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A straight log of the changes to this 'site. Pretty dull really. But if you're a frequent visitor you can see what's changed. And maybe why.
- 16/11/2008
I've made up another batch of 0-gauge split axles this weekend, which has given me the opportunity to take a couple more photos of the steps along the way and update the page accordingly. Which is nice...
- 12/11/2008
And now the L-class tender pages have gone back on the site. Now up to three pages too! The story starts here
- 04/11/2008
A set of drawings of the L-class tender have arrived from the National Railway Museum today. After a close inspection I've found a number of problems with the model as I was building it. So I've taken the pages down in order to not complicate or confuse. As the tender carries on I will, of course, put up new pages to keep you informed of progress.
- 30/10/2008
It's been a little while since we've done an update and this time it's mostly comprised of a number of updates to the DCC pages - excuse me if I don't provide a complete link to each one.
I've also been progressing a loco which I've been planning for a while - an 0-gauge SECR SR BR(S) L-class 4-4-0. It's a favourite of mine and with no kit available in 0 is going to have to be scratchbuilt. Thankfully the tender can use one from David Andrews' E1 4-4-0 kit as a starting point, the build starts here.
Related to the building of the L-class (and another loco or two planned) is a page on 0-gauge split axles, using Slater's wheels.
- 15/06/2008
We've been busy people! Dave's progressing well with his Canadian National SW1200 and has provided us with details of what promises to be an interesting conversion.
In the mean time I've done some more to my Canadian National F3A (F7Aum), updating the first page covering the body mountings and couplers and adding a second page to show the chassis detailing.
- 18/05/2008
A couple of new pages have made an appearance during the course of the afternoon. First up; Dave has provided us with a few details of his Canadian National GP9 Phase II. This conversion includes an interesting approach to fitting a scale fuel tank as well as information on a couple of specific Canadian National details. In the process he lets the 'cat out of the bag' about a future development - you heard it here first, folks ;-)
I've also tidied a couple of typos on the pages for my Canadian National GP9 Phase III lightweight and uploaded a third page showing the chassis as it nears completion.
- 16/04/2008
This has been a pretty major update. Several new pages, one new section and a slightly different architecture that will better fit our plans for the 'site.
So, from the top: There's a new section on modelling Canadian National railways locos which should come along quite nicely and eventually spawn a layout. The planning, by the way, is well in hand for that and details will appear here when Dave and I have reached a point we're both comfortable with. The two locos covered initially are a fairly heavy 'bash' of a CN lightweight GP9 and the motorisation of a Highliners kit for the famous 'covered wagon' (EMD F-unit).
I've quickly put up a few pictures and a little text for Dave's On30 layout Gunsite, which will appear at Derby show this coming weekend (see the Diary page reference below).
I've put up some of the info for my slowly-developing Austrian-outline cement works layout, Alte Strasse. With the stock being converted and detailed I've updated the pages for the Austrian 2048 too.
In terms of admin. I finally put up Chris' Pen Profile and the Diary page has been updated for Derby this coming weekend; I know I should have given more notice, but sometimes work manages to interfere with the hobby!
- 27/12/2007
I've been slowly progressing things on the website and the workbench over the intervening period since the last update. One of the models to start a re-work programme is a Brawa model of one of the Wiener Lokalbahn ADtranz (Ex-DR) V100. This first page deals how I've re-wheeled my model to the RP25-88 specification.
You may also have noted the odd typo has been dealt with. Though I'm sure there are many more to find and get rid of...
- 21/10/2007
Todays update was the webpage covering Colton Junction and Ontario Street; Dave's HO scale American layout which still survives in the hands of Chris, a new contributor to the 'site. Between the two of them you get the full story!
If you're a DCC operator it may be worth you checking back in another week or so. Chris and I have been working on a rather useful little toy over the last few months... ;-)
- 14/10/2007
And now the updates come thick and fast! We have now updated the page on Zimo decoders to cover the recently tested Zimo MX620. It's very good, by the way.
