Author: Kelvin Barnes

Baseboard and Fiddle yard Update

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized

I have spent the last week making some layout option boards for future developments. These are all made from stock materials, I have also got three laser cut baseboard kits to make over the next three weeks or so. These are a 4′ x 18″ kit, a 3′ x 18″ kit and a 3′ x 19″ sector plate (turntable) kit.

I would like to think these will be the last boards I make, down to now being 76 years old and slowing down. I still have several ideas I would like to explore.

5′ 10″ Board in 2 parts

These boards have already found a new owner – It will become an O Gauge shunting plank. They comprise of scenic 4′ board and a bolt on 1′ x 10″ fiddle yard – I am just supplying the boards as below only. All the wood used was donated to me for nothing, thanks to my Son who is moving home and these were the result of a clear out. They are made to sit on a 6′ x 2′ table, as usually found as stock tables at most Exhibitions. Transporting to Exhibitions made the decision to do two piece.

Lightweight Sector Plate

I have made four of these conversions before, this is the fifth. These kits start off as small OO9 plates, I simply double the capacity of the sector plate itself. In OO9 it was made to hold three tracks – after enlargement it is possible to have two OO tracks or one O Gauge track. This is ideal for a OO depot or a O gauge shunting plank with small loco and up to three wagons. This will eventually end up attached to one of my laser cut boards that are still to be made.

Latest O Gauge Purchase – 1P

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Went to the KLOGGIES summer bash today, not looking to buy anything. While we were there a trader had this Johnson 1P 0-4-4T on his stand and although it is very well built and an excellent runner, I was not convinced I needed it. Later in the day I went back and after negotiation a discounted price was agreed, the clinchers being it was an S & D numbered loco and it was Push Pull fitted, it was also a small wheeled variant, I already have a Johnson 1P, but that was a LTS loco and a larger wheeled variety.

I intend to do a partial repaint and put on new lining, but retain the same number and equipment. The Cab Roof is loose at present, but fits well. Very happy with the purchase.

Two O Gauge Locos

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Another two locos, this time for Nick. The first is a 09 Shunter in Blue, I had to renumber it back into pre-tops, detail and weather, Nick had already added DCC sound. The roof panel that holds the DCC etc. needs refitting, I noticed it was not seated correctly after it was weathered.

The second Loco was a Class 15, already been DCC sound fitted by Nick, straight forward weathering job after adding the bits that had fallen off back on! Sadly one of the engine door handles is missing! Push fitted parts strike again!

Heljan O gauge O2 Shunter

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What a lovely little Loco – superb runner with DCC Sound. This is a medium weathering carried out for a friend. There is actually a ‘You Tube’ Video of this loco last Sunday at the Hoveton 32A Exhibition. Looked fantastic. This Loco is ‘looped’ for using sprat and winkle couplings.

Various O Gauge wagons

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Here are some O gauge wagons weathered for three group members. Usual methods, but note the cattle wagon is to be used as a converter wagon with three links at one end and knuckle coupler at the other.

O Gauge Bogie Bolster E

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Here are a rake of four bogie bolsters that have been weathered to a medium standard. These Dapol wagons are very good and I like them a lot, however one thing I now realise is that NO separate parts (mouldings) are glued on – all are push fit, and a few do not like handling very much. This is not a moan at Dapol, I think the days of securely fitted parts are over from all manufacturers, probably due to keeping the price down on foreign manufactured items! My advice would be check your stock for loose bits and pieces and glue on to avoid loss when handling.

O Gauge Dogfish -weathered

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Here we have a rake of three Dogfish as running in the late 60’s – early 70’s. They have all received slightly different levels, but generally they are medium weathering.

As they are likely to run empty most of the time, I have given the inside of the hoppers special attention, with a rusty and general rough look.