Dargan

Hi Folks

Installation of Display Lighting

Well somewhere between the heat and the humidity, I have managed to get stage two of the display lighting in place. In the cool of the evening a few days ago when I decided to have a quiet running session just to myself, it was just not good enough for the Dargan extension to be in to be in total darkness so I just had to press on. Now this was not an easy install as the lighting ducts are quite heavy. Installing them also a real test of my diminishing stamina. Woke this morning with very, very testing muscles. BUT it is in:







The combined ducted display holds 18 dichotics rated at 20 watts each. There is a dimmer system to give me mood lighting as required. This pic is taken with full settings. On the existing layout I also have an LED track light of 130 white LEDS which I laboriously put together on timber track beside the lighting duct rwo years ago. Supposed to simulate moon lighting which it does quite effectively. Will not be provided to the Dargan extension. One of thos enhancements that seemed like a good idea at the time. Must have been in the dead of winter when I had nothing else to do?

And here is the first grand switch on from this evening:



View towards the west:



I do wish there was a photo god who could show me how to put a 7 m x 5 m layout into proper perspective.

This will not be a problem for much longer as a very good acquaintance of mine has said to me quite clearly "Stand aside Richard and let the Professionals have a go" He says something about video and Youtube and all these other strange things I do not want to experiment with.

Is that yet another glass of very acceptable red in the foreground of Pic three? I must be far more vigilant in the future lest we in OZ gain some form of totally unwarranted reputation?

Time to retire as the temperature has now reduced to a very acceptable 23.

Cheers

and very happy modelling

Richard

AND I am going to love boring you with DCC speed matching on a new thread!!!

 

Yes guys

Do not have the front open very often (need to keep the dust out) but on these summer evenings late at nigh tit is pleasant to have a quiet running session with the cool evening breeze.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Hi Folks

Progress Update # 7

I think we all very much appreciated the recent spell of temperate weather in Sydney and the chance to do some sustained modelling. The local farmers of the Dargan district have long been agitating for decent transport arrangements and at long last sheep handling facilities have commenced operations. Here is the first outrbound shipment:



With a closer view:





Freight handling facilities have also been provided although on a limited scale compared to the much more extensive infrastructure already available at the two nearby Hartleys:





and a general view of the new additions:



All in all it is a very busy day at Dargan with the local rail motor ready to go as soon as 6040 has cleared the main with its line of coalies and the wheat bound for the west resumes its journey to Wellington.

Seems like more very hot weather is about to strike so that will be all that can be achieved in the short term.

Next steps are to complete the detail of Dargan station including some decent accommodation for the Station Master of this very prestigious posting.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Hi Guys and many thanks for your comments.

The fencing and ramps are just my scratch build attempts. A bit of time involved but on those hot days, the air conditioned study does have its benefits. For most things, I just use craft scale timbers readily available from your local hobby shop and having cut to size, hold each rail in place with the tip of an Xacto blade (gently) while the super glue sets to a hold situation.

Thanks also to Reidy and I would really appreciate some info on how to replace those annoying gears. I have the new replacements but not the know how.

I cannot emphasize too much the impact that the development of this latest posting has had on the advice from our members. There are too many to be specific but you all know who you are. But the gentle weathering of the freight yard cyclone wire fence, the timber shading added to the timber fencing, shading of the sheep down from pure white to that greyish colour seen in the paddocks, the sheep dog in the loading yard and of course, weathering of the rolling stock which was my first major achievement based on the input from many members.

So thanks guys and I hope to continue to improve. One thing I do no mind now is that if I am not satisfied then demolish and have another go. Why not...it is only a bit of time?

Cheers
and happy modelling

Richard

PS there is a comatose and inebriated worker just near the fence. Should he stay there?

 

Thanks Gary

I use a knife and laboriously cut each piece to size. The chopper is certainly going to speed things up.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Thanks Toto

It will be even quicker in the future with Gary's chopper.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard