Track Engineer here, on my area, the white crosses on the wood sleepers indicate they are to be changed before they cease to hold gauge. All the other random looking white spray paint on the cables, cable tubes, point equipment etc. and other equipment, are there to highlight potential obstructions to a tamping machine. These are normally marked up just ahead of the tamper which is usually working at night, thus avoiding possible damage from the tamping tools. I guess you landed at Norwich just before the scheduled litter pick😁.
16:50 Driver from Australia here, That's the signal stepping up as the route beyond further signals gets set, Because this usually happens very quickly once the signaller sets the route you'll occasionally get flashes like that if the signals beyond the one you are looking at haven't already cleared before the one in front of you has
I’ve just bought my first Accurascale loco I’d love to see a swift on Dcc function re-mapping so I can standardise all my function buttons using jmri which I believe works on most Decoders and also a more in depth tutorial on the sig m20 Keep up the Great Work every day is a school day with your Videos
Hi Charlie. I am mainly a military model painter and painted perhaps 100s of model soldiers ranging from 10mm scale to 28mm . I have an Optivisor but find it uncomfortable wearing it for long periods.. I tend to use 3.5x magnification spectacles and are great for painting details on figures. Very cheap too as they are obtainable from the pound type discount stores.
We enjoy all that you do. So always interested in any subject you tackle. Also if you ever get the chance. Take the train to Shrewsbury station and get some footage. Took the train from there to Wellington every school day for 5 year in the late 70s early 80s. We would be naughty on occasion and Hop by "accident" the train to Chester or Crewe. And sometimes the express to Wolverhampton that would not stop at Wellington. Loved the old DMUs. Keep up the great content.
Charlie - I do a fair bit of close-up work on wiring and soldering etc. I can recommend the headsets you get on Amazon with LEDs built in. You charge them via a usb cable and have interchangeable lenses depending on the degree on magnification you need. I think mine were only about £15-20, so worth a shot.
Yes 402 was one of the first class 50s to move down to the western region back in the early 70s for crew and depot training. 400, 401 and the 402. Our 402 (or 50002) is still with us on the WR at Buckfastleigh. Slowly being restored, wish us luck.
Charlie, thanks for the update. Only a few 50s (D400s in old money) made it to the Western Region before TOPS numbers were applied. The aforementioned 400, 401 & 402 of course; these came down from the LM in that order (October 1972, July 1973, November 1973). Also appearing pre TOPS was 404 (January 1974) which was renumbered soon after arriving on the WR, 405 in March 1974 (renumbered August 1974) but this one may have actually been in works for some of 1974. I am not aware of any other 50s running on the WR with pre-TOPS numbers. And favourite turns in the early days were Bristol-Paddington
Hi Charlie, I enjoyed the field trip to Chester station. It was a fast forward through all that stuff about the headcodes though! I am 69 this November. The optician tells me when you can't see as you get older it is due to the retina getting thinner! I first noticed it putting tracks together - I couldn't see the joiners! Thanks for uploading.
Hi again Charlie As always very enjoyable. You come up with these little tips and ideas that seem so obvious once you suggest them but not until then! Love the nibble out of the platform edge. Some paint already rubbed off my Hornby Castle cylinders. You have just also proved one of my theories. The bigger and more complex the layout more time you spend solving problems rather than just running and relaxing. All part of the hobby I guess. But I do remember having a busy day at work as an Electrical Tech solving problems, and looking forward to some Running time when home, to be faced with annoying little hassles and more problem solving. Just part of the day. Sometimes exacerbated by the fact that with work the layout was unused for weeks, and the next session was all cleaning . Thanks again. I would love to see a running session for one episode, watching your signaling and block detection functioning. You then can do the cleaning and fault finding for me and I will just watch and enjoy . Stay safe. Howard.
Many thanks, Howard for such an interesting comment. You are of course correct, half the time we’re mending rather than enjoying! Once the next batch of signals are in place, I will certainly do a more involved running session. Regards, Charlie.
Great video, and must get a figure made of me ,but in 1980s BR station uniform as that's what I did back then for work. Also need to get our station cat Sooty as well ,that we had at falmer , i always wonder if it was now that he be as well known as the Huddersfield station cats ? He was a character 😂, That gen site is great and will help look up what my diesel fleet was doing 😊 Chester station is great ,many a happy day there ,and think it still has its DMU depot ? As many of the older 1st generation dmus were kept going well past when other places had sent them to the scrap yards.nice to see the ' train shed ' roofing too ,as these platforms I used to get on class 103/05/108s dmus towards manchester.
I had a very happy smiling laugh out loud moment .... When Charlie said, "but here's a purchase that I *have* made....", the video cut to a promo for hearing aids! :) LOL!! And being 68 years old, I can also relate. :) Always wonderful videos, Charlie ... very appreciative of all you do
Hi Charlie. Great meeting you at GETS. Myself and Lord Al both had mini-me's done. Great tutorial no wonder you richly deserved the award. Thanks Charlie. Thumbs up thumped 👍 ....Pete....
A great video, thanks Charlie. Figure painting is a great idea. I've been doing some recently, basing my technique on watching Dan paint figures at the NEC earlier this year. I print my own figures, prime them (I use a water based resin that seems to need priming), dry brush some white on to pick out highlights then apply single coats of each colour I want, well thinned down. I'm not as good as Dan, but the end results seem acceptable. One thing that annoys me is that the seated figures we can buy, when fitted in carriages, sit far too high (heads up near the top of the window). I think that this is due to the fact that the internal seat on Hornby and Bachmann (and maybe Accurascale, but I haven't tried that) are just too high. The beauty of self-printing is that the figures can be edited in software and printed out in bulk for much less cost than buying them. I cut my seated figures for carriages off at the belly button, which gets them seated at a more credible height. Obviously they lose their legs, but that is not detail that can be easily seen through carriage windows anyway. As I can't post pics here, I've sent you an email. Btw - I left a comment yesterday and it has disappeared. Not sure how I offended the UA-cam gods. I hope this one sticks.
Many thanks, Ed, and you make some excellent points. I’ve no idea what happened to your previous comment, but if it has a link, it will be held for manual approval. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie, just would like to thank you for all your hard work in making all your videos/content, I have been watching them for the last couple of years, and have been inspired to take the plunge in to doing my own oo layout, based on the western region at the end of the steam era and the beginning of the diesel. When I am home in the UK I spend most of my time in Cornwall ,on my sister's farm, it's a wonderful part of the country to model,as you know.The layout is named Diddy junction west.I started last September and haven't got as far as I thought, but it's been a steep learning curve. I must say if I did not have your guidance on so many subjects I would still be trying to get my points to work lol. Again Thank you so much and keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks for the Autumn update, nice for you to cover these subjects, would be great to get a how to paint figures video in the future. Love the new light for the workbench, I also have eyes that are deterioating and good light is critical to my closer visibility. cheers Richard
Another good one - very much enjoying your channel and seeing the progress on Chadwick, Charlie. I've been watching a lot of the back catalogue and the number of useful tips and information in there, all adaptable to modelling in other scales (N in my case due to space limitations) have been very helpful in planning my own trip back into the model railway world.
