunate the actual working ones.

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

25
 PRACTICAL
1:19
from the whistle valve is then connected
and secured with tiewrap. To remove
the bodyshell then, we are just looking
at four screws, removing silconed items
and there we are.
Turning our attention to the cab again
I would make a couple of suggestions
regarding internal appearance. Of
course the cab of a comparatively simple
gas fired generic loco (or indeed even
a really expensive one) can never look
like the real thing, but this you see,
is where we add art to engineering. I
have already mentioned employing a
redundant boiler band, but you will
note that I have added both driver and
fireman. Easy now that the reversing
quadrant has been removed. The easiest
way of fixing these is to use dabs of
silicon, both on the soles of their feet
and anywhere else the figures touch. The
driver (ex Brandbright and hopefully
back in the catalogue soon) you will
note is holding on to the sidesheet with
the assistance of a small dab of silicon.
A Handy Grip
I dont much like the T handle on
top of the lubricator and so I used a
standard blank water filler cap, drilled
and tapped on the top to accept a
Model Earth Design brass oilcan
casting. This draws the eye and is
Cannon Pig
I have been asked several times about
the etymology of this name. In fact it
is named after Dave Gillman of this
parish, my long-term steaming buddy
and an ex Sergeant Commando in the
Royal Artillery known colloquially
as cannon pigs. They are of course,
rather more uncouth than the Royal
Navy - but one learns to live with it
26 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
a handy grip for removing the cap.
On the port side you will note that I
have retained the standard Accucraft
plastic knob on the gas regulator. I
did this because it is partly hidden
by the sidesheet and also because it
makes a platform for the firemans
mug of tea. These are dolls house
items, painted as per enamel mug,
then the half drunk tea added as a bit
of painted plastic rod, just dropped
into the mug. This mug is also handy
for adjusting the gas. These items are
what people see when they look in
the cab, not the unprototypical gas
burner and steam turret.
I dont think I have mentioned
the easiest mod of all and that is the
Cannon Pig waits in the
siding, before picking up
the late afternoon service
train from Longlands to
Saltash to meet the GWR
dockyard special.
It is surprising just how little
change can produce a cab that
does not appear to be stuffed full of
working bits. With a bit of a nudge
the eye sees what it wants to see.
polished safety valve bonnet from
DJB, which just drops on I dont
understand why everyone does not get
one! Finally I would say do have a
go! It really is not that hard and one
ends up with a locomotive that looks
significantly different, not only from
its stablemates, but with RC whistle
and draincocks, plus working glazed
spectacles, is very different to anything
on the market today n
Garden Rail Resource
Acme Engineering
1 The Coppice, Beardwood,
Blackburn, BB2 7BQ
www.acmesteam.co.uk
Berry Hill Works
46 Southpark Avenue, Mansfield,
Notts NG18 4PL
www.wix.com/berryhillworks/16mm
Locoworks.
5 Bowburn Close, Wardley,
Gateshead, NE10 8UG
www.locoworks.co.uk
Model Earth Design
58 Greville Road, Warwick,
CV34 5PJ
www.modelearth.net
Swift Sixteen
10 Waun Road, St Dials, Cwmbran,
NP44 7JN
www.swiftsixteen.com
Please mention Garden Rail
when contacting suppliers.
0128 ANG_Full_GR280 Dec_Layout 1 12/10/2017 16:19 Page 1

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p027_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 13:52


500,000 SHADES OF
COAL - PART TWO
Mark Thatcher concludes his build of a Flexi-kit Gauge 3 seven plank RCH PO wagon
from Williams Models
I
hope you enjoyed part one of this
review last month. This is a really
well detailed model and will build
up into a fine looking wagon, but you
will need to invest time in the early
stages of this build to prepare all the
components, prior to assembly, if you
want a really first class result. There was
still a little left for me to complete on
the chassis before I could move onto
the building, painting and adding
transfers to the body. This is the part
I particularly enjoy as the kit starts to
really come to life.
Fitting of the buffers into their guides
was a breeze. The instructions mention
that you may need to clean out the
guides so the buffers are a nice sliding
fit, but mine were fine out of the bag.
The buffers have a spring, slid down
their shaft, and are inserted into the
guides, being retained by a small nut on
the inside of the buffer beam. I test-
fitted these prior to painting, and re-
fitted them later. I also chose to leave off
the brake levers and supports as I could
see these would get in the way of the
painting of the yellow, on the solebars.
Bumble bee paint scheme
Painting the wagon did need a little
thought, particularly, if like me you
prefer to use rattle cans. For folks more
adept with an airbrush than myself,
this will also apply. The Derbyshire
Carriage and Wagon Company, who
in 1936 came up with the original
bumble bee paint scheme, obviously
gave no consideration to the Gauge 3
modeller when painting this wagon
PRACTICAL
1:22.5
The wagon nestles nicely amongst my other G3 PO wagons.
Masking up the wheels prior
to the red oxide undercoat.
selfish lot eh? the buffer beam ends. After that it was
The fact that the an easy job to refit the buffers, attach
solebars and buffer the brake levers, which have to be bent
beams are yellow, meant I had to mask to shape, and brake supports. I added
these areas after a red oxide undercoat, a bit of chain to these, to represent the
and before spraying the chassis satin chain and locking pins, which may not
black. Once the chassis was painted have been present on the original, but I
black, I had to remove this masking like them!
and re-mask the chassis, Looking at a reference photo supplied
so I could spray on by John Candy, who has been a great
the yellow authority on this kit and
colour. resource for the build,
In fact if it looked
you look
on -line, you
will find examples
in OO gauge of
this wagon, with
black solebars and buffer
beams so they had the same
problem too.
Next, I hand painted the black details
like the buffer guides, hook plate and
After the primer coat, further masking where the yellow top coat will be.
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
31
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5
A handy tree is used to let the top coat dry!
like the outer faces of the wheels were
picked out in white, although I chose
not to do this, as it would look out
of place when sat in my rake of other
PO wagons, as they dont have this
highlighted. Apparently wagons often
had such wheels highlighted for their
works photo, but in practice the wagon
would not run with the white rim.
No wiggle room
The final job was to fit the sprung hooks
through the end of the buffer beams
which sounds simple but was actually
rather tricky. The challenge is, the hook
32 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
slides through the buffer beam from
the outside, then I needed to hold the
spring on the inside, whilst inserting a
split pin to hold this whole assembly in
place. The split pin provided is overly
long, but even cutting this down, there
was simply no wiggle room to get this
inserted through the hole in the hook,
as there was only 10mm between the
two frame stretchers, and cutting the
pin down to say, 4mm would be too
short to hold the spring! I had thought
of twisting the brass hook through
90 degrees, fitting the pin and then
untwisting the hook but did not want
to risk snapping the brass casting.
Fortunately, John had alerted me to this
issue and showed me his work-around,
which is what I ended up doing.
Using a rotary saw blade in a Dremel,
two slots were cut into the underside
of the frame, which allowed a short
brass rod to be inserted laterally in the
slots through and super-glued into
place. Next an extension coil spring was
threaded through the draw hook and
stretched to snap over the brass rod.
A box of 150 Rolson assorted springs,
costing a couple of pounds, is useful
to have in stock. I then used a dab of
Isopon P38 to fill in the slots, filled
them back to their original profile on
the frame, which put some strength
back into the assembly, and touched up
with black paint.
Looking at a reference photograph of
the original wagon, there are a couple of
other bits of detail which I could have
added, but due to pushing along with
this build did not. There is a hook for
horse shunting, probably around 10mm
long, which could be added to the left
end of each solebar, around 2cm in
from the buffer beam (a suitable casting
is available from Williams Models).
There are also two L-shaped body
support brackets, which sit pretty much
half way between the V hangers and the
buffer beams, also on the solebar, and of
course makers plates too could be added
if one wishes.
The London Plank
The building of the wagon body was
very straightforward with one caveat.
Regrettably the instructions in this kit
referred only to the building of the
chassis, and there was no mention of
the body, but it is pretty easy. Before
you start any assembling, you must
thoroughly clean any mould release
agent off the resin parts this is a must
do job otherwise the paint wont stick.
I found the release agent particularly
stubborn to remove on this model. Then
I roughed up the insides of the side
panels to ensure they would stick to the
end sections.
If you wish this wagon to by an
empty, then now is the time to scribe
some faux plank lines onto the inside
of the body, as the detail is on the outer
face of the part only. An alternative
would be to add some real wooden
planking from a dolls house shop. The
end sections fit into the inside of the
side panels, and the bottom corners
may need some fettling so they locate
properly on the frame. Four vertical
body supports were provided. These are
located on the ends of the wagon, and
helpfully, two scribed lines are provided
to locate these in position. However,
without any instructions to refer to I did
not know if these were located inboard
or outboard of these lines. I quick call to
Mike Williams confirmed my guess that
they go inboard.
If you want to model the London
plank, then this is best done prior to
The stages involved in modifying the hook
assembly.
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5