The links page has also been updated, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
And, yes - there's still more to come...
- 12/10/2007
Okay - so it's been a while since the last update. However I can assure that there's more to come in the near future with Dave and other contributors actively working on content. And for myself? Well a busy few months has seen only a couple of things make any real progress. A Roco Austrian 2048 has been the subject of a fairly intensive mechanical build. The write up has been uploaded this very evening.
I've also recently purchased one of Trix' BR185 models in LTE livery. It's impressed me enormously in terms of value for money and as it included a DCC decoder its capabilities are reviewed and can be found amongst the DCC content.
You'll no doubt also find that the new European HO section of the site has led to a sublte re-organisation. However, we haven't removed any content so if you can't find something you thought was here it's worth looking in this new section.
- 28/01/2007
New DCC section added. Yeah, really, 'tis true! I soon realised that the old DCC pages were a little scatalogical. The problem is it's taken a little for Dave and I to think about how we wanted to tackle the subject. So anyway; we decided that the content needed to make more sense in terms of its layout. Rather than just (metaphorically) empty our heads onto the page, we've approached the guide as a little bit of info, some opinion (clearly marked!) and a few review-type pages. We've had the review pages checked for accuracy by the vendors of the products in question. So thanks to Alan at Mackay Models, Steve and Caroline at South West Digital and Andrew at SPROGDCC for their time. Here's a quick link to the new DCC contents page - I hope you find the section useful.
And, in preparation for some up-coming 0-gauge pages, the links page has been updated with some new suppliers. Some more DCC contacts have been added too...!
- 03/01/2007
Here we are again. No, I hadn't forgotten about the website or model making or indeed anything else it would appear. However, a broken down PC, a busy job and Christmas have all conspired to prevent me from finding the things required to maintain the 'site. Thankfully not so with Dave. He's been just as busy as ever, building a few more items and graciously writing the html so they can be included here with a minimum of effort on my part. Unconventional as ever the models in question are; a Bulleid 350bhp diesel shunter in HO, a Baldwin Mogul and a DRGW C-16, the latter two models in 0n30.
I've continued with a few bits of the DR HO collection, though much of it is now at the titivating stage which seems to take an inordinate amount of time with very little to show for it. So I won't be showing it...
I've also finally unpacked a few bits of British 0-gauge and I can report that I'm enjoying building in the larger scale; for a start it's nice to work in brass again! I can assure you it's not a permanent move, though the links page has been updated to reflect a few suppliers who are a little larger in scale and/or closer to home.
In due course I'll get a couple of pages up associated with the 0-gauge projects. As you'd expect we've managed to find some very good bits and pieces and we're not using much of it in a very straightforward way. None the less a BR(S) D15 4-4-0, BR(S) L 4-4-0, Bulleid 350bhp shunter and Teddybear (Class 14) are all 'in the shops' and progressing well. The first two mentioned will even have working valvegear! Apparently madness runs in the family...
- 02/07/2006
Well, in the rush to get yesterday's update it appears I managed to write some of the worst html I've ever done. So there are a few uploads today to cover things like typos and duff links in the new pages - and those that link into them. Please also be aware that there are some moves for some of the pages, most of the content is still here. Anything DCC-related is now in the DCC area. So if you get the infamous "Oop's!" message it's probably worth having a good look round - that's what the sitemap is for.
The Tips and Tricks section has been almost completely renewed - you can now get to the Recommended Products Part 1 and Part 2 straight away without having to use the sitemap.
Sorry for any inconvenience and frustration the last update has caused you. Must try harder; must try harder, must try... :-)
And the last thing to mention is that the 'Layouts-Aah-Us' mini-site has now been taken down. Thanks to all who came along to our Showcase event in Hemel Hempstead and made it such a success. If we decide to do another one you'll find out about it here in due course...