Fantastic video as always Charlie well done. I found the part about notching the platform for the train to be interesting I'm not sure I've ever seen that here in the states. We do have something here in the town that I live in at our train station which has a single track platform with bidirectional travel, as our train station is served by an occasional local freight service, as well as a commuter rail service via DMU, we have a curious thing which I have never seen before called the gauntlet track. If you were unfamiliar, it uses a turn out at each end to bring the tracks a bit closer to the platform but not far enough away from the mainline that you actually use a frog. At the station itself they're actually four rails the closest one to you and the third rail are for the passenger trains pulling up to the station and the second rail and fourth rail is for the through freight services so that the freight cars are a couple feet extra away from the platform. It's kind of an interesting thing and I don't know that I've ever seen anybody model it, would be curious if it's a thing ever use somewhere in England as well. Anyway, keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video.
Many thanks, the great pod. That configuration is clearly something that I have never heard of. I don’t believe it’s been adopted anywhere in the UK. Thanks for the info, regards Charlie.
I used to do a lot of HO Preiser figure painting (and adapting) back when I had the eyes of someone in their 20s and 30s. I've now got a load of TT figures to paint for a new layout. Wish me luck ... It would certainly be interesting to see how you go about painting figures, especially as we both have the eyes and dexterity of someone not in their 20 and 30s. 3D printing seems to have made them so much more detailed (and realistic) nowadays, so maybe new techniques are needed?
Another great video from Charlie - I have always wondered about the meaning behind the 'Head Codes'...I used to wonder about them when I lived in London in the 1980's, train watching when I could. Now I know that they are of great significance. Thanks for the insight...I also have a bar LED light and a ring LED light with a magnifier as well as a pair of magnifying glasses with interchangeable lenses and inbuilt LED. Can never have enough of either at the age of 65( just turned).
Lovely video as always. Strange but welcome to see you talking about my hometown of Chester (now live in Newcastle upon Tyne). A station I am very familiar with. Great observations inc. 19:27 an electric trains stop sign which through me for second before remembering about the third rail! I can remember getting a Crewe shuttle back in the day from the parcels platform at 18:50.
Excellent update. Awesome demonstration on the Tortoise repair. I love to see trains that I cannot see in person. Thank you for taking us along. Keep up the great content.
Hi Charlie - another fascinating update as always, full of interesting information for us armchair modellers! (OK, I plan to get out of the armchair, but it's so comfy.... maybe later...). I'm really glad you enjoyed your trip to Chester - I was born there, many years ago (although in fairness, you'd have already been chasing the young ladies around when I was a babe in arms); I also worked in the big brown office building you can see in the background at 16:19 (and a few other spots), although I was actually in the building just behind it, which you can catch a glimpse of at 18:22 (with the row of AC units on it). I was surprised to see a Lime St train leaving! I'd always thought the Merseyrail Electrics were the only way to get directly to Lime St. from Chester (and I recall the days when the leg to Hooton was run by a Class 101 DMU). Since checked up on National Rail, and whilst the TfW train is 5 minutes slower than Merseyrail, it's also a couple of quid cheaper. I shall travel that way, next time! As for the architecture - It was actually shared with three pre-grouping railway companies right from the start, designed by Francis Thompson and built by Thomas Brassey. I believe it had the longest platform in the UK, at the time of its construction (Manchester Victoria later took that crown). I was at Making Tracks 2 (or 3?) at the Cathedral last year, and the Thomas Brassey Society were there showcasing his life (he was a prodigious builder, mostly of railway buildings and structures). After grouping, I believe it was shared between the LMS and GWR. When I got re-bitten by the railway modelling bug, I thought I'd have a go at modelling Chester station... however, when I measured it up, in OO gauge there's not a single room in my house that I could fit it into, unless I literally modelled only the station!
Yet another interesting update. Sometimes it’s a nice departure from “build sessions” to see what’s been happening in general. Plenty of food for thought. With regards to the resistor added to your brake van. Have you ever thought of fitting tail lights? The circuitry involved would draw enough current to activate your block detection system as well as adding that extra detail to the brake van itself.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, David. Yes, some of my brake vans do have fitted lights, but sadly this is one of my earlier ones. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as ever Charlie, I love the mixture of content and your reviews are always un biased. You sold me on the light so 1 on order for a Xmas present. Thanks Charlie great work keep the videos coming.
Thank you Charlie, another excellent Video, that Light looks really good, certainly beats my very old Anglepoise Lamp that never stays where I put it, thanks for sharing.
I highly recommend researching within the Warhammer painting community for info and tips about tiny painting, the community is huge and incredibly talented, and the crossover in terms of tools and techniques is absolutely massive. One thing I definitely recommend is a wet palette. You can buy them, but you can make your own since they're essentially just a piece of baking paper on top of a wet sponge. What happens is a tiny bit of water gets through the paper, which keeps the paint moist and prevents it from drying out too quickly. My speciality is lighting, I've done a lot of tests of lights over the years with a spectrum analyser. The rolls royce of bench lights is the Redgrass R9, I've got one for painting Warhammer and it's absolutely incredible. Not only is it bright, but it has an excellent colour temperature and a full spectrum of light (like an old incandescent lamp) so everything looks exactly how it should. Tiny painting is very fun, I hope you enjoy it!
Charlie, another good video l. I'm very much a steam man but run a few diesels on my layout. Like yourself I didn't know much about modern stuff, then I came across Don Coffey cab ride videos on UA-cam. He explains about a lot of things, signals, bridges, viaducts and general construction in the old days. ( I like his comments of tunnel construction "built with candles and colera"). By watching the routes you can pick up inspiration for all those line side features and junction layouts. As usual, Keep up the good work.
Many thanks for your comment Vernon, I’m so pleased that you find the video interesting. I shall have to look up.Don Coffey, it’s a name I’ve never come across. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I find them quite adictive, although I have to limit the time I watch as some are 2-3 or even 4 hours long! (love the class 66 hauling freight)
Fascinating as ever Charlie, thank you. I’m doing my best at building a layout but have not allowed my mates to come look yet. I’m getting access to 3D scanner and printer and they have agreed to be scanned. I’m planning a show evening near Christmas where all my friends will be invited and presented with themselves in miniature and some super glue, they can then put themselves on my layout! I’ll do a video.. 👍
I used to live a stone’s throw away from Chester Station. It was what got me interested in model railways. I got all my figures from Alan at ModelU. I found them to be the best.Great video as always Charlie. Thanks😊
Well Charlie you have been busy! Another video with some great tips to follow. It always amazes me what resources are available out there. The Rail Archive is another great research tool. I particularly liked your views of Chester. As you say a lovely station and my word it looked well kept and relatively free of weeds etc. Congratulations to them. Trust you and your better half are keeping well. Regards Kevin
Many thanks, Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed enjoy the video. Yes, Chester is a great example to the rest. Thanks for asking, Margaret and I are both well as I hope you are too. Regards, Charlie.
Hello Charlie. My name is Brian and this is the first time that I have sent a comment. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. The little visit to Chester was well photographed and very informative. You have a good eye for detail. On the bit about the layout platform, you showed a signal cluster at the platform end. Where did you get them from? They look like what I need for my layout. You didn`t say who makes that led light you have just bought. It looks like it be very handy. Keep up the good work. By the way, you have been the only person to explain how single and double slip wiring works. That was brilliant. Thanks, Brian.
Great to see your update! We are just getting into storm and heat season! I have used a lot of gimbals at work, but most of them are too bloody heavy! The DJI one is not too bad.
Thanks Charlie for an interesting Autumn update. I know Chester and Chester railway station well and have to agree they are both fascinating with lots of history. Yes - I would really appreciate a session on figure painting.
