I bet you were all starting to wonder if your beloved Corky would ever return! Well fear not my friends, I'm back at last you lucky, lucky people! Why such a long absence? I can hear you all cry. Well, the photo below should give you a mighty big clue. Oh yes, it has happened at last...Oh My Lords! Jones-Towers has been sold...Dreadful!...Totally Bald Headed!
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| The board I've been waiting for. |
As usual with these matters, the sale is subject to contract so it's not a done deal yet, but if all goes according to plan we'll be moving in about 3 weeks time. I apologise for not updating the blog for a couple of months but to be honest there have been more important things to think about...yes, even more important than our beloved Corkscrew-Lines...Hellfire! Like finding somewhere else to live! Mrs Corky and I accepted an offer on Jones-Towers about 6 weeks ago but we knew the existing chain below us was well advanced so we would have to get a move on to find a new property. Well, to cut a long and frustrating story short, despite finding houses and offering on a couple of them, for a variety of reasons, we didn't actually manage to purchase one. We have now decided to go into rented accommodation rather than compromise the chain below us. Not an ideal situation but a pragmatic approach which means we can hopefully be in a much stronger position to buy when the ideal property comes onto the market.
The inevitable outcome of all this is the Corkscrew-Lines mk1 is now in an advanced stage of dismantling...see the shots later in this update...be warned, they are not for the faint hearted. However, my unique modular approach has worked perfectly because the entire layout has simply been unbolted and the baseboards stacked ready for the move. I have taken the bold decision to lift the trackwork previously laid and salvage all the points and full length sections of flexi-track ready to be relaid in a revised and much improved mk2 version of the layout. Having hosted numerous running sessions on the layout it became blindingly obvious where the shortcomings were (mainly too few storage tracks and too tight a radius on some curves) so it transpires the Corkscrew-Lines mk1 has actually been an excellent way to learn lessons and practice my unorthodox construction techniques. I can't wait to construct the new layout and try out all the new ideas I have rattling around my head...Dreadful!
So that is the big, big news and hopefully we will be successful in finding a property in the next few months that will be able to accommodate the improved layout so I can get back to track laying and sharing all my future adventures with you all. In the meantime, lots of other things relating to the Corkscrew-Lines have happened in the last couple of months so read on my lovely little Corkettes...read on!
Visiting Corkettes
Just before Christmas two generations of the Rooster household dropped by so naturally some trains had to be run...rude not to! You will note from the shot below that young Sam is obviously being brought up to appreciate the finer things in life as he is enthusiastically flailing at a passing Crompton...Dreadful!...What a good boy!
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| An enthralled Sam & Rooster...and why not! Hellfire! |
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| Lord of all he surveys! |
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| Is Rooster actually Mr Burns from the Simpsons?...Excellent! |
My great mate Dan "Levers" dropped by a while back and inspected progress on the Corkscrew-Lines. I never got around to installing any signals on the mk1 layout which is a shame as Dan is one of Network Rail's finest signallers (currently on the Pompey Line) and spends his working days in an ex LSWR manual box...Oh My Lords!...Hellfire! I'll be using his expertise on the mk2 version hopefully.
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| Camera just about coped with bald bloke glare! |
Last and most definitely least...only kidding! I was visited by an original Corkette...Martyn "What's my Gauge" Clemes and very welcome he was too... until that is he showed me the extraordinary stock he proposed to run on our beloved Corkscrew-Lines! He had the audacity to bring North American locos into the inner sanctum and suggest they have a run on the line. They were Canadian models so not quite as bad as American fodder but still deserving of the heading "North American Nonsense!" Martyn is currently building an HO switching layout as a precursor to construction of his own model empire which apparently will "make the Corkscrew-Lines look like a shunting plank!" Big words Mr Clemes...we shall see!
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| The Lesser-Spotted Clemes at the controls. |
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| Shinbash Lane signaller does not know what to make of this unfamiliar monster! |
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| Corky allowed these strange goings on just this once! |
New Arrivals on the Corkscrew-Lines
It seems a very long time ago now, but I did rather well for presents this year due to the generosity of my family and friends and also thanks to the wonderful Amazon wish list function which ensures I get presents guaranteed to raise a smile! I love books and I especially love Railway themed books. This year however I decided I needed to do a little more research into 1960s buses, but it's all transport related isn't it?...Hellfire! As an added bonus, the Hornby Magazine Yearbook this year features a 1960s Southern based steam/diesel transition layout...Bingo! Oh My Lords! That hit the spot!
