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19th December 2024
We were recently pleased to welcome friends and fellow collaborators for a social gathering, among them Gerry Beale, who took a number of photos of some of his own exquisite stock on Kingswear rails, some of which we reproduce here. At least one of these will be appearing shortly in Model Railway Journal. The level of modelling speaks for itself, and does look entirely at home in our Kingswear landscape. Modelled in EM gauge, so regrettably we were unable to run them, but they do nevertheless make an impressive sight. |
23rd September 2024
For various reasons, there has been a bit of a lull in activity on Kingswear this year, but happily things are now getting back on track.
Our main focus has been the footbridge which dominates the station scene, and we are indeed fortunate to have Nigel Smith working on this for us. We have the original engineer’s drawings for this structure, which Nigel is following closely, albeit with some minor modifications to fit the slightly compressed nature of the layout compared with the real location.
23rd September 2024
For various reasons, there has been a bit of a lull in activity on Kingswear this year, but happily things are now getting back on track.
Our main focus has been the footbridge which dominates the station scene, and we are indeed fortunate to have Nigel Smith working on this for us. We have the original engineer’s drawings for this structure, which Nigel is following closely, albeit with some minor modifications to fit the slightly compressed nature of the layout compared with the real location.
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We have been looking at our locomotive stock, and working on some new engines. This is the most recent Pannier tank, No 6419, a Bachmann body with a High Level chassis, re-painted from BR to GWR livery and now awaiting final weathering by Neil.
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The other major project has been to begin making up a set of carriages to represent the ‘Torbay Express. We had some Hornby Hawksworths which have now been beautifully weathered by Neil Podbery, and have added a number of Rocar and Studley vehicles, to produce what we hope will be a reasonably representative rake, for our period (circa 1947).
This is a ‘posed’ photo, pending some final detailing, couplings, corridor connections etc., which we hope to undertake over the coming winter. The engine is an Accurascale ‘Manor’, re-wheeled to P4, with dummy frames added from Comet. |
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Good progress has been made on the footbridge, with four of the support pillars now built, and the first set of steps almost complete.
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Here's a shot of our first 'Grange', with a new Comet chassis, awaiting a re-paint into GWR livery. We also hope to do something in due course about the slightly inaccurate Comet design of cylinder and slide bar assembly.
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Some of these carriages needed populating, as per the following pics.
This is again the work of Neil Podbery and shows just what can be achieved. The original figures are, I think, from Preiser, or similar, and come in a pack of 100 or so for next to nothing, but are completely unusable in their initial state for any railway with Finescale pretensions! We were going to throw them away, but… The transformation is a remarkable testament to Neil’s painting skills. |
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View from just above the footbridge steps, with the new No 6419 ready to take a local train north, towards Paignton
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15th January 2024
Good progress lately with only a few jobs to complete the task. The only visual component missing now is the platform footbridge which Nigel has made a good start on. Other than that, it's a question of going through a snagging list which includes the placing of sheets of foamboard above the backscene panels and painting the various sections sky blue.
Neil wants to fill in a few blanks of his own on the scenic section, and perhaps a few more small boats around the Waterhead Creek area would look prototypical. Beyond that it's a question of bringing the rolling stock collection up to speed, and I am currently working on a Grange class engine, with a few more of the larger 4-6-0 variants in the pipeline.
Here are a few photos to catch up with for now......
Neil wants to fill in a few blanks of his own on the scenic section, and perhaps a few more small boats around the Waterhead Creek area would look prototypical. Beyond that it's a question of bringing the rolling stock collection up to speed, and I am currently working on a Grange class engine, with a few more of the larger 4-6-0 variants in the pipeline.
Here are a few photos to catch up with for now......
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Prairie tank 4569, approaching Platform 2 with a local service. This is the third of our recently acquired Prairies, here in charge of a 'B Set' representing a local service, perhaps from Newton Abbott. In reality, 'B Sets' were rarely, if ever, seen at Kingswear, but these Rocar carriages are just too good not to be included.
As described in our main website entry of 22nd August last, with tank sides now freshly re-painted, insignia re-applied and crew assigned, this engine is now in service. A short video clip of this movement has been uploaded to our You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/@kingswearinp414/videos |
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‘Alacrity’, now securely at her moorings on the quayside. The coal train has been split in two for loading, and the loaded wagons seen here will be drawn back into a siding and replaced with the remaining empties from the adjacent road. They are loaded in turn before the train is re-combined prior to its departure for Torquay Gasworks.
Gordon Gravett’s superb dockside cranes are in position, but in need of some minor remedial work to their operating cables following many years in storage. |
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Side view of the same scene in B/W
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The ‘Torbay’ in its overnight accommodation in Hoodown Sidings, where it will be cleaned and re-provisioned in preparation for the return working to Paddington in the morning.
Only seven carriages here, we aim to have eight eventually, which can just about fit in! In practice, no more than ten coaches normally ran through to Kingswear, and often one or two less. Much weathering work remains to be done on this train, with the aim of achieving the composition of a more prototypical mix of carriage stock in due course. We now have various fisherman figures ready, four Model-u, one white metal, all exquisitely rendered by Neil Podbery, waiting to take their place on the scene. |
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9th September 2023
In our 5th January update, we showed a photo of Gordon Gravett's superb model of MV Alacrity, as featured in MRJ No.149, but in a very sorry state, having been accidentally dropped whilst in storage, before it came into our possession. We have since agonised over how on earth to begin restoring the vessel to anything like its original state but, in the end, needs must, so I set to with, I have to say, a strong degree of trepidation, knowing nothing at all of the mysteries of ships' rigging.
Both main masts had snapped, but I was able to effect repair using a brass rod of appropriate size inserted inside the tubular mast sections to hold them firmly together and this seems to have worked well.
The tangle of rigging was indeed a real nightmare, particularly for someone with zero knowledge of the art, but I eventually managed to sort out most of it and ended up only having to cut and reinstate a couple of lines. I guess I may have achieved round 90% accuracy at the end of the day, guided by the MRJ pics and the original detailed scale plan, but, to my eyes, it looks reasonably convincing. I await Gordon's opinion when next he visits...
A number of small components had been dislodged in the accident but, amazingly, most seemed to have been retrieved by Ed Casey and were present, with a couple of exceptions. One was the morse lamp, sited on top of the wheelhouse, which I have made up from an led bulb, guided by reference photos, and the other a hold vent, sourced from Cornwall Model Boats.
Here are the 'before' and 'after' pics:
In our 5th January update, we showed a photo of Gordon Gravett's superb model of MV Alacrity, as featured in MRJ No.149, but in a very sorry state, having been accidentally dropped whilst in storage, before it came into our possession. We have since agonised over how on earth to begin restoring the vessel to anything like its original state but, in the end, needs must, so I set to with, I have to say, a strong degree of trepidation, knowing nothing at all of the mysteries of ships' rigging.
Both main masts had snapped, but I was able to effect repair using a brass rod of appropriate size inserted inside the tubular mast sections to hold them firmly together and this seems to have worked well.
The tangle of rigging was indeed a real nightmare, particularly for someone with zero knowledge of the art, but I eventually managed to sort out most of it and ended up only having to cut and reinstate a couple of lines. I guess I may have achieved round 90% accuracy at the end of the day, guided by the MRJ pics and the original detailed scale plan, but, to my eyes, it looks reasonably convincing. I await Gordon's opinion when next he visits...
A number of small components had been dislodged in the accident but, amazingly, most seemed to have been retrieved by Ed Casey and were present, with a couple of exceptions. One was the morse lamp, sited on top of the wheelhouse, which I have made up from an led bulb, guided by reference photos, and the other a hold vent, sourced from Cornwall Model Boats.
Here are the 'before' and 'after' pics:
8th September 2023
In response to the photos we posted here in our update of 5th January last, Trevor Pott, a good friend of the Kingswear project, has passed on to us some of his detailed knowledge and personal recollections which, as well as shedding some light on the two coaches in question as far as Kingswear is concerned, (circa 1947, give or take a couple of years) we felt may be of interest to modellers in general.
Trevor’s own inspirational EM gauge depiction of Churston in 1934 is featured in MRJ No. 232, and other issues, all of which can be found in the MRJ online index.
'I had a look at your Kingswear web site the other night and saw your item on the 'Bradford' train.
I can only think that is the 'Devonian' which ran from Bradford Foster Square to Paignton and sometimes Kingswear.
It varied not only over the seasons but over the years. It was claim to fame is that it wasn't really loved. The LMS did give it some importance but the GW treated it very poorly, almost as a secondary service.
It was suspended during hostilities and just after the war it had been reinstated but not to anything marvellous. It seems it was in the 50's it came back in any meaningful way.
The train left Bradford around 10.15 arr Paignton about 6/45. The return from Paignton was around 9.30. It didn't always go to K/Wr. In 30's it went to K/W but only three GWR coaches which got sent back to Paignton (Queen's Pk sidings?) and left there next day.
In summer there was a more complete train and in summers of the 1950's and was quite a train. I used to see it run down the Midland past my Aunty's house in Whitehall, Bristol. The return trip went via Filton Bank which I would see at Lawrence Hill on a school lunch break. It was double headed - two Black 5's or a Black 5 and a Jubilee.
The LMS PBV is unlikely to be a permanent part of a Dev (as we called it) formation. I don't know if you were thinking of the clerestory being in the train but I would very much doubt it.
There was an excellent article on the Devonian in 'Steam Days' August 1996.
The DG bus is superb. At one time to get to K/wr by bus meant having to get off the DG bus and change into a grey liveried Burton bus at Brixham bus station. This was basically the bus depot about where the bus stops now and near where a multi storey car park stood, which has now gone!’
‘Michael (Mike Casey) had a train of all LMS coaches all 3rd Class that he said was an excursion. It had a diner that had 6 w bogies. I can't recall if it had the PBV. The whole train I thought was an unlikely event though there is nothing to say it really was for Torquay and Paignton and ran through to Kingswear, but to have a big dining car in it always made me wonder.
As you say Michael was a stickler for getting it right, apart from the additional platform! Excursions such as he had could be a River Dart round robin style trip, stock would go back to Paignton and Glendenon Valley (Goodrington Sands) sidings when they were completed.
Between the wars and up to the mid 50's in Bristol and poss Bath the railway canvassers (reps) would go around the local schools and flog parts of excursion trains organised for kiddies 9 to 11 to visit London Zoo (despite Btl having a vg one that the Taffs came to by Monkey Specials), also to Windsor Castle with a boat trip and a Dart river trip. It included any road transfers and food. Schools would take up a portion of the train and tickets sold, about 5/0d a child.
I did London Zoo and the Dart, which I enjoyed best. We went from Stapleton Road to Totnes, then marched to the Quay where we took the Dart steamer to Kingswear. I recall the kids made the boat rock from side to side when docking at the station pontoon and we were told to stay still. The train had been brought round from Totnes and we then went to Paignton for tea and some free time before getting the train back to Stapleton Road. I recall it was a bloody good day out. I don't recall the engines, maybe Halls, though one normal Sunday excursion to Paignton I remember a County which tugged at the train most of the time. Not sure what happened to the engines, they may gone back to NA.
The LMS PBV could go in any train as tail traffic - bringing naval items from somewhere on the LMS for Britannia College. I use the college and Navy and Phillips Yard for all number of excuses to run odd not normal stock! Micas and Fruits for viteling navy ships.’