Charlie, another intesting update video. Great to see a classic Australian Loco make an appearance, I do love the A Class, and the repainted A62 is lovely in V/Line orange and grey. Anyway, the part on the lights is very interesting, and something I do need to investigate, I am in treatment for Ocular Cancer, so my eyesigtht has suffered, and sadly I can't do the very fine work I used to. I have invested in a Nine Steps head magnifier, and that really helps, but as you say, you need to fumble around for the paints or decals. A session of figure painting would be good. Thank you for sharing, stay safe, and Cheers, Michael
Hi Charlie; another great video; Autumn update already. Focussing on specific tasks and smaller projects appear to be working well. Lots of progress made over the last few months; even the new snippets videos. You done airbrushing in past; be nice to see how figure painting can be done; types of brushes use and sizes and the time it takes to do them to various progressive standards…. It’s interesting to see how various modellers paints various items - they change their method depending on the task undertaken. Fireman and drivers add that small level to the locos, figures around the layout do wonders. Hope the point motors now last for couple decades; great way to strengthen the arms. Looking forward to the next instalment and the station completed. All best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
Hi Charlie, great mix of subjects, well done. I certainly like the trips out to see the real thing, I loved seeing the drainage on the platform, .... I know I really should get out more!! The thought struck me was how many of your followers would also like a model Charlie driving one of their engines!! Very pertinent subject that of lighting and magnification very useful light that you have brought. It's been a wet few days down our way but we are well away from the flood damage. They are the worst storms in living memory. Thanks for your videos, always very enjoyable. Have a great weekend!!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video David. The footage on the TV of your floods has been shocking, and I feel for those who have lost loved ones. Sadly, it will take years to recover from this one. Regards, Charlie.
It's always heartwarming seeing one hobby discover age old methods used in other hobbies! The model railway, scale modeling and miniature hobbyist should have a yearly gathering where we can all share our modelling techniques with each other! 😂
Brilliant update Charlie, I would be interested in figure painting, but anything that you do I find it extremely interesting to watch, love your videos and how informative they are.
A great update Charlie. The painting of figures would be an interesting watch so if you do find time to do a video I'll be watching but I watch all the videos anyway. A good point on older eyes. Good lighting is paramount for working on small things. I have a magnifier light but as you mention too much stuff is out of sight when changing tools but so far it's worked for me, usually when sizing watch bracelets or watch batteries with super tiny screws. A very good point also made for real life station hardware like old rails, cables and troughs etc. This is something that I hadn't considered so if / when I get past my planning phase I'll take that into account. A great piece on the head codes as well, a way to check if a loco set wheel in an area being modelled , when and what it was hauling. Many thanks for sharing.
An interesting point about Chester and not mentioned is the huge gap in the canopy on the north side platforms. This was the result of a runaway class 24 and its freight train smashing into a stationary DMU there and the first couple of tank wagons bursting into flames. Luckily nobody was killed although the 24 and DMU were literally toast! It has never been considered cost effective to replace the missing piece of canopy.
Your item on lighting and vision was spot on. I do use the magnifying lamp and have the same problem of finding something outside area of lamp. Am considering an illuminated version of an omnivisor as my magnifying lamp is difficult to position accurately.
Thanks for another informative video. Being an old git, I was around before any orange became the norm. The first orange to appear was the mini-vest as per the fellow in the middle in the first pic of them, and this would have been early seventies. Because it wasn't mandated by BR, not everybody wore one.
Figure painting would be great. A couple of other quick ideas for you: How do you test whether a chip has blown? How to fit a stay alive to a regular chip? Are there more McKinley updates coming too, I love all your videos Thanks for your superb, awarding winning, films 😄
Hi Charlie. Thank you for another interesting update. So many lovely things covered. I do enjoy broadening my very limited knowledge of model trains which I absolutely love. Do take care over the coming winter months and keep well.
I have had one of the lights for years and they are great , I just bought one for a close friend of mine and all l can say Charlie is you should have shopped around they are a lot cheaper on other sites , so l wouldn't recommend people buy from the site you bought yours . David
Hi, Charlie! Another interesting video, especially the research segment. For information, the 1E21 headcode was 'The Cornishman' - Penzance to Bradford Forster Square working, the return being 1V72. It'll be interesting to find out whether the archive goes back as far as 1961!! Thanks for another useful video. Take care.
Long distance inter-regional trains have a long history of using domestic WR power in Cornwall 1E21 and the corresponding 1V72 were usually a Western or later a 50 in Cornwall - i.e. west of Plymouth. Other long services may have used hydraulics as far as Bristol before giving way to a Peak or Brush 4. So yes, not unusual to see a hydraulic with say an Eastern Region reporting number (to give headcodes their proper name) displayed
I've had to go to the same, over my reading glasses, magnifier. It's either that, or take my contacts out and hold the item right past my nose to see it clearly.
Great stuff again. I nearly bought the same lamp at GETs but he had run out on the day and sent me to Hobbies site, who had money off them anyway. I thought that was extremely decent of him.
Hello Charlie ! Jeff from the old USA here. I sure would like to see how you finish the road bed on a Woodland Scenics riser. I have installed a 3% grade riser on my layout and now I am contemplating how to finish them so I can lay the ballast on them. I noticed you have one on your layout. I assume the vertical wall part you are gluing some kind of rock or block or brick sheeting . But what about the flat part ? What do you lay down in these areas ? Do you have hill side grading on a vertical section of the risers ? Thanks Charlie ! I really enjoy watching your videos and gaining ideas from them ! Hope to see more great videos !
Hi Charlie, great video so please keep up the good work. I've purchased some ModelU figures but have been reluctant to start painting them so would very much appreciate you posting some guidance to help me along the way.
Hi Charlie First off, congratulations on your award for UA-cam contributor. It’s well deserved and I think that Hornby should re-name it as the Charlie Bishop Award!. lol After all Brazil were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet trophy once they had won the World Cup for the third time! You asked for some suggestions for future videos and my contribution is the thorny question of road vehicles for the layout. I’ve visited a few exhibitions with splendid layouts that unfortunately fallen for the stereotypical “bus on a road bridge” cliche, which in its self is understandable given the limited amount of road space available on most model layouts. However, i have often observed that the road vehicles on display are incorrect for the period modelled on the layout or are geographically incorrect. A few examples that I’ve seen, (I’m not going to name and shame the exhibitors) A Leyland National bus (first introduced in the early 70’s) on a post war era (1950’s) Layout. Southern National livery bus waiting at a level crossing, all fine except the layout was modelling a location in Kent! It is a bit like the London Transport bus showing Piccadilly sitting on a Thomas the Tank engine and friends layout. I have since bought a Bachman “Bertie the bus” and donated to that culprit. Modellers who would like guidance on the subject can reach out to their local area of The Model Bus Federation for help in choosing the model of bus appropriate for their own layout. I can provide you with the contact details of the area secs. If desired. A few years ago i gifted you as set of model buses that would be suitable the geographic location and era for Chadwick including one with a fictional fleet name of Chadwick and District, just so you don’t fall into this particular can of worms. Am i right in thinking that 2025 will be the year of the Chadwick Parkway Station Build? Layout automation is another topic and i can recommend that you take a look at the splendid FLINT HILLS layout on UA-cam. I saw it running at my local show in Faversham and its quite captivating and something to behold.. I’ve recently had to invest in a garden“shed” since moving into my daughter’s home because she did not want any of my modelling setup and materials inside her house. That all spent 3 months stored in a corner of the garden within your favoured Really Useful boxes and crates. I say “Shed” but it’s actually a proper log cabin that wont let in drafts and wont get blown down in the slightest breeze. As it is almost an accepted tradition the shed has a sign affixed to it which reads David’s Shit Shed, Because my shit isn’t allowed in the house. Daughter amused,thankfully.
