@@ChadwickModelRailway you can clearly see your hard work. But it pays off. I have enjoyed every video of yours. Thanks again for all your inspiration, insight and wisdom. It’s great to see that you are happy to show your mistakes. Makes the modelling that bit more accessible to all levels
To protect backscene when plastering or painting I use the liners from cereal packets split open and slipped between the board and backscene. Being opaque you can see them. Never failed yet and it’s free!
Great tip @broxbourme22 I always save the box for scratch builds but recycle the inners. Not any more. Just starting Version 8 of the layout in the garage. This tip will come in handy. Thanks.
On Cobalt iP Digital turnout motors you can Activate Self-Centering : 1. Put the switch into the “SET” position. 2. Set the address to 199. Then reprogram Not as easy as tortoise but it can be done.
Something that may be worth considering in the final product is that when a train is at a station, it will never lock its doors unless the signal ahead is clear. (Unless of course the train is not in passenger service.) Therefore, it may be worth adding a 30 - 40 second delay between the signal clearing and the train departing as this allows time for the guard to close the doors and (with permission from the dispatcher if there is one) dispatch the train. Note that this is the process used today, I don't know if this is what they did in the 70s but may still be worth considering. :) Nice video 👍
Hello Charlie! Great to see that scene developing nicely! 😎 The Mr Evason is a very clever chap indeed. He is also one of the nicest chaps you could want to meet. He is also fond of biscuits which is why I try to remember to bring some when I know he’s going to be at an exhibition as it’s a nice way to pass the time with a brew and a chin-wag 😅 Interesting you used Chinchilla sand. I was recommended it for use in yard areas to mix with coal dust to create a realistic ash and clinker coloured covering for yard areas. Even today in our yard at Shoeburyness much of the carriage sidings still give off an aroma of old coal and every now and then you’ll find a lump of the stuff! In fact, our yard has probably got about a dozen different grades and sizes of gravel in various patches and batches as ad-hoc repairs have taken place! 😄 Cheers mate, have a great week! 🍻🍀😉
An honest remark: when viewing your "transforming this to this" opening piece, along with your closing footage, I experienced a happy moment where I was transported back to the South Wales DMU services that ran through Merthyr Vale - my local station - when I was a boy in the 1970s. Superb scenery and camerawork, Charlie. I like the attention to detail. My latest obsession is getting steam loco lamp codes correct.
Came back to this video again to check on the Hobby Craft paint. I went to our local Hobby Craft store (only one in the Scottish Highlands) and bought out their entire stock of brown. (All 3 bottles) and some green. I agree Charlie, good bargain price paint but lets keep it to ourselves (model railway community) because if Hobby Craft get word of it, they'll hike the price. lol. Great vid as always.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, I will and appreciate you taking the time to reply. I do hope you hit the 100k soon. I spread the news where I can.
I tend to use a battery powered hand held vacuum cleaner, rather than a full size unit, especially for ballasting clean-up. That way, I can re-use the product and reduce waste.
Excellent tutorial Charlie, all I would add is to be careful of what you place (i.e. AWS ramps) in the 4 foot, there will be more than one loco that has low clearance and gives it a whack. Especially when using Kadee's. ATB.
Nice one Charlie, it certainly does a transformation. Just a small thing - I thought the Cess was the trackside drainage ditch not the path for the platelayers. See you next time, Phil.
We're watching from CT USA . Completely enjoy your vlogs each week. My husband is building an HO layout AGAIN 😅! We watch you and Boomer Diorama faithfully and get lots of ideas. Thanks Charlie
I was interested about what you were saying about the storage of superglue in the fridge, and I want to add one extra thing. When you first open your superglue, add a little cooking oil to the thread that holds the one part of the cover to the other part. As superglue will not glue to an oily surface, it will keep the covers from sticking to each other and thus making the glue unusable and then having to throw it away. I do this and have no trouble at all. Regards, Paul.
Great vid, Charlie with lots of tips. Cant speak about the MTB motors but you can set Cobalt digital and analog point motors to a centre position. For the analogs that I use, you just apply power then turn it off when the switch blades are at the centre position. For the digitals, you can reset the cv address to 199 (I think) and that will set the switch blades to dead centre.
Another great and inspiring video Charlie. Suggestion for the empty area between the passenger platform line (Platform 2?) and the goods yard - how about leaving the impression of sleepers in the ballast to allude to a lifted run around loop from steam days? Maybe also very rusty and overgrown track that was never lifted.
Hi Charlie, another enjoyable video. I was going to suggest covering the 2 surface point motors with a couple of redundant van bodies or BD type containers, but what you've done has worked well.
The very light green field gives the impression of a field bathed in sunshine - was that intended? It occurred to me you could put numbers on the relay cabinets and retaining walls to indicate the point numbers, as in real life. However, if they were to scale, they'd probably be unreadable, so maybe a silly idea!
With the background picture having lighter green grass there should be a hedge or blending between the hill and the background it looks very stark like the sun is shining in the background but not the foreground
I love the signal box being strategically placed over the points, giving the appearance that the Permanent Way staff have absolute possession of the track section. Another informative and interesting video Charlie.
Great video charlie chadwick was an amazing layout before but when we start adding the tweeks and scenery it makes it come to life just been doing the same to beighton parkway what’s next for chadwick it will be great what ever it is take care mate Best wishes Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Always enjoy my Saturday morning breakfast with a cappuccino watching your videos Charlie. The layout is looking great. Been watching your videos for a few years now, so looking forward to watching the layout evolve. Rgds from Down Under.
Another excellent video Charlie. I had a thought about the larger areas. You could mix in small green material so when you ballast the area there is the faint idea of weeds growing. You might be able to do this when you ballast track which has lower usage in some sidings. Thanks again Charlie and I love the mixture of topics.