22nd August 2023
Some more progress has been made, so it's time to post a few images, but there are are also a few new Youtube clips to be played (links to follow)
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The latest addition to our Kingswear loco stud.
Small Prairie No. 4569 arrived, courtesy of our friend Ed Casey, securely packed in its original box, with builder’s label showing it as having been built by Malcolm Mitchell in 1991. Originally analogue, of course, but after installation of decoder, speaker and stay-alive capacitor, it ran perfectly first time round the main line from Kingswear station through Britannia and out towards Greenway. A short video has been posted on our You Tube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kingswearinp414/videos. Now awaiting a partial re-paint, refreshed insignia, replacement of its original number plate and then crew, before re-entering service. |
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Rake of 20 coal wagons, commissioned by Mike Casey specifically for Kingswear and, we are told, painstakingly researched in order to be authentic for the period and location. Depicted as ‘pool’ wagons, as at the end of World War II, heavily weathered and with an ingeniously simple method of removable coal loads.
We know that long coal trains, up to thirty wagons, were operated in and out of Kingswear, to supply Torbay Gasworks, with the train running into the main platform road initially, before being split in two for shunting onto the quayside for loading. So this will be an interesting operation in model form in due course. These wagons will join the 13 we already have, beautifully weathered by Neil Podbery, to make up the required length of train which, fortunately, just fits the capacity of our fiddle yard! |
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More Mike Casey wagons and vans of various descriptions, mostly commissioned for Kingswear but three of which, we understand, were built for the iconic ‘Heckmondwike’ layout of the mid 1970’s, created to establish the practicality of modelling in P4. We are indeed fortunate to have inherited some real modelling history.
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Also included in the stock now acquired from Ed Casey are these four kit/scratchbuilt ‘Toad’ brakevans, here in the charge of our elderly ‘Pannier tank. Come to think of it, might actually make for an interesting train!
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The build label for the latest 45 XX Prairie
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Quick view looking over the headland towards the South East
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Wharf side as seen with wagons, Toad and a local train in the platform
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21st May 2023
Just a quick update and the odd photo to show progress as we start to detail and clutter the place up with the items that bring the model to life. Figures, loads, boats and vehicles are starting to appear, not forgetting the seagulls! I'll start with a quick marine review, depicting the latest additions.....
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This recently completed fishing boat, "Pauline", courtesy of Brian McCulloch is a work of art in its own right, we really are delighted with it.
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Our new harbour tug - a stunning build from an Artitec kit, again by Brian McCulloch, of Braeside models. We are indebted to Brian for this and two other vessels which now contribute to the maritime scene at Kingswear.
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The third of Brian's masterpieces is,"Bessie", a charmingly derelict and neglected sail boat, beached on the estuary bank.
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Bessie again in the foreground..... There has also been a long overdue resumption of works by the fencing contractor, with another section now complete alongside Hoodown sidings. This will eventually continue along from the Fore St overbridge by the station, heading North until the path eventually reaches the Higher Ferry crossing ramp.
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1. A pair of ‘Prairies' drawing the Torbay up the incline towards Greenway, on departure from Kingswear. This was not uncommon practice, with the tank engines taking the train as far as Newton Abbott, where a ‘Castle’ or ‘King’ would take over for the rest of the journey to Paddington. A short video clip of this operation will shortly be on our You Tube channel -https://www.youtube.com/@kingswearinp414
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Main platform lamps now in place, contributing to the nighttime atmosphere. Still some general clutter and detail to be added, but we’re getting there!
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Brown bogie newspaper van in Hoodown sidings, alongside the new run of fencing.
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Recent progress on the layout has included the installation of lamps on the main platform, and a station name board. (I will attend to the deformed post in due course), and I have an etched sign on order to replace the temporary photocopy!
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Looking over the rooftops towards the mouth of the Dart. The last major structure to add will be the station pedestrian overbridge. This is further along to the left, slopeing downwards from Fore Street to cross the platforms, ending at a staircase perched above the riverbank. We'll be making a start on its construction, adding a signal or two, and the layout will be basically finished.
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5th Jan 2023
Good progress lately, and we have been fortunate enough to acquire three engines, and a number of items of rolling stock, originally commissioned by Mike Casey for his epic Kingswear/Bodmin project. These masterpieces have now been restored to their spiritual home and our thanks go to Mike’s son, Ed, for his help and generosity. Along with a few other scenic and signalling additions, I thought I would just publish a small update, with photos. There's more in the pipeline, but it's too soon for any pics yet. For the time being then, here are the latest items.....
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Ed tells us that vehicles were only commissioned by his father on the basis of photographic evidence of their contemporary presence, i.e. in 1947, either at Kingswear or Bodmin. So these models are completely authentic for the location and period - unlike some of our pre-existing stock, which we may now have to re-evaluate! Small Prairie No 4316 was built by John Hayes, and just needs to be converted to DCC control.
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‘Blasius’, pausing by the Signal Box. Built by Ted Holloway, beautifully finished in wartime black, and appropriately weathered.
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A corridor clerestory brake third, built from a Mallard kit, and a Rocar LMS passenger brake van. The latter was apparently intended for an eventual Bradford train. Probably not enough years left for me now to build the remainder of the rake, but if anyone out there has information on the likely composition of that train, we would be very pleased to hear from you!
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A view of the newly installed careening berth, convincingly rendered with an air of decay and neglect appropriate to its having fallen into disuse over a period of years prior to our operational timeframe. Neil’s unerring eagle eye also spotted, in a fairly indistinct reference photo, a railing still remaining on one side of the platform, and this is now in place. Another nice little cameo scene.
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I’ve made a few signals now for Kingswear, but this is my first attempt at a bracket type, in our case with three arms. Quite a lot of work involved, using largely Wizard Models/MSE components. The main difficulty was in transferring the operating linkage to the two outer arms, which I’ve done using small cranks, doubled in thickness to give them a little more strength. The result is inevitably somewhat of a compromise between scale appearance and the necessary robustness needed for 4mm scale operation, but I am reasonably happy overall.
Movement of the arms is via servos, wired back to our control panel, which will ultimately show appropriate indicator led's. I know the arms still need a slight tweak to get the correct horizontal positioning, but I want to operate them a few times for the mechanism to settle down before doing that. I’ve used DCC Concepts lamps this time. As always, the red lamps don’t seem to show up so well with my I-phone camera, but in reality they look fine.’ |
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The second Collett 4575 class 'Small Prairie' No 5531, of slightly differing design, was built at Swindon in mid 1928. The model was by John Hayes, and it only lacks crew and DCC control for the moment, but due to recieve both updates shortly.
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Two exquisite ‘B’ sets by Rocar, with highly detailed interiors, heavily weathered, reflecting their years of wartime service.
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We are reliably informed that no ‘B’ Set ever appeared at Kingswear, so these were presumably commissioned for the Bodmin branch. In our parallel world, however, they will be regular visitors.
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Two more Rocar coaches, a corridor brake composite and brake third.
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All these vehicles really have to be seen at close hand to fully appreciate the level of detail and care in construction of each one. We feel honoured to have become their custodians for the time being. And then there’s this little gem - a specially commissioned Devon General bus of the period. Note the additional letter ‘e’ on the destination board, the initial name for the layout, in subtle acknowledgement of the fact that the track configuration had been adapted to accommodate a link to the rest of Mike Casey’s vast railway system. I think we may retain the apparent mis-spelling as it is, as a gesture to the history of the project.
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We have, of course, kept these track modifications in our iteration of the model, adapted, in our case, as a link to the Southern Railway network. Apologies to any purists who may be offended, but we took the view from the outset that it was incumbent upon us, as far as possible, to remain true to Mike’s original vision.
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And finally…
…perhaps the pièce de résistance, M.V.Alacrity has finally come home! Gordon Gravett’s masterly depiction of a coastal collier known to have brought in to Kingswear coal destined for Torquay gasworks. This is the model featured in Model Railway Journal No. 149. Currently in a somewhat sad looking condition, having been dropped during a house move in the intervening years, it is really no more than a repair of masts and rigging that is required, and we are hoping that Gordon may be persuaded to work his magic for us once again to bring her back to her as-built condition...' |
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9th Oct 2022
It's all going fine, with detailing work such as steps, railings and all the props like vehicles and figures beginning to take their places in the scene. A few photos from Nigel Smith, and Neil Podbery will help to show some of the recent additions. There is progress in the locomotive department as well, but the new engines are all still in the works, so it's a bit too soon to include them.
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The electric wharf cranes are on, and we have to do a sling for the Scandinavian timber loads that used to come in before they thought of pallets and containers. Gordon Gravett made these cranes for the original layout, and it's some of the best modelling we've ever seen.
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Overall view of wharf area, with a small barge present. There needs to be a layer of coal dust applied to this area, and generally more activity. We'll work into this until it looks as busy as it typically was in 1947.
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'Helena' is an Artitec resin barge which we have had for some time, but Neil has recently painted and weathered the vessel to reflect its hard working existence. The cabin has interior detail and we may still include a figure or two, and certainly some coal. There are more boats in the pipeline now, and hopefully they can take their places in the next few months.
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This end of the wharf is now basically there as far as detailing goes, but the pontoon guide timbers on the right need their tide marks/seaweed added. They used to roll a coal wagon right to the end of the siding to barrow out the coal for the 'Mew' steam ferryboat.
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A few random new pics from around the layout, and some nocturnal shots.......
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Lighting the buildings does take a long time , but it's worth it for effects like these. The reflections in the water are are welcome bonus.
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Just a few pictures to show locomotive and rolling stock progress, but most of this work is still ongoing
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The fleet of weathered wagons is increasing in size, but there are quite a few reference photos of the wharf sidings with rows of them.
A Dukedog 4-4-0 with a local service
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Speed to the West.... or speed from the west in this posed picture of how we want the Torbay Express to look.
Nigel will be looking to convert a Grange class 4-6-0 at some point to begin the collection of P4 passenger engines.
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Double heading was common practise at Kingswear, as trains had to make the incline up the valley side to Greenway, and further inland, so we'll be looking to replicate this.
GWR Cylinder wagons Nos 7 & 9 shunted into Hoodown sidings
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We now have enough parts to build a P4 'King' so that will be one of the next locomotives to start on.
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A 42xx 2-8-0 brings in a train of coal empties from the gasworks.
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Work has now begun clearing material from the splashers on the Hawksworth 94xx pannier to provide clearance for the new P4 chassis
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19th July2022
Still making progress, particularly on the signalling, which makes a huge difference to the model, especially in the station and yard area. The signalbox panel is now done, and all the LEDs need to be fitted in. These will be 3mm dia colour changing types for the signals and 2mm on/off ones for the route indicator lights. I'll put up a few photos from different angles with short captions here and there
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This area is now finished, with rails, signals and detailing complete. There's a Southern Railway signal post sited in front of the tank, built in the traditional style using two lengths of old rail bolted together. The steps are done, leading up to Fore Street, just opposite the garage
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Wartime buildings and what were presumably parts storage sheds for the torpedo installation. The Quay and jetty at the Waterhead Creek inlet was just to the right of this point, with a board crossing for the railway.