Another interesting and informative video Charlie so thanks for that. Figure painting and fence posts and panelling would be of current great interest for me please. Take care regards Barry..👍
While I have a way to go before I'm collecting my pension, props to you Charlie for the public service messages on eyewear, I expect that will prove useful for years to come! Yes to figure painting please, I recently bought a load of Modelu figures and have been scratching my head on how best to approach it, so any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. All the best and congratulations on your win 🏆
Another brilliant video Charlie, well done! Just to avoid confusion, you mentioned a signal at Chester displaying a “D” and said it meant “down”. This may or may not be the case as Network Rail employ an inconsistency manager to ensure that nothing makes complete sense. “D” could just mean “D section”. We have section letters displayed at London Victoria and Canon Street (for example).
Great video Charlie lots of content l got my little gift of myself last week of me as a A4 mallard driver printed in colour that l had done at Rails of Sheffield near me l would like to see figure painting as l love painting station benches, canopies but never tried figures your GWR benches will look great with a lick of paint l bought the same ones from ebay for my GWR thatcham station Best wishes Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Chester station the D in the signal is for Dee Marsh the M is for main the CR is for Chester psb! In the new ROC lives the two letters would be for the entrance and exit of the workstation ie between Fflint and Llandudno is worked from Cardiff but aren’t labelled CF
I had a go at 00 gauge figure painting last month for the club layout, I found it is wise not to use too bright a colour, I ended up toning down some of the colours.
Another great video Charlie. Yes the model painting would be great as I'm sure to do a proper job is a lot more complicated than first thought. Also loco weathering with paint & powders. Guess paint would need airbrush but water based or oil? What are the alternatives Gloss? Enamel? or Matt? Weathering powders are they permanent or do they wash off? Electrics, I know you have done lots of wiring jobs but for those starting off for the first time. How do we set it up from the start? & in what order. You have say a Gaugemaster Prodigy 2 to start with or a Z21 what comes next? Voltage tester or point switcher. Do we run a separate bus for lighting stations/platforms/points & AC??? or DC or DCC. We all have to start somewhere so it may be a retrace Charlie for newcomers as things have move on at such a pace. Food for thought, Cheers Robin aged 80 & starting out.
Hi Charlie. Platform 2 that you refer to is platform 1. Platform 2 being at the other end of the station for trains heading towards North Wales or Shrewsbury. Platform 1 that you refered to is infact known as the Parcels Bay. Not in use to passengers and only used for stabling stock. M is for the up main to Crewe. D for down Warrington. Hope this helps.
Figure painting? - great idea but as you might guess, it's not as simple as one might think. Figures mainly come in metal or plastic and bizarely the plastics used aren't the same! Preparation isn't the same either; some may need a primer coat others don't; some will take acrylic others enamel and do you need a varnish coat or not? Have fun😁
Another interesting video as per usual, looking to get some extra lighting for when I do more modelling, I too have some figures to paint mainly photographers and dogs will look at that link
Another interesting video thanks. Bought the very same lamp two or three years ago, it is absolutely great.
Thanks Robert, that’s very reassuring. Regards, Charlie.
Yes - would like to see figure painting. Looks like a good light. Nothing beats the right glasses and enough light! Great update.
Thanks Gavin, I’m so pleased that you found this one particularly interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Figure painting , yes please. And thank you so much for another interesting video.
It’s a deal, F9987.
Regards, Charlie
Track Engineer here, on my area, the white crosses on the wood sleepers indicate they are to be changed before they cease to hold gauge. All the other random looking white spray paint on the cables, cable tubes, point equipment etc. and other equipment, are there to highlight potential obstructions to a tamping machine. These are normally marked up just ahead of the tamper which is usually working at night, thus avoiding possible damage from the tamping tools. I guess you landed at Norwich just before the scheduled litter pick😁.
Thanks, Pete, that’s really interesting info. Regards, Charlie.
Nice update Charlie, shame I missed you @ GETS, always next year 😉. Keep up the good work. Look forward to your gimble review. Regards John
16:50 Driver from Australia here,
That's the signal stepping up as the route beyond further signals gets set,
Because this usually happens very quickly once the signaller sets the route you'll occasionally get flashes like that if the signals beyond the one you are looking at haven't already cleared before the one in front of you has
Thanks Mrme, much appreciated.
Regards Charlie
Figure painting? Yes, please!
Thanks Trevor, I’ll be on the case. Regards, Charlie.
😊
Charlie, you are creating an invaluable resource for present and future modellers - a wonderful legacy.
That’s very kind of you to say so. Take care, regards, Charlie.
Great Video Charlie! Love the real life scenes of the when you are scouting about! Cheers! 👍
Thanks P3272, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Really interesting video! Thankyou Charlie.
You’re most welcome, Michael. Regards, Charlie.
I’ve just bought my first Accurascale loco
I’d love to see a swift on Dcc function re-mapping so I can standardise all my function buttons using jmri which I believe works on most Decoders and also a more in depth tutorial on the sig m20
Keep up the Great Work every day is a school day with your Videos
I do my re-mapping, on ESUdecoders, on an ESU programmer. Sadly Chris, I do not use JMRI. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. I am mainly a military model painter and painted perhaps 100s of model soldiers ranging from 10mm scale to 28mm . I have an Optivisor but find it uncomfortable wearing it for long periods.. I tend to use 3.5x magnification spectacles and are great for painting details on figures. Very cheap too as they are obtainable from the pound type discount stores.
Thanks Garth, that’s much appreciated. But I do tend to wear my reading spectacles whilst using it. Regards, Charlie.
We enjoy all that you do. So always interested in any subject you tackle. Also if you ever get the chance. Take the train to Shrewsbury station and get some footage. Took the train from there to Wellington every school day for 5 year in the late 70s early 80s. We would be naughty on occasion and Hop by "accident" the train to Chester or Crewe. And sometimes the express to Wolverhampton that would not stop at Wellington. Loved the old DMUs.
Keep up the great content.
Thanks, Steve , for looking into your world. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie - I do a fair bit of close-up work on wiring and soldering etc. I can recommend the headsets you get on Amazon with LEDs built in. You charge them via a usb cable and have interchangeable lenses depending on the degree on magnification you need. I think mine were only about £15-20, so worth a shot.
Thanks, Richard , that’s most useful. Regards, Charlie.
I tried nibbling a bit out of a platform edge once. It didn't taste very nice.
Yes, some aspects of this hobby are hard to swallow! Regards Charlie
@@NewModelRailway1 it's model railway week on Bakeoff, and the technical challenge is to make station platforms out of biscuits.
@@andrewstevenson5449 What scale are they baking to?
Thank you very much Charlie 😀
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, Hander. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie - you’ve saved me hours solving platform problems with steam engines- nibbling the edge is the answer to my prayers!!
I suppose, that is very obvious. However, I didn’t know that it was a reality. Regards, Charlie.
"...because its....prototypical. WooooOOoooo." I love it. I love your cautious use of that word. Thanks for the video Charlie.
Yes ,I had a laugh at that 😅😂 Well Done Charlie.
Thanks guys, I just find the use of the word prototypical, to be frightfully middle class. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, very enjoyable.
Thanks Josa. Much appreciated.
Regards Charlie.
Yes 402 was one of the first class 50s to move down to the western region back in the early 70s for crew and depot training. 400, 401 and the 402.
