Catching a few moments

 I have struggled to find time and motivation to sit at my workbench for any length of time. A consequence of this is that the layout has really been neglected. I gave myself a day to myself and set about doing some small jobs on the layout. I have received some new rolling stock and items that can be used on the layout.

Coaches


I managed to secure a new Indian Red Lynton and Barnstaple styled compartment coach to match the brake coach. I have been looking for suitable carriages to replace the European style coaches that I repainted over the summer. This will form the second main rake on the line and they fit the aesthetic of the railway with a more uk based design and size. Ultimately, my rationalisation of the stock was intended to give my layout a more unified theme. This rake will help form backbone of services on the line. I can also use it for "Covid secure" services as it is a compartment coach. I feel that the Indian Red coaches look more appealing than the Southern examples that I used to own. 


The recent acquisition of the GVT and Talyllyn coaches have allowed me to form a rake of short wheelbase coaches. They, again, are part of the intent to model a Welsh layout. The short wheelbase carriages fit with every locomotive on the layout and can be used to give the impression of a much longer train. 


Sham





As you may have noticed, from the above image, Sham has finally entered working service on the layout. The Fleischmann chassis has had a full service and has been fitted beneath the body. I have turned her around so that the couplings can be used on stock. It also affords the opportunity for some interesting photos. The reason I have turned her around is because the drawhook on the front of the locomotive hangs a little low. It works fine in reverse, as the slope means the hook is always slightly higher than the loop. This means things stay attached. I plan to exchange the current coupler with a Greenwich example when I manage to get hold of some new ones. You will probably have noticed that there is a hole in the bufferbeam where the brake pipes should be. These are due to be replaced soon. It is pleasing to think that this locomotive, which I initially bought for £10 has become such a fitting member of the fleet.

Living things

I managed to get hold of a job-lot of figures for the layout and immediately set about adding them to the layout. The pack consisted of some farm animals which have been added to the paddock on the western side of the layout and some railway staff that have been added to some of the locomotives and dotted around the station. I now have a guard on platform 1 giving the right away to the driver of the train. There is also a wild pig that I am going to position around the layout. I have dubbed it the Phantom Picnic Thief of North Wales. It may not keep that moniker.












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