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The single road locomotive shed is sited below the cutting, and Neil has now done all the foliage here. The rails have all been checked and weathered by Nigel, so there's just the matter of some typical clutter to finish up with this scene. We'll find the right balance for this by studying reference pictures from the approximate period. It's quite important to work into these last stages by working from the back of the model towards the foreground so there's no damage done by leaning over things and snagging them. Pretty soon, we'll be able to fit the posts for the disused yard lamps which had a 'T' bar across the top, and two insulators for the power cables.
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Riverbank at low ebb, with a culvert below a short stone embankment. Behind this is where the contour of the original riverbank still descends to the waterline, so there's a dip behind the line at this point. To the right, an up home signal appears, and the furthest buffer stop from the yard before the line passes Britannia crossing (which has no sidings at all).
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Obviously the water still needs doing, but the harbour steps are finished, with some of the fence railings in place too. Going to be a very nice little cameo at the R.H. end of the quayside, adding interest and purpose to that end of the yard when it’s all done. I’ve left the steps as representing wooden ones, duly weathered. Difficult to see clearly from the reference, I guess they could have been concrete though, but in that case, I would have expected a bit more in the way of supporting structure, to carry the weight so, on balance, I'm happy to go with this for now.
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Kingswear No 2 box controls the 'Southern' part of the line, which Mike Casey creatively added as a fictional feature. The next block section would have been Boohay, so that's what we put on the signalbox diagram.
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The Number 2 Platform starter, with illuminated (if non-working!) route indicator. This is quite recent, so the base still needs blending into the yard surface.
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The signalbox diagram in place, with the platform 1 home starter signal (No19) showing as 'on'. The route indicator lights just look like black dots at the moment, and the southern rails are done in green at the top, with the darker colour for sidings, and the GWR lines are grey, with blue sidings. The red pinstripes are track circuit, and the signal and point numbers correspond to the lever frame, with red for signals and black for points and slips.
Just a few random views from Neil's camera to finish this update.....
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Britannia Halt crossing keeper's cottage, and kitchen garden
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Blacksmith forge, with clutter, and figure
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Left....Looking south east over the station towards the mouth of the Dart, with Dartmouth Castle and St Petrox. Right.....A worn out wooden seven plank wagon.
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Left....Wagons on quayside, and covered goods vehicles in station siding. Right....A pannier tank engine buffers up to shunt the covered vans.
7th November 2021
Neil, Nigel and I are all still working on Kingswear, and Paul B will be back before too long to work out some more detailing and to pick up the formica signal box diagram panel, which needs to be hand painted in GWR style.
Good progress lately, practically finished the surface texturing of the yard and begun locating signal positions. We are aiming to get the rest of the river bed prepared and coloured, ready for final water treatment, and maybe the first of the ’Southern’ signals installed.
At some point, we'll think about doing a Youtube channel, especially when some of the new additions to the locomotive stable start to come in.
Good progress lately, practically finished the surface texturing of the yard and begun locating signal positions. We are aiming to get the rest of the river bed prepared and coloured, ready for final water treatment, and maybe the first of the ’Southern’ signals installed.
At some point, we'll think about doing a Youtube channel, especially when some of the new additions to the locomotive stable start to come in.
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A number of suitable carriages have recently been acquired to make up a local passenger service, and these have now been re-wheeled and checked. Some would have appeared in plain chocolate brown livery after the war and would have perhaps looked a bit tatty, so we’ll consult the reference photos to make sure we have the right balance.
'No. 4283 brings a rake of suburban stock, including one carriage freshly re-painted in the new BR livery, through Britannia on a local passenger service bound for Kingswear. Apologies to anyone who spots the incorrect loco head code - we promise eventually to get the correct locos pulling the correct trains, but our excuse is that until now we’ve been too busy building a railway! Whilst our understanding is that the layout was originally intended to depict the scene as it was in 1947, we give ourselves a little leeway around this date, say from 1947 to 1951 or '52, which does allow for the introduction of some early BR stock.' |
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There was a goods depot at the back of the station under the charge of Mr Penwarden receiving all the incoming and out-going goods and luggage. In those days, it could be dispatched in advance by GWR to your destination anywhere in the district, and delivered in the two lorries and three vans based at Kingswear Station.
‘It became common practice for railway and ferry staff, and probably some employees of the Royal Dart Hotel, among others, to park their personal vehicles alongside the coaling sidings’.
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The torpedo quay was at the south end of Hoodown with stores, workshops and refuelling tanks for Motor Torpedo Boats.
It had only been a few years since the war, and the remains of some of Kingswear’s defences could still be seen.
* 2 Coastal guns and a searchlight at Brownstone. * 2 Torpedo tubes at Kingswear Court. * Barrage balloons in the village and on the river. * A BOFORS gun in field hedge above Dick Parkes’ house and at Noss entrance. (These were anti-aircraft auto-cannons designed in the 1930s by the Swedish arms manufacturer A.B. Bofors) * Machine Guns on the railway embankment near Britannia Halt. * Pill-boxes at Hoodown and Mansands. * Road blocks and barricades by the ferry, village shop and up by Britannia Halt. Also included, were provisions to blow up the road. |
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From Reg Little's Kingswear Remembered........
In 1944 the area was full of Yank soldiers, sailors and landing craft. Soldiers were camping in the woods at Hill Head and tanks and lorries were everywhere. You could have walked across the river on the landing craft. On June 4th the river was suddenly empty, and on the news we heard the reason why..... D-day had arrived.
Some of the craft came back to be repaired, but not many. There was one on the slipway at Britannia Halt with part of its bottom blown away. During the next few months things calmed down and returned to normal.
In 1944 the area was full of Yank soldiers, sailors and landing craft. Soldiers were camping in the woods at Hill Head and tanks and lorries were everywhere. You could have walked across the river on the landing craft. On June 4th the river was suddenly empty, and on the news we heard the reason why..... D-day had arrived.
Some of the craft came back to be repaired, but not many. There was one on the slipway at Britannia Halt with part of its bottom blown away. During the next few months things calmed down and returned to normal.
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Overall view of sidings and turntable looking North East from the wharf at what was then the edge of the village. It's very much more built up along the hillside nowadays. The sidings and yard area now has its finished ground cover applied, and the next step will be details like board walks and general clutter. The New York Railway Supplies PTCIII turntable that we inherited with Kingswear is now all wired up and fully operational.
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It transpired that, although there are four terminals on the back of the controller box indicating a facility for automatic track polarity reversing as the deck revolves, this function required an additional add-on component in the main circuit board, a component that I have now discovered, from the manufacturer, is no longer available.
Given that the turntable was originally intended for analogue DC operation, with no sound-equipped locos, where such a feature would not have been necessary, relying instead on the tried and tested split ring system below the turntable deck, this is perhaps no real surprise. |
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So, an alternative solution had to be found and this has proved relatively straightforward in the end. In common with most turntable systems, the unit incorporates a ‘Head/Tail’ function, and it was simply a case of employing a triple pole switch to change over each of the two track feeds at the same time as switching from ‘Head’ to ‘Tail’, in a single switch movement.
In the event, I used a centre off version, so that there is effectively a ‘break before make’ operation of the switch, to avoid any possibly of causing a short, and I am pleased to say that this seems to be working quite happily. We have also wired control panel indicator led’s via the track selector function, through a double pole switch, so that our panel indicates the chosen entry and exit tracks – fortunately, in our case, there are only three! The photos show the NYRS unit, and operating switches and push buttons mounted in our home made pluggable control module. |
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Our provisional mock-up of the lever frame panel, with one or two signal and turnout led’s temporarily installed, to ‘prove the concept’! Finalising the control panel is now a high priority and I’ll post further pics when it’s finally done.
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Having delivered empty coal wagons onto the quayside ready for loading, Dukedog No. 9003 moves the brake van onto the adjacent siding, to await eventual re-attachment to the departing train once loaded. The trains took coal to Torquay Gas works and Newton Abbot Power Station and a Barge went over to Dartmouth Gas works.
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The amount of clambering about that Neil does on a given working day is steadily reducing, but there's still the odd area that he needs to tweak every so often.
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A few more photos from around the model, showing progress to date, to conclude this update.
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The Goods shed, Station and Royal Dart hotel now obscure the shops (seen to the left of the BW pic).
Higher Ferry, which used to appear below a partially cleared slope in the late forties.
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This background shows the look of Kingswear with it’s wharves and houses in the last few years of the GWR. It looks a lot more brightly coloured and touristy nowadays, but that’s really where the historic interest comes into play. It’s all about studying the reference material and winding back the clock. The carriage sidings, cattle pens, turntable and water supply tank for the engines was all below the banjo where the car park now is.
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25th August 2021
Progress has been good lately, and we have some new photos to post. We also had our first invited gathering, which generated plenty of praise and positive support, That will be the first of many I'm sure, so thanks to all the participants who made the day such a success.
It'll be time for a snagging list soon, with a plan to include all the small details...... lamps, poles. clutter, and of course boats, with some larger ones appearing near the bath house, and smaller scale ones at the creek. We'll also get Neil going on some vehicles/vans etc, and a few figures for the yard. There are some items set aside already so these can go on fairly soon, but the rest of the signals need doing now, as well as the river water, which is the last major job.
It'll be time for a snagging list soon, with a plan to include all the small details...... lamps, poles. clutter, and of course boats, with some larger ones appearing near the bath house, and smaller scale ones at the creek. We'll also get Neil going on some vehicles/vans etc, and a few figures for the yard. There are some items set aside already so these can go on fairly soon, but the rest of the signals need doing now, as well as the river water, which is the last major job.
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‘4283’ having perhaps unusually brought the ‘Torbay’ into Kingswear (possibly an engine change at Newton Abbott as a result of technical problems?!!) prepares to reverse back over the engine release crossover to run round its train. Note the newly installed station canopy, still awaiting final weathering.
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Just a quick update from Peter Silvester with progress on the new 'Grange'. The scale P4 chassis is getting there, and the motor now fits inside the body with some additional clearancing work.
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Decided to do an initial trial run of fencing, as shown in these pics, from the Weighbridge hut (where the footbridge will eventually land) along to the bridge at Waterhead. It’s a distance of around 1.5m in all. Apart from looking pretty good as it is, I’ve found that I can actually thread the fishing line through the posts ‘in situ’ relatively easily - time consuming, but not really as difficult as I had feared and I think worth doing, certainly in this location, where it is quite prominent.
I think I could complete a run of this length, all four strands, over, say a weekend, so that’s good news. We may not need to colour the wire but, if we do, a drift with some kind of light grey wash in an airbrush, with card at the back, might do the trick. If it gets on the posts as well, no problem, it’s just a bit of extra weathering. |
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Coal wagons loaded, ready for transfer to Torquay Gasworks, in the charge of ‘Dukedog’ Class No.9003, again beautifully weathered by Neil. We are extremely fortunate to have acquired the exquisite dockside electric cranes, built by Gordon Gravett specifically for this layout, but will delay their installation until all detailing work has been completed around the station area. 
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Steam ferry crossing keeper's cottage, with approach road, and riverbank in foreground. We may still include a set of Modelu figures representing children playing on the outcrop at the water's edge, and there is still some fencing to go on here as well.
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Our stalwart pannier, No. 9643, propelling its train of mixed goods into the headshunt over the Waterhead Creek bridge, prior to running round to move the wagons on to the Goods Shed road.