Masking tape
now removed,
ready to re-mask
everything again!

assembling the body.

But what exactly is a London
Below:The
plank? A kind of torture instrument in complete
the Tower of London? Boris Johnson? chassis.
Any ideas? No - me neither. Well it is in
fact a small reduction in height of the
top plank which runs the full length
above the side doors. It enabled coal
merchants to more easily gain access for
unloading the coal. It garnered so much
popularity, that it earned the ubiquitous
title of the London plank. I used a
rotary saw in a Dremel to cut out the
slot, rounding off the corners with a file
afterwards. Be careful when you do this,
as one slip with the saw blade equals a
messy repair job and much cursing.
With the body loosely fitted to the
chassis, I then cut the floor to size, I have also, in the past made a fairly summarise this kit for both the
using the piece of Plasticard supplied removable tray out of Plasticard, manufacturer and the reader.
in the kit. The material is over size, but supported on balsa dowels, so I could
it is an easy job to drawing round the run up the line full and return empty. Conclusions
inside of the body, to create a template. For awkwardly-shaped areas like There are lots of things I like about this
I actually made two, as the second one the bunker of a loco, I stick the coal kit, and some challenges too, most of
would be used to support the coal load. to flexible foam to allow this to be which could be overcome by clearer
To fit this base, set the body onto the squashed into position, but it can be instructions and more illustrations.
chassis, to determine where the base will easily removed - great for accessing radio Some bits were plainly just frustrating
fit, then lightly tack glue it into place. gear that often may lie beneath. I chose too. But the kit is brilliant as a set of
Then remove the body and reinforce the the fixed load option for this wagon. parts. I love how Williams Models
join. After that the body was painted All that was left to do now was has used some very high quality
in Halfords rattle-can yellow, before to sit back and admire and to give
any details were picked out and hand- consideration as to how I could
painted in Humbrol satin black. I swear
by Tamiya masking tape, as it provided
a great edge to paint up to, and the
paint does not creep under the tape
yet being low-tack, it does not pull the
paint off either when being removed.
A sheet of transfers are available for
an extra tenner, and I would suggest
applying this in sections. Dont expect
just to cut it out in one lump as it wont
go nicely over the raised detail on the
body and you will end up with
unsightly creases in the transfers.
I used a decal softening setting
solution to help the transfers settle
around these.
The final job was to add a coal load.
I have three methods. For a fixed coal
load I just crush up some real coal and
add it to a flat surface 2cm from the top A test fit of the body to the chassis.
of the wagon, soaking it in a 50/50 PVA
glue/water mix. It dries like concrete!
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
33
 PRACTICAL
1:22.5

The decaling has begun, one large character at

a time.

components, many from their more

expensive kits, and have worked them
into this kit too. But if you want the
sum of all these components to add up
to a great looking wagon you must
be prepared to invest the time in the
early stages to file, fettle and clean the
components up.
Is this effort all worth it? Heck yes
it is.
I started part one of this review by
saying how much I disliked corporate
jargon and daft expressions, well here
is one to round off with that is very
pertinent to this kit. The time-money
A handy reference picture to aid decal
equation. The more money we make, placement. (Photo: John Candy)
the less time we have to enjoy it and
vice versa. So if you are prepared to
invest your time into this great-value Garden Rail Resource
kit, you will be amply rewarded, if not,
then you wont simples! Cons Williams Models
There is a fair amount of preparation 23 The Avenue, Wellingborough,
Pros needed to clean up the components Northamptonshire, NN8 4ET
A great value kit using superior prior to assembly www.williamsmodels.co.uk
components from more expensive The instructions have a couple of
kits in the range errors, could be clearer and need Flexi-kit variants
Slaters wheels included in the price more photographs 7 Plank PO wagon without end doors
Great quality resin mouldings and The fit between the leaf springs and (as reviewed here) 70.00
lost wax white metal and brass the W irons need examining 7 Plank PO wagon with end doors
castings Instructions and design on attaching 70.00
Excellent laser-cut W irons and V and springing the coupling draw 8 Plank PO wagon with fixed ends
hangers hooks needs revision. 70.00
Builds up, with care into a very Possibly not a kit for the novice 5 Plank Stone Wagon 70.00
realistic model indeed builder n Decal sheet (2 decals) 10.00
Please mention Garden Rail
when contacting suppliers.

The finished job in all her glory.

34 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 PRACTICAL
1:32

Weathering a terrier
Real steam engines are rarely clean so Matt Scrutton add a bit of dirt to his Gauge 1
model with weathering powders.

I
n my quest to model the railways of
Colonel Stephens in Gauge One, it
was inevitable that I should buy a
Tower Brass Terrier. This excellent little
model is of what I would call a generic
A1X tank; with condensing pipes and
standard bunker/toolbox arrangement
(Isle of Wight and some Col Stephens
engines were altered to suit their
respective roles, having altered bunkers
among other things).
Before I started weathering the
model I converted it from 2 rail track
power to battery powered radio control
using the Peter Spoerer kit to facilitate
this. I wont go into this as it is an
article all in itself, suffice to say it went
relatively smoothly, and the loco was
soon running happily up and down the
kitchen floor!
As supplied the model comes in
several options, unpainted bead blasted
brass with painted chassis, plain satin
black or specific liveries (SR, BR or
pre grouping). I wanted to letter it
up for my Ferndale Valley Railway
so plumped for a plain black version.
When it arrived I was impressed with
the quality and finish, but a couple of
things had to be addressed immediately,
36 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
the bright unpainted wheel tyre rims
and shiny coupling rods. Both were
easily dealt with, the tyres being painted
satin black following degreasing, and the
rods and crank pin heads with a mixture
of grey, black and leather enamels, the
colour being arrived at by referring
to photos of real Terriers at the Kent
and East Sussex Railway. Great care
was taken to avoid over painting these
parts and causing them to gum up with
paint. I also blackened the buffers with
Looking down on the cab roof.
All photos Shelley Putterill
a blowtorch and some old engine oil
(heat with the torch, plunge in the oil).
This produced a huge improvement in
appearance for minimum outlay, and I
felt I was off to a good start.
The next thing to do was apply
transfers for the railways initials plus
numbers. These were generic lettering
from Fox Transfers, being red backed
gold Franklin Heavy font. These were
applied and varnished using Humbrol
Glosscote, thinned 50% with white
spirit. Why use gloss varnish on a
satin painted model? All will become
clear! I also picked out boiler fittings in
brass colour to lift the model up a bit.
After that I could start thinking about
mucking up this spotless loco.
The first thing I did was to find
period pictures of as many different Col
Stephens Terriers as I could to see what
sort of state they got into. As it turned
out they were kept in relatively clean
condition which I found somewhat
surprising; I am only familiar with the
WC&P engines. They went through
patches of varying dirtiness but on the
whole were as clean as those on the
mainline. Clearly the Colonel had
standards. I started by applying a light
dusting of Humbrol soot weathering
powders using a medium size modelling
paint brush. Now I implore you, this
is best done in the garage or outside,

the stuff goes everywhere! I had to
clean the kitchen, myself and the table
afterwards; thankfully nobody else
was home at the time. The model was
On the smokebox,
you can see the
effect of
the metallic
powders.
wiped down with kitchen towel to
remove any excess. This left the loco
looking somewhat grey looking, and I
wafted on a coat of Testors Dullcote to
seal it. This has the effect of mottling
the powders and producing a textured
effect (totally accidental discovery Im
afraid Im not that clever!). It also
seals the base coat of dirt to the surface.
The next thing was to go over the
Above: The top of the boiler shows rust
around the tank fillers and down
the side where the crew has
over-filled the tanks with
water.
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
PRACTICAL
1:32
loco again lightly with the soot powders
and then wipe off with a kitchen towel
again, preferably in the direction of
rainfall etc. The smoke box, boiler and
tank tops were then treated to Tamiya
gunmetal powders, this giving the
further appearance of soot and grime,
and by applying more liberally to the
smoke box and chimney, these parts
looked like they were subject to a lot of
heat. I then applied some Tamiya
rust around the base of the tank
filler hatches (they open by the way,
a nice touch for photo opportunities)
and down the side of the tanks. Not
too much just enough to give the
appearance of overflowing water. I also
applied some to the bunker sides to give
a bit of colour, as well as some Tamiya
bright rust around the smokebox
door, saddle and the chimney, as these
areas often went a little rusty due to the
heat, or a heavy handed driver/fireman.
After all the powders are applied I then
went over the model with cotton buds in
a circular cleaning motion as it blends
everything together, makes the powders
adhere better to the surface, removes the
excess and makes it look like someone
has been wiping the engine down. The
gloss varnish I used to seal the transfers
before gives the impression that the
cleaner has wiped the railways initials
and number down more thoroughly
than the rest of the loco. Not known for
cleaning heroics are the Ferndale Valleys
cleaners, the General Manager insists on
number 1 remaining spotless, so number
2 suffers for it!
This more or less covers it. All that
remains is to fit a crew and blacken
the buffer heads. I did not varnish
the model afterwards as I was happy
with the finish, and it is so compacted
into the surface after buffing that it
is unlikely to come off with handling
unless my fingers are particularly oily.
You could apply a satin varnish if you
so wished. Hopefully Ive encouraged
you to have a go, the techniques apply
equally to all scales or gauges, be it O, 1
or G, or indeed smaller. n
Garden Rail Resource
Fox Transfers
Unit 5 Priory Business Park, Wistow
Road, Kibworth, Leicestershire
LE8 0RX
www.fox-transfers.co.uk
Please mention Garden Rail
when contacting suppliers.
37
 RAILWAY FOCUS
1:19
Entertaining the public
Glen Brooks explains the highs and lows of running a permanent railway that is part of
a tourist attraction.
W
e are very fortunate as a group
to have a permanent railway at
Bressingham Steam Museum
which any 16mm member can use if the
museum is open. To show our gratitude
to the museum for hosting the layout we
as a group try to run most weekends and
more intensively during special events
like the Santa specials which the museum
runs as a Christmas attraction with their
narrow gauge Hunslets.
Running frequently for the public
is a mixed bag. You may often not see
a single person all day, or you may
find you are the only operator with a
sea of people to entertain. Its unlike a
dedicated hobby show as we are mostly
running for joe public who initially
think the trains are track fed electric like
their 00 train set; the most common
question is what makes the smoke.
When we show them that they run on
butane or even coal it blows their mind.
But you mustnt make it complicated, or
you will lose them.
A typical day at Bressingham. We steam up
as close to the public as possible to engage
them in the practicalities.
40 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
We have noticed and confirmed
with other hobbyists that it is often
the Mum with children in tow who
are the most forward when it comes to
asking questions, the male of the species
tending to remain aloof and silent as
if asking a question or taking a slight
interest may be a sign of weakness.
People are generally very
appreciative and occasionally we can
convert one or two into the hobby.
The keen gardeners (typically the
wife) are quick to see the possibilities
that a garden railway present, though
too often we hear that people dont
have the room or the garden planning
authority would not approve, which
we counter with using the permanent
layout as an alternative. But we are
used to this by now. We do it for the
kids mainly anyway and the look on
their faces sometimes fills you up.
Once in a while we will get a real
little brain box who knows more than
you, which keeps you on your toes,
maybe telling you that you have
the wrong livery on a loco in a most
matter of fact way. I recently had an
8 year old telling his mum all about
my Garret K1 and he was spot on.
Another member, who had no driver in
the cab, was told in no uncertain terms
that this was dangerous.
Equally we have knowledgeable
people who will tell you where youre
going wrong in a more vociferous way,
and we patiently explain that we are
just a group of blokes (for we sadly lack
any female steamers yet) who like to get
together and yarn, drink tea, eat cake
and run trains.
For we have no committee, no rules,
no agenda except to be safe and have fun.
However even the most entertaining
hobby can wear you down, after a few
weeks of constant running leading up
to Christmas, we all need a rest. The
locos need some maintenance too, along
with the rolling stock which we have
dedicated to the layout.
But it is also very rewarding. An
unforeseen aspect of the railway is that
we often attract families with disabled
children who enjoy the railway perhaps
more than most. They will also come
back time and again. The parents are
often relieved when we show them
that we are very comfortable with their
childs sudden outbursts perhaps, as
often they will be autistic and perhaps
not able to speak, and behave in
excitable fashion. It helps to talk to the
parents and reassure them (I also have
an autistic Child) so they can relax.
Theres something about little steam
trains which captures the mind, and
soothes.
I wish I could bottle it. n
Web link
Bressingham Steam and Gardens
www.bressingham.co.uk
Please mention Garden Rail
when contacting suppliers.