Thanks for the fabby and useful video. Having worked in railway maintenance, (not signalling) and also in all sorts of places, the cabinets are called "location cases" often shortened to "locs" pronounced as per the first part of the proper name. The cabinet at the left hand side in the Castle Cary shot is actually in the fence line and is a power supply cabinet with doors at the back behind the fenceline to allow Distributed Network Operators (DNOs) access to their equipment such as supply cable, meters and tails mounted on one side of the board inside. The other doors are for railway maintenance staff to access their distribution switchgear and outgoing cables. (Pedantic mode off).
That's exactly how we've done our layout, too! Sometimes, I use a bit of diluted PVA on those little bushes, which secures them better. Grab your wife's tea strainer for a larger area! Clean it, then put it back; she will never know! Cheers from Aus!
Hi Charlie, I used to work in the machine shop At Westinghouse Brake and Signal. The Peco point motor boxes are quite reminiscent of the ones they made. 😊
Goodness me Charlie. You are a true artist with your clever use of various materials. I can’t wait to see trains running around your layout once again. Thanks for sharing and encouraging so many people.
Well Charlie, you inspire such confidence in us to give it a go…..as a new modeller I’m really impressed in this retaining wall surface as the continuation or seamless expanse of the brickwork looks so realistic. Is this covered in one of the videos? Many thanks for your skill, generosity in sharing and encouragement.
Rest assured Tony, it is in one of my previous videos, but you will have to hunt for it I’m afraid. The walls are made by Noch, and are freely available on the market. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Chad. Where you use PVA, use Liquatex Matt medium. See what you think of the end results. (It doesn't break away after 5 to 10yrs down the line, either). Your layout is coming alive now. Nice work.
Ultra informative as usual. I can’t help but imagine you got your schooling on how to be so instructive, from Blue Peter. No insult intended, you are just very informative and take time to ensure you get the correct information across to us eager learners. I look forward to receiving each of your posts. Keep up the good work. Regards Nick from NZ. ( Originally from Cheshire)
Nice work Charlie! It would be nice to see a team of three S&T men walking along the troughing to one of your location cases… Remember they should be wearing mini-vests over pale blue bib and brace and dust jackets; full orange PPE with reflective strips wasn’t a thing until the 90’s! One of them will be the Lookout, so will need a set of flags with him. Also, how about having a spare stock and switch rail sitting on wooden baulks somewhere near one of your junction points? It would be there as a spare particularly where heavy switch wear might be encountered. The lineside hut is actually a lamp-mans hut - given you will have all colour light signalling, I would suggest this is made to look redundant! How about a Wickham Trolley for your Perway staff to get about on? I think they were still in use during your models era, but others more knowledgeable may be able to advise better. As S&T we would tend to walk along the cable troughing - we weren’t supposed to but when carrying bags of tools, etc, it made for an easier walk to the site of work, rather than walking on ballast which is quite uncomfortable underfoot, even with good safety boots on. I would love to see a modern panel box controlling your signalling - I think I did send you some photos of such some time ago. Easy enough to scratch-build rather than use one of the proprietary examples, I would have thought? Nice to see your superb layout coming to life - keep up the good work! As your tame S&T adviser, I shall continue to input advice where I am able to! Best wishes from Wirral.
Many thanks, Darren, your advice is very much appreciated. I shall look into acquiring suitably attired staff, and also the provision of trackwork spares. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
What a great transformation, Charlie. That area looks great. When I get to the ballasting stage, I’m thinking of trying chinchilla sand, but failing that, I’ll be using the WS Fine ballast. I’m in N scale.
Keep your super glue in the freezer - it doesn't freeze and there is less moisture in the freezer - moisture is what causes your glue to cure in the tube/jar.
Brilliant.and it's really coming on , another thing you could add to the track is wheel flange greese machines, at my heritage railway I've been taught to service these , and to explain what the do for those who are wondering, as a train goes along the wheel hits a push button that realises some grease ( held in a drum by the track side ) on to the train wheel flanges.
It occurred to me that you could hide the breaks in the retaining wall with some form of climbing plant (ivy?). If you dot the stuff around so it's not too regular, might make the place look more natural?? Also suggestion for a short - how about a discourse on Facing Point Locks, and maybe where to find some 4mm representations??
That little scene with the DMU departing looks pretty good in its new scenic environment. On the subject of “Relay Boxes”. As a young S&T technician, I spent the first ten years of my railway career walking up and down railway lines in and out of them while tracing line faults for various phones and S&T equipment. Your logic in their placement is spot on Charlie. However, if you want to refer to the. By their proper names, they are Location Cases, Locs for short (pronounced as in “cloak” without the c). Now, onto Cess walkways. In the days before around the 80s, it was rare for any kind of walkway to be provided in the cess and walkways that you refer to generally formed naturally in places were there was constant footfall from various railway staff. Incidentally, it’s not just p-way staff that ply the railway lines in the line of duty, but S&T staff, E&P staff amongst others. From about the early 80s, some attempts were starting to be made to provide walkways along the railways, one example I can think of was on the Brighton main line where walkways were constructed alongside trough routes (and well done for getting that right, many modellers incorrectly refer to it as trunking). But even on the Brighton main line, those routes weren’t maintained and fell into disrepair, disappearing into undergrowth or getting buried by the p-way in subsequent track renewals. So I think the Chairman of Chadwick Railways is a very kind and thoughtful manager to be providing his external workers with nice cess walkways 😁 And I see that someone else has already mentioned that it’s easy to set a DCC Concepts Cobalt iP Digital point motor to centre by programming it to reserved code 199. Finally, I’ve created a lift out board on my railway. I’ve used ModelTech’s ProTrack Aligners, they’re really easy to use, especially if you use them in conjunction with DCC Concepts alignment dowels. You can create a board that fits out easily and when you put it back into place, the tracks align perfectly. That’s it from me this time Charlie. Looking forward to seeing the continuation of the scenery on this area of your layout. Take care mate.
