More Concrete on BNSF Layout

This is not a full update, but I have spent all day adding the rest of the concreted area and detailing what was laid already. Below are the results, beginning to look a lot better after some of the expansion joints added and a touch of weathering.

Still to be ballasted and desert edges sanded.

Sorry photos not great quality.

Update 28/01/01 HO BNSF

Just a quick update on the still unnamed Layout. Been quite busy laying areas of concrete inside and outside the main ‘Transfer Shed’ and still lots more concrete to lay. The layout will contain a lot of concrete and sand to portray a semi desert scene in Arizona. I have started to put the first coats of weathering on the ramp and other concreted areas.

All concrete will have expansion joints scribed in for realism.

I have cut the two other background buildings down to 75% relief, this has also given me two 25% relief buildings that may fit in. This gives me better space to fit in more cameo scenes between the rails and the buildings.

I have tested all spaces for potential vehicle movements and vehicle storage areas.

I have fitted the American style Hayes Bumpers to the three tracks that are outside the main shed.

HO BNSF Layout – track laid.

I have been very busy over the last few days working on the ‘track plan’ and the position of the buildings. Well, I ended up with two points, both in the fiddle yard and manually operated and five sidings, great for a shunting puzzle.

The layout will now hold over twenty wagons, although I only have twelve. I will use both my BNSF Locos, so may add an isolating section to store one Loco. I have two other Loco’s, a SF and a BN, but both are a lot larger, but never say never.

I have also added to the length of the sector plate by 6″. It now measures over 2 foot.

Only slight problem is the two smaller units – I may take the razor saw to them and make them 3/4 relief. This will allow a little more activity in the space between the track and the units.

Work starts on HO BNSF Layout.

The Baseboard is finished, the basic buildings are done and all other bits are available. Now its time to have a ‘play’ with the track layout and positioning of buildings etc. I think this is going to turn out as a one point layout, I was considering two points, but one seems OK. The one point will be in the fiddle yard and will be manual operation. This is another sector plate, shunting plank really, but with two Loco’s and twelve wagons it could become quite busy.

The track plan and options will continue to be explored. I will post any changes as I discover them.

No Name yet, but as the location is Arizona at a semi desert area, in the mid 1990’s, it will need to be something appropriate.

Upgraded Darstead Well Wagon

While looking through various suppliers of O Gauge wagons, I noticed that Ellis Clark had updated a number of the Darstead Well Wagons. It was a run of about 10 wagons that had been repainted and lettered, had been re-wheeled using Peco items and had the floor replaced with an Intentio laser cut offering.

My first reaction was, ‘that will weather well’, followed by placing an order straight away. On arrival, my first thought was what a great wagon and it was a lovely revamp of the original Darstead product.

The first thing I did was to darken the wooden inserts with Coloron Wood Dye, giving it three coats. When dry I did my usual wash and wipe before using the airbrush to complete the main weathering. I then touched up the bogie springs and the chain loops with a touch of dark rust.

Test Shunting on Little Sefton

As the layout is almost finished apart from a little more blending and weathering, I thought some test shunting to prove the layout would be good. I used DY1 Dock Shunter D2950 as the first Loco to run on the new layout. I am using Spratt & Winkle 4mm couplings, not 7mm, see photos. Note how I use the original coupling hook as a ‘stop’ for the ‘Spratts’.

Little Sefton – Nearly There!

Another busy few days on the layout (shunting plank), I have added the lights, people, fixtures and fittings. The only thing to do really is blending with the airbrush, but this will have to wait for a little warmer weather. The cameo scenes are complete, but still waiting for a couple of items to arrive in the post.

So there we are, a very good project that helped me survive the dreaded Covid 19 and associated Lock Downs. It took me about five weeks to make on an already made Baseboard and Fiddle Yard. This is the fourth layout I have made during the Pandemic and thoughts now turn to the fifth, but what will it be? I must admit that if it was a lot warmer them my choice would be more Loco painting and weathering, but working indoors in a very limited space (the kitchen), it is likely be another small layout. My only black thought is whether I will ever be able to Exhibit them in the future, bearing in mind I am in a vulnerable group and my mental health has taken a beating in this very difficult world.