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Some activity now at Greenway House with figures and vehicles
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A Collett Goods engine retrieves a brake van from Hoodown Sidings. This area has now been finished by Nigel and Neil, with a characteristic weathered ash surface contrasting with the pristine main line running through.
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A slightly tricky shot of the station platform, with lighting, not good definition, but hopefully giving a bit of a feel for the atmosphere.
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A short train of suitably dirty and war-weary empties standing on the quayside awaiting their coal loads - the weathering work of Neil Podbery speaks for itself… We have another half dozen or so of these to come to make up our eventual complete train. Since shunting at Kingswear was carried out by the train engine, there being no regular station pilot, this train would have been brought in and shunted into probably the headshunt over the Waterhead Creek bridge, leading to Hoodown, so that the engine could run round and propel the wagons back onto the quayside, before releasing the brake van into an adjacent siding, ready for the return journey. All of which makes for operational interest.
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A Goods Shed close-up. This building, and others, still need bedding-in, which will be done as we progress the final details of the scene. From reference, we often see a row of parked cars and vans here, so they will add interest to the scene once the building is permanently settled in position.
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Auto train departing the station, routed on this occasion, by the signalman, round the loop, to avoid another train standing at the end of the Bay platform. Purist alert - we are aware that (apparently) Autotrains never made it into Kingswear in our period but, it’s our railway! And anyway, this engine and coach combination was built many years ago, long before Kingswear came into our lives, and needed a run out…
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21st May 2021
Just a few posed train shots, and a few from Neil showing the new sea wall and riverbank cover. Now that the points are all sorted, and operational, just some tidying up of wiring under the baseboards to be done, and connecting up the new lever frame, then we can start thinking about getting the lower panelling in. I’ve sourced what looks like some suitable tongued and grooved matchboarding which should work well for the presentation facade.
The other main task is to finalise the design of the track plan for the lever frame. When we do get to that stage, we'll do another card mock-up first, with all the signal positions marked and holes for route and signal indicator led’s, just to be sure it’s going to be sorted, before going to print, so to speak, with the final version.
The other main task is to finalise the design of the track plan for the lever frame. When we do get to that stage, we'll do another card mock-up first, with all the signal positions marked and holes for route and signal indicator led’s, just to be sure it’s going to be sorted, before going to print, so to speak, with the final version.
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Notably, the Britannia shelter is missing in these views - temporarily removed to allow better access for imminent ballasting and the final track detailing.
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Beginning to glimpse the finishing line I think - God knows what I’ll do then..... In truth there are still plenty of locos to build, not to mention more boats, and finishing and snagging the yard area. There are still trees to be placed over the brown leaf mould area by the Bath house, but we'll wait till all the ballast is redone before completing that job.
Only telegraph poles, fencing, water surface, figures and boats to add for a finish then...... aside from a Star class engine to burst out of the tunnel of course! |
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So far, an embryo ‘Torbay Express’ has safely negotiated the line in both directions, and undergone trials of shunting into its overnight accommodation on Hoodown Sidings. We'll need to get some more weathering sorted, probably starting with this Hawksworth rake, and it's quite possible they will also require some more detailing as well. The river silt and sea wall are coming along, and much of the old ballast has now been removed and the track renewed from the chine to nearly Britannia Crossing - it looks superb and now runs well too. Neil and Nigel spent today forming the cess and undertaking a trial stretch of ballasting. It's been done with their own unique mixture of chinchilla dust and 'n' gauge ballast from John at Greenscene. Some final colouring will be needed to tone things down a touch and eventually blend into the area Norman originally laid in the station and yard area.
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We have re-built some sections of track, which were found not to be quite up to scratch following the inevitable upheaval of the original move from Witney. It's now at the stage of being able to do some track testing, prior to final ballasting. The Sea wall is now done, as well as the silt, seaweed and tide mark.
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We have a few very elderly early P4 loco conversions, which seem to be well up for the job for now, pending the eventual provision of some new motive power more appropriate to our location and period. The trains really make the views come alive, and some areas are quite close to being finished now.
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A shot of a short train of ‘empties’, most of which have been beautifully weathered by Neil, heading for loading at the quayside before return to Torquay Gasworks.
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22nd April 2021
Nigel and Neil have been quietly producing new parts for Kingswear, and I have come up with a few additions, so I'll put a few layout shots here. The next step as far as scenic cover is concerned is ballasting the single line from Greenway to Waterhead Creek bridge, and once we have that done, it'll be time to do the exposed river silt and the low tide waterline.
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The post and rail fencing needs adding, a run of telegraph poles need spacing into place, (they are done as well), and the footpath must also be represented on the river side of the line. The rest is finished along here, so only the foreground silt and river water remains to be modelled.
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A selection of Peter Silvester's exquisite models, now painted, lettered and windowed, with some finishing details added too, where necessary. The quality of construction is outstanding, especially given that they were made some thirty years ago or more, in the very early days of P4, when many of the components we nowadays take for granted were not available.
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Good progress on the platform canopy, with the 3D printed roof brackets being aligned and fitted to the etched lattice uprights.
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Two cars have been included, waiting for the gates to reopen at the Higher Ferry crossing, and one of them has the door open, with the driver chatting to the crossing keeper over the gate. This took a fair bit of doing, as the interior becomes exposed.
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We have found some difficulty in sourcing convincing models of animals, specifically seagulls, which will be an essential part of the finished scene, for which there will be an accompanying soundscape. Until recently, I had looked at a number of possibles from UK suppliers, but none seemed to me to look quite right. Then I found some here which might incur probably some disproportionate shipping costs from the U.S. I presume they are based on taxidermy examples?
https://miniprints.ca/product/seagulls-ho-scale/ |
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We hope to feature Modelu representations of Agatha Christie and her daughter in due course, and Neil has painted and fitted a few Modelu figures to go alongside the footpaths in Greenway's Camellia garden. A deep pink magnolia bush is in bloom, and the large, waxy flowers in various shades of pink, white and magenta grow either side of the paths. Strolling this part of the gardens rewards visitors with some of the best views over the River Dart. Neil Podbery.
https://www.facebook.com/modelu3d |
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A start has been made on painting and detailing the new sea wall section beyond the Waterhead Creek. The surface texture here has been produced by means of flexible moulds taken from the original section of sea wall we inherited when the layout was first acquired from Mike Casey’s estate. These moulds enabled us then to recreate a similar random stone texture for the whole of the new section, ensuring some consistency along the entire length of the scene.
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In the end, it proved relatively straightforward to extend our siding for the Torbay, and we think it does look better now. Page 16 of GWRJ No. 25 suggests a rake of eight coaches for this train, albeit immediately pre-war, 1938, so if anyone has a later configuration, that would indeed be welcome. This shows the improved bank alongside Hoodown sidings, with some extraneous lower level foliage removed, to more accurately match our reference photograph. Together with an extension to the siding. We are now able to accommodate our Torbay Express carriages in accordance with prototype practice. The stock was kept overnight in the long siding on the down side of the Main line, which we believe was known as the 'Torbay Siding'. This stabling had the effect of fading the carriage paint, as it was in direct sunlight so we'll get Neil to do a bit of weathering on this. The gas supply for the dining car kitchen came from a 9 tank version of a 'Cordon' wagon stabled in the Hoo Down sidings on the up side of the line. The supply hose was connected via a pipe that went under the rails, and the Cordon tanks were replenished at Exeter. We don't yet know how often it needed refilling, and what trains it was worked on. I have looked before for a nine tank Cordon DD4 but have not yet found an acceptable model. The best was the old Falcon Brass one, sadly no longer available, so if anyone does know of one of these, please do let Paul Bambrick know.
[email protected] |
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Kingswear's lever frame still has its temporary panel, pending completion of the final design. which will be hand painted onto a sheet of cream coloured formica once all the points and signals are wired up and double checked. The turntable entry and exit roads are not in the correct configuration, and we’ve only recently realised this, not that it makes a huge difference for practical purposes, but we do wonder why it was done this way.
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Once we have the points and signals built and installed, we can continue the detailing of the yard, and here's Nigel going over the job. It's quite complicated because there's a interlock system to prevent trains from trying to foul pointwork set against movement, but it's pretty close to being tested and finished.
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Our ever helpful colleague Mr T. Pott was recently going through some old Mags and found some excellent signalling reference, and thought it might be of interest to the project.
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These two new pictures are actually from a Railway Modeller issue of 1953, and are views we hadn’t seen before. Unfortunately not dated, so 1953 or earlier is the closest we can get, but as usual, there's loads of other detail to be studied in the background. We can write this into a snagging list towards the finish of the project.
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We can't quite make out if they have white posts or silver, but when new in GW and immediate post war they would still have been white. The gantry girders of the candelabra being white suggest this is the case, and I think the girders went black when the posts went silver. The timber gantry certainly looks more attractive, so we will probably go with that, but I am inclined to do the Bay starter as a tubular post, as per the pic. It was probably painted white at that time, rather than silver. Note the ground signal below governing entry to the sidings.
The year originally envisaged by Mike Casey and Norman Solomon for Kingswear was 1947, and we are generally trying to stick with this, even if our operational timeframe may extend occasionally into the early fifties, with modellers’ licence.
This useful reference photo has come to light from a slightly later period, but it has immediately helped to identify the careening berth timbers to the extreme left, which still have white paint on the ends, the smoke deflectors and cross planking on the footbridge, a row of 5 telegraph insulators below the crossbars for the cabin and other buildings, the gated entrance to the cinder footpath at the L.H end of the signalbox/platform ramp board walk, and finally, a platelayer trolley on turntable stub, and a nature reserve in the turntable pit!
Still wearing GWR livery, No 5085 Evesham Abbey crosses Hookhills viaduct on the approach to Churston, heading for Kingswear on July 26th 1948. The rebuilt 'Star' class engine was shedded at Old Oak Common, and it clearly has a 4000 gallon Hawksworth tender. It would be nice to make Evesham Abbey one of our Stars, given this indisputable evidence. W.Potter/Kidderminster Railway Museum.
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Now and again I pay an online visit to the excellent ‘Western Thunder’ forum and I noticed a reference by Adrian to a new resource, primarily designed to generate adjustable simulations of surface mapping using LIDAR technology. It’s fascinating and already I have found myself pinpointing locations with a view to finding quick ways to visualise localities. One of the main differences between this and the more linear ‘Generate a Panorama’ views is that this produces a surface plot in perspective that also includes representations of the manmade structures as well as the natural contouring. I have put a few examples of a typical search below, and this actually depicts a LIDAR generated overview of the terminus at Kingswear, and the surrounding landscape.
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All the buildings present at the time of the survey are included, as well as trees, which is tremendously useful, as once as they are identified from their basic outline of course, the details can be researched and incorporated into the scene at a later stage. Of course, there’s always the necessity to edit the modern information using historic maps and photos from your chosen time window.
The station can clearly be seen, and it even shows the rough outline of the trains alongside the platforms, as well as the linear pathway of the railway into the town. |
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24th January 2021
Here are just a few layout shots, and I’ll try to do some more as and when I can. For this update, we have permission to reproduce some marvellous reference photos, so many thanks go to Mr T. Pott and Gerry Nichols for arranging this for us. Of course, these different viewpoints clearly show us the site as it was, enabling us to minimise guesswork, and we can now confidently reproduce all those 'hard to see' visible details when the time comes to finish the model altogether. Neil has managed to find yet another overview of the station looking north from Fore St, but I'll have to see if we can arrange for copyright permission before we put that up here.