Our 402 (or 50002) is still with us on the WR at Buckfastleigh. Slowly being restored, wish us luck.
Charlie, thanks for the update. Only a few 50s (D400s in old money) made it to the Western Region before TOPS numbers were applied. The aforementioned 400, 401 & 402 of course; these came down from the LM in that order (October 1972, July 1973, November 1973). Also appearing pre TOPS was 404 (January 1974) which was renumbered soon after arriving on the WR, 405 in March 1974 (renumbered August 1974) but this one may have actually been in works for some of 1974. I am not aware of any other 50s running on the WR with pre-TOPS numbers. And favourite turns in the early days were Bristol-Paddington
Many thanks for the info gentleman. And hopefully I’ll be at Buckfastleigh next Saturday for the diesel fair. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, I enjoyed the field trip to Chester station. It was a fast forward through all that stuff about the headcodes though! I am 69 this November. The optician tells me when you can't see as you get older it is due to the retina getting thinner! I first noticed it putting tracks together - I couldn't see the joiners! Thanks for uploading.
Thanks AT, I’m so glad you found most of the video interesting.
Regards Charlie.
Hi again Charlie
As always very enjoyable.
You come up with these little tips and ideas that seem so obvious once you suggest them but not until then!
Love the nibble out of the platform edge. Some paint already rubbed off my Hornby Castle cylinders.
You have just also proved one of my theories. The bigger and more complex the layout more time you spend solving problems rather than just running and relaxing.
All part of the hobby I guess. But I do remember having a busy day at work as an Electrical Tech solving problems, and looking forward to some
Running time when home, to be faced with annoying little hassles and more problem solving.
Just part of the day. Sometimes exacerbated by the fact that with work the layout was unused for weeks, and the next session was all cleaning .
Thanks again. I would love to see a running session for one episode, watching your signaling and block detection functioning.
You then can do the cleaning and fault finding for me and I will just watch and enjoy .
Stay safe.
Howard.
Many thanks, Howard for such an interesting comment. You are of course correct, half the time we’re mending rather than enjoying! Once the next batch of signals are in place, I will certainly do a more involved running session. Regards, Charlie.
Great as ever and Chester is the best city. Interesting about repeaters and even nos etc.,
Many thanks, David, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Great video, and must get a figure made of me ,but in 1980s BR station uniform as that's what I did back then for work. Also need to get our station cat Sooty as well ,that we had at falmer , i always wonder if it was now that he be as well known as the Huddersfield station cats ? He was a character 😂, That gen site is great and will help look up what my diesel fleet was doing 😊 Chester station is great ,many a happy day there ,and think it still has its DMU depot ? As many of the older 1st generation dmus were kept going well past when other places had sent them to the scrap yards.nice to see the ' train shed ' roofing too ,as these platforms I used to get on class 103/05/108s dmus towards manchester.
Thanks Ian, for such interesting comment. Yes, Chester really is a gem of station. Regards, Charlie.
I had a very happy smiling laugh out loud moment .... When Charlie said, "but here's a purchase that I *have* made....", the video cut to a promo for hearing aids! :) LOL!! And being 68 years old, I can also relate. :) Always wonderful videos, Charlie ... very appreciative of all you do
Thanks Kevin, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie.
Great meeting you at GETS.
Myself and Lord Al both had mini-me's done.
Great tutorial no wonder you richly deserved the award.
Thanks Charlie.
Thumbs up thumped 👍
....Pete....
Thanks Pete, that’s very kind of you to say so. The YT meet ups were brilliant. Regards, Charlie.
Another enjoyable episode Charlie… we enjoyed that! 👍🏻
Thanks Steven, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
A great video, thanks Charlie.
Figure painting is a great idea. I've been doing some recently, basing my technique on watching Dan paint figures at the NEC earlier this year. I print my own figures, prime them (I use a water based resin that seems to need priming), dry brush some white on to pick out highlights then apply single coats of each colour I want, well thinned down. I'm not as good as Dan, but the end results seem acceptable.
One thing that annoys me is that the seated figures we can buy, when fitted in carriages, sit far too high (heads up near the top of the window). I think that this is due to the fact that the internal seat on Hornby and Bachmann (and maybe Accurascale, but I haven't tried that) are just too high. The beauty of self-printing is that the figures can be edited in software and printed out in bulk for much less cost than buying them. I cut my seated figures for carriages off at the belly button, which gets them seated at a more credible height. Obviously they lose their legs, but that is not detail that can be easily seen through carriage windows anyway.
As I can't post pics here, I've sent you an email.
Btw - I left a comment yesterday and it has disappeared. Not sure how I offended the UA-cam gods. I hope this one sticks.
Many thanks, Ed, and you make some excellent points. I’ve no idea what happened to your previous comment, but if it has a link, it will be held for manual approval. Regards Charlie.
Always interesting Charlie…
Please keep them coming.
Thanks, Ron, you keep watching I’ll keep making. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, just would like to thank you for all your hard work in making all your videos/content, I have been watching them for the last couple of years, and have been inspired to take the plunge in to doing my own oo layout, based on the western region at the end of the steam era and the beginning of the diesel. When I am home in the UK I spend most of my time in Cornwall ,on my sister's farm, it's a wonderful part of the country to model,as you know.The layout is named Diddy junction west.I started last September and haven't got as far as I thought, but it's been a steep learning curve. I must say if I did not have your guidance on so many subjects I would still be trying to get my points to work lol. Again Thank you so much and keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks Frazer, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, Great video, thanks! Looking forward to your figure painting episode. Mike MacKenzie
Thanks, Mike, that’s most kind.
Stay safe fella. Regards Charlie.
Thanks for the Autumn update, nice for you to cover these subjects, would be great to get a how to paint figures video in the future. Love the new light for the workbench, I also have eyes that are deterioating and good light is critical to my closer visibility. cheers Richard
Thanks, Richard, the preparations for the video well underway. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for an interesting video, Charlie 👍
You’re most welcome,Jeff. Regards, Charlie.
Another good one - very much enjoying your channel and seeing the progress on Chadwick, Charlie. I've been watching a lot of the back catalogue and the number of useful tips and information in there, all adaptable to modelling in other scales (N in my case due to space limitations) have been very helpful in planning my own trip back into the model railway world.
Thanks Matt, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Fantastic video as always Charlie well done. I found the part about notching the platform for the train to be interesting I'm not sure I've ever seen that here in the states. We do have something here in the town that I live in at our train station which has a single track platform with bidirectional travel, as our train station is served by an occasional local freight service, as well as a commuter rail service via DMU, we have a curious thing which I have never seen before called the gauntlet track. If you were unfamiliar, it uses a turn out at each end to bring the tracks a bit closer to the platform but not far enough away from the mainline that you actually use a frog. At the station itself they're actually four rails the closest one to you and the third rail are for the passenger trains pulling up to the station and the second rail and fourth rail is for the through freight services so that the freight cars are a couple feet extra away from the platform. It's kind of an interesting thing and I don't know that I've ever seen anybody model it, would be curious if it's a thing ever use somewhere in England as well. Anyway, keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video.
Many thanks, the great pod.
That configuration is clearly something that I have never heard of. I don’t believe it’s been adopted anywhere in the UK. Thanks for the info, regards Charlie.
I used to do a lot of HO Preiser figure painting (and adapting) back when I had the eyes of someone in their 20s and 30s. I've now got a load of TT figures to paint for a new layout. Wish me luck ...
