Dargan

Hi Folks

Well 3801 has now been properly tested and she is running perfectly. So here is a view showing 3830 waiting at Dargan Station having bought up a string of 12 wheelers from Sydney. 3801 is running around the train and is about to assist 3830, naturally at the head of the train.



They make a good pair but unlike their preserved counterparts, both of mine are now fully operational.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Good to see John

Those fine volunteers as Administrators know how to do their job and keep this wonderful site operational.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Hi folks

Ever since Gormo shot that great little video of my layout(seen on this thread earlier), it was obvious that only video is capable of covering the layout properly. so here is the first video which covers all the historical development of Dargan. For future videos I hope to cover each element in more detail and also feature some of the actual trains.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

(A big thank you to Jollyolly who provided all of the expertise for the making of this video)

 

Thanks Gary

There must be something, somewhere out there,that gave the basis for the Dargan name but it escapes me so far. It surely does give some credibility to my design philosophy that as there is no conflicting historical evidence, I can incorporate the scenes and structures that I want and surely that is the basis for our wonderful hobby. I remember an introduction to a song from Neil Diamond, many years ago, (The album was Hot August Night) "This is a fantasy, pure fantasy". Well then, let it be thus? Your layout should be and always will be what you want to achieve and also what you should give to give to the hobby.

It is very pleasing when people ask how did you do this but I must say that I do much of the asking.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Thanks Tony

At least you have found one Dargan who has the appropriate credentials.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Thanks Toto and very much appreciated. Like all layouts there is always more to do (just look at Gormo as an example) and in my case the back scenes have yet to be installed, there are many more buildings to go and of course we always need to run a few trains just to show that the layout actually works, well most of the time anyway. Right now back to some more intricate building illumination.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

RIGHT TIME RIGHT PLACE

Hi Folks

Just had a great weekend at the Maitland Steam Fest and traveled there in style getting the steamie up there from Central. As part of the adventure, we were sidelined in the Hawkesbury River refuge as preserved steam loco 3265, "Hunter" in its brilliant burgundy livery roared past with the backup stock for the steam fest. A great sight and of course, reminded me that I missed out on the beautiful 32 class iin burgundy released by Ixion Models. All now sold out.

As luck happens, I was out at MRC Blacktown to get a few bits and pieces this morning and lo and behold, there was one sitting on the shelf which Gary had just obtained. It is of course now in my possession and sitting happily at Dargan. Here are a few pics:

Sitting at Dargan station as part of the test run.





Having a rest at Hartley Grange siding:



Testing completed, retired to the roundhouse with sister 3294:



Looks great and runs well. A grateful and lucky addition to the fleet.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Thanks Gary....next time I will make sure that the old gir's bogiel is actually on the track??

Yes, the detail is exceptional and although 3294 is good, it is well behind the Ixion model. While both the Ixion and the Wombat 30 share the same tender types and production, I found the Ixion easier to install the decoder, no doubt because of the earlier experience with the Wombat 30. Both needed some software changes to achieve smooth start up. I like the nice satin black finish on the Ixion. It will not be weathered as is my custom....class leaders are kept pristine.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Project Update # 17

Hi Folks

Well half way through 2019 and in Sydney we have finally seen a bit of Autumn even though it is supposed to be winter. Huge chores in the garden at this time of the year as well as the annual Koi show (one of my other pursuits) and the major Rosehill Exhibition. Naturally found some great purchases, one of which will eventually appear on my Dargan layout....a very intricate coal stage, but it sure is beautiful. Despite all of these distractions, progress has still been achieved and main street # 2 is now completed, well as completed as any model railway can ever be as there is always a need to finesse things as we go along.

Next to the Commonwealth Bank we have added a very nice two storey dry goods store. While mentioning the Bank, I forgot to say in the last progress report that my model is based on the branch at Cowra. It was originally part of the network operated by the Government Savings Bank of NSW which was taken over by the Commonwealth Bank in the thirties. The building was typical of the GSB branches with banking facilities at ground level and the Masnager's residence above. They were a horror to maintain (from first hand experience) and now all have been moved on but still serve the local communities as solicitor's offices, pizza restaurants and even clothing stores. They make a reasonable pair:



The main achievement however has been the completion of main street # 1 with the installation of two storey terraces. These represent a leap forward in the standard of accommodation being provided at Dargan when compared to the more modest single storey weatherboard cottages opposite. We hope it does not lead to any class distinction issues?



Again, Gormo's miniature signs fit the bill, down to the oval shape. Note also that street lighting has now been installed on both sides of the roadway. I just love the old Austin Limo. Internal lighting has been installed and like other residential buildings, room by room illumination is random over the four separate lighting circuits.





The full street view looking back down to the hotel:



Well thats it for now folks but with most of my chores under control and with the cooler weather confining us to the workbench, construction can proceed on main street # 2.
I am looking forward to completion of the coal stage but that will be a very complex project. In the meantime of course, there is the next video to complete. That will be the start of actual running of trains on the layout and it is hoped to feature trains on a class by class basis as in actual service.

Cheers for now

and happy modelling

Richard

 

Thanks Gormo and Julie. I have a whole range of people yet to be located on the layout but it does beg the question, as the hotel has lights out, it is very late in the evening so most people in a country town are home where they should be. So do I rush around putting people figures on and off the layout just to suit time of day? I think I will just put the people there and leave it at that.

Now...onto that coal stage and the next video.

Cheers

and happy modelling

Richard