Runs Like Clockwork!
Peter Robinson find a good use for tatty old Hornby O gauge models.
I
ve nursed the ambition of creating
a garden railway for many years but
have always found any excuse not
to start anything. Although our back
garden is a reasonable size, it has too
many untouchable areas for vegetable
patches, greenhouse, runner bean frames
and a flagged area for family socialising.
This leaves little space for only a small
and quite simple track circuit; not
enough to keep my grandchildren, or
me, interested for long.
My front garden already has an
interesting rockery with a waterfall and
tumbling rapids that empty into a pond. I
had originally discarded the idea of using
the front due to perceived security issues,
as there is only a small wall separating
the garden from the pavement. However,
the more I looked at it, the more I could
envisage an interesting track circuit with
cuttings, bridges and embankments. A few
shrubs and bushes planted along the front
garden wall would solve the security issue.
To spur me into action, I bought an LGB
Starter Set, some extra track from eBay,
as well as a couple of Brandright battery
powered kits.
Many trackplans were sketched to use
this space, trying to make the circuit
as interesting as possible, including
climbing crossovers, double tracking,
a siding and a turntable. This was total
pie-in-the-sky rubbish! Measuring the
garden, it was clear that even using
minimum radius 45mm curves, I could
only create a very simple loop which
wouldnt touch the more interesting
areas of the rockery and water rapids.
So, all the 45mm stuff has been put
away until we downsize the house and
upsize the garden.
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
RAILWAY FOCUS
1:19
Big Jake hauls two gravel
wagons over the main bridge
across the pond. Cable tie straps
can be seen linking the cane bridge
to the track sleepers.
My grandchildren range from 2 to
10 years old and putting myself in
their place I know that they would love
to see the trains running around the
garden, but not as much as seeing locos
and stock tumbling off embankments
and bridges and disappearing into the
pond! This prompted me not to use
electric or even battery power locos as
replacements would be too costly. I
looked for inspiration from back issues
of GR and remembered an article which
mentioned using old Hornby clockwork
track to create a disused mine railway
alongside the 45mm trackway. I already
had on display some clockwork locos
and stock and I soon found some track
in a previously forgotten cardboard box.
Because I was now working with O
gauge with its smaller radius curves, a
circuit could be designed that used all
41
 RAILWAY FOCUS
1:19
Track is laid out to determine gradients and to
find the best route across the rapids. The big
plastic frog was banished from the site!
parts of the rockery, that would cross
the rapids and need a bridge to cross
the pond. Also space could be found to
create a passing loop, I decided against
trying to fit in a turntable.
The final layout was not so much
as a paper plan made to fit the space,
but a circuit that fitted around what
was already there. Im so glad this
happened as the trains amble through
a varied landscape, disappearing and
reappearing behind cuttings, rocks
and plants without dominating it.
Further research on YouTube showed
me industrial and mining railways with
a lot of make do infrastructure using
lots of trestles and log structures. These
all help the railways to blend into their
surroundings, as well as giving them a
personality of their own. With this in
mind I started work.
I used a ledge on the rockery as a start
point as this was the highest point on
the circuit. Using a spirit level, string
and pegs I plotted out the trackway,
trying to keep the track level. This
showed that it would have to run on an
18" high embankment for about a third
of the circuit in order to seamlessly join
the track running across the rockery and
over the bridges and trestles.
Construction of the flattened area of the rockery
to create a train marshalling yard.
42 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
From the rockery ledge, the single
track goes clockwise and enters a right
curved natural cutting, although one
rock had to be hand chiselled to give
sufficient clearance. It then emerges
from the cutting through another
chiselled gap in the rock and begins
a wide right curve across the water
rapids carried on a combination of
wooden trestles and natural rocks. The
single track then crosses the pond on
a log bridge that is well over 3 foot
long. Its constructed around a metal T
bar screwed to a length of hardwood.
Garden cane and bamboo has been used
to give the bridge a rustic look and to
keep the track as level as possible. These
are pinned together using brass pins and
a glue gun. Extra strength is provided by
black cable ties, cut neatly to fit across
the track sleepers and the bridge canes,
stopping the track from wandering.
Once off the bridge the track takes
a short S curve carried on a simple
trestle and joins the start of the 2 foot
embankment that runs alongside the
garden path. The embankment was
created using readily available sections
of pathway edging bought cheaply in
a B&Q sale. They are made of small
diameter logs and fit in perfectly with
my slightly run-down rustic look.
The embankment is topped with a
decking plank, the trackbed being
raised further using the bamboo and
cane technique to keep it level. A
right hand turn using another wooden
trestle takes the track across to a second
embankment made using the same
technique as the first. This follows a
gravel pathway running towards the
rockery where it enters a flattened area.
A point here splits it into two running
lines which both turn right and then
run parallel with each other before
turning right again before joining at a
Big Jake leaves the cutting and heads across
the rapids.
Continued on P45 4
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p043_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 14:12

 RAILWAY FOCUS
1:19

3Continued from P42

Big Jake crosses the main log bridge over the
pond. Nice chimney steam for a clockwork
engine!

second point. The flattened area was

created by filling in a section of the
rockery, using concrete as a base, then
decorative stone to create cliff sides.
Builders gravel was used to complete
the area between the running lines,
creating a safe, secure space big enough
for the grandchildren to stand and
marshal the trains.
An S bend then takes the single
track left, then right over a wooden
bridge before linking with the track
on the rockery ledge, completing the
circuit. Only the double track section
on the rockery and the short single line
through the cutting have been ballasted.
This was using small white decorative
garden ballast chips pressed into a
mortar/pva mix. The rest of the track
either runs across bridges or along cane Dan the Man waits
trestles so ballasting was not required. at the points as
Big Jake takes his
The finished circuit was then gravel wagons into
tested using a standard Hornby 0-4- the cutting. The log
0 clockwork loco with tender. This bridge across the pond
pinpointed a few curves that needed can be seen in the
banking, as these locos have only background.
2 speeds - off or warp speed! Extra
banking strips were incorporated into
these areas to try and solve this issue.
The other thing that this proved was
that these O gauge British outline locos
did look a bit odd running across log
embankments and trestle bridges. So I The saddle tank under
decided it would be better to run it as a construction.
narrow gauge quarry line for me, whilst
still running O gauge clockwork stock
for the grandchildren. the back of this block, being further
I checked out lots of pictures of strengthened by a brass eyelet screwed
industrial engines, eventually picking through it from the rear. This gives a
out a side tank quarry loco and a saddle firm coupling for the 3 ring chain hung
tank industrial engine that would from it. To complete the cab a wooden
look at home on my railway. I chose 2 splash screen was cut and glued to the
engines from my clockwork collection, front edge of the remaining cab front.
both with good running mechanisms This has a straight top and reaches to
but with shabby bodies (a bit like chest height of the standing driver. A
myself!). The side tank loco was created small ledge was glued across the firebox
by first cutting off the cab roof and top for the drivers tea mug, or oil can. were finished off with plastic screw head
snipping back the cab sides until it was The overall width was increased covers glued to the top to represent lids.
level with the back of the boiler, leaving by gluing hardwood planks onto the An oval dome, salvaged from my
the directional and the on/off levers in original running boards. Two wooden wifes perfume bottle was a perfect fit
place. The cab floor was extended by blocks were cut, sanded then glued over the original boiler dome. I like the
2" to give space for a single standing onto either side of the boiler, onto the images of these little industrial locos
driver. The floor was simply lolly sticks running boards, to form the side tanks. with high smoke stacks, so from my
glued to a wooden block that had A small square wooden box was also bits box I found a " diameter steel
been superglued to the underframe. glued to the centre of each running pipe which was a perfect fit across the
A wooden buffer beam was glued to board to represent sanding boxes. They original Hornby chimney. A 4" length
Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017
45
 RAILWAY FOCUS
1:19