Hi Bryan, I do hope that all is well with you. Many thanks for your detailed comment. So, Relay Cabinets are known as Locs. Pronounced Loakes, as in the shoe manufacturer. That will confuse everyone. I do have those ProTrack board aligners, perhaps I should use then on the branch line board joints. My cess “look” is getting there but still not perfect. Only time will tell. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, I’m doing well since my Op on 19th June. Another week or two of healing before I can get under my boards to continue the build but definitely getting there ! Yes Locs as in Loakes ! Not that I’ve heard of that shoe maker before ! If you’d like to see any photos of my lift-out board just let me know 🙂
Hi Bryan, I was also an S&T technician from 1980 until 1988 on WCML at Willesden junction and Watford Junction and was similar comment. Also agree the cess was just the area at either side of the tracks, no fancy walkways. We called them Location Boxes. We also used bright orange tubes for the track circuit and point wiring that went under the tracks as Charlie has done elsewhere. Also the AWS's were yellow. With brown rust dust around magnet area for the old ones and never saw a black one.
Hallo Charlie, have you ever seen Luke Towan? I beleve you did. He is a master in making diorama's, I have learnd a lot of him working on my layout. Great video again.
Looks fantastic Charlie! Amazing what results you get when you combine different techniques. I'll be honest I'm one of the nervous ones when it comes to ballasting especially has my shunting layout has a lot of points but I think I just need to take my time with it all.
I do understand you concern bill. However, if you ballast first thing in the morning, it gives you the whole day to exercise the points to make sure they don’t become too stuck. Regards, Charlie.
On our old Club layout, if we needed to span over a register or similar duct work, we'd stand up some steep terrain in front of it, to higher than eyeline. This would then get a bunch of trees of the like to where you could not see down into the thing. We also would bend a metal mesh basket to fit the hole, so that nothing was likely to fall in and foul the ventilation (a lesson learnt the hard way).
Hi Charlie…your layout looks absolutely fantastic,the details make all the difference.it always brings back memories of being a child gazing through the toy shop window at the layout you could never achieve. Gives me great pleasure watching your progress.
Charlie, great progress on the scenics. I am not sure if you stole Dan's idea, but it is pretty much all over the model railway internet, that when doing a scene, you need to have at least 5 different colours / textures to make the scene look realistic, so great job, yours looks amazing along those walls. You are, as always very inspirational in your progress, thank you for sharing, and take care, cheers, Michael
Hi Charlie, "unthrown" and "thrown" turnouts are referred to as "Normal" and "Reverse" respectively. Trackside cabinets are called "Location" cabinets or "Lokes (locs)" colloquially.
I'm sure there is regional variation, but the 'cess (an abbreviation of recess) in the east of England was always made of cinders, of which there was of course no shortage in steam days. There's plenty available in model form too and the contrast with clean ballast looks good.
Hi Charlie. Have followed the progress on your layout from episode 1 ( although I must admit I was,a latecomer and only found your channel about 18 months ago) . I have been a railway modeller since 1963 ( on and off when other things have taken precedence) and I have to say that you have certainly inspired me to continue building my layout ( 12ft6 x 10ft6 in my spare room) now that I have at last retired from full time employment. Even though I only operate on DC I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the progress you are making on what will become a superb layout, Western region in all it's glory in the 80,s ( I am Western region steam/ green diesel era). I look forward to the notifications and have subscribed by the way. I know this is a long term project but am looking forward to seeing the layout improve with every episode, even the hints and tips such as airbrushing are very interesting ( love the bloopers, think we all do them and it is so amusing to see them, makes my day). The way you put things over and explain exactly what you are doing/ have done is brilliant, even seasoned modellers can learn from you. Best wishes for the future and keep up the good work,. May even cross paths at an exhibition somewhere in the S West one day where I shall shake your hand and say thank you for the entertainment and giving everyone the opportunity to join you in the wonderful world of Railway Modelling. Long may it continue. All the best Alan Jones
Hi Charlie ref AWS ramps i don't know if you are aware but some Hornby locos come with water scoops fitted to the bottom of the tenders do know if these AWS'S sit low enough to clear the scoops just a thought. I use sifted budgie grit of a certain colour. Well its all looking good Charlie and i will be ballasting my layout with in a week or so. another great video Charlie looking forward to the next one. Thank you
Wow - looking good. Perhaps next time you are using white paint, place a dab on the bottom screws holding the L brackets on the shelf above. The brackets merge with your backdrop but the screws catch your eye.
A great transformation Charlie, the running scene was excellent you must be very pleased. I was thinking about what you might put in that abandoned area and I don't recall seeing a platelayers hut elsewhere on the layout, is there one somewhere? How did the cess work out in the end? All the best!!
As usual an interesting video with tons of tips. With super glue, I find putting a drop on a Pringles lid or something similar enables the glue to be used with a cocktail stick. Less risk of knocking the bottle over and it will stay useable for quite some time. Once the glue goes off just bend the Pringles to and it comes off,
Amazing what a bit of scenic work does to the layout. It’s certainly worth the time to do it. Thanks again for sharing your ideas. Getting motivation to get on with mine now. Just need the time. Roy.
This layout becomes more alive with every video, very interesting watch as usual. Also I forgot if this was a tip from you but I remember someone just putting like a cheap fine pantyhose in the vacuum hose, then add the extension piece to keep it in place and then hoover the freshly greened or ballasted track on low-ish power to catch the loose materials and be able to re-use them at a later point. If i recall correctly that stuff can be pricey.
Charlie! :) This was yet another great video, and what a progress it shows! The devil is in the details you manage to get in, and an awsome job you do! Thomas, aka GWR Norway
Some brilliant advice on this one Charlie. You've provided some great insight into rail side furniture that I hadn't considered along with the appropriate weeds. Great stuff and many thanks for sharing the method as well. A top job Charlie.
