Finished this morning as it got a little bit chilly in the train room last night. So now the completed wall: I have a sneaky suspicion that this will not be the last stone wall installed on Dargan. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Ah yes Richard, Now that`s lookin` good !!!!!.......yeah.. I seem to remember there used to be dry stone walls on the little, twisty ( nightmare ) road down to Jenolan Caves, where you had to sound the horn on the bends, however, as it`s been forty odd years since I last went there, I`m now doubting my memory. Anyway...the Blue Mountains area has a few dry stone walls, so your wall fits in rather well I would think.? Gormo
Yes they are fairly common in some parts so there is plenty of scope to include them in other areas of the layout. Now, finally onto the installation of those long outstanding back scenes! The sticking point has been the need to remove the low hanging support brackets for the overhead shelving so I can install the three ply backing. A very tricky job but I am now biting the bullet! Cheers and happy modelling Richard
A Wonderful Addition to the Train Room A friend of mine, retired train driver Paul Collins restored a historical Station Attendants Signal Lantern, originally in use at Parkes Station, circa 1936. He has generarously donated the completed lantern for display on my Dargan layout. Here is the lantern: Change rotation: Thank you paul..far too generous. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Don't worry, your memory is OK. I remember going down there in the mid 1960s (as a passenger - I was too young to drive back then) and the road was like that. The one thing I'm not sure about is whether a part of the road was unsurfaced or if it was just in shocking condition. Jim
Phew !!!!.....the memory does still work ???? I think the road was surfaced but in need of repair. Gormo
Hi Folks Project Update # 22 For some strange reason, the new Vicar tired of living in an on-site caravan and was successful in convincing the church elders that a permanent residence was in order. The residence was duly completed and we understand that the occupants are very happy with the standard of their new accommodation. The opportunity was also taken to improve the grounds of both the church and the new residence. The landscape contractors used for the initial layout were replaced by more experienced people and the improvement, although somewhat costly, is well worthwhile. The old gardens before the residence was constructed: The New residence and improved gardens: Amazing how quickly the trees and shrubs mature in the mountain environment Some more shots: Naturally the buildings were both equipped with adequate lighting: If sufficient funds can be raised, it is hoped to install suitable stained glass panels but that is a project for another time. A more pressing enhancement is thought to be the construction of a joint church and community hall on vacant land adjoining the new residence. Cheers for now and happy modelling Richard
Amazing how quick things grow in Dargan......... There must be an abundant source of nutrients and water in the area complimented by a convenient history........... It`s coming along very nicely Richard........ Gormo
No worries Richard.....my pleasure my dear fellow... You know ,my wicked sense of humor has given me an amusing idea. Your church reminds me a little of the church in the Blues Brothers movie, where Jake and Elwood see the light. You could have little Jake and Elwood Blues model figures standing outside the entrance, with a Bluesmobile parked nearby, and a concentrated beam of light eminating from the steeple and focusing on the figures..........how`s that for an idea...?????....... OK....I understand if you pass on that one.... Gormo
Probably the right era but getting the right black and white could be difficult. However, you have sparked a thought.... Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Who would have thought that you had a wicked sense of humour ?? To me that does sound a good modelling idea .... why not try something similar on the Great Chesterford Junction to inspires others ??
Gone but not forgotten Sitting abandoned in a disused siding of Hartley Grange, a forlorn looking GSV Sheep Van casts a somewhat lonely figure and bears little resemblance to a time when hundreds of its siblings were employed for many years throughout the NSWGR network. They played a major role in the development of our rural enterprises, but of course, were superseded by the far more compassionate transport of sheep by vehicle. Nonetheless, the era is well depicted in the sheep yards adjoining Dargan station. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Nice bit of weathering there Richard, What method / s did you use .???? because it is very effective. So will this wagon be a relic, or part of a working train in company with other sheep wagons.? Your history above seems to suggest it will be a relic but I suppose you could go both ways if you choose to. Very nice work.... Gormo
Thanks Gormo I have a few GSVs to include in the traditional mixed goods consists so this will be a static diorama to add a bit of interest to the scene. I have a few other such iytems around Dargan, eg, a louvre van minus wheels being used for storage. As to weathering, I have used a few approaches over time but settled on a standard way of air brushing goods/freight units with acrylic grimy or weathered black ( and when I run out of either just mix some flat black with flat white) and then use my weathering powders applied with very fine artists brushes dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. After several touches (as it is necessary to wait until the isopropyl dries to see the actual result) and I am satisfied, I then seal the finished product with Crystal Kote. I like using isopropyl as it is very easy to change things as you progress. The weatherers' eraser. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Richard !!!!.........you`re back.........YAaaayyyy!!!! This is the new beginning Richard.......first steps taken by posting.....the Mojo-itis is on the mend......we all get it and we all get over it........ until the next bout of Mojo-virus. Anyway..........as they say in Super hero movies " Up, Up and Away !!!!!" Gormo
With all of the various outlets we now have including PFM1s own facebook as well as my own and club facebook pages is it any wonder that all are not updated concurrently. Dave reminded me this morning that he had seen my Casula E Wagons somewhere but could not remember when. Well they made PFM1 facebook and my own facebook but not the main site. Herewith now rectified. I enjoyed these wagons and the logs are actually crepe myrtle which I had saved and dried post annual pruning. Cheers and happy modelling Richard