was cut and fixed onto the chimney

using superglue and Milliput. The bits
box also surrendered a plastic electrical
screw connector block. Painted to look
like brass safety valves it was glued
to the top of the boiler between the
new dome and the splashboard. To
complete the loco front a wooden beam
was added. Like the rear one, it was
glued to a wooden block fitted beneath
the original frame, being further Dan the Man nearly finished.
strengthened by the brass eyelet screwed Sorry about the colour!
through to provide a fixing for the three
link chain.
Now I had kept the off cuts from the a Playmobil shovel and hammer were front of the tender. I decided that Dan
black cable ties used when laying the added. Lead weights were glued to the Man would be a wood burner, so
trackbed. I found they have the perfect the underside to make it less bouncy its tender was stacked with logs and a
balance between strength and flexibility and also to help slow the engine. After Playmobil axe.
so a piece was glued between the side painting and varnishing the tender was The loco and tender were both
tanks as a boiler band. Further pieces united with the loco. painted in quite a bright orange, with
were glued across the tops of the cab Big Jake now looks the part, black frames. Im not sure how long it
splashback and the front buffer beam, particularly pulling its tender and two will keep this colour but maybe it will
as well as along the wooden edges of the hopper wagons with gravel loads out weather in Dan the Mans clockwork
running boards. The latter provide extra of the cutting and across the rapids, mechanism isnt that powerful so he is
protection from bangs and knocks. The smoke spiralling from its tall chimney. happy ambling along with his tender
final touch was to add bolt heads to the The smoke is created using 2 joss sticks and a single loaded gravel wagon.
boiler band. These are tiny beads glued pre-soaked in 3in1 oil which are ignited So Im glad I made the effort. The
in place. A wire handrail was added then dropped into the chimney. As railway works both for me and for the
to the rear footplate and a standing long as the chimney is regularly cleared children, with all sorts of different stock
driver figure was painted and fixed to of ash and unburnt bits, this system in useand yes, I have had to fish a few
the footplate via a small rod inserted works very well, giving decent smoke wagons out of the pond after a couple
through a drilled hole in his foot, this for several minutes. It really impresses of stones accidentaly finding their way
being inserted into another drilled hole the grandchildren as well as passing onto the track. A quick oil bath and a
through the wooden floor. An oil can neighbours; dont forget this railway is wipe down saved any damage. I intend
taken from a Playmobil engine was in the front garden! to give Big Jake a trailing bogie, as well
glued to the drivers shelf Im still The second engine named Dan as altering the running gear of both
looking for a scale tea mug. the Man (yet another grandson) was engines so that all wheels are driven.
The engine above the running boards constructed along the same principles, This should improve both stability and
was given many coats of Taminya acrylic except that a cut down plastic container pulling power.
blue paint which gives it a mottled, faded was glued across the boiler to create a In the future, an LGB 45mm railway
industrial look. Everything below was saddle tank. Extra weight was added, combined with Hornby O gauge
given a coat of matt black enamel. Big although it is more stable than Big Jake. tracked industrial line looks feasible and
Jake nameplates (one of the Grandsons) This is because I decided not to extend achievable. n
was printed from the computer and the footplate backwards, instead keeping
glued in place. A few coats of varnish it as a compact unit. As a result the Dan the Man crosses the timber bridge with the
were added to everything. driver has to sit on a bench seat on the rapids in full flow.
Initial running was not brilliant.
Its centre of alignment was now too
high and this combined with its all or
nothing acceleration of the clockwork
mechanism saw it derailing regularly,
often flying off into the shrubbery! This
has mostly been solved using lead strips
glued underneath the chassis, both
bringing down the centre of gravity
and also slowing it down due to the
extra weight.
A small 4 wheel tender has been
made to accompany Big Jake. The sides
of an original Hornby tender were cut
down, leaving just the back half of the
coal box in place. Some false coal and
46 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
 PRODUCT NEWS

From the
Trade information on new products for
the garden railway modeller...
If you are a trader with any new product,
then contact phil.parker@warnersgroup.co.uk

Works
Please mention Garden Rail
when contacting suppliers

BERRY HILL WORKS

Loco lining services
Tag Gorton writes: Berry Hill Works has
an enviable reputation for professional
locomotive lining/painting services and
Garden Rail has the first pictures of the
superb new Roundhouse Lilla class
freshly lined.
Certainly there are a few of these
models going through the works and
shown here are the first two, by now
on their way to their new owners. The
black locomotive here is in full lined
red/blue Penrhyn livery with the cab
in cream, while the green version has
been lined in the livery of the Cilgwyn
Slate Co Quarry at Nantlle, which in
fact was the original purchaser of Lilla. I
didnt actually know that but isnt the
Cilgwyn livery superb? I can see one or My locos are nearly all lined by Berry Matt Acton at Berry Hill. Weathering
two prospective owners changing their Hill and I consider that, not only do jobs are available from 90.00.
livery choices they look much more attractive, but
Anyway the Penrhyn livery is from a professional job adds value to ones Berry Hill Locomotive Works
200.00 and the Cilgwyn is from model (not that I worry too much about 46 Southpark Avenue, MANSFIELD
225.00. Please remember that for the the latter myself ). NG18 4PL
latter one will need to order a Lilla in I also rather like the Peter Angus www.berryhillworks.co.uk
Roundhouse Mid Brunswick green. quarry Hunslet seen here, weathered by

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

47
 PRODUCT NEWS

ANYTHING NARROW GAUGE

Loco steaming equipment box
I think we are all getting a bit posher
these days in terms of our locomotives.
Years ago one would turn up at a garden
meet with our simple meths fired
potboiler in either the card box it was
supplied in or any other half suitable
carrying item. Nowadays locomotives
are carried in neatly designed purpose
built wooden boxes with the model
carefully protected from any knocks
or shocks by adjustable layers of fire
retardant foam. This is of course very
suitable for stowage at home and these
stackable boxes are allowed within the
confines of the central heating precisely
because they can be stowed away neatly
in my locomotive cupboard. This was
something that could not happen with
our old plastic toolboxes cos they would
not stack comfortably.
The paraphernalia required to run The handle is retractable for stowage otherwise fall over and water can begin
ones locomotive however, have tended and there is a removable small tool tray to siphon out leaving a nice wet carpet
to remain in any old stowage, be it card with a compartment beneath designed in your car boot!
or plastic toolbox. ANG however, have for two large gas canisters complete Excellent bit of kit for the garden
come up with a purpose built steaming with their filler valves screwed in. There ferrinequinologist at 46.50
box that not only matches the range of are small foam pads to stop any rattles.
locomotive boxes but keeps everything In the full height section there are
comfortably to hand. My box measures two elastic straps to secure both radio Anything Narrow Gauge
19.5in by 6.75in by 6.25 wide. It is transmitter and oilcan securely, plus 1 Market Arcade, The Square,
manufactured from superior grade ply, there is a larger strap on the outside to Holsworthy. Devon EX22 6DL
finished in double boiled linseed oil stow ones water pump bottle. The latter www.anythingnarrowgauge.co.uk
inside and out and then wax polished. is an excellent idea because these can