That makes a huge difference to the look of the layout, it’s so much closer to the real thing. It’s amazing to me how much “stuff” there is alongside and in between the tracks. I admit I hadn’t thought of painting the surface mounted point motors and turning them into a clump of bushes, so I’ll have to give that a go shortly, you’re an inspiration! Cheers Charles.
It looks great! These finishing touches are great to see placed, so seeing the clutter will be great. That's one of the reasons why I want to, almost, switch to HO from N scale.
What a great video and great timing for me as I'm at that same stage with my layout. I've watched so many of your videos Charlie it's like I know you which is great because I model on my own. You give me the inspiration to keep going. I've seen you at a few shows now but I'll try and get the courage to say hello at the next one. Keep the video's coming and thank you.
Thanks Charlie another great video with plenty to inspire and motivate.
Glad you enjoyed it Kriso, it took 3 days to create and film! Regards Charlie for
@@ChadwickModelRailway you can clearly see your hard work. But it pays off. I have enjoyed every video of yours. Thanks again for all your inspiration, insight and wisdom. It’s great to see that you are happy to show your mistakes. Makes the modelling that bit more accessible to all levels
Found it interesting that you just used scatter and not static grass, you still made hillside and side of track very realistic.
I think the static grass looks far better when close to the edge Eamon. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, I personally liked the plowed paddock on the hillside.
Thanks,hope we see Branch line part 3.👏👍
It should be out on Friday Dom.
Regards Charlie
To protect backscene when plastering or painting I use the liners from cereal packets split open and slipped between the board and backscene. Being opaque you can see them. Never failed yet and it’s free!
Now that’s a great idea BB, many thanks regards Charlie
Great tip @broxbourme22 I always save the box for scratch builds but recycle the inners. Not any more. Just starting Version 8 of the layout in the garage. This tip will come in handy. Thanks.
On Cobalt iP Digital turnout motors you can Activate Self-Centering :
1. Put the switch into the “SET” position.
2. Set the address to 199.
Then reprogram
Not as easy as tortoise but it can be done.
Thanks Toots most helpful.
Regards Charlie
Something that may be worth considering in the final product is that when a train is at a station, it will never lock its doors unless the signal ahead is clear. (Unless of course the train is not in passenger service.) Therefore, it may be worth adding a 30 - 40 second delay between the signal clearing and the train departing as this allows time for the guard to close the doors and (with permission from the dispatcher if there is one) dispatch the train.
Note that this is the process used today, I don't know if this is what they did in the 70s but may still be worth considering. :)
Nice video 👍
I was somewhat aware of the delay, though not so lengthy. However, if I did that in a video people would be soon signing off! Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Certainly! The scene's really coming along though. 👍
I had never heard of the idea of keeping superglue in the fridge before. Always used to annoy me having to throw almost full bottles away.
Since I’ve been using the fridge, I haven’t thrown a bottle out in months. Regards, Charlie.
I love Friday evenings. I get a chance to watch Charlie’s videos. I admire your enthusiasm and competence. So enjoyable.
It’s comments such as yours, that make the whole thing worthwhile. Regards, Charlie.
I agree with this, except for me it is early Saturday morning as I am in Australia :).
@@MrAsBBB i couldn’t agree more. I also love Charlie down to earth approach and humour.
Hello Charlie! Great to see that scene developing nicely! 😎
The Mr Evason is a very clever chap indeed. He is also one of the nicest chaps you could want to meet. He is also fond of biscuits which is why I try to remember to bring some when I know he’s going to be at an exhibition as it’s a nice way to pass the time with a brew and a chin-wag 😅
Interesting you used Chinchilla sand. I was recommended it for use in yard areas to mix with coal dust to create a realistic ash and clinker coloured covering for yard areas. Even today in our yard at Shoeburyness much of the carriage sidings still give off an aroma of old coal and every now and then you’ll find a lump of the stuff! In fact, our yard has probably got about a dozen different grades and sizes of gravel in various patches and batches as ad-hoc repairs have taken place! 😄
Cheers mate, have a great week! 🍻🍀😉
Thanks Tim, for an interesting comment. Yes Dan is a delightful chap who is always cheerful.
Regards Charlie
Love the superglue tip now I have an excuse for a beer fridge in the model room 😆
“Stick” to your guns WS.
Regards Charlie
Beer fridge in the new garage/train room. Great idea. Thanks for that.
An honest remark: when viewing your "transforming this to this" opening piece, along with your closing footage, I experienced a happy moment where I was transported back to the South Wales DMU services that ran through Merthyr Vale - my local station - when I was a boy in the 1970s. Superb scenery and camerawork, Charlie.
I like the attention to detail. My latest obsession is getting steam loco lamp codes correct.
Thanks Stephen, that’s very kind of you to say so. Happier times. Regards, Charlie.
Came back to this video again to check on the Hobby Craft paint. I went to our local Hobby Craft store (only one in the Scottish Highlands) and bought out their entire stock of brown. (All 3 bottles) and some green. I agree Charlie, good bargain price paint but lets keep it to ourselves (model railway community) because if Hobby Craft get word of it, they'll hike the price. lol. Great vid as always.
A good move, Bobby, I have loads of the stuff. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, just catching up with your videos.
I do hope that you enjoy them, David. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, I will and appreciate you taking the time to reply. I do hope you hit the 100k soon. I spread the news where I can.
Nice work Charlie, impressive results.
Thanks tacticmoror That’s very much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
I tend to use a battery powered hand held vacuum cleaner, rather than a full size unit, especially for ballasting clean-up. That way, I can re-use the product and reduce waste.
I still reuse the ballast Clem, just collected with a nylon stocking. Regards, Charlie.
If you put some nylon over the end of the "hoover" nozzle you can recover some material.
Yes, Ashley, that’s what I did with a piece of fabric. Regards, Charlie.
