Thursday 9 April 2015

Almost ready for the Perth Show end of May

It's been a while since my last post.
Work has halted on Thirroul for the time being, as It will be relocated to a new home at some stage, due to a change in personal circumstances.

But all hasn't been lost, with my three modules of Alice Springs completed and racked up ready for the Perth show at the end of May. Just some super detailing to complete and rolling stock to get ready.
These three will be part of 60 metres being displayed by our group, depicting Adelaide to Darwin.

A couple of photo's.
Until next time, catch ya's later

Friday 19 December 2014

Modelling the DARK SIDE and first test train

Well some progress has been done, amongst work and trying to build 3 modules for the 2015 Perth show.
All track has been laid through Thirroul with only 1 more point to do into the coal stage. So the next thing is all the wiring and install of all the point motors. Once that is done, the control panel will be sent back to Control Panel Designs for a new face plate and additional switches added.

Whilst I was laying the track around the back of Thirroul, on the DARK SIDE, I was thinking of what to do. So after some research, I have settled on Wallendbeen. As I wanted somewhere to use all my grain hoppers and my S016 silo. I have started to scratch build the tall silo's that are behind the S024 silo. My S016 will have the additional cylinder added to it so its correct.

Attached a a few photo's and a video of the first test train. Enjoy



The prototype photo I used as a reference



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6MkUyVYP_s&list=UUmos3nKzq4m3ulU3eBIPaZA


Merry xmas to all, and have a safe new year

Friday 26 September 2014

Base boards built & track laying started

It's been a while since the last update, but have been busy working. Tarana was assigned to the council pickup. tried to let it go to a new home, but there was only one person that showed any interest. However they seem reluctant to make contact to pick up, so I couldn't wait any longer.


The build of Thirroul has commenced
I have managed to complete the base boards and commence the track laying on Thirroul.

Each board is 2.0 m x 1.8 m

Start of laying the yard south end


Curves around the roundhouse, 950 outside and 900 inside dia.



I still am yet to decide what will be modelled on the back side, but am leading towards a silo siding as I need somewhere for my fleet of wheatie's to run to and from. It won't be based on anywhere in particular at this stage.
Until the next instalment
Cheers
Alco

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Full house at Thirroul loco and demise of Tarana

Hi guys,

Well another Perth AMRA show has come and gone, wallet's much lighter (as well as credit card - now to hide the bill)
A pretty good result for the group, with Deniliquen taking out the class 24 comp, plus another three minor placings in other categories. Unfortunatley, the diorama of the Roundhouse, didn't even rate a mention. Oh well, the feedback we got was overwhelming from both the public and modellers alike, so we will take that as a positive anyway.
Below are a couple of photo's from the show.


 Who would of thought, that there was over 10k sitting in the roundhouse, with a mixture of Brass, kits and RTR loco's and well over 1400 scale sheets of corrugated iron, Thanks Peter H, very much for your efforts with the roundhouse construction. Woolworth's will be wondering why their sales of Alfoil have suddenly dried up!!!!!!!!


 Shot of the roundhouse display and modelling desk, some of the guys did get a lot done over the weekend.
 Deniliquin at a quiet moment before the doors to the public were opened.

Rob showing the operation of the points levers.


The future for the roundhouse, well I have decided that Tarana will have to go!!!!!! With the roundhouse area being extended into a compressed yard of Thirroul being currently drawn up.

So I have decided that Tarana will be sold off. If anyone is interested, please drop us a line to discuss. I can send photo's and a list of inclusions to any interested parties.

Until the next update
Cheers
Alco

Thursday 27 March 2014

Cornering the market on HO corrugated iron

Just a quick update with a couple of photo's taken three weeks ago, of the completed framework of the roundhouse.
PH has been very busy producing some possible 1000 sheets of scale HO corrugated iron for placing on the walls and roof of the roundhouse. Will get a couple of more photo's when I next drop round for our next meet.


Cheers
Alco

Wednesday 25 December 2013

Construction commenced on Thirroul roundhouse started

Hi all, just a quick update on the construction of the roundhouse for the entry into the 2014 Perth show. PH has been making good progress on the walls and been slaving away on the corrugated iron for the roof and all the walls.
One thing is for sure, the diorama is going to be quite big!!!!!!!!!

Until the next update,

Cheers
Alco

Sunday 10 November 2013

Running thru Tarana

Its been a few months since my last update. I have had a lot of time on my hands, due to being laid off work, but with the arrival of a new grandson, most of my attention as been on family matters.

I have done some modelling in that time, mainly installing decoders in some steam and diesels.
Decoder installs completed
1. Brass D50 (loksound V4)
2 Eureka AD60 (loksound V4)
3. Ezi kits Z19 (loksound V4)
4. Austrains C36 (loksound V4)
5 DJH D59 (DCC Concepts)
6 Trainorama 44 (loksound Select)
7 Trainorama 44 no2 (Loksound Select)
8 Trainorama 42 (loksound Select)
9 Auscision 73 (Loksound Select Micro)
10 Brass 43 (Loksound V4)
11 Brass 45 (Loksound Select)

I decided to give the Select's a go, since updating the Loksound Programer. The sound files of this latest version are in my opinion, the best sounding ever. Especially the Alco 251 and GM 567 files.
Once I downloaded them into each decoder, I sent a lot of time playing around with the settings. I am quite happy with the results so far.
Below are a couple of video's of the 44's and 42 running thru Tarana. (I do apologise for the quality, as the only tripod I could find at the time was a small one thats sits on the layout, and it shakes)

Double 44's on a westbound freight, slowing for a signal, before preceding to Bathurst.

42 Class on the Central West Express, Sydney bound.

I also did some additional detailing to Tarana, adding some fences and other scene details, since the layout was exhibited in June.
The base board and main frames for Thirroul Roundhouse have been started by PH, and hope to post a few photo updates next week.

The other good news is I start a new job with Aurizon tomorrow, so I will now get to play with real trains as well.

Until the next instalment.

Regards
ALCO