Locoworks Secondly, a set of four polished brass oil boxes, with

Detailing parts pipework detail pre formed and ready for installation.
New from Locoworks, detailing items for the popular D Price: 6.99
class Garratt locomotive.
Firstly, a pair of cast brass mechanical lubricators with fine Locoworks
pipework detail. Painted in satin black and ready to install on 5 Bowburn Close, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8UG
your model in minutes. www.locoworks.co.uk
Price 28.50

48 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 PRODUCT NEWS

Mamod manufacturing model steam engines Specification:

Boulton diesel outline locomotive in the UK. To compliment this Length across beams 245mm
Mamod are pleased to announce the range they have decided to step into Width 90mm
release of their new diesel electric the electric powered field,with the Height 150mm
locomotive. For the last 70 years the introduction of the Boulton diesel Weight 1.5 kg
company has been designing and outline locomotive. Dual gauge (32 and 45mm)
Axle centres 77mm
Wheel diameter 32mm
Internal frames
External cranks
12v MFA motor with bevelled gears.
On/off toggle switch
Forward/reverse
toggle switch
2.1 mm DC charging port
Steel construction,with brass hand rails.

Price 295 for the first 30 in black,

available direct from Mamod

Mamod
Summit Crescent Industrial Estate,
Summit Crescent, Smethwick, Warley,
West Midlands, B66 1BT
www.mamod.co.uk

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway

Christmas cards
The new card is based on a painting specially commissioned
from renowned railway artist Jonathan Clay, and shows Beyer
Peacock 0-6-0T No.822 The Earl, dwarfed by a standard
gauge Pannier tank loco in the old Welshpool exchange yard.
Cards are available at prices of (including postage, any
mixture of 1, 2 and 3 subject to stock): five cards 4.00;
12 cards 6.50; 25 cards 11.00; 36 cards 14.50; 50 cards
19.30. Please make cheques payable to W&L Sales.

W&LLR Christmas Cards (EG)

12 Maes Gwyn, Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, SY21 0BD.
www.wllr.org.uk.

IP ENGINEERING
Steel wheels for Binnie tippers
Hot off the press this month from IP is not a new kit
but something that many people will like in the shape of
steel wheel sets plus bearings for those lovely little Binnie
Engineering tippers. Not only will this lower the centre of
gravity and make for smoother running, but also provides a
nice sound when running.
Cost is 10.00 per wagon plus P&P from stock and IP tell
me that these may be purchased as an option when buying
skips from their online shop.

IP Engineering
Carousel, Spilsby Road, New Leake, Links PE22 8JT
www.ipengineering.co.uk

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

49
 PRODUCT NEWS

MYLOCOSOUND
New soundcard range
The range of soundcards MyLocoSound
have been selling for five years have
received their first major upgrade with
a new fast processor and expanded
memory. They are calling the new
soundcard MyLocoSound Blue, as
a result of its blue coloured PCB, to
distinguish it from its predecessors.
The steam soundcard is designed to
suit a wide range of North American,
European and Australasian locomotives.
Sixteen pre-selected whistles are
included, all of them adjustable in
pitch and volume. These include GWR,
LMS, SR whistles plus a host of chime
whistles from Gresley, the US and
Australasia. Other sounds include a
bell, guards whistle, All aboard, safety
valve blow off, live steam injectors,
Westinghouse brake pump and brake Both Blue soundcards are designed crossing sequence at appropriate places
squeal. The chuff can be set for 2, 3 and for both battery, radio controlled locos on the layout.
4 cylinder units including geared locos. and for analogue DC track power; A 10 TV remote control is used to
Similarly, the diesel soundcard is but not DCC. With radio control, select and adjust all sounds. A tiny IR
also highly adaptable. Adjustable horns all sounds can be triggered using the receiver on a flying lead is included so
include US, European two tone and transmitter function buttons or, if that users can adjust soundcards which
small diesel hooters. Engine sounds are buttons are lacking, can be set to trigger are totally enclosed within the loco
also selectable and adjustable and include automatically depending on what the without having to take it apart.
industrial diesels, EMD, Alco, English loco is doing. These automatic modes Price: 55
Electric and railcars with automatic are particularly useful for analogue DC
and manual transmissions plus optional track power where the ability to trigger
start up sounds. Other sounds include sounds is usually limited to magnets MyLocoSound
a bell, All aboard, airbrake release, under the track. For example, a magnet www.mylocosound.com
turbocharger and brake squeal. can be set to sound the US grade

Motley Miniatures with the full range of bodies, but

Roundhouse Loco driver for now wed recommend the WW1
The driver body is designed servicemen bodies without putties,
to fit in the left hand side with many more to come in the
of the Roundhouse cabs and WW1 range in the near future.
has a cylindrical cavity which Railway People, by Motley
fits snugly over the oiler. Miniatures, are a range of
There is also a hidden slot polyurethane resin 1:19 (16mm)
in the foot which can slide miniature figures designed with
over, and conceal, the drain. interchangeable heads for variety
Some slight tailoring may be and personalisation. The miniatures
necessary to get an ideal fit, are sold unpainted (a painting
as locos can service is available) directly from the
vary slightly, website, prices are 5 per figure for
but nothing most and delivery is usually around
more than a five working days for unpainted
few cuts with a miniatures, up to three weeks for
craft knife, or painted ones with P&P at a flat rate
a slight filing, of 4.50 regardless of order size.
should be
required.
Policeman Motley Miniatures
The policemans 20 Bradley Rd, Warminster, BA12 8BP
head is www.motleyminiatures.co.uk
compatible
50 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
 PRODUCT NEWS

Modellbau-Werkstatt
New G3 products

Gauge 3 track
64 mm gauge track pointwork either
RTR or in kit form.
Length of the points: 810 mm
03401 Regular point: Ready made
249,00 , kit 165,00
03431 3-track-point as shown on the
photos: Ready made 499,00 , kit
270,00

Pikowagen conversion kits

Convert narrow gauge 2-axle Pikowagen
to standard gauge with replacement
wheelsets and buffer beams.
09906 Axle 64 mm track, 45 mm
diameter 13,50
09908 buffer for PIKO-wagon 1 pair
39,00
09909 kit to change the axles from 45
mm track to 64 mm track 9,50
JustPlainFolk G scale figures
SKU 13056 Sitting man, sleeping
SKU 13055 Man, lying
SKU 13053 Man, sitting
Price 9,00
valves and whistle
are taken from the
existing locomotive;
the air pump can be
included if desired.
08061 saddle tank loco kit
99,00
08062 loco lamp 6,50
08069 complete loco kit as shown on
the photos with control
and air pump 169,00

LGB saddle tank conversion Modellbau-Werkstatt Bertram Heyn

A conversion kit for the LGB Rusty. e.K.
The cab is replaced and saddle tank Knigsallee 32, 37081 Gttingen,
is extended. Further details are a new Germany
chimney, the signs George or Lizzy www.modell-werkstatt.de
and real coal for the bunker. Safety