Coloured grout also works well on the sess if you apply dry then spray with water to cause it to harden.
Thanks, Darren, are useful tip. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent tutorial Charlie, all I would add is to be careful of what you place (i.e. AWS ramps) in the 4 foot, there will be more than one loco that has low clearance and gives it a whack. Especially when using Kadee's. ATB.
Thanks, HDP, an excellent observation. Regards, Charlie.
Nice work, look forward to the next installment. All the best for the 100K chase.
Thanks Andrew, but it’s still a long way off. Regards Charlie
Nice one Charlie, it certainly does a transformation. Just a small thing - I thought the Cess was the trackside drainage ditch not the path for the platelayers.
See you next time, Phil.
I don’t believe so Phil, otherwise there would be one on both sides. I’ll try and include a construction image in the next video. Regards Charlie
We're watching from CT USA . Completely enjoy your vlogs each week. My husband is building an HO layout AGAIN 😅! We watch you and Boomer Diorama faithfully and get lots of ideas. Thanks Charlie
Thanks Mary, so pleased that you both enjoy my channel. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
I was interested about what you were saying about the storage of superglue in the fridge, and I want to add one extra thing. When you first open your superglue, add a little cooking oil to the thread that holds the one part of the cover to the other part. As superglue will not glue to an oily surface, it will keep the covers from sticking to each other and thus making the glue unusable and then having to throw it away. I do this and have no trouble at all.
Regards, Paul.
Many thanks, Paul, for such a useful tip. Regards, Charlie.
Great vid, Charlie with lots of tips. Cant speak about the MTB motors but you can set Cobalt digital and analog point motors to a centre position. For the analogs that I use, you just apply power then turn it off when the switch blades are at the centre position. For the digitals, you can reset the cv address to 199 (I think) and that will set the switch blades to dead centre.
Yes, FF, you’re dead right about the cobalts. Regards, Charlie.
Another great and inspiring video Charlie. Suggestion for the empty area between the passenger platform line (Platform 2?) and the goods yard - how about leaving the impression of sleepers in the ballast to allude to a lifted run around loop from steam days? Maybe also very rusty and overgrown track that was never lifted.
It’s interesting that you should suggest that Jose, it has occurred to me also. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, another enjoyable video.
I was going to suggest covering the 2 surface point motors with a couple of redundant van bodies or BD type containers, but what you've done has worked well.
Thanks Douglas, sometimes the simplest answer works out quite well. Regards, Charlie.
I really enjoyed that video. If i had used Superglue, i would still be stuck to the layout. Thanks for sharing, Charlie 👍
ThanksJeff, so pleased that you found it interesting. Be careful of your superglue, regards Charlie.
The very light green field gives the impression of a field bathed in sunshine - was that intended?
It occurred to me you could put numbers on the relay cabinets and retaining walls to indicate the point numbers, as in real life. However, if they were to scale, they'd probably be unreadable, so maybe a silly idea!
You’re right about the colour of the field Hugh, it’s something I shall have to work on. Regards, Charlie.
With the background picture having lighter green grass there should be a hedge or blending between the hill and the background it looks very stark like the sun is shining in the background but not the foreground
Yes indeed. I can add the hedge now that the field scenic has dried. Regards Charlie
I love the signal box being strategically placed over the points, giving the appearance that the Permanent Way staff have absolute possession of the track section. Another informative and interesting video Charlie.
Thanks, David, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos. Regards, Charlie.
Good video Charlie, great to see somebody NOT using static grass for a change, I still think ordinary flock looks better in a lot of cases.
I think you’re right, static grass looks best at the very front of the layout. Regards, Charlie.
Great video charlie chadwick was an amazing layout before but when we start adding the tweeks and scenery it makes it come to life just been doing the same to beighton parkway what’s next for chadwick it will be great what ever it is take care mate
Best wishes
Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Thanks Kev, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. It’s great to have you onboard, regards Charlie.
Good to see someone else finds a good use for those empty coffee jars!
Yes, easy to view the contents too S69.
Regards Charlie
Always enjoy my Saturday morning breakfast with a cappuccino watching your videos Charlie. The layout is looking great. Been watching your videos for a few years now, so looking forward to watching the layout evolve. Rgds from Down Under.
Thanks Stewart, I’m so pleased to give you an enjoyable start to your day. Regards, Charlie.
Another excellent video Charlie. I had a thought about the larger areas. You could mix in small green material so when you ballast the area there is the faint idea of weeds growing. You might be able to do this when you ballast track which has lower usage in some sidings. Thanks again Charlie and I love the mixture of topics.
Thanks Don, rest assured there will be grass and weeds added in the fullness of time. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for the fabby and useful video. Having worked in railway maintenance, (not signalling) and also in all sorts of places, the cabinets are called "location cases" often shortened to "locs" pronounced as per the first part of the proper name. The cabinet at the left hand side in the Castle Cary shot is actually in the fence line and is a power supply cabinet with doors at the back behind the fenceline to allow Distributed Network Operators (DNOs) access to their equipment such as supply cable, meters and tails mounted on one side of the board inside. The other doors are for railway maintenance staff to access their distribution switchgear and outgoing cables. (Pedantic mode off).
Thanks for the information, Philip.
As for the cabinet pronunciation, I use the shoe manufacturer Loakes.
Regards, Charlie
That's exactly how we've done our layout, too! Sometimes, I use a bit of diluted PVA on those little bushes, which secures them better. Grab your wife's tea strainer for a larger area! Clean it, then put it back; she will never know! Cheers from Aus!
Thanks KV, clever minds think alike, hopefully ! Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, I used to work in the machine shop At Westinghouse Brake and Signal. The Peco point motor boxes are quite reminiscent of the ones they made. 😊
Oh, perhaps the West Hill Wagon Works ones are of a newer design.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I would imagine so. I'm going back to the 1970's and beyond. Best regards John.