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View of the carriages that will eventually make up the ‘Torbay Express’, parked up overnight in Hoodown sidings. The Newton Abbott ‘Cordon’ gas tank wagon can just be made out alongside, ready for replenishing the carriage lighting and catering supply before the train’s return trip to Paddington in the morning.
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T. Pott, and all purists, please look away now!!! An M7 stands in the loop with its train of Maunsell carriages and a parcels van, prior to possibly turning the engine, ready for its return to some fictitious ‘Southern’ destination! We are aware that loco men often preferred to turn even tank engines when they could, for a more comfortable journey. This loco is a superb example of Tom Mallard’s work.
https://tjmallard.co.uk/
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Nigel is quite anxious to get on with some signals and, fortunately, this is something he can do remotely quite easily, so it keeps things moving along. His idea is to work back first from Britannia to the station, and also do the ‘Southern' signals too, (three in all I think) on the basis that we work from the back of layout to the front, which makes sense. He’s going to be looking at the feasibility of making some of the ground signals work too. http://www.nigelsmith0gaugelocomotives.co.uk/
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Two shots of the lever frame in progress. I’m in the process of spraying what will be the remaining visible bits, as well as the spacers, which I’ve temporarily removed for spraying, in a nice metallic finish if I can get it. The idea then is to fit a ‘floor’ over the levers, which will sit on the two longitudinal metal supporting strips, so that it can be lifted off as necessary. Paul B. suggested that this could be made to look like wood planking, similar to what would have been the floor of a signal box, and I’m currently sourcing some in real wood from a dolls house supplier. Should look ok.
The diagram attached for the moment is Paul’s original card draft, which still needs some work before proceeding to print on some suitable material, but that’s something we can look at when we’re able to get together again. It gives a good idea of how the finished frame will look though, and I’ll post another pic here when the painting’s finished and I’ve got the floor in. 
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I am quite pleased with progress on this, there's still a fair bit of work to do, but I think it is going to look the part, and we can always do a quick visual sketch of the proposed final appearance of the diagram using original GWR examples for reference. Paul is looking for a supplier of thin formica, but we can use the pencilled mockup on card for the time being.
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Neil's scenic cover and foliage at Higher Ferry and North Hoodown. The built up stone riverbanks and railway ballast still need doing in both views, but the woodland, scrub land and coniferous treeline above the ferry crossing are finished, The Hoodown chine in the right hand still needs a little work, but there isn't much more to do now.
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A recent acquisition, from the Oxford Commercials range, of an Austin 12/4 taxi, which will find a place eventually somewhere in the station area. A very nicely detailed and, as far as I can tell, accurate model, they were certainly still in use in London in 1946, although there were more modern full bodied cabs by then. I reckon one or two of these would look appropriate either in front of the goods shed or near the station forecourt. We still need to source a row of commercial road vehicles for the yard as there is photographic evidence of a row of them parked up by the shed office.
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Here are the rare reference photos mentioned earlier on, and although they are from a slightly later period, they are still a treasure trove of information.
I think it might be best just to invite comment on these for now, and I'll update the captions later, based on incoming comments and advice. Courtesy of Gerry Nichols |
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This looks like the train engine might be doing its own carriage marshalling, but there is another engine that is by the water tank in the background.
Courtesy of Gerry Nichols |
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Looking west from Fore St, with engines and carriages everywhere. We should be able to reproduce this scene, with the cranes parked back to back, and a small boat moored. Dartmouth provides the backdrop, and thank heavens this particular view is out of sight on our model!
Courtesy of Gerry Nichols |
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Looking South West, with a GWR 'King' engine as the main subject of this portrait, nevertheless, there is some very interesting detail to be seen in the foreground.
Courtesy of Mr T. Pott |
3rd December 2020
Progress is steady at the moment, with ongoing work in many departments including signals & controls, wagons, scenics, road vehicles and engines.
As well as all that, I decided to have a look at the turntable, and I wished I hadn’t at first, as it seemed to present some pretty insurmountable problems, given that it was originally designed for analogue DC operation. I did persevere however, and I believe there is a workable solution, which I have written up, not only for my own benefit, but so that anyone who may inherit all this in the future can see what has been done! I have posted an account of the work here, as it may be of interest to other modellers, dealing with some of the common DCC issues with turntables
As well as all that, I decided to have a look at the turntable, and I wished I hadn’t at first, as it seemed to present some pretty insurmountable problems, given that it was originally designed for analogue DC operation. I did persevere however, and I believe there is a workable solution, which I have written up, not only for my own benefit, but so that anyone who may inherit all this in the future can see what has been done! I have posted an account of the work here, as it may be of interest to other modellers, dealing with some of the common DCC issues with turntables
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Neil has just finished weathering my GWR Dukedog 4-4-0. and there are only a few more tidying jobs to do before its ready to go. Investigation of the turntable mechanism reveals that it was designed very much for an earlier era DC system. It is all beautifully made and finished but it has required some modifications for our purposes.
http://www.neilpodberyfineart.co.uk/ |
The ring rail, on which the deck carrier wheels run, is divided into two equal sections, with an almost imperceptible gap, of less than a millimetre, each side. Brass wipers at each end of the underside of the deck make contact with this ring rail, to supply track power. In analogue operation this arrangement works perfectly, reversing polarity of track supply as the deck revolves.
In DCC however, the situation is different, insofar as that, as the wiper pick-ups pass over the ring rail gap, they are briefly in contact with both sides of the power supply, thus causing a short, and shutting down the system, requiring a re-set. The common solution to this has been to increase the effective gap, by making a second cut each side, maybe a few millimetres or so from the first, to create a short ‘dead’ area. The deck still revolves across this section, under the independent power of its motor, but track power supply is briefly interrupted.
This method addresses the shorting problem but, with sound equipped locos, can result in an unwanted interruption to the sound. Where locos are equipped with some kind of ‘stay-alive’ component, this might not be an issue, depending on a particular component’s storage capacity, and the speed of rotation of the deck. At prototypically slow turning speed, however, there is more chance of power interruption.
The other issue for us is the simple impracticality of making further cuts in the ring rail, adjacent as it is to the side wall of the turntable well, without removing it completely, which would end up being a major task.
Salvation, however, may well be at hand, with our New York Railway Supplies PTIII turntable controller, which incorporates a potentially very useful polarity reverser. This automatically reverses track power polarity at a mid point of the deck rotation, via a ‘break before make’ relay, assuring, in theory, continuity of supply, and ensuring that track polarity on the turntable deck always coincides with the entry and exit roads.
It is dependent though on the ability to supply track power directly to the two rails of the deck, avoiding any possibility of twisting of wires in rotation of the unit.
The method I have come up with is to modify the ring rail so that it is connected, for its entire circumference, to just one side of the track bus. One of the two existing wiper pick-ups has been re-wired to the opposite rail, so that both wipers now connect to one running rail only. I could have dispensed with one wiper completely, but decided to keep both, for added pick-up security. This left the problem of how to connect the second running rail without risking any wire twisting. The solution seemed to be to utilise the existing brass bearing tube at the centre of the well, in which the brass deck shaft revolves. Fortunately, this shaft is part of a soldered brass deck assembly, so it is possible to make a wire connection from the underside of the second running rail to the brass deck underside, and thus to the shaft itself, without interfering with rotation of the shaft. Provided there is then reliable electrical contact between the rotating shaft and its bearing tube, then the final connection to track power can be made via the bearing tube which is of course fixed.
This now seems to work well on test but, in the event that it does not provide a reliable connection, which we will only find out in regular use, there is a fall back option, which would be to install an inner ring rail, at the bottom of the centre of the well, around the central shaft bearing, but not touching it, onto which a new set of wipers could readily be arranged to bear. This would effectively be a second, inner, ring rail, invisibly located beneath the bridge deck. Either way, by this means, I hope to make use of the polarity switching facility within the turntable controller software, and I will post an update of our experience with this arrangement as and when we get the turntable into regular service.
Very pleased with the electrical side of the mechanism now, and it's just a question of doing a bit more detailing, some fine adjustments to the track alignment and replacing some delicate parts that either became detached in the move or took a knock during operations here.
In DCC however, the situation is different, insofar as that, as the wiper pick-ups pass over the ring rail gap, they are briefly in contact with both sides of the power supply, thus causing a short, and shutting down the system, requiring a re-set. The common solution to this has been to increase the effective gap, by making a second cut each side, maybe a few millimetres or so from the first, to create a short ‘dead’ area. The deck still revolves across this section, under the independent power of its motor, but track power supply is briefly interrupted.
This method addresses the shorting problem but, with sound equipped locos, can result in an unwanted interruption to the sound. Where locos are equipped with some kind of ‘stay-alive’ component, this might not be an issue, depending on a particular component’s storage capacity, and the speed of rotation of the deck. At prototypically slow turning speed, however, there is more chance of power interruption.
The other issue for us is the simple impracticality of making further cuts in the ring rail, adjacent as it is to the side wall of the turntable well, without removing it completely, which would end up being a major task.
Salvation, however, may well be at hand, with our New York Railway Supplies PTIII turntable controller, which incorporates a potentially very useful polarity reverser. This automatically reverses track power polarity at a mid point of the deck rotation, via a ‘break before make’ relay, assuring, in theory, continuity of supply, and ensuring that track polarity on the turntable deck always coincides with the entry and exit roads.
It is dependent though on the ability to supply track power directly to the two rails of the deck, avoiding any possibility of twisting of wires in rotation of the unit.
The method I have come up with is to modify the ring rail so that it is connected, for its entire circumference, to just one side of the track bus. One of the two existing wiper pick-ups has been re-wired to the opposite rail, so that both wipers now connect to one running rail only. I could have dispensed with one wiper completely, but decided to keep both, for added pick-up security. This left the problem of how to connect the second running rail without risking any wire twisting. The solution seemed to be to utilise the existing brass bearing tube at the centre of the well, in which the brass deck shaft revolves. Fortunately, this shaft is part of a soldered brass deck assembly, so it is possible to make a wire connection from the underside of the second running rail to the brass deck underside, and thus to the shaft itself, without interfering with rotation of the shaft. Provided there is then reliable electrical contact between the rotating shaft and its bearing tube, then the final connection to track power can be made via the bearing tube which is of course fixed.
This now seems to work well on test but, in the event that it does not provide a reliable connection, which we will only find out in regular use, there is a fall back option, which would be to install an inner ring rail, at the bottom of the centre of the well, around the central shaft bearing, but not touching it, onto which a new set of wipers could readily be arranged to bear. This would effectively be a second, inner, ring rail, invisibly located beneath the bridge deck. Either way, by this means, I hope to make use of the polarity switching facility within the turntable controller software, and I will post an update of our experience with this arrangement as and when we get the turntable into regular service.
Very pleased with the electrical side of the mechanism now, and it's just a question of doing a bit more detailing, some fine adjustments to the track alignment and replacing some delicate parts that either became detached in the move or took a knock during operations here.
I thought it might also be useful to include some some general comments regarding the under baseboard work, and signal planning, and the above sketch shows the first draft. There are going to be plenty of changes, but it will give us a place to start from.