Skytrex
G scale oil drums
Resin cast oil drums.
38mm tall and 28mm diameter.
G3 A/001 Plain drum
G3 A/002 Groved drum
Price: 5.50 per pack of 3

Skytrex
Unit 1, Charnwood Business Park,
North Road Loughborough
United Kingdom LE11 1LE
www.skytrexmodelrailways.com

Garden-Rail.co.uk | 280 December 2017

51
 PRODUCT NEWS
Harecroft to support huge armies in the
Laser-cut 16mm scale wagon kits field for years on end, including
London Lead Company Hopper transportation of millions of
The London Lead Company, owned by artillery shells. To do so, the
Quaker industrialists, was chartered in shells were initially transferred
1692 and began extracting ore in Teesdale from standard gauge railways
in 1753, owning many operations such far behind the lines onto
as Nenthead, Killhope and Cornish narrow gauge lines,
Hush, the latter being home to Samson, which then transported
a Stephen Lewin overtype now re-created them in bulk to the lines
by Beamish. The hopper wagon this kit is and stores, or dumps as they were
a model of could be found at many of the often known.
companys mines, all with slight variations The Oxford Circus (named after the
(strapping, square or round ended frames junction they were photographed at)
etc). Many can still be seen at Killhope were stumbled on by mistake whilst
today, although this kit is more specifically browsing the Imperial War Museums
based on the newly restored example at archives. Being too numerous and
Beamish. similar in design to being cobbled
Price 16 together and just big enough to be
locomotive hauled, the wagon has
Oxford Circus Trench Tramway been painstakingly scaled from the two
Wagon existing images to recreate it in perfect
During WW1, railways provided the 16mm scale.
enormous logistical capacity needed Price: 14
Model Earth Designs
Teddy Boston and
oil drums
ModelEarth
are please to
announce that
they have reached
an agreement
with Short Staff
of Australia
to offer their
figures. The
range has
been sculpted
by Chris Johnston
, and is designed
to compliment Rob
Bennetts 7/8ths Busy
Bodies figures.
Manufactured in the UK, using the
latest pressure casting technology, and
52 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017
GardenRail 280 Product News.indd 52
Artillery shells
Lacking ideas of what to load your
Oxford Circus with? How about a
15inch Howitzer Shell. 3D printed
in conjunction with SLR Models,
the shells are available for 1.50 each
unpainted, or pre-painted, weathered
and lettered (as so many were) from
Harecroft for 2.50.
Harecroft
6 Marina Drive, South Shields, Tyne
and Wear, NE33 2NH
www.harecroft.co.uk
supplied unpainted, the first release is
Teddy Boston. This two piece figure,
the head is separate, would be ideally
suited to crew the new Accucraft
Bagnall.
The latest rolling stock
release is a 55 gallon oil
drum carrier.
Supplied unpainted,
this will be available as
a single barrel priced
at 10.00, a pair of
Barrels with the carrier
at 20.00, or together
with the Budget flat it was
designed for 34.00.
Model Earth Designs
8 Greville Road, Warwick, CV34 5PJ
www.modelearth.net
31/10/2017 07:38
 PRACTICAL
1:19

A Timber Tunnel
When Matt Bourke went out gathring winter fuel, he came back with a tunnel!

M
y girlfriend Erin and I were
battling the bitter Australian
Winter in the Snowy
Mountains when the requirement to fill
up our wood stock drove us out into
the cold. Making firewood with my
chainsaw around here is a fulfilling and
fun side line to my railway hobbies. I
was sawing away, having a great time,
when she points out two massive hollow
logs and quips, thatd make a cool
tunnel!
I honestly laughed and said No way!
then I looked again, and the old grey
matter kicked in.
We dragged them into the car and
carted them home. As soon as we got
there I unloaded them, fed a coach
through the middle of it and crikey, it
was a perfect fit!
So I got to work and started work on
them them up with the saw. Essentially secure the line. 30mm screws were then utilising stone from the Snowy River for
I made two cuts down the sides, parallel placed through pilot holes in the sleepers authenticity.
to each other at the width of the and driven into the stakes. This was I also added some buttressing around
sleepers. I then squared the cuts off to then covered in 5mm rough blue metal the outside, planted some shrubbery
make a smooth surface for them to lay ballast. This technique allows for a very and moved a couple of attractive
flush on the ground. I also squared off stable and heat resistant right of way, flowering plants on top.
one end of each so they made a snug fit. which my live steamers absolute love. For price (free), appearance (riveting)
The outside ends remained untouched Once we had made a final and general effectiveness I have to give
to preserve the weathered tunnel mouth visualisation I took the logs and laid the credit to Erin for this one, but in the
appearance. I especially liked this effect. them into position over the track. So end the team effort paid off. Thats the
Laying the track was next. I built up far so good, it was starting to come best thing about this hobby, creativity
a slight embankment to maintain a together. The next step was adding some and like minds.
reasonable gradient and placed the track back fill against the fence to give the Now for the elevated loco shed
for some spirit levelling and a string Line effect of a natural piece of landscape, branchline - Ive noticed a really
to ensure level and straight track. After a very important consideration for my attractive boulder just outside town
this I sank 20mm x 200mm dowelling garden rail construction. Aiding this that might fit the bill....lucky I have an
into the ground at 250mm spacing to was the addition of a natural rock face engine crane and truck available... n

Left: Steam shooting

out of the tunnel
mouth before the
engine shows itself
just like the real things.

Right: Matt and his

chainsaw, no little tool
for railway modelling!

54 Garden Rail 280 | December 2017

 Garden Railway Specialists
A GRS electric K1 kit
The Wait is Over! for Illustration only

Manual Grey or Black

(TASM GR or B) -
3895.00
Radio Controlled Grey
or Black (TASRC GR
or B) - 4195.00

Taking orders now. Coaches in either livery are 1299.00. A

deposit of 650.00 on each is required, 50 discount per coach
for orders of 4 or more of any type.

See Website for our range of Professionally built Brand new R-T-R Locos, plus great second-hand electric and Live steam models

We will be at the 50th Warley Model Railway exhibition being

held at the NEC at the end of November, remember we can
deliver any prepaid orders to the show for you to collect.
The reinvigorated LGB will be next to us once again, showing
their latest releases and with special offers only available for
the show.

