Thanks to sterling work by Paul 🏅🏅we have all fiddle yard boards and legs for Cwm Carno. So in the space created last session we are able to fully erect it for the first time. First the north fiddle yard, then all four. The max length was just less then 5 metres.
From the expansive to the compact, Luke has brought along Queen’s Wharf for a little attention.
Perhaps this is the wrong end of January ring out the old and ring in the new, but changes are afoot.
Lyne Road and Tŷ’n-y-Coedcae have been packed away to allow Cwm Carno to sprout fiddle yards in readiness for the next checkpoint in the development of Cwm Carno – we need to able prove that we are running trains throughout by the end of March (this year !).
And here’s another change afoot.
Or more accurately a Rob Foot, who has achieved a January resolution by getting more modelling done at the club. He’s come equipped with his worktray and big plastic storage box, along with a Slater’s kit for a tank wagon.
Ringing the changes Read More »
Apparently Monday Jan 19th, 2026 is designated Blue Monday, so what better way to dispel the blues than building model railways.
So TAFKATYS progressed with his ScaleSeven Sir Lamiel’s 777 Quest layout mocking up the buildings and to bring a sense of scale, introducing a BR(SR) N15 30803 Sir Harry le Fise Lake to the scene.
Elsewhere Andrew prepared some wiggly tin for a building on his 00 Lyne Road layout.
Paul 🏅🏅painted the side of Cwm Carno in a uplifting shade of red.
And LBH built a chicken coop for Tŷ’n-y-Coedcae.
TAFKATYS is processing with the planning of his S7 777 challenge layout. A bit of Templotting, with a mug to represent a wagon turntable and the length of wood to represent another track crossing on the level.
And Paul 🏅🏅 acknowledging the requirement for appropriate lubrication paints the Cwn Carno boards.
Good progress being made on the Scalefour Society Jubilee Challenge with Cwm Carno gaining its halo thanks to Paul albeit with temporary supports.
Then another challenge emerges – this time in ScaleSeven – the Sir Lamiel’s 777 Quest. TAFKATYS, whose brainchild this was, has made a start on the baseboard for the as-yet unnamed layout.
Meanwhile Mr C has been plugging away at the Dingham couplers and prepared the hooks, little flappy things and the loops ready for assembly later this week.
So many challenges Read More »
On Cwm Carno Paul 🏅🏅has been fitting the interfaces onto the Fiddle Yard boards that TAFKATYS built. The one on the right (the Newport end) is more or less complete, where Dowlais end still need a bit more work.
TAFKATYS has turned his eyes his Glanfa Newydd y Camlas, his new 7mm scale narrow gauge layout, and is building this rather majestic autumnal tree. The tea mug (inevitably in shot) gives some idea of scale.
A quiet Monday so just another picture to start the year. The stock intended for Cwmcarno will need autocouplers and we have decided to keep with our standard of 4mm scale Dinghams. As existing supplies are low Mr C has started to make up another batch from an etch kindly donated by club friend Phil Harries.
The Christmas/New Year quiz featured in Tuesday’s Zoom session. The questions were set by Luke and ranged over a varied selection of train related topics, but I never expected the ability to read sheet music to be an advantage in a railway quiz. For next month SteveB has an alternative quiz in preparation – he has no music skills.
Also during the evening we had a selection of pictures. One weird photo posed the question AI or not? Then there were early shots of Festiniog and Talyllyn, Barry with a long train of unidentifiable coaches around WW1 and a selection of Wrexham tanks from a CD SteveB unearthed when tidying his workroom.
Monday
Our Welsh Wizard brought along this Lionheart 82xxx, a recent purchase – not a Christmas present. It looks the part and was very smooth and quiet on its first run out of the box. A bit of research is now required to find a suitable local number for it. And of course some expert weathering.
On Cwm Carno further work has been done with the colliery fiddle yard. The curved fascia has been cut away for clearance around the board.
At the other end of the colliery there has been similar work with the exchange sidings. The next stage here will be some form of bridge to disguise the exit – there is a road that runs over this section.
Alongside the exchange sidings the main line disappears off-scene. The fiddle yard is not yet ready but a clearance hole has been created and a first try of a bridge over the track and the river put in place.
It was a less productive session on Tuesday with some general fiddling about. Wagonman continued with his MOK 76xxx by fettling some of the loco castings. Another MOK kit appeared, a 9F from the Welsh Wizard’s stash destined for his own collection. He has another two to work on at the same time. Some more of the excellent mince pies from Wren’s Bakery also appeared.
Congratulations to all those who decided to stay at home this Friday – you made the right decision. Wagonman and MrC stuck it out until about 9.15 but even with the heater on you could feel the cold creeping into the building …
May you enjoy all the usual Celebrations. (other chocolates are available)
Just a couple of updates as progress has been leisurely.
The workshop area on ABB has some detail added though not yet fixed in place and the tree needs to be planted in the corner.
The colliery fiddle yard for Cwncarno has been completed, sealed with varnish and a support leg created.
Happy Christmas to all our readers! Read More »
On Monday LBH arrived with the laser cut pieces for the colliery sidings fiddle yard. The parts fitted together with some small adjustments, although the interface to the main layout needs a re-cut as the levels are not correct. The extra area to the side is for storing an additional cassette.
Tuesday Luke brought along a project he’s been working on – a whitemetal kit for a WW1 trenches locomotive. It is now nearly complete, micro-chipped and programmed.
Friday was a wash-out with only two present, but not at the same time! Its a busy time of year.
Monday 15th December Read More »