I am currently in the process of re-numbering the turnouts so that we can more readily identify which levers operate which points.
For example, as 1 and 2 operate as a pair, these will be numbered 1A and 1B, operated together by lever No.1, and consequently, point 3 will then become 2, 4 will become 3, 5 will become 4, and so on.
We then come to two trap points, which will be numbered in conjunction with the corresponding turnout that they protect, so the one currently numbered 6 will become 3T, and 7 will be 4T, operating together with their respective turnouts on levers 3 and 4 respectively..
Sequential numbering then continues in this way, so that each turnout carries the number of the lever that operates it, which will make maintenance and operational understanding much easier in the long run.
We can annotate this draft plan to show the revised numbers, and this will then give us the precise number of point levers we are going to need - 21 in all. To which will need to be added the signal levers, and I’m guessing about there will be another dozen or so for those. We can firm up a final size of panel to accommodate them all, and this in turn will dictate the eventual size of the diagram itself.
On our initial acquisition of Kingswear, it was wired for traditional analogue DC operation, and our intention from the outset was to convert it to DCC, not least for all the benefits it brings for ease of operation of multiple locomotives.
First thoughts inclined towards a computer based set-up for turnout operation, for which the MERG system seemed ideally suited, and this was duly installed. Over succeeding months, however, it became increasingly apparent that the system wasn’t working as reliably as we had hoped, with multiple gremlins, computer error messages and mystery failures, all of which became frustrating, to the point where we knew something different, perhaps more intuitive, and above all completely reliable, was required.
This is not to denigrate the worth of the MERG system in itself, which has much to commend it, and may well work perfectly for others but, in our case, whether the problem lay in the computer interface or simple operator ignorance, it was clearly not working.
As a long time admirer of prototypical style lever frames, such as that installed on Martin Finney's ‘Semley’ masterpiece, for example, and featured in MRJ No.254, something similar had always been at the back of my mind. Whilst the size and configuration of ‘Kingswear’ didn’t lend itself to ‘rod in tube’ operation, we felt we could still produce a nice, tactile, lever frame, incorporating electrical switches for point motors and route indications on a track diagram, and thus the idea was born.
Enter, at that stage, Nigel Smith, leading light in the Warley MRC and exhibition manager, as well as a prolific modeller in O Gauge, first introduced to me as a signalling ‘guru’, who had agreed to look at building one or two of the signals we were going to need.
His initial visit to Kingswear revealed, apart from his detailed knowledge of GWR signalling practice, a wealth of experience in turnout operation and wiring for DCC. To cut a long story short, he agreed to look at a complete overhaul of the point operating system. This involved removal of the old MERG components and computer interface, and replacement with a more traditional, electrical switch operated arrangement, which will eventually be incorporated into our lever frame. At the same time, we took the opportunity to replace all 30 or so of the very old Fulgurex motors we had inherited, with Tortoise units. These have proved so far not only more reliable and user friendly, in terms of ease of wiring and their inbuilt switching capabilities, but significantly quieter in operation, a distinct and welcome contrast to the previous Fulgurex grinding!
So, all this ‘unseen’ work beneath the baseboards has been going on for a number of weeks now, and we are nearing completion of the changeover, and beginning to look at the design of the lever frame, on which more in subsequent reports.
Then we can perhaps move on to building some signals, which was the reason for approaching Nigel in the first place...!’
I am currently in the process of re-numbering the turnouts so that we can more readily identify which levers operate which points.
For example, as 1 and 2 operate as a pair, these will be numbered 1A and 1B, operated together by lever No.1, and consequently, point 3 will then become 2, 4 will become 3, 5 will become 4, and so on.
We then come to two trap points, which will be numbered in conjunction with the corresponding turnout that they protect, so the one currently numbered 6 will become 3T, and 7 will be 4T, operating together with their respective turnouts on levers 3 and 4 respectively..
Sequential numbering then continues in this way, so that each turnout carries the number of the lever that operates it, which will make maintenance and operational understanding much easier in the long run.
We can annotate this draft plan to show the revised numbers, and this will then give us the precise number of point levers we are going to need - 21 in all. To which will need to be added the signal levers, and I’m guessing about there will be another dozen or so for those. We can firm up a final size of panel to accommodate them all, and this in turn will dictate the eventual size of the diagram itself.
On our initial acquisition of Kingswear, it was wired for traditional analogue DC operation, and our intention from the outset was to convert it to DCC, not least for all the benefits it brings for ease of operation of multiple locomotives.
First thoughts inclined towards a computer based set-up for turnout operation, for which the MERG system seemed ideally suited, and this was duly installed. Over succeeding months, however, it became increasingly apparent that the system wasn’t working as reliably as we had hoped, with multiple gremlins, computer error messages and mystery failures, all of which became frustrating, to the point where we knew something different, perhaps more intuitive, and above all completely reliable, was required.
This is not to denigrate the worth of the MERG system in itself, which has much to commend it, and may well work perfectly for others but, in our case, whether the problem lay in the computer interface or simple operator ignorance, it was clearly not working.
As a long time admirer of prototypical style lever frames, such as that installed on Martin Finney's ‘Semley’ masterpiece, for example, and featured in MRJ No.254, something similar had always been at the back of my mind. Whilst the size and configuration of ‘Kingswear’ didn’t lend itself to ‘rod in tube’ operation, we felt we could still produce a nice, tactile, lever frame, incorporating electrical switches for point motors and route indications on a track diagram, and thus the idea was born.
Enter, at that stage, Nigel Smith, leading light in the Warley MRC and exhibition manager, as well as a prolific modeller in O Gauge, first introduced to me as a signalling ‘guru’, who had agreed to look at building one or two of the signals we were going to need.
His initial visit to Kingswear revealed, apart from his detailed knowledge of GWR signalling practice, a wealth of experience in turnout operation and wiring for DCC. To cut a long story short, he agreed to look at a complete overhaul of the point operating system. This involved removal of the old MERG components and computer interface, and replacement with a more traditional, electrical switch operated arrangement, which will eventually be incorporated into our lever frame. At the same time, we took the opportunity to replace all 30 or so of the very old Fulgurex motors we had inherited, with Tortoise units. These have proved so far not only more reliable and user friendly, in terms of ease of wiring and their inbuilt switching capabilities, but significantly quieter in operation, a distinct and welcome contrast to the previous Fulgurex grinding!
So, all this ‘unseen’ work beneath the baseboards has been going on for a number of weeks now, and we are nearing completion of the changeover, and beginning to look at the design of the lever frame, on which more in subsequent reports.
Then we can perhaps move on to building some signals, which was the reason for approaching Nigel in the first place...!’
Neil's superb weathering of a small selection of wagons I had in stock prompted me to have a look at some more, to see which, if any, would be likely to be of sufficient quality to merit similar treatment.
What soon became apparent, unsurprisingly, was that vehicles collected and/or built over a period of thirty years or more showed a pretty wide variation in terms of quality of moulding and competence of the builder at the time of construction!
So, a few examples here, but we're now on the case to acquire more suitable wagons, especially to run as 'empties' on our eventual coal train, especially where interior detail is an important factor. It is intended that these wagons will eventually have removable coal loads, so that they can run empty to the quay and return loaded destined for Torquay Gasworks.
What soon became apparent, unsurprisingly, was that vehicles collected and/or built over a period of thirty years or more showed a pretty wide variation in terms of quality of moulding and competence of the builder at the time of construction!
So, a few examples here, but we're now on the case to acquire more suitable wagons, especially to run as 'empties' on our eventual coal train, especially where interior detail is an important factor. It is intended that these wagons will eventually have removable coal loads, so that they can run empty to the quay and return loaded destined for Torquay Gasworks.
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A 5 plank ‘Cumberland’ slag wagon rests at a wharf siding. Its a proprietary item with replacement P4 wheel sets and 3 link couplings.
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G.W.R. five plank 10Ton open No 75092 with new buffers, couplings and detailing. It'll be in the next batch to go for painting & weathering.
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G.W.R. variety, all going through the works.
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These have now been done as quite war weary, with replacement planks fitted but not painted & written. Some of the local trader wagons will have their moulded underframes replaced soon to keep the finescale standard up.
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A few emerged relatively unscathed from the recent critical assessment, some requiring perhaps no more than some minor TLC. For others, a new etched underframe from the Brassmasters/Finney range, was enough to make an appreciable difference. These two needed refinement and are now nearing a presentable condition.
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A pair of long six plank wagons.... one still needs coupling links, but we'll soon have a properly detailed rake. The Hawksworth carriages in the background are going to need some detailing and weathering, so hopefully we'll be able to get to that soon.
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Plenty of activity on scenics as well, particularly along the riverbank between the Higher Ferry and Hoodown. There's a small chine here which appears on the reference, so we have included it, and the railway is carried away from the natural contour of the inlet upon a stone laid cob, with an arched culvert. A footpath ran alongside the line from the carriage sidings at Hoodown, all the way to Britannia Halt, and enough width has been allowed for this to be included as well.
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The Higher Ferry ramp now has its side walls rendered in stone blocks and the top surface has been weathered. The ferry guide ropes and their retaining chains can be fitted soon,
There might well be a few figures to give a little life to this scene, and a couple of period cars as well, waiting for the train to pass by. The crossing gates are lit with tiny LEDs inside the lamps
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This short stone cob was constructed to avoid the natural riverbank as the contour lines turn sharply from right to left forming a chine in the eastern bank of the Dart. A small stone culvert allows the level of the narrow tidal pool created by the railway to fall and rise with the ebb and flow. To the right are the buffers of the carriage sidings, and to the right is one of the two old timber 'Careening' berths protruding from the silt on the lower bank.
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Above the chine we have a rolling landscape to skyline, and we are still working on this area, doing middle distance fields, hedgerow detail, trees and very small scale fencing.
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Riverside Wharf and it's surrounding structures, with the Methodist Chapel and cottages behind. It shows the excellent even lighting from the LED strip concealed behind the pelmet doing its job.
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30th October 2020
We have managed to make good progress in a number of departments. and while some of the work is concealed beneath the baseboards, we can add a few captioned pictures of the latest modelling for interest.
Norman Solomon visited recently to see how his original tracklaying was holding up, and it was very rewarding to meet up and talk over some of the unknown history of the model. It turned out that the fully landscaped approach that we have produced would have been Norman's favoured presentation in the first place.
Norman Solomon visited recently to see how his original tracklaying was holding up, and it was very rewarding to meet up and talk over some of the unknown history of the model. It turned out that the fully landscaped approach that we have produced would have been Norman's favoured presentation in the first place.
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The scenic cover behind the Britannia end of the line is being done from back to front, because there was no need to make removable backscene sections along this stretch. Now that the sky panels are in, we have been able to reach over to do the 3D work in situ, avoiding any risk of damage to foreground. It's getting there, but Neil still wants to spend a few more hours on the scrub land above the treeline. Ballast and river detail will be done once everything behind is complete.
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This fixed distant signal stood alongside the Steam Ferry Crossing cabin, so while it does require a light, at least there is no need for an operating mechanism!
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Britannia Halt and the Inn, with trees behind. This does still need a little more work and we are now ready to redo the ballast. Pavements, telegraph poles and signals are in, and we also have a couple of private cars waiting at the closed crossing gates.
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Mind The Gap! ..... this 'in progress' view shows the 3D backscene surface in place, with the rear panel done to skyline. It is now the only remaining section to require scenic cover, between the Higher ferry ramp and the wooded chine near Coombe Cottage, just to the left of Hoodown.
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There has been a great deal of progress on the locomotives, such as re-wheeling to P4, detailing, researching and painting, but not enough visible changes to warrant a photo session.
We are very pleased that Gordon Gravett has agreed to help out the project, and he has kindly sent us sent over some GA drawings and reference for a bulk cargo coaster to go alongside the wharf. Michael Casey, (the original layout owner) chose the M.V. 'Alacrity' because it was one he remembered from his time at Kingswear, so this will probably become the prototype, but there are GAs for three other ships, which were F. T. Everard vessels from the London docks at Greenhythe.
We are very pleased that Gordon Gravett has agreed to help out the project, and he has kindly sent us sent over some GA drawings and reference for a bulk cargo coaster to go alongside the wharf. Michael Casey, (the original layout owner) chose the M.V. 'Alacrity' because it was one he remembered from his time at Kingswear, so this will probably become the prototype, but there are GAs for three other ships, which were F. T. Everard vessels from the London docks at Greenhythe.
This drawing is actually 1/8in = 1ft (1:96) so it will need to be re-scaled. One small point about ships dimensions: the length is usually given as BP (between perpendiculars) and this is not necessarily the overall length. You will see the Aft Perpendicular noted on the drawing as AP and the forward one as FP - it is between these references that the length is measured.
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A few of Gordon's original photos of the 'Alacrity' that he produced for Kingswear some years ago. These bulk cargo coasters were typically between 167 and 200 ft in length, and the book that Gordon originally used for reference was 'Everard of Greenhythe’ by Captain K C Garrett.
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We'll be including this small river barge - from the very fine Artitec range, with some detailing and a coal load yet to be added. Just posed in position for now, with the tide half out, and sitting quite low in the water as well, it does look dwarfed by the quayside. There is a notable absence of the station building and goods shed in the background, as these structures have been temporarily removed for some weathering work to be undertaken by Neil.
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A great deal of unseen progress on points and signals is taking place below the baseboards, and the idea is to incorporating a miniature lever frame with a traditional track diagram as a functional and decorative control position. Here's one of the levers we'll be using.
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A view of houses built on the lower slopes of Ridley Hill, looking out over the English Channel in the direction of Jersey and Guernsey.
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3rd October 2020
Plenty of scenic work on the go, with a few of Neil's shots of the ever developing foliage around Greenway and Higher Ferry, which is looking fabulous. Some unseen progress on points and signals is also taking place below the baseboards, with the idea of incorporating a miniature lever frame with track diagram as a functional and decorative control position.
It's taking shape, but there is still quite a bit to do at the Higher Ferry, with pavements, telegraph poles and signals to be included soon. The background is shaping up as well, but Neil wants to spend a few more hours on the scrub land above the treeline.
A couple of views around the lower slopes of Greenway, not finished yet, but taking shape nicely.
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The Bath House is now surrounded by trees.
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These are just some of the collection of exquisite models we have recently been fortunate enough to acquire from Peter Silvester. Incredibly, Peter tells us that most of these were built when he first started in P4 in around the early eighties, and have languished in his loft for many years since, his skills sadly having been lost to ‘O’ Gauge!
All are finished in minute detail, each vehicle compensated and/or sprung, largely using the components available at the time, and Peter’s own ingenuity.
Just a small selection for now, more photos will appear in due course.
Not sure at this stage how many of the engines can truly be justified on Kingswear, but we aim to find whatever excuse we can. If there are any painters out there willing and able to do justice to especially one or more of the locomotives, then we will be delighted to hear from you.
All are finished in minute detail, each vehicle compensated and/or sprung, largely using the components available at the time, and Peter’s own ingenuity.
Just a small selection for now, more photos will appear in due course.
Not sure at this stage how many of the engines can truly be justified on Kingswear, but we aim to find whatever excuse we can. If there are any painters out there willing and able to do justice to especially one or more of the locomotives, then we will be delighted to hear from you.
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We do have a few early period engines for occasional 'guest appearances'. The collection is growing now, very much concentrating on the drab late forties motive power for historical continuity, but now and again we can loosen the bonds and feature an 'out of period' train from earlier or even slightly later years.
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Amusing photo of the month from the locomotive dept, and I'm not sure we can come up with a sensible caption! In reality, I was taking the freshly re-wheeled ‘King’ tender for a test run, but couldn’t resist the pic. Ultimately we all agreed that it must have happened somewhere, sometime...
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5th September 2020
Work progresses apace on Kingswear, with all the sky panels now in place, the clouds all done over the joins, and Greenway House and gardens pretty much completed by Paul and Neil. Just the scenic section between Higher Ferry and Hoodown to do, and we’ll be finished! Or maybe not quite...
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To the left hand side of the Greenway scenic break, we have represented a facade of the famous house, and as intended, it is now surrounded by trees and a small part of the formal gardens appears on the slope below.
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This view is taken from under the tree canopy, just a little distance away from the pleasant wooded paths that thread around the grounds. You can only just make out the south facing wall of the house through the undergrowth
From the South west
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Other recent areas of progress include the possible addition of........
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This excellent 70ft newspaper van, built by the very talented Peter Silvester, with its unusual external bracing and 9ft American bogies.
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A few more small craft to populate the Waterhead Creek backwater, with still more to come. Some smaller ones will be added further up the shore and the boathouse behind.
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Meanwhile, our thoughts have been turning to appropriate engines and, very much guided by Neil, I have invested in a number of Hornby models, with a view to re-wheeling them to P4, comprising, so far, two ‘Kings’, (one of which is blue!) a ‘Castle’, two ‘Stars’, two ‘Granges’ and a ‘Modified Hall’.
The approach cutting to Greenway tunnel has recently had its scenic cover done and No 9643 emerges bunker first with a short train of brown stock.
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We think we are ok with King Richard II for the blue King, (Old Oak Common?) and King Edward II for the other one. The ‘Castle will be ‘Llantilio Castle’ for which we have photographic evidence. We would like to do one of the Stars as ‘Princess Charlotte’ in honour of Mike Casey, who had that engine built for the layout. The Modified Hall I had in the back of a drawer, but it turns out that there is one mentioned as being at Newton Abbott at around our time period, namely ‘Rydal Hall’.
Nigel Smith will be helping out with some of the signalling, and he very kindly brought over some of Peter Silvester's very well made P4 vehicles, so I recorded them and here are just a few examples for now.
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We have also consulted the ever helpful Mr T.Potts about locomotive allocation and he has provided us with a scan of the relevant page from the GWR Magazine dated March/April 1947.
Engines at Kingswear would have come from: OOC, BRD, SDN, SPM, TN, EXE, NA, LA and even SALOP. (The L means a Loan engine and not a GW one).
He also sent an interesting set of pictures taken the booklet of the model railway that once was at Paignton station, in the furthest part of private line station.
Last time I was there I think it was part of the bookshop/canteen. I saw it several times back in the 70's, and it was very good for its time.
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This last reference picture from Trevor shows No 9646 with a Down Goods climbing through Waterside Camp on the 18th March 1949, which means I might have to build a 'Macaw' as it seems to be carrying steel plate possibly for Phillip's yard?
6th August 2020
Really motoring now, with all the sky panels permanently installed, leaving just a couple of joins to be rubbed down and blended in, That will be done in a week or so and we can then set Neil loose on the riverbank. Here are a few new photos and captions, concentrating on the recent progress.
Some very handy reference, showing us a great deal more cleared land surface than today's near continuous tree canopy. The slopes behind the Higher ferry will include garden allotments and patchy scrub land, just as it used to be.
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Greenway cutting scenic cover now taken care of, with just the railway boundary fencing and road surface to do.
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3D backscene work above the cutting & tunnel scenic break, showing low relief farm buildings, hedgerows and colour matched trees.
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First photo of the sidings and completed background, with a single LED strip on just behind the pelmet. Great even warm daylight and no pesky shadows.
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Greenway House and skyline with farm buildings further on to the north west, Hare Wood out of sight to left, and Brim Hill at skyline to right.
Bear the elevation in mind, as this simulates the view from just south of Dittisham, looking over Lords Wood from the top of Fire Beacon hill on the opposite bank. The view of Greenway from the river and railway would be entirely different. |
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The LED strip works fine at the station end as well, so while we might try a few changes to seek improvement, it certainly doesn't need much.
A good bit of work has been done on the station and goods shed, so they will soon be fitted now that Neil has done the levelling & blending of the forecourt area and hotel. Behind the wharf, the ferry ramp and outcrop have also been detailed. |
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We have posted links to the RM Web, and the Western Thunder forums and received some very encouraging comments, so thanks to all the enthusiastic modellers who took the time to reply. I'll include a few excerpts here, and a few useful notes from Trevor Pott, who is also knowledgeable about the local bus services.
Re6/6 kindly replied...I lived there for over 40 years and you've captured the village so well. In the first picture I recognise 'Mount Ridley', our old family home!
It's great to see that it has progressed so well. I went with another member of our Devon Riviera P4 group to Witney to hurriedly dismantle and collect 'Bodmin' from that vast room. Unfortunately it hadn't survived due to heavy corrosion of the steel rail and the warping of the chipboard baseboards. The lovely buildings still exist and are now in the hands of another society member.
It's great to see that it has progressed so well. I went with another member of our Devon Riviera P4 group to Witney to hurriedly dismantle and collect 'Bodmin' from that vast room. Unfortunately it hadn't survived due to heavy corrosion of the steel rail and the warping of the chipboard baseboards. The lovely buildings still exist and are now in the hands of another society member.
Trevor has sent a number of notes and pictures, and is kindly advising us on GWR matters, so we'll see about including some more of this info as we go.
As a kid, going to Kingswear was a real treat as it had all the trains I saw at Temple Meads and Stapleton Road stations right by the sea, well almost. It was a main line station in a magical setting and on a single line. The only thing that was different from the public transport I saw in Bristol was, added to the Western National Tillings green buses - the red 'Devon General' buses. These only got as far as Brixham on the No. 2 route, and I remember the route number as we had a BT&CC No. 2 that went past our house in
Stapleton Road Bristol.
In the early 1950's I don't think the Devon General went to Kingswear anymore, only a Burton bus from Brixham. The turning platform on legs was put in in the 50's for the Devon buses. They were always so different to the Western National which were Bristols with ECW bodies, just like here in Bristol, but not the LD long
seat versions. Before the turning circle the buses went to the station
and turned by three or five point turns.
Stapleton Road Bristol.
In the early 1950's I don't think the Devon General went to Kingswear anymore, only a Burton bus from Brixham. The turning platform on legs was put in in the 50's for the Devon buses. They were always so different to the Western National which were Bristols with ECW bodies, just like here in Bristol, but not the LD long
seat versions. Before the turning circle the buses went to the station
and turned by three or five point turns.
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This 'Star' No 4054 'Princess Charlotte' was originally done for Kingswear by John Hayes for Mike Casey and this weathered condition is how Michael liked his engines to be finished.