We have an exciting raffle promotion running from

October 1st, 2017 to March 31st, 2018. Each time you
visit the shop and make a purchase you will be given a
ticket and will be entered into our prize draw. Each winner will
receive 100 in vouchers from Garden Railway Specialists.
There are five prizes in total and you can win more than once

Accucraft Gauge 1
Wagons
RCH 7 plank Wagons, In BR
Bauxite & the Big Four
liveries - 75.00
BR Mineral Wagons, Bauxite
& Grey liveries - 75.00 Happy Xmas from all at GRS
PO Tankers, In BP, Shell, & Xmas opening hours: -
Esso liveries - 80.00 December 25/26th and January 1st Closed
December 22nd & 27/28/29th 9:00 - 17:30
We also stock Locos from December 23rd & 30th 10:00 - 16:00
Finescale, Lovelace, and Accucraft, January 2nd 9:00 - 17:30
see website for current stock

Garden Railway Specialists Ltd

Station Studio, 6 Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 9DT
E-mail: sales@grsuk.com Website: www.grsuk.com Tel: 01844 - 345158
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30hrs Saturday 10:00 - 16:00hrs

p055_GRDec17.indd 1 30/10/2017 14:17

 Accucraft Live Steam Locos
Booking Now
Dates and prices may vary
W&L #14 2-6-2T In Stock
Manual 1800, R/C 2100
7/8ths Bagnall 0-4-0ST In
Stock. Man. 1250, R/C 1550
NEW! Exe, Taw or Yeo, live
steam, Feb 2018 or later,
manual 1850, R/C 2150,
electric 1550
Electric Baguley 0-6-0D all
colours due Jan 2018 or later
350, battery R/C 650, Power
Unit 250
IOM Railcar #20, Feb 2018 or
later. Track powered 995,
battery powered with R/C
1295
NEW! IOM Mona 2-4-0T, Ailsa
Green or Indian Red, Mar 2018
or later. Manual 1550, R/C
1850. Electric 1325 7 plank RCH wagons, LMS &
LNER grey, BR bauxite
In Stock....75
NEW! 7/8ths Polar Bear &
Brown Bear, 45mm gauge
June 2018 or later.
Manual 1295, R/C 1595
NEW! WD Hunslet 4-6-0T
45mm or 32mm gauge, Aug
2018 or later, Manual 1950,
R/C 2250.
FREE UK DELIVERY on all orders over 100. Smaller orders no more than 4 per shipment. For quality customer service and delivery, ring Jane or Neil on
0330 0885759 (UK local rate) or shop at www.track-shack.com Whilst we carry good levels of stock many locos sell out before they arrive, to avoid
missing out we recommend you pre-order, no deposit required. Prices as of going to press, include 20% VAT. E&OE. TrackShack Ltd, Unit 4 Olive Court,
Ramsey Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1RH. Tel: 0330 0885759 (UK local rate) Mon-Friday 0900-1630. www.track-shack.com
p056_GRDec17.indd 1
Gauge 1 Live Steam Locos Roundhouse Live Steam
Dates and prices may vary Booking Now
Bargain
G1 Kerr Stuart Victory 0-6-0T WD Alco 2-6-2T Nov 2017,
Dec 2017 or later, GW green, Manual 1800, R/C 2020
GW black or industrial black,
Manual 1275, R/C 1575,
Power unit 995
Mallard A4 4-6-2, Booking now
for stock due Jan 2018 or later,
Bundaberg 0-6-2T Feb 2018
manual. All types..3750
Man 1578, R/C 1745
Gauge 1 Ready To Run Stock
Dates and prices may vary.
Billy 0-4-0T March 2018
Manual 1275, R/C 1503
NEW! BR 16 ton mineral
wagons, grey or bauxite, In
Stock..75
Beddgelert 0-6-4ST March 18
Manual 1795, R/C 2005
Lady Anne 0-6-0T Mar 2018
NEW! 14 ton oil tank wagons Manual 1325, R/C 1503
3 types In Stock......80 Fowler 0-6-2 tender, April 2018
Manual 1555, R/C 1775
Leek & Manifold 2-6-4T Apr
2018 Manual 1723, R/C 1935
Consolidated Steam Fishing &
Ice Co Ltd In Stock . 75
Lilla 0-4-0ST May 2018
Manual 1510, R/C 1725
Russell 2-6-2T, Jun 2018, Man.
1625, R/C 1797
Bulldog 0-4-0D June 2018 R/C
Battery electric 613
Little John 0-4-0D R/C Battery
only.......55
electric, July 2018, 582
Karen 0-4-2T July 2018
Manual 1595, R/C 1792
Darjeeling 0-4-0ST July 2018
Manual 1865, R/C 2075
Silver Lady 0-6-0T July 2018
Manual 1622, R/C 1818
Harlech Castle 0-6-0D July
2018 R/C Battery electric 888,
with sound 1019, FR yellow
band additional 40
Darjeeling Garratt with 2.4GHz
R/C, July 2018, 3700
Katie 0-4-0ST Sept 2018
Manual 1275, R/C 1503
Darjeeling NDM6, 0-4-0D, Oct
BR Mark I Coaches Chocolate 2018, R/C battery electric
& Cream BSK IN STOCK, 1210, sound 1310
Maroon, Carmine & Cream, Basic Series Bertie, Millie &
Green, Chocolate & Cream, Sammie, all 628, built to order,
SK, BSK, SO & FK pre-order please allow 4-6 weeks for
now for Feb 2018...250 delivery.
Arriving soon, date or may vary
Pre-Order now!
Accucraft Ready To Run
W&L 3rd Class Saloon Coach or
Composite Brake bogie coach in
GW Chocolate & Cream livery
L&B Bogie brake van in L&B
Early Nov 2017 or later.188
grey, Grey Data Only, SR
W&L 3rd Class Saloon Coach or
Brown livery, all in stock....85
Composite Brake bogie coach in
Green & Cream livery, early Nov
2017 or later...188
L&B Bogie Open Wagon in SR
Brown, L & B Grey No12 or
No13 & Grey Data Only livery,
all in stock80
NEW! IOM E Van in maroon &
cream or green & cream livery, Dec
2017 or later, pre-order now..80
L&B Open wagons, SR brown,
L&B grey, grey data only, SR
brown data only ............55
W&L Brake Vans, W&L grey livery,
light or GW Grey data only March
2018 or later booking now, ....75
L&B Box vans, SR brown, L&B
grey, grey data only, SR
brown data only from 54-60
IOM G Van, early or late livery, or
data only, available with or without
portholes. Jun 2018 or later, pre-
order now..80
Cattle wagons, W&L Grey or
GW Grey data only .. 70
W&L Goods van, GW Dark
NEW! L&B Howard van, July 2018,
Grey .....65 SR Brown 4 numbers, L&B Grey
W&L Flat wagon, GW grey or
data only, 100
grey data only................50
W&L Open wagon, W&L &
Peco SM32, G45 & G1 Track
GW grey, or grey data
SM32 Buffer stop kit.5.00
SM32 1 x 3 flexi track..8.60
SM32 12 x 3 flexi track .96
SM32 6 x 30radius curves.54
SM32 6 x 38 radius curves..46.51
IOM coach, compo only, 150 SM32 60 rad points L,R,Y ...44.50
SM32 38 rad points L&R .42.00
G-45 1 x 3 flexi track .13.32
G-45 6 x 3 flexible track ...79.93
G-45 6 x 2 radius curves ..41.80
G-45 6 x 300mm straights 41.80
L&B coaches, 4 types.150 G-45 48 radius points L&R..56.95
Gauge 1 1 x 3 flexi track.....9.96
Gauge 1 12 x 3 flex track ...112
Gauge 1 points L or R ..81.38
Thomas & Friends!
Dont forget to check our AMS Clearance Sale Bargains!
website for industry AMS Code 332 G scale track
leading prices on G 1 x 3 flexi track...13.33
12 x 3 flexi track........160
scale Thomas & Friends 6 x 2 radius curves....... .38
Up to 118 off list price! 6 x 63 radius curves...........120
Points L & R..60
30/10/2017 14:17