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| Hornby mug (thank you Lord Dowsby) surrounded by weighty tomes. |
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| Dennis Loline...Now that's a proper bus! |
Although I am not currently laying any track, I am still collecting rolling stock. When the next incarnation of the Corkscrew-Lines reaches the stage of having a large storage yard, I would like it to be full of rolling stock. Having looked at my freight stock inventory it seemed I was a little light on the humble and ubiquitous 16t mineral wagon. As these wagons must have been one of the most numerous types of freight stock in the 1960s, it seemed like a good idea to pick up a few each time I ordered anything from Hattons. Departmental ballast stock was also poorly represented so I took advantage of a special offer at my favourite Liverpool emporium of dreams and purchased a couple of packs of Heljan Dogfish wagons. I will keep the black liveried versions and Wibble will take the more modern liveried wagons...sorted!..Dreadful!
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| Wagons galore! |
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| Heljan Dogfish...Far too clean of course but excellent models anyway. |
My next purchases back in January included some more wagons...Bachmann's new Covhops. Oh My Lords! these are wonderful wagons. Where would we be without Bachmann and it's prodigious output of the essential everyday wagons which we need if we are to try and portray the real railway. There are Warflats, Grain Wagons and Tankers yet to come from the 2013 announcements...Dreadful! You will also see I have purchased yet another Signal Box (I just can't help myself...Nurse, increase the medication!). This is another Kernow Model Centre limited edition based on the LSWR box at Boscarne Junction and it's gorgeous. You will by now have noted the presence of a pair of the magnificent looking Westerns by Dapol...but more of those naughty Westerns in the "Western Saga" section later in the blog! Another eagerly awaited model that arrived recently was the Heljan AC Cars railbus. This is the 2nd release in the "Railbus Trilogy" with the final model...the Park Royal version due soon. Such a shame they didn't announce the Bristol/ECW version...that was spectacularly bizarre in appearance. Anyway, the AC Cars version is a little cracker. It weighs a ton and could probably haul a substantial rake of mk1s.
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| Latest Arrivals |
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| How cute is that? I just want to give it a a hug! |
Command & Control
I have been a DCC user for a long time now, maybe more than 10 years. I could immediately see all the advantages it gives over a conventional DC control system and I love the flexibility it offers. My first DCC system was the Digitrax Empire Builder which I used for a couple of years. Whilst I will happily accept the Digitrax range and it's expansion options are impressive, and the quality is excellent, I just couldn't properly master it. I found the throttle to be almost incomprehensible as it was festooned with tiny buttons and the tiny display screen made it worse. The final nail in the coffin was the fact that the system was very much geared for the North American market so the terminology and documentation didn't help the situation that much.
My next system, which was bought as a fill in until I built the Corkscrew-Lines, but actually lasted until a couple of months ago, was the NCE Powercab. This again was a North American skewed product but the throttle was far easier to understand and I used this system quite happily. As the Corkscrew-Lines grew it became obvious I needed a wireless system. Constant plugging and unplugging of throttles or even worse crossed wires between multiple operators needed to be avoided. I therefore looked at the current NCE wireless options and discovered although they could be purchased in the UK, you couldn't actually use them legally as the frequencies being used had not been licensed by NCE. Although I did consider alternative legal systems by MRC/Gaugemaster and Zimo, they didn't appeal as much as a more recent entrant to the market.
Roco released their Z21 system onto the world stage about a year ago and it immediately caught my eye. Here was a totally wireless option which utilised your own smartphone as the system throttle via a downloadable app. The control box is linked to a router to create it's own network which in turn links via wireless to your phone. Think about it, you only need your own phone and anybody else who arrives and wants to run trains does so with their own smartphone. As additional throttles by NCE or Gaugemaster cost over £100.00 each, this could save a considerable amount. Crucially, the way the app works and the way the system looks on your phone is excellent and it can be customised so you only have the information you actually want or need on the screen. For sound fitted locos with 20 functions, you can hide any of the functions which you don't use or don't need and keep the screen clear and uncluttered...Hellfire!
I went ahead and bought the system about 2 months ago and replaced the NCE Powercab, which had given sterling service. Unfortunately, I am not a computer or smartphone technology geek and I did struggle with setting up the wireless network and specifically getting more than one phone to join the network at the same time. The instructions are poor to non existent so no real help so I have relied on the internet and finding things out for myself. Once we are settled into our rented accommodation I will attempt to overcome the early issues and master the system fully. During the short time I used the Z21 before boxing it up again for the move, I loved the novelty of following a train around the layout without plugging in and then choosing another loco with a simple swipe of the finger. Whilst I have no regrets in changing to the Z21 I do have a lot to learn before it fulfils it's full potential.
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| The future has arrived...in a shiny black box! |
Traction Action!
A detailed look at what's currently happening to the Corkscrew-Lines traction fleet.
"Western Saga" or "Whizzo Woes"
Corky was very excited when the Postie delivered a pair of Dapol Westerns a month ago. If you have read Updates 42 and 43 from last year (and if not, why not?) you'll know I have had a very frustrating time with Dapol Whizzos so far. Both of the original releases were eventually returned for a full refund due to numerous faults which meant they were not accepted into the Corkscrew-Lines fleet. The locos would have looked fantastic in a display cabinet but I