It would certainly be interesting to see how you go about painting figures, especially as we both have the eyes and dexterity of someone not in their 20 and 30s. 3D printing seems to have made them so much more detailed (and realistic) nowadays, so maybe new techniques are needed?
Thanks Andrew, my plans are taking shape. Regards Charlie
Another great video from Charlie - I have always wondered about the meaning behind the 'Head Codes'...I used to wonder about them when I lived in London in the 1980's, train watching when I could. Now I know that they are of great significance. Thanks for the insight...I also have a bar LED light and a ring LED light with a magnifier as well as a pair of magnifying glasses with interchangeable lenses and inbuilt LED. Can never have enough of either at the age of 65( just turned).
Many thanks, Greg, for a look into your world. Regards, Charlie.
Lovely video as always.
Strange but welcome to see you talking about my hometown of Chester (now live in Newcastle upon Tyne). A station I am very familiar with. Great observations inc. 19:27 an electric trains stop sign which through me for second before remembering about the third rail! I can remember getting a Crewe shuttle back in the day from the parcels platform at 18:50.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the Chester visit. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent update. Awesome demonstration on the Tortoise repair. I love to see trains that I cannot see in person. Thank you for taking us along. Keep up the great content.
Bob, you are most welcome mate. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
Another fantastic and informative video. I look forward to your next video.
Thanks Mark, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie - another fascinating update as always, full of interesting information for us armchair modellers! (OK, I plan to get out of the armchair, but it's so comfy.... maybe later...).
I'm really glad you enjoyed your trip to Chester - I was born there, many years ago (although in fairness, you'd have already been chasing the young ladies around when I was a babe in arms); I also worked in the big brown office building you can see in the background at 16:19 (and a few other spots), although I was actually in the building just behind it, which you can catch a glimpse of at 18:22 (with the row of AC units on it). I was surprised to see a Lime St train leaving! I'd always thought the Merseyrail Electrics were the only way to get directly to Lime St. from Chester (and I recall the days when the leg to Hooton was run by a Class 101 DMU). Since checked up on National Rail, and whilst the TfW train is 5 minutes slower than Merseyrail, it's also a couple of quid cheaper. I shall travel that way, next time!
As for the architecture - It was actually shared with three pre-grouping railway companies right from the start, designed by Francis Thompson and built by Thomas Brassey. I believe it had the longest platform in the UK, at the time of its construction (Manchester Victoria later took that crown). I was at Making Tracks 2 (or 3?) at the Cathedral last year, and the Thomas Brassey Society were there showcasing his life (he was a prodigious builder, mostly of railway buildings and structures). After grouping, I believe it was shared between the LMS and GWR.
When I got re-bitten by the railway modelling bug, I thought I'd have a go at modelling Chester station... however, when I measured it up, in OO gauge there's not a single room in my house that I could fit it into, unless I literally modelled only the station!
Many thanks 3909, for a look into your world. We clearly both share the love of Chester Station. Regards, Charlie.
Yet another interesting update. Sometimes it’s a nice departure from “build sessions” to see what’s been happening in general. Plenty of food for thought. With regards to the resistor added to your brake van. Have you ever thought of fitting tail lights? The circuitry involved would draw enough current to activate your block detection system as well as adding that extra detail to the brake van itself.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, David. Yes, some of my brake vans do have fitted lights, but sadly this is one of my earlier ones. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as ever Charlie, I love the mixture of content and your reviews are always un biased. You sold me on the light so 1 on order for a Xmas present. Thanks Charlie great work keep the videos coming.
Thanks Kevin, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Thank you Charlie, another excellent Video, that Light looks really good, certainly beats my very old Anglepoise Lamp that never stays where I put it, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.
I highly recommend researching within the Warhammer painting community for info and tips about tiny painting, the community is huge and incredibly talented, and the crossover in terms of tools and techniques is absolutely massive.
One thing I definitely recommend is a wet palette. You can buy them, but you can make your own since they're essentially just a piece of baking paper on top of a wet sponge. What happens is a tiny bit of water gets through the paper, which keeps the paint moist and prevents it from drying out too quickly.
My speciality is lighting, I've done a lot of tests of lights over the years with a spectrum analyser. The rolls royce of bench lights is the Redgrass R9, I've got one for painting Warhammer and it's absolutely incredible. Not only is it bright, but it has an excellent colour temperature and a full spectrum of light (like an old incandescent lamp) so everything looks exactly how it should.
Tiny painting is very fun, I hope you enjoy it!
Many thanks for your encouragement. Much appreciated, regards Charlie
Charlie, another good video l. I'm very much a steam man but run a few diesels on my layout. Like yourself I didn't know much about modern stuff, then I came across Don Coffey cab ride videos on UA-cam. He explains about a lot of things, signals, bridges, viaducts and general construction in the old days. ( I like his comments of tunnel construction "built with candles and colera"). By watching the routes you can pick up inspiration for all those line side features and junction layouts.
As usual, Keep up the good work.
Many thanks for your comment Vernon, I’m so pleased that you find the video interesting. I shall have to look up.Don Coffey, it’s a name I’ve never come across. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I find them quite adictive, although I have to limit the time I watch as some are 2-3 or even 4 hours long! (love the class 66 hauling freight)
Thanks Charlie love every minute of these videos
That’s most kind, C70.
Regards, Charlie.
Fascinating as ever Charlie, thank you. I’m doing my best at building a layout but have not allowed my mates to come look yet. I’m getting access to 3D scanner and printer and they have agreed to be scanned. I’m planning a show evening near Christmas where all my friends will be invited and presented with themselves in miniature and some super glue, they can then put themselves on my layout!
I’ll do a video.. 👍
Wow, what an interesting project. You keep me posted, regards Charlie.
Very interesting update Charlie, thanks 👍
Thanks Alan, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
I used to live a stone’s throw away from Chester Station. It was what got me interested in model railways. I got all my figures from Alan at ModelU. I found them to be the best.Great video as always Charlie. Thanks😊
thanks, John, and a great choice of figure manufacturers. Regards, Charlie.
Well Charlie you have been busy! Another video with some great tips to follow. It always amazes me what resources are available out there. The Rail Archive is another great research tool. I particularly liked your views of Chester. As you say a lovely station and my word it looked well kept and relatively free of weeds etc. Congratulations to them. Trust you and your better half are keeping well. Regards Kevin
Many thanks, Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed enjoy the video.
Yes, Chester is a great example to the rest.
Thanks for asking, Margaret and I are both well as I hope you are too. Regards, Charlie.
Hello Charlie. My name is Brian and this is the first time that I have sent a comment. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. The little visit to Chester was well photographed and very informative. You have a good eye for detail. On the bit about the layout platform, you showed a signal cluster at the platform end. Where did you get them from? They look like what I need for my layout. You didn`t say who makes that led light you have just bought. It looks like it be very handy. Keep up the good work. By the way, you have been the only person to explain how single and double slip wiring works. That was brilliant. Thanks, Brian.
Hi Brian, many thanks for your message. The signal is made by Absolute Aspects, probably the best manufacturer in the UK.
Regards Charlie
Great to see your update! We are just getting into storm and heat season! I have used a lot of gimbals at work, but most of them are too bloody heavy! The DJI one is not too bad.
Thanks, Kingsview, that’s reassuring to know. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie for an interesting Autumn update. I know Chester and Chester railway station well and have to agree they are both fascinating with lots of history. Yes - I would really appreciate a session on figure painting.