Goodness me Charlie. You are a true artist with your clever use of various materials. I can’t wait to see trains running around your layout once again. Thanks for sharing and encouraging so many people.
Thanks Tony, it’s comments such as yours and make it all worthwhile. Regards, Charlie.
Well Charlie, you inspire such confidence in us to give it a go…..as a new modeller I’m really impressed in this retaining wall surface as the continuation or seamless expanse of the brickwork looks so realistic. Is this covered in one of the videos? Many thanks for your skill, generosity in sharing and encouragement.
Rest assured Tony, it is in one of my previous videos, but you will have to hunt for it I’m afraid. The walls are made by Noch, and are freely available on the market. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Chad. Where you use PVA, use Liquatex Matt medium. See what you think of the end results. (It doesn't break away after 5 to 10yrs down the line, either). Your layout is coming alive now. Nice work.
Thanks Mel, but I’ve never heard of that product. I shall see if it’s available in the UK. Regards, Charlie.
Hoddycraft sell it. (Online too). It's not cheep though.@@ChadwickModelRailway
Ultra informative as usual. I can’t help but imagine you got your schooling on how to be so instructive, from Blue Peter. No insult intended, you are just very informative and take time to ensure you get the correct information across to us eager learners. I look forward to receiving each of your posts. Keep up the good work. Regards Nick from NZ. ( Originally from Cheshire)
Thanks Nick, that’s really kind of you to say so. Good luck with your project, regards Charlie.
Nice work Charlie!
It would be nice to see a team of three S&T men walking along the troughing to one of your location cases… Remember they should be wearing mini-vests over pale blue bib and brace and dust jackets; full orange PPE with reflective strips wasn’t a thing until the 90’s! One of them will be the Lookout, so will need a set of flags with him.
Also, how about having a spare stock and switch rail sitting on wooden baulks somewhere near one of your junction points? It would be there as a spare particularly where heavy switch wear might be encountered.
The lineside hut is actually a lamp-mans hut - given you will have all colour light signalling, I would suggest this is made to look redundant!
How about a Wickham Trolley for your Perway staff to get about on? I think they were still in use during your models era, but others more knowledgeable may be able to advise better.
As S&T we would tend to walk along the cable troughing - we weren’t supposed to but when carrying bags of tools, etc, it made for an easier walk to the site of work, rather than walking on ballast which is quite uncomfortable underfoot, even with good safety boots on.
I would love to see a modern panel box controlling your signalling - I think I did send you some photos of such some time ago. Easy enough to scratch-build rather than use one of the proprietary examples, I would have thought?
Nice to see your superb layout coming to life - keep up the good work!
As your tame S&T adviser, I shall continue to input advice where I am able to!
Best wishes from Wirral.
Many thanks, Darren, your advice is very much appreciated. I shall look into acquiring suitably attired staff, and also the provision of trackwork spares. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
What a great transformation, Charlie. That area looks great. When I get to the ballasting stage, I’m thinking of trying chinchilla sand, but failing that, I’ll be using the WS Fine ballast. I’m in N scale.
Hi Ron, I do hope you can find the right coloured chinchilla sand. Regards Charlie.
Keep your super glue in the freezer - it doesn't freeze and there is less moisture in the freezer - moisture is what causes your glue to cure in the tube/jar.
Thanks for the tip mate, I was using just the fridge. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant.and it's really coming on , another thing you could add to the track is wheel flange greese machines, at my heritage railway I've been taught to service these , and to explain what the do for those who are wondering, as a train goes along the wheel hits a push button that realises some grease ( held in a drum by the track side ) on to the train wheel flanges.
That’s interesting Ian, I wonder if anyone makes such a device.
Regards Charlie
Great idea!
@@ChadwickModelRailwayA bit of tubing and some stryrene will conjure one up, Charlie. You just need some good reference photos.
It occurred to me that you could hide the breaks in the retaining wall with some form of climbing plant (ivy?). If you dot the stuff around so it's not too regular, might make the place look more natural??
Also suggestion for a short - how about a discourse on Facing Point Locks, and maybe where to find some 4mm representations??
Thanks Neil, I’d also thought about putting some drainage pipes on the outside of the retaining wall. Regards, Charlie.
I absolutely love the dummy switch cables! I always find the ground and surrounding equipment fascinating when I’m on a train.
Thanks Joe, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
That little scene with the DMU departing looks pretty good in its new scenic environment.
On the subject of “Relay Boxes”. As a young S&T technician, I spent the first ten years of my railway career walking up and down railway lines in and out of them while tracing line faults for various phones and S&T equipment. Your logic in their placement is spot on Charlie. However, if you want to refer to the. By their proper names, they are Location Cases, Locs for short (pronounced as in “cloak” without the c).
Now, onto Cess walkways. In the days before around the 80s, it was rare for any kind of walkway to be provided in the cess and walkways that you refer to generally formed naturally in places were there was constant footfall from various railway staff. Incidentally, it’s not just p-way staff that ply the railway lines in the line of duty, but S&T staff, E&P staff amongst others. From about the early 80s, some attempts were starting to be made to provide walkways along the railways, one example I can think of was on the Brighton main line where walkways were constructed alongside trough routes (and well done for getting that right, many modellers incorrectly refer to it as trunking). But even on the Brighton main line, those routes weren’t maintained and fell into disrepair, disappearing into undergrowth or getting buried by the p-way in subsequent track renewals. So I think the Chairman of Chadwick Railways is a very kind and thoughtful manager to be providing his external workers with nice cess walkways 😁
And I see that someone else has already mentioned that it’s easy to set a DCC Concepts Cobalt iP Digital point motor to centre by programming it to reserved code 199.
Finally, I’ve created a lift out board on my railway. I’ve used ModelTech’s ProTrack Aligners, they’re really easy to use, especially if you use them in conjunction with DCC Concepts alignment dowels. You can create a board that fits out easily and when you put it back into place, the tracks align perfectly.