- 01/07/2006
This time it's a fairly major update. Including several new pages and a modified structure to the 'site. The details are:
- 18/06/2006
That was a surprise wasn't it? Two updates in a weekend; whatever next! Today I spent a merry hour or two photographing the model of 03 001. And then another less than merry hour repairing my tripod. Ho hum - the things I do to keep this 'site up and running. Anyway; the page is now up showing the story so far, as I've built, motorised and detailed a Revell 2'2t30 Kurztender to run with it.
- 16/06/2006
Well it's been a while since we did any updates. Be assured there's a lot to come over the back half of this year. Included in this may be a couple of new sub-sections; though Dave and I are still trying to work out how to tackle them. For the moment though we can offer a full update to the work on my model of 38 1182, it's made it to Page 2 of the Weinert P8 kit build with the basic body assembled on the chassis. And the tender (why do I keep forgetting the tender?). I've also followed-up on the final V36 page with a couple of shots of the loco earning its keep.
- 23/04/2006
Well (thankfully) we didn't have enough time to be bored at Derby show. We were very busy on both days - it was a real pleasure to talk to so many enthusiastic people. A very warm welcome to you if you're checking out the 'site for the first time after seeing us there. I did get a little time earlier in the weekend to get a few odd typos and small changes done. And we'll be following up over the next couple of weeks with some coverage of the show...
- 17/04/2006
Dave has (finally!) given me some pics of the chassis rework to his BR 106. The big 'reveal' is on the BR106 page here. I've also managed to 'encourage' him to provide me with some details of his Weinert BR81; I'm hopeful that more details will follow; but I wanted to share it with you as soon as possible because it's really rather good. More updates to follow soon, once we're back from Derby show. Unless we get really bored, if no-one talks to us while we're there...
- 04/04/2006
The last page of the V36 build has had a couple of photos changed to show the installation of a smaller DCC decoder and larger power pack in the model. The loco was programmed, very speedily, with a new toy; the SPROG II computer-based DCC programmer. You can find the URL for the SPROG-DCC website on the links page page to find out all about it. And they do Zimo decoders too; which can't be bad..!
- 27/03/2006
Just more clearing up of typos. Mind you - I have updated the links page...
- 25/03/2006
I'm very pleased to get this update done. For a start it's the biggest feature we've done on the 'site to date; covering all of five pages. Secondly it's covered a lot of the ground we get pretty regularly quizzed about and lastly - it means I've got another loco for the layout! Ladies and Gentlemen we give you the V36/BR103 kit-building beginner's guide. And the way the Kadees were fitted to it is additionally covered on the Kadee couplers page..
- 15/03/2006
The first of the more interesting updates is a page devoted to a rather strange BR52 Kriegslok. This one is a bit of a taster in preparation for our attendance at Derby show - see the diary page for more details.
- 10/03/2006
A major, if stealthy, update this one. I've been mucking about with the html for these pages again; faster and more reliable page loading is the aim. I've also added some improved text to the DR stock page. The latter is all in the aim of increasing the number of search engine hits; not that we're doing too badly on that score anyway...
- 05/03/2006
A small update to the page about fitting Kadee couplers on european stock; this covers the earlier Roco tender driven locos. It's one that seems to cause many people a 'mental block' and we keep getting asked for our simple solution to the problem. I've also spent a little time fiddling with some of the images - we'd noticed that some of them were a little dark on some monitors... There will be more updates in the forseeable future as we progress a couple of projects in hand. So expect some significant new items; kits, heavy rebuilds, detailing jobs and even a beginners guide. Stay tuned!
- 22/02/2006
Over the last couple of days the more observant of you will have noticed that some/most/all of the revision dates on the pages have changed. This is a load of small revisions which aren't going to affect most of our visitors I suspect. However if you're browsing using something other than IE you'll probably find the site a bit easier to navigate. Thanks for the tips, Gaz. I've also put a link through to Gaz's webpage, which can be found on our links page. Panic not - there are some more interesting updates on their way...