Thanks, David, and I shall definitely tackle the figure painting. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, another intesting update video. Great to see a classic Australian Loco make an appearance, I do love the A Class, and the repainted A62 is lovely in V/Line orange and grey. Anyway, the part on the lights is very interesting, and something I do need to investigate, I am in treatment for Ocular Cancer, so my eyesigtht has suffered, and sadly I can't do the very fine work I used to. I have invested in a Nine Steps head magnifier, and that really helps, but as you say, you need to fumble around for the paints or decals.
A session of figure painting would be good.
Thank you for sharing, stay safe, and Cheers, Michael
Thanks Michael, I think painting is certainly now on the list. Good luck with your treatment. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie for another informative video. Thoroughly enjoyed my Friday "wind down."
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased you enjoyed my company. Regards, Charlie.
Good to see the same type of markings in the wooden slips. Same in Portugal. The X on a slip it's to mark the substitution for a new one.
That’s reassuring that the standards remain the same across many nations. Regards, Charlie.
Figure painting would be really useful. Another excellent video thank you Charlie
Thanks, Gordon, I’m on the case. Regards, Charlie.
Great show Chas , I'm all for the figures painting
Thanks, John, I’m on the case. Regards, Charlie.
Yes to a figure painting video. Great update Charlie.
Thanks, Michael, I’m certainly on the case. Regards, Charlie.
Great update Charlie. Thank you.
Thanks Simon, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie; another great video; Autumn update already. Focussing on specific tasks and smaller projects appear to be working well. Lots of progress made over the last few months; even the new snippets videos. You done airbrushing in past; be nice to see how figure painting can be done; types of brushes use and sizes and the time it takes to do them to various progressive standards…. It’s interesting to see how various modellers paints various items - they change their method depending on the task undertaken. Fireman and drivers add that small level to the locos, figures around the layout do wonders. Hope the point motors now last for couple decades; great way to strengthen the arms. Looking forward to the next instalment and the station completed. All best Marc from Leighton Buzzard
Thanks Marc, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, great mix of subjects, well done. I certainly like the trips out to see the real thing, I loved seeing the drainage on the platform, .... I know I really should get out more!!
The thought struck me was how many of your followers would also like a model Charlie driving one of their engines!!
Very pertinent subject that of lighting and magnification very useful light that you have brought.
It's been a wet few days down our way but we are well away from the flood damage. They are the worst storms in living memory.
Thanks for your videos, always very enjoyable. Have a great weekend!!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video David.
The footage on the TV of your floods has been shocking, and I feel for those who have lost loved ones. Sadly, it will take years to recover from this one. Regards, Charlie.
It's always heartwarming seeing one hobby discover age old methods used in other hobbies!
The model railway, scale modeling and miniature hobbyist should have a yearly gathering where we can all share our modelling techniques with each other! 😂
What an excellent suggestion, stay safe, regards Charlie
Brilliant update Charlie, I would be interested in figure painting, but anything that you do I find it extremely interesting to watch, love your videos and how informative they are.
Thanks M6500, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
A great update Charlie. The painting of figures would be an interesting watch so if you do find time to do a video I'll be watching but I watch all the videos anyway. A good point on older eyes. Good lighting is paramount for working on small things. I have a magnifier light but as you mention too much stuff is out of sight when changing tools but so far it's worked for me, usually when sizing watch bracelets or watch batteries with super tiny screws. A very good point also made for real life station hardware like old rails, cables and troughs etc. This is something that I hadn't considered so if / when I get past my planning phase I'll take that into account. A great piece on the head codes as well, a way to check if a loco set wheel in an area being modelled , when and what it was hauling. Many thanks for sharing.
Thanks Anthony, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Brilliant Charlie, thank you.
Sending you a coffee.
Thank you, Stephen, that’s very generous. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie
Thanks, Michael, much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
An interesting point about Chester and not mentioned is the huge gap in the canopy on the north side platforms. This was the result of a runaway class 24 and its freight train smashing into a stationary DMU there and the first couple of tank wagons bursting into flames. Luckily nobody was killed although the 24 and DMU were literally toast! It has never been considered cost effective to replace the missing piece of canopy.
Wow, thanks KR. I wonder if there are any photos still available. Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway a quick Google of 'Chester rail crash' should bring up images.
Your item on lighting and vision was spot on. I do use the magnifying lamp and have the same problem of finding something outside area of lamp. Am considering an illuminated version of an omnivisor as my magnifying lamp is difficult to position accurately.
Thanks Alan, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie. Have to say that Railgenarchive is going to take many hours of my life now! but very useful. Painting figures would be great too.
Thanks L 5766, so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for another informative video. Being an old git, I was around before any orange became the norm. The first orange to appear was the mini-vest as per the fellow in the middle in the first pic of them, and this would have been early seventies. Because it wasn't mandated by BR, not everybody wore one.
Thanks, Philip, great info and much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
Figure painting would be great. A couple of other quick ideas for you:
How do you test whether a chip has blown?
How to fit a stay alive to a regular chip?
Are there more McKinley updates coming too, I love all your videos
Thanks for your superb, awarding winning, films 😄
I know the feeling. I enjoy Charlie's videos, and check weekly for an update from McKinley 🙂
Some great suggestions, Tim, thank you. Yes, there are McKinley videos planned hopefully to shoot later in the month. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie.
Thank you for another interesting update. So many lovely things covered. I do enjoy broadening my very limited knowledge of model trains which I absolutely love.
Do take care over the coming winter months and keep well.
Thanks Rose, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
I have had one of the lights for years and they are great , I just bought one for a close friend of mine and all l can say Charlie is you should have shopped around they are a lot cheaper on other sites , so l wouldn't recommend people buy from the site you bought yours . David
Thanks David, that’s very interesting. Regards, Charlie.
another fab video charlie .
Thanks Geoffrey, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Hi, Charlie! Another interesting video, especially the research segment. For information, the 1E21 headcode was 'The Cornishman' - Penzance to Bradford Forster Square working, the return being 1V72. It'll be interesting to find out whether the archive goes back as far as 1961!! Thanks for another useful video. Take care.
Long distance inter-regional trains have a long history of using domestic WR power in Cornwall 1E21 and the corresponding 1V72 were usually a Western or later a 50 in Cornwall - i.e. west of Plymouth. Other long services may have used hydraulics as far as Bristol before giving way to a Peak or Brush 4. So yes, not unusual to see a hydraulic with say an Eastern Region reporting number (to give headcodes their proper name) displayed
Thanks Philip, that’s most interesting. I imagine a couple of retired West country drivers have populated the database. Regards, Charlie.
I've had to go to the same, over my reading glasses, magnifier. It's either that, or take my contacts out and hold the item right past my nose to see it clearly.
Thanks, old age and poor sight are dreadful inevitabilities.
Regards Charlie
Great stuff again. I nearly bought the same lamp at GETs but he had run out on the day and sent me to Hobbies site, who had money off them anyway. I thought that was extremely decent of him.
Yes, that was very considerate of him. I hope you and the boys enjoyed the show. Regards Charlie.
Hello Charlie ! Jeff from the old USA here. I sure would like to see how you finish the road bed on a Woodland Scenics riser. I have installed a 3% grade riser on my layout and now I am contemplating how to finish them so I can lay the ballast on them. I noticed you have one on your layout. I assume the vertical wall part you are gluing some kind of rock or block or brick sheeting . But what about the flat part ? What do you lay down in these areas ? Do you have hill side grading on a vertical section of the risers ? Thanks Charlie ! I really enjoy watching your videos and gaining ideas from them ! Hope to see more great videos !