That’s it from me this time Charlie. Looking forward to seeing the continuation of the scenery on this area of your layout. Take care mate.
Hi Bryan,
I do hope that all is well with you.
Many thanks for your detailed comment.
So, Relay Cabinets are known as Locs.
Pronounced Loakes, as in the shoe manufacturer.
That will confuse everyone.
I do have those ProTrack board aligners, perhaps I should use then on the branch line board joints.
My cess “look” is getting there but still not perfect.
Only time will tell.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, I’m doing well since my Op on 19th June. Another week or two of healing before I can get under my boards to continue the build but definitely getting there ! Yes Locs as in Loakes ! Not that I’ve heard of that shoe maker before ! If you’d like to see any photos of my lift-out board just let me know 🙂
Hi Bryan,
I was also an S&T technician from 1980 until 1988 on WCML at Willesden junction and Watford Junction and was similar comment. Also agree the cess was just the area at either side of the tracks, no fancy walkways.
We called them Location Boxes. We also used bright orange tubes for the track circuit and point wiring that went under the tracks as Charlie has done elsewhere. Also the AWS's were yellow. With brown rust dust around magnet area for the old ones and never saw a black one.
Thanks for your comment muskrat.
Regarding AWS does it stand for automatic warning system or audible warning system? Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailwayAutomatic Warning System.
Hallo Charlie, have you ever seen Luke Towan? I beleve you did. He is a master in making diorama's, I have learnd a lot of him working on my layout. Great video again.
Yes, Burt, I do follow Luke‘s channel. He clearly is a god amongst Modellers. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. Thanks for another lovely scenic update on your super layout.
Thanks Rose, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards Charlie
What a difference - marvellous.
Thanks Nigel, it’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Love it thanks for your video
You’re most welcome, Darren. Regards, Charlie.
Hi again Charlie
What a difference.
So realistic.
A bit fiddly but well worth it.
Thanks
Stay safe.
Howard
Thanks Howard, is a real step forward.
Regards Charlie
Looks fantastic Charlie! Amazing what results you get when you combine different techniques. I'll be honest I'm one of the nervous ones when it comes to ballasting especially has my shunting layout has a lot of points but I think I just need to take my time with it all.
I do understand you concern bill. However, if you ballast first thing in the morning, it gives you the whole day to exercise the points to make sure they don’t become too stuck. Regards, Charlie.
Great inspiration Charlie. one of my favorite go to's for ideas.
Glad you liked it, that’s most kind.
On our old Club layout, if we needed to span over a register or similar duct work, we'd stand up some steep terrain in front of it, to higher than eyeline. This would then get a bunch of trees of the like to where you could not see down into the thing. We also would bend a metal mesh basket to fit the hole, so that nothing was likely to fall in and foul the ventilation (a lesson learnt the hard way).
That’s an interesting strategy, Captain Mac. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie…your layout looks absolutely fantastic,the details make all the difference.it always brings back memories of being a child gazing through the toy shop window at the layout you could never achieve.
Gives me great pleasure watching your progress.
Thanks David, it’s great to have you onboard for the ride. Regards Charlie
Blimey; that has really made the railway come alive Charlie. As for 'stealing' ideas - I prefer 'share'. After all, we all do it all the time!
Yes, indeed Beatle fan, we share the love. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks
Thanks MrAsBBB, that’s exceptionally generous of you. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Regards Charlie
Great work Charlie ! Another inspirational video! Love it when there’s an update from Chadwick 👍
Thanks Alan, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
I love to see actual, physical progress on your layout, and you have given us that with this superb update. Thanks, Eric.
Thanks Eric, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
The detail is what makes the layout. Very nice.
Thanks, Steve, you’re bang on the money. Regards, Charlie.
Highly impressive, Charlie! You set a high standard!
Thanks Steve, that's most kind. Regards Charlie
I'd add some foliage hanging over the far scenery and then down the embankment wall to the ground as well.
I’m onto it Steve. Regards Charlie
Charlie, great progress on the scenics.
I am not sure if you stole Dan's idea, but it is pretty much all over the model railway internet, that when doing a scene, you need to have at least 5 different colours / textures to make the scene look realistic, so great job, yours looks amazing along those walls.
You are, as always very inspirational in your progress, thank you for sharing, and take care, cheers, Michael
Thanks Micheal, what Dan really did was to give me a nudge to get on with it. Regards Charlie
As always great video, such a change from basic board to plenty of colour and people forget the amount of clutter and detailing that is track side.
Thanks QJ, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant Charlie, amazing how some ballast and a little bit of greenery can transform a scene 👏👏
Thanks M6500 , I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, "unthrown" and "thrown" turnouts are referred to as "Normal" and "Reverse" respectively. Trackside cabinets are called "Location" cabinets or "Lokes (locs)" colloquially.
Thanks Holly, I was aware of the cabinet terminology.
Regards, Charlie
I'm sure there is regional variation, but the 'cess (an abbreviation of recess) in the east of England was always made of cinders, of which there was of course no shortage in steam days. There's plenty available in model form too and the contrast with clean ballast looks good.
That’s a fair point, Kieth, but in the west country always seems to be light grey. Regards, Charlie.
I only like the classic signals that from the past
Sadly, Tom, time had moved on. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. Have followed the progress on your layout from episode 1 ( although I must admit I was,a latecomer and only found your channel about 18 months ago) . I have been a railway modeller since 1963 ( on and off when other things have taken precedence) and I have to say that you have certainly inspired me to continue building my layout ( 12ft6 x 10ft6 in my spare room) now that I have at last retired from full time employment. Even though I only operate on DC I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the progress you are making on what will become a superb layout, Western region in all it's glory in the 80,s ( I am Western region steam/ green diesel era). I look forward to the notifications and have subscribed by the way. I know this is a long term project but am looking forward to seeing the layout improve with every episode, even the hints and tips such as airbrushing are very interesting ( love the bloopers, think we all do them and it is so amusing to see them, makes my day). The way you put things over and explain exactly what you are doing/ have done is brilliant, even seasoned modellers can learn from you. Best wishes for the future and keep up the good work,. May even cross paths at an exhibition somewhere in the S West one day where I shall shake your hand and say thank you for the entertainment and giving everyone the opportunity to join you in the wonderful world of Railway Modelling. Long may it continue.