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A similar, EM gauge engine which Trevor has sent in for interest, appearing at the next station up from yours! This series of ten 'Star' or '4000' class locomotives appeared during 1909 (Swindon Lot 178), numbered 4021-30 and named after British royalty. 'King Edward' was actually built with a Swindon No. 3 superheater, but the remainder had saturated steam boilers until 1910-13.
The framing for these engines featured curved ends under the cab and over the cylinders, and this one was re-named 'British Monarch' in 1927. T. Pott |
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On engine liveries, there are several references, basically express engines were as pre-war but with G badge
W, the rest were G W R. (note the GWR never had locomotives or locos but 'engines'. They never had loco crews but 'enginemen'). When the Company was murdered in 1948, the replacement lot made several changes, blue Kings etc, and one thing it did do was to put Saints and Halls into black with LNW lining - and they looked rather good. Choosing 1947 to 50 would certainly allow a mix of liveries especially the tanks and 43xx engines etc, as they would be dirty green, often with a Roundel or cleanish green with G W R. There was a Manor and a Pannier (at Exeter) into the 60's
like that.
W, the rest were G W R. (note the GWR never had locomotives or locos but 'engines'. They never had loco crews but 'enginemen'). When the Company was murdered in 1948, the replacement lot made several changes, blue Kings etc, and one thing it did do was to put Saints and Halls into black with LNW lining - and they looked rather good. Choosing 1947 to 50 would certainly allow a mix of liveries especially the tanks and 43xx engines etc, as they would be dirty green, often with a Roundel or cleanish green with G W R. There was a Manor and a Pannier (at Exeter) into the 60's
like that.
The appearance of engines around the late 40's and early 50's can be studied in a quality photo album of GWR locos in and around Swindon Works in the 1940s and early 1950s.
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The portraits are mainly taken around Swindon Works, either ready for the shops or just put out, giving a very good idea of GW engines at the time. The record shows
black liveried examples, (which look odd in B&W prints), but still shows them very well. A lot had 'BRITISH RAILWAYS' in white on the tenders. |
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Removable magnetic coal loads are being done now so we can do realistic photos of the coal wharf including empties coming in.
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22nd July 2020
A 'warm daylight' dimmable LED strip has been temporarily fitted in behind the pelmet above the Waterhead creek area. It worked really well, giving the scene a superb even illumination with no unwanted shadows anywhere. The only things which might be worth adding in would be a second strip to increase the available intensity, and maybe a 'sunlight' spot effect to reflect off the rippled creek water surface, which the LEDs seemed to flatten out a bit. All in all, a terrific effect, and I'll get a photo up here once Paul finishes the sky panel joins and we've had a tidy up.
It looks as if we'll be able to confidently model a curved framed 'Bulldog' 4-4-0 No 3313 'Jupiter', and No 6027 'King Richard 1' as well, so we'll be seeking reference on these, and keeping an eye out for any other candidates.
The level crossing surface and check rails at Britannia Halt are now done, which gives us the ferry ramp level and the approach road surface height. As a result, we have been able to tack the small row of buildings into place along the Higher Ferry Road opposite the rear wall of the signal cabin. They are basically all in place now just needing levelling and bedding in.
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Another in progress pic, showing the ground surfaces surrounding the Greenway Bath House, which are now done, including the exposed silt at low tide which Neil can now bring to life with pebbles, sand and layers of deposited seaweed. This part of the landscape is going to look really different once all the foliage and tree cover goes on, obscuring most of these features with undergrowth, and hopefully leaving them just visible in dappled shadow
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7th July 2020
First mob day back yesterday, with Neil working on the station forecourt and bay platform. Some progress around the Greenway riverbank with the stairs down to the Bath house going in, the old gun emplacement located, as well as a section of garden wall. The lighting is virtually finished now (apart from signals), and we have the last two sky panels ready for fitting.
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Shunting with No 9643
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Local coal merchant wagons in the wharf sidings.
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One of my favourite photos of sunlight glinting onto the water surface and the rails.
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The cattle dock is accessed by the sloping approach road just to the left of this view.
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19th June 2020
Quite a bit of work now done, with nearly all the lighting wired up and pelmet all the way round. Not long now before we can do a mob session with Neil and Paul, but here are a few pictures and captions for now.....
The Newton Abbott Tool and Mess van, temporarily parked in Hoodown sidings awaiting replenishment of gas and provisions. I’ve managed to source, with some difficulty, what I think are the correct plate bogies, added P4 wheelsets of course, and windows, but with a mock-up roof in card for the moment, as the profile is a bit tricky and still contemplating how to do it!
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It does look as if the Newton Abbott crane was probably a 36 tonner, and not the 45 ton version produced by Bachmann, which is a pain, as it would mean, in theory, a scratch build, which I don’t fancy at all!
The Bachmann model is of the one based at Old Oak Common during our period and, by all accounts, it did travel far and wide, and was kept pretty busy. Maurice Pearce has told me that there is a picture somewhere of one (not sure if 36t or 45t) lifting a boat from the Dart, so that’s maybe something to look out for. I think we’ll probably get away with using the Bachmann one in the end, on the basis that the dear old GWR wouldn’t have wanted it lying around the shed earning no revenue, so would have been only too happy to send it off on jobs all over the system. A boat lift-out would make a pretty nice cameo, and Neil could model all the dripping wet water and seaweed! The other interesting thing I’ve discovered, and never noticed before, is that Pendon run a breakdown train, and with the same Tool and Mess van, number 132. Here’s a short clip. https://www.facebook.com/pendonmuseum/videos/1616944345045778/. |
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The Higher Ferry crossing gates now have working lights, so they are ready to go in once we have the level crossing surface done. This was hard standing rather than sleepers, possibly to take the weight of military vehicles during the war years.
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This is the transition from village to woodland, and I'll get Neil to write some of this up for interest when he can get way from weathering jobs!
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'Cordon’ gas tank wagon parked at Hoodown sidings in readiness for the daily task of re-supplying the ‘Torbay Express'. The running line can be seen (freshly ballasted) behind the carriage, with the steeply sloping scrub land rising up behind the rails.
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Pannier tank No 9682 pauses briefly on the bridge at Waterhead Creek, with a guards van destined for an outgoing coal train for Torbay Gasworks.
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Driver of Pannier tank 9643 stops for a word with the signalman before returning ‘light engine’ to Newton Abbott. The Collett 57xx class was first introduced in 1933, and No 9643 emerged from Swindon works in early 1946.
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Aluminium pelmet in place, following the line of the front contour of the baseboards. Temporarily fitted for the moment, pending completion of scenic work to the rear of the layout. The inset shows the night scene. The lights show up too brightly in this shot, but in practice they can be dimmed to a more appropriate level with a dimmer switch on the lighting control board.
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This is where the line has been foreshortened between Hoodown and Greenway, and you can see where we are still working on the river bank scenic cover The higher ferry ramp can just be seen beyond the view blocking blind to the left, with the grey roof of the Bath house appearing just below that. On final installation, these pelmets will be painted in GWR 'light stone', with a contrasting strip top and bottom in 'dark stone’, to frame the scene for viewing.
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21st May 2020
The Signal Box is finally finished, and is now temporarily rested in place. The signal is provisional only, until we get round to modelling the proper one!
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Looking closely at the pic reveals some details which may need modifying slightly in due course, the finial post shows up as slightly overscale, for example, but I think we’ve captured the overall character ok. The guttering and downpipes are a little overscale too, but the best renditions I could find for the moment. These details are really only obvious up against the reference, and I think the model looks good in its own right. There is some nice detail we can add, such as the timber walkways covering the rodding, and a hedge at the far end, which Neil will no doubt have fun with, along with the very obvious telegraph pole of course.
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I thought it might be fun to render this photo in black and white and place it on the site alongside the reference, (also attached), making them approximately the same size. I could try to get a lower angle shot, in order to replicate as nearly as possible the original photo, but I guess this will do for now.
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5th May 2020
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Trial fit of first two sections of aluminium pelmet - all looking pretty good so far. Will eventually be painted in GWR No.2 Light Stone, with contrasting trim strips top and bottom in GWR No.3 Dark Stone.
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24th April 2020
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The Newton Abbot breakdown crane, and it's accompanying mess and tool van, apparently made frequent visits to Kingswear, to help with heavy lifting at the quayside. The crane itself is available from Bachmann, so we are considering one of these superb models.
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The accompanying Mess and Tool van has duly arrived from Maurice Pearce, and the quality of the laser cut body is excellent. The prototype was a matchboard clad vehicle, and it's going to look very authentic when finished and weathered. I’ve already ordered the underframe, bogies and some detailing parts from Andrew Hartshorne at Comet, as well as gathering reference from the ever helpful Kevin Wilson who did a 7mm scale one a few years ago.
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Steam ferry crossing shelter is now complete with steps and railings in place.
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As so often with such close up photos, they do sometimes highlight imperfections, and in this case, the centre lights are probably hanging a tad too low. There is still headroom for a scale figure so, on the basis that not many people will get to see this view, I might get away with it! The works manager will undoubtedly be called to a disciplinary hearing in due course and the company may have to get their electrical contractor to make a special journey from Newton Abbott to carry out adjustments.
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I suspect questions will also be raised as to on whose authority a hole was cut in the rear!
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Constructing the signal box has prompted me to give some thought to our eventual signalling requirements, and we do have the Signalling Record Society’s detailed plan telling us the locations for both semaphore arms and ground discs.
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Components for the ground signals seem to be available from MSE/Wizard Models, and I am very keen to have working examples of these. Their site suggests two GWR versions are available - a 1910 11” disc (part no. GS006), and a 1920 16” disc (part No. GS006/1), I suspect the 16 inch version will be the one we need
The semaphore post signals can be readily identified and we can also source the components from the range on the MSE web site. |
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I am grateful to Richard for producing the canopy brackets. They look perfect for our purposes and the 3D modelling in the Solidworks CAD package has been based on my dimensioned sketch, then converted into an STL file and converted again to the 3D printer gcode ready for printing. I can look at acquiring some lattice signal posts, which we can then adapt for the uprights, as required.
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I have been making the most of all this free time on my hands by making a long overdue start on the signal box. Much of the research, establishing the key dimensions and sourced materials was done some time ago, since when it has all languished in a ‘to do when I get round to it’ file! So, here’s the evidence that I am trying to keep gainfully employed! I’ll post updates as it progresses 
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First pic of the sign, in position on the GWR end panel, with the sliding storage yard below, and the profiled river bank by Greenway neatly finished behind.
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The first pic of the ferry crossing group, which will eventually be a lovely cameo scene in its own right. It still needs the distant signal, and a telegraph pole!
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As with many layouts, we have had to provide a scenic visual ‘break’, and some scale compression of the line has been necessary to allow this. The obvious local feature to do the job was the southern portal of Greenway tunnel, so we chose to include some of the landscape features that surround it.
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Greenway House is only just visible from the river now because of the recent tree growth, and there will eventually be a dense tree canopy modelled in front of this scene to help frame the feature. It will be less intrusive though and more as it appeared in the thirties and forties when you could have seen more of the river from the house.
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This Royal Navy bus in 4mm scale, could be placed at the Steam Ferry Crossing gates opposite Britannia Halt. Needs a driver, but I’m working on it!
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This view of the station area was taken as reference for eventually labelling the buildings. The platform canopy still needs to be added, but we are definitely getting there.
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