Author: Kelvin Barnes

Old Project – restarted

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

I started on this layout in 2021, a N Gauge Layout for my Son, John. Now two years down the line it has been restarted. The baseboards and electrics are complete and some basic landscaping has been done. I now intend to stop all other work for three or four weeks to finish the layout. So there we go – after Covid, lack of money and time I have decided its time to complete what will be called ‘Coopers Common’. The layout is very loosely based on Ely in the 90’s and early 2000’s and is between Ely station and the north junction – I have ‘moved’ the River, the Lakes, the Freight Loop and the Road, but hey its our layout!! The main concept is that both tracks are bi-directional and the loop will be likewise. All lines will eventually have overhead catenary added – I would like to wire them if possible!

O Gauge Layout back from the dead

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Some of you may remember that I discovered this layout in the Spring in a very distressed condition with very thick mould. I have since used mould inhibitor twice and waited two months to see if it was successful. Thankfully it was and I have just taken advantage of the recent hot weather to paint the layout. It would have been terrible if I had to stop this project after all the work done last year. I am trying to do a slightly different fiddle yard, it allows a small degree of shunting in the fiddle yard using the sector plate without the loco(s) moving on to the main scenic boards. The shelves are to stores stock awaiting railing.

Two N7/3 in O Gauge

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Here we have two Hill N7/3’s – one fully weathered and the other just out of works in immaculate condition. I never weather all my locos and always leave about one in ten as ex works. I remember this in the mid/late 50’s when I was a lad – sadly by the early sixties most engines were in an awful state, even the early diesels!