Within the past six months my modelling world has been turned upside down I discovered videos by Jim Read and Colin French, dedicated builders of micros in O gauge. In addition, Mr. Read's penchent for producing almost everything on his layouts in card gave me even more incentive. (We all know that scary voice asking ''how much did that cost''? ). OO stock was sold in it's entirety; my friendly local model shop did me a deal on a Dapol Sentinel and I was away. Confidence from Mr Read's advice meant I laid my own track on card sleepers, using redundant code 100 rail superglued to the former. I have also experimented, and succeeded im making wagons from card, using either just purchased wheels or brass underframes. Not entirely up to a six inch close up but for me a satisfying piece of work. I made couplng hooks from tin cut from bean can lids and 3 link coupling from iron wire. (These being larger than purchased ones are a boon to a 71 year old with failing eyesight and case of the shakes.) Obviously still in progress but something that has really set my mojo off again. Plus of course, when the ''how much'' question is asked about the wagons, an answer of £9 for the wheels saves so much aggro !!!
You're quite right about the "How Much" question Jeremy, and as many of us are of 'Pensionable age' and can no longer get a couple of weekends of overtime in when finances dip somewhat, it's very relevant. Trackwork looks pretty good and although I've built points etc, I've used glassfibre 'copperclad' strip for sleepers with rails soldered in place, never given thick card for sleepers a thought, but you've proved it obviously works. A great start for a micro layout. Keith.
Well done that man! I've seen Jim Reads layouts in the flesh so to speak and can confirm the man is an excellent modeler. He is also happy to share his experiences with card modelling as well as share the drawings and plans for same. One other thing he has done is build his own DC controller from scratch and will send an email with the plan if requested. I like the use of code 100 rail, it gives a light railway feel that I personally try to model. Cheers, Pete.
Very impressive , these layouts certainly shoot down the "I don't have enough space for O gauge" argument. Paul
Thanks Pete, Yes I have the circuit for the controller as I have the template for a point.......I am girding my loins ready for those
Hi Jeremy One of my (many) reasons for upping to O gauge was the everything is bigger and easier to see, but as you note the "how much" does present issues, however seeing the cost of new OO & N, Dapol's RTR stock is almost looking quite cheap , and one of the factors pushing me to 3D print my own stock. Wheels are an issue tho', I'm working on the wagon wheels, but to be honest if I can pick the wheel sets up for under £9, then the effort vs cost is probably in favour of the purchased wheel sets. Keep up the good work, and I'd like to see the wagon builds as well. Paul
Paul-1 and Albert. My wagon builds are a direct build copy of those of Jim Read. A internet search of Jim Read or wagons from card will produce some links. Mr. Read is quite generous with his advice and usually, a polite and interested email will get you some details