HiJeff, if you noticed when I laid the track, I first laid a thin layer of plastic. That should hold the ballast. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, great video so please keep up the good work. I've purchased some ModelU figures but have been reluctant to start painting them so would very much appreciate you posting some guidance to help me along the way.
That’s great news, Mike, we shall learn together. Regards, Charlie.
Lovely update/compilation video Charlie. If I tried to make a video like that my viewers would get a slightly down-market "K-Tel" version :)
Don’t underestimate your abilities, Roger. As long as you’re improving, regards Charlie.
Much appreciated Charlie
Thanks DJ, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie
First off, congratulations on your award for UA-cam contributor. It’s well deserved and I think that Hornby should re-name it as the Charlie Bishop Award!. lol After all Brazil were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet trophy once they had won the World Cup for the third time!
You asked for some suggestions for future videos and my contribution is the thorny question of road vehicles for the layout.
I’ve visited a few exhibitions with splendid layouts that unfortunately fallen for the stereotypical “bus on a road bridge” cliche, which in its self is understandable given the limited amount of road space available on most model layouts.
However, i have often observed that the road vehicles on display are incorrect for the period modelled on the layout or are geographically incorrect.
A few examples that I’ve seen, (I’m not going to name and shame the exhibitors)
A Leyland National bus (first introduced in the early 70’s) on a post war era (1950’s) Layout.
Southern National livery bus waiting at a level crossing, all fine except the layout was modelling a location in Kent!
It is a bit like the London Transport bus showing Piccadilly sitting on a Thomas the Tank engine and friends layout. I have since bought a Bachman “Bertie the bus” and donated to that culprit.
Modellers who would like guidance on the subject can reach out to their local area of The Model Bus Federation for help in choosing the model of bus appropriate for their own layout.
I can provide you with the contact details of the area secs. If desired.
A few years ago i gifted you as set of model buses that would be suitable the geographic location and era for Chadwick including one with a fictional fleet name of Chadwick and District, just so you don’t fall into this particular can of worms.
Am i right in thinking that 2025 will be the year of the Chadwick Parkway Station Build?
Layout automation is another topic and i can recommend that you take a look at the splendid FLINT HILLS layout on UA-cam. I saw it running at my local show in Faversham and its quite captivating and something to behold..
I’ve recently had to invest in a garden“shed” since moving into my daughter’s home because she did not want any of my modelling setup and materials inside her house.
That all spent 3 months stored in a corner of the garden within your favoured Really Useful boxes and crates.
I say “Shed” but it’s actually a proper log cabin that wont let in drafts and wont get blown down in the slightest breeze.
As it is almost an accepted tradition the shed has a sign affixed to it which reads
David’s Shit Shed, Because my shit isn’t allowed in the house. Daughter amused,thankfully.
Many thanks, David for such an interesting comment. However, rest assured, your buses are all safe. Regards, Charlie.
Figure painting , yes please Charlie, . And thank you for another interesting video.
Thanks Stephen, so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
That was very interesting Charlie 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤
Thanks Robert, that’s very kind. Regards, Charlie.
Another interesting and informative video Charlie so thanks for that. Figure painting and fence posts and panelling would be of current great interest for me please. Take care regards Barry..👍
Thanks Barry, I’m on the case.
Regards Charlie
Nice light Charlie might have to look for one these , I’ll use the link . Regards Fred
Thanks Fred, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.
While I have a way to go before I'm collecting my pension, props to you Charlie for the public service messages on eyewear, I expect that will prove useful for years to come! Yes to figure painting please, I recently bought a load of Modelu figures and have been scratching my head on how best to approach it, so any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. All the best and congratulations on your win 🏆
Thanks, Simon, and rest assured the model figure painting is imminent. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as always
Thanks Caroline, that’s most kind.
Regards Charlie
Another brilliant video Charlie, well done!
Just to avoid confusion, you mentioned a signal at Chester displaying a “D” and said it meant “down”. This may or may not be the case as Network Rail employ an inconsistency manager to ensure that nothing makes complete sense. “D” could just mean “D section”. We have section letters displayed at London Victoria and Canon Street (for example).
Thanks Mark, you’re right These things never as straightforward as you think. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie lots of content l got my little gift of myself last week of me as a A4 mallard driver printed in colour that l had done at Rails of Sheffield near me l would like to see figure painting as l love painting station benches, canopies but never tried figures your GWR benches will look great with a lick of paint l bought the same ones from ebay for my GWR thatcham station
Best wishes Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Thanks Kev, we shall learn our figure painting together. Regards, Charlie.
Chester station the D in the signal is for Dee Marsh the M is for main the CR is for Chester psb! In the new ROC lives the two letters would be for the entrance and exit of the workstation ie between Fflint and Llandudno is worked from Cardiff but aren’t labelled CF
Thanks mate, that’s most helpful. Sadly, I believed the railway staff regarding the D! Regards Charlie.
@ down is to Holyhead up is to Crewe/manchester no idea what it is on miseryrail line as I’ve never signed it
I had a go at 00 gauge figure painting last month for the club layout, I found it is wise not to use too bright a colour, I ended up toning down some of the colours.
Dead right Jonathan people are more dull than you think! Regards, Charlie
Another great video Charlie. Yes the model painting would be great as I'm sure to do a proper job is a lot more complicated than first thought. Also loco weathering with paint & powders. Guess paint would need airbrush but water based or oil? What are the alternatives Gloss? Enamel? or Matt? Weathering powders are they permanent or do they wash off? Electrics, I know you have done lots of wiring jobs but for those starting off for the first time. How do we set it up from the start? & in what order. You have say a Gaugemaster Prodigy 2 to start with or a Z21 what comes next? Voltage tester or point switcher. Do we run a separate bus for lighting stations/platforms/points & AC??? or DC or DCC. We all have to start somewhere so it may be a retrace Charlie for newcomers as things have move on at such a pace. Food for thought, Cheers Robin aged 80 & starting out.
Many thanks,Robbie, for such an interesting comment. Regards, Charlie.
I'm happy to watch anything you publish, Mr B. I know you've done if before, but a loco maintaince turorial would be useful 😊
Thanks Stephen, I shall certainly give it a go. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Another fab video Charlie! Would be very interested in figure painting and fitting them into locos and carriages
Thanks KB, we shall learn together. Regards, Charlie.
Tried to order Charlie but they have sold out. No indication if more will be stocked. Great catch-up. Cheers.
Yes, they’ve let me know that they are expecting another delivery soon. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. Platform 2 that you refer to is platform 1. Platform 2 being at the other end of the station for trains heading towards North Wales or Shrewsbury. Platform 1 that you refered to is infact known as the Parcels Bay. Not in use to passengers and only used for stabling stock. M is for the up main to Crewe. D for down Warrington. Hope this helps.
Now this is getting confusing. Someone previously mentioned that the D was for Dee Marsh. Regards, Charlie.
@ Dee Marsh is on the Wrexham - Bidston line. The D leaving Chester to the east is for the Down Warrington.
Figure painting? - great idea but as you might guess, it's not as simple as one might think. Figures mainly come in metal or plastic and bizarely the plastics used aren't the same! Preparation isn't the same either; some may need a primer coat others don't; some will take acrylic others enamel and do you need a varnish coat or not? Have fun😁
Rest assured Hugh, I’m on the case. Regards, Charlie.
Another interesting video as per usual, looking to get some extra lighting for when I do more modelling, I too have some figures to paint mainly photographers and dogs will look at that link
Thanks OR TMD, I’ll give the figure painting a go. Regards Charlie