JANUARY 2012 UPDATE
PETE JOHNSON (CANADA ROAD)
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KEITH TRUEMAN (LESNEY PARK)
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IAN MANDERSON (THE BREWERY)
February 2012
December 2011
Since Canada Road was built (back in the early 1980s), I have often sketched concepts and collected ideas for a
follow-up project, but these had never developed until now. With the new 'Canada Road 2' baseboards finished, attention has turned
to preparing trackwork - as shown in these views.
My preferred method of building turn-outs is on a purpose made piece of hardboard with the sleeper spacings
lined out in black biro. In this view an interlaced 3-way starts to take shape, beginning with the straight through rails
and crossing noses. With the nose positions established the two outside stock rails can be added, and then the remaining
rails added progressively. I set gauge using an EMGS barrel trackgauge and vernier caliper. In the critical sections the
gauge is confirmed to be correct as each solder joint is made.
A general view showing the second 3-way nearing completion. C&L Finescale sleepers and chairs have been
used with SMP rail. Although the bonded plastic C&L system is very quick and easy I prefer the strength of copper-clad
strip and solder in the complex areas, hence the mix that is shown. The rail used is a combination of nickel silver and
phosphor bronze, the latter used to suggest rusting on the less heavily used lines and check rails.
The copper cladding has been slit for electrical isolation using an abrasive disc in a minidrill. The
slits are positioned to be largely hidden behind the rail from the normal viewing side wherever possible. Slimmed down
C&L chairs (cut in half) are then bonded on top – this stage is a bit of a slog!
The opportunity was taken to carry out some detail work on the retaining wall, using copper wire to
represent cabling.
Other structures such as signals and relay boxes have also be 'positioned in place', and although
the location of such items may change, it's a good idea to get a feel for the detailing aspect during these early
stages of construction.
The platform is now surfaced and the edging stones have been gently scribed in using a sharp knife blade, and then
painted using different hues of colour. The weathering of dust and grime will be applied later.
The platform is to have an awning covering it all the way along to the road bridge, and the earthen filled abutment
that is currently in place is to be dispensed with, to make way for the structure all the way up to the bridge.
The concrete hard standing is made from 3mm thick foam core card with shallow cuts into it to represent the expansion
joints. Rail and pipe fencing will more than likely be built onto a low foundation wall along the edge of this concrete apron to
contain the loading area.
The recent appearance at the Thornbury model railway exhibition gave me the opportunity to capture
some atmospheric images within an industrial landscape. A Hudswell Clarke diesel shunter pauses between shunting
duties at The Brewery.
One of the benefits of a fictional setting is that locomotives associated with various regions of
the UK can be run. This view shows a Barclay 0-4-0 number D2954, lattery known as BR class 01.
Some of the less-often seen shunters from Peter Johnson's Canada Road collection are pictured,
including this scratch-built Yorkshire Engine Co / BR class 02.
All of the locomotives featured have scratch-built bodies on either scratch or kit-built chassis,
and are powered by Portescap motor-gearbox units. Portraying the Scottish segway is BR class 06 number D2444.
The recently completed ‘Grano’ wagon in a suitable brewery setting.