- 07/02/2006
I finally shot some pictures of the BR62; so now you can see why I'm so pleased with it! There have also been a couple of sneaky updates: Firstly to the DCC sockets page, to make it easier to read. The shorting links page has been updated with some recent work on fitting live axle pick-up to pin-point axle style wheelsets.
- 29/01/2006
Another few bits from Dave; he's finished his BR 106 and done a short write up and taken a couple of pictures. I've also taken this opportunity to run through some typos and improve the functionality of some of the pages.
- 28/01/2006
Not a lot this time, unfortunately. Dave has sent me some details of the new motor and DCC installation in his detailed BR 80 which I've just uploaded. Don't forget to 'refresh' if you've visited this page before...
- 21/01/2006
Two nice, shiny, new pages for you this time. You can blame Dave for the content; and me if the links don't work! The first page is actually the first American entry to appear in full on the site. Dave built his USATC S160 quite a while ago now, and a superb model it is too. He's also decided to chuck in his two-pennyworth and tell us a little more about his modelmaking credentials; his pen profile is here.
- 20/01/2006
Another show has been entered in the diary. This is for the Layouts Aah Us Showcase in Hemel Hempstead. We're hosting the mini-'site for the event; click to find out more...
- 18/01/2006
A quick update to my pen profile after my sister pointed out that I should have eight records and why wasn't 'Echoes' in there? We glossed over the fact that they should be tracks, not albums... I've also updated the diary with details of one of our shows for this year. And worked on some odd typos.
- 07/01/2006
Two new pages for you this time: The 'White Lady' or BR 212 and the Ex-Saxon State Railways BR 19 have finally been written up.
- 06/01/2006
I've obviously had a really busy week. He he; actually it's given me the opportunity to catch up with some things I should have done a while ago. For a start you'll notice headings on each of the directory pages; so you know what you're going to see when you click on that pic. Dave and I built up a power pack for a Zimo decoder back last Autumn. I finally got round to writing it up last night.
- 04/01/2006
Happy New Year to all our regular browsers! There, that's got that out of the way. We've been busy over the Christmas break. There's a new section about layouts that has gone up. At the moment it's populated with details of Dave's DCC test/demo track Selbstgefällig and my work in progress on Lokwerstatt Zittau Pethau.
- 18/12/2005
Pages for building Bahndienstwagen have started to go up. The rest will follow as construction progresses. I've also put up my Pen Profile.
- 04/12/2005
The links page has been updated with some details of Gyorgy Kovacs' Hungarian Coaches webpages.
- 13/11/2005
Finally got one of the Kadee coupler pages up. This is for fitting and using Kadees on European HO stock. And yes, it's been a fairly quiet weekend!
- 12/11/2005
Dave has finally succumbed to my barrage of requests for info on some of his models and he's kindly provided me with descriptions of the work he did on his DR BR 80. There's also some other goodies I got at the same time so there will be further updates soon. I just hope Dave gets used to having his arm that way...
- 25/10/2005
I found some smelling pistakes and messed up worms so I've updated and straightened out the links page...
- 19/10/2005
Following a couple of requests for some additional info I've put some more pictures and text into the DR BR 50 page.
- 13/10/2005
End of migration of pages to new server. Two new pages uploaded at the same time: DR BR 50 and fiddling the Electrotren ferrywagon to scale height.
- 10/10/2005
Start of migration of updated pages to new server at www.supanames.co.uk
- 06/05/2005
I found a couple more pictures of the auxiliary tender for the BR18.2 under construction, so they've been added here.
The first page of the Weinert BR38.10 (Preußen P8) build has also been uploaded.
- 28/04/2005
Deutsche Reichsbahn page reformatted and BR18.2 Auxiliary tender page added.
- 04/04/2005
Page added for making live-axle wheelsets.
- 03/04/2005
Development 'site uploaded to become first public pages.
- 27/01/2005
Development beta 'site started offline. Test page uploaded onto uk.geocities.com.