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 »
Monday was a quiet day, Andrew ballasting on Lyne Road, Fred taming a troublesome 42xx chassis and LBH tidying the electrics on Ty’n-y-Coedcae. No pics sorry.
On Friday Paul trimmed the plywood surround Cwm Carno to its rough profile. It’s starting to look more like a layout now.
And Mr Chairman furnished ABB with a makeshift store and some traffic for the Goods Shed to handle.
Meanwhile TAFKATYS upgraded our test-track. As well as a new position and clearly labelled controls, current limiting has been added to prevent the controller being damaged by short circuits.
Monday 8th December Read More »
Wagonman kicks off this month with the tender for a BR 76xxx mogul from a MOK kit.
Being the first one in the month Tuesday was an on-line session. We re- re- re- visited the Clee Hill for further history and pictures of both the standard and narrow gauge inclines plus the aerial ropeway on the eastern side. Steve B dipped into the NRM archive for photos ranging through Doncaster, Darlington, quaysides and Horwich. LBH followed with details on Talybont following the field trip there last week and Mr C linked in with gleaned pictures of Brecon and Hereford.
The ever productive Wagonman has completed the etched brass GW open C, and moved on to the front pony truck for the 76xxx
On the last Saturday of the month TAFKATYS arranged a club walk from Talybont to Llangynidr Locks on the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal.
Rob F took this image closely replicating Ben Ashworth’s famous view, unfortunately there is no pannier tank to be reflected in the canal now.
Monday and Tuesday sessions following the Thornbury Show were filled with tidying up after the event and also sorting out in the clubrooms. A search for a battery charger led to the ‘electrical’ cupboard being turned out. Who knew we had at least 15 extension leads and 3 extension reels in there?
Luke has re-wheeled this BR shunter with drop-in P4 Ultrascale wheelsets. It runs very well following the pick-ups being adjusted to the new width.
And on Cwm Carno Paul 🏅🏅is fitting the the flexibile plywood surround
Following the Open Day and moving layouts arrange for exhibitions etc., there has been a worrying spate of tidying up in the clubrooms, an example being seen here on TAFKATYS’ bench.
The last of November Read More »
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November we took Tŷ’n-y-Coedcae to the Thornbury & SG Model Railway Club exhibition. Here are some scenes from the day.
Tŷ’n-y-Coedcae on the road Read More »