All the best Alan Jones
Thanks Alan, it’s comments such as yours that make the whole thing worthwhile. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie ref AWS ramps i don't know if you are aware but some Hornby locos come with water scoops fitted to the bottom of the tenders do know if these AWS'S sit low enough to clear the scoops just a thought. I use sifted budgie grit of a certain colour. Well its all looking good Charlie and i will be ballasting my layout with in a week or so. another great video Charlie looking forward to the next one. Thank you
Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Fortunately, I have no steam locos with water scoops. Regards, Charlie.
Wow Charlie, that looks really good now
Thanks Tez, yes it really has improved.
Regards Charlie.
Wow - looking good. Perhaps next time you are using white paint, place a dab on the bottom screws holding the L brackets on the shelf above. The brackets merge with your backdrop but the screws catch your eye.
A good point Bob, regards Charlie
the layout is looking really good
Thanks Fred, it’s great to have you onboard for the ride. Regards Charlie
well done Charlie a masterclass in scenics
Thanks HR, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
As always looking 👍
Thanks Jacko, that’s most kind.
Regards Charlie
Loved it Charlie, and you never got stuck once 🙂👍
Thanks Alan, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
It looks beautiful Charlie !!!
Thanks Kraig, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
A great transformation Charlie, the running scene was excellent you must be very pleased.
I was thinking about what you might put in that abandoned area and I don't recall seeing a platelayers hut elsewhere on the layout, is there one somewhere? How did the cess work out in the end?
All the best!!
I’m still struggling with the area myself, David.
As for the cess, not so good. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, always amazed at how much difference the detail makes.
Thanks Kev, yes it makes a world of difference. Regards, Charlie.
As usual an interesting video with tons of tips.
With super glue, I find putting a drop on a Pringles lid or something similar enables the glue to be used with a cocktail stick. Less risk of knocking the bottle over and it will stay useable for quite some time. Once the glue goes off just bend the Pringles to and it comes off,
I do the same Glen, putting superglue onto polythene. Regards, Charlie.
Great video, as usual, Charlie. Just in time for me to start some ballasting and scenery. Of course I have a long way to go. - Chris
I’m sure it will work out just fine vagabond. Regards, Charlie.
Looks great. sorry I didn't get down to the show I had family to see to
Family first Steven, perhaps next time.
Regards, char
Brilliant Charlie, your such an inspiration. 🤓
Thanks Edward, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie.
Great vlog. Love seeing you do your scenics.
Thanks for sharing buddy.
Thumbs up thumped 👍
.... Pete....
Thanks Pete, that’s most kind.
Regards Charlie
Nice Video - a little bit of work makes a huge difference! Cheers and thank you...
Thanks, Greg, as most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Amazing what a bit of scenic work does to the layout. It’s certainly worth the time to do it. Thanks again for sharing your ideas. Getting motivation to get on with mine now. Just need the time. Roy.
Thanks Roy, I’m so pleased that i’ve provided a little inspiration. Regards, Charlie.
[looks, great]🙏
Thanks, GK, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Wonderful work. I can see how I can make some improvements with my primitive setup, so thanks for another great video.
Thanks Richard, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.
This layout becomes more alive with every video, very interesting watch as usual.
Also I forgot if this was a tip from you but I remember someone just putting like a cheap fine pantyhose in the vacuum hose, then add the extension piece to keep it in place and then hoover the freshly greened or ballasted track on low-ish power to catch the loose materials and be able to re-use them at a later point. If i recall correctly that stuff can be pricey.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, Consequator. Yes, I have used that recycling method in the past. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
Charlie! :)
This was yet another great video, and what a progress it shows! The devil is in the details you manage to get in, and an awsome job you do!
Thomas, aka GWR Norway
Thanks Thomas, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Some brilliant advice on this one Charlie. You've provided some great insight into rail side furniture that I hadn't considered along with the appropriate weeds. Great stuff and many thanks for sharing the method as well. A top job Charlie.
Thanks, Antony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Regards, Charlie.
That makes a huge difference to the look of the layout, it’s so much closer to the real thing. It’s amazing to me how much “stuff” there is alongside and in between the tracks. I admit I hadn’t thought of painting the surface mounted point motors and turning them into a clump of bushes, so I’ll have to give that a go shortly, you’re an inspiration! Cheers Charles.
Thanks Charles, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards, Charlie.
Another great video Charlie!!! Thanks again for sharing! Cheers Onno.
Thanks Onno, I particularly enjoyed making this one as well. Regards, Charlie.
It looks great! These finishing touches are great to see placed, so seeing the clutter will be great. That's one of the reasons why I want to, almost, switch to HO from N scale.
Thanks, Andrew, but I feel your pain about switching gauges.
Regards, Charlie.
Thank you Charlie.
You’re most welcome, John. Regards, Charlie.
You did a great job, it looks very realistic. It’s given me some ideas for some unfinished areas on my layout . Thanks
Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.
Great video - it's nice to see your layout from different angles I've not seen before
Thanks Gaz, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
What a great video and great timing for me as I'm at that same stage with my layout. I've watched so many of your videos Charlie it's like I know you which is great because I model on my own. You give me the inspiration to keep going. I've seen you at a few shows now but I'll try and get the courage to say hello at the next one. Keep the video's coming and thank you.
Thanks Robert, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Please do come over and say hello the next time you spot me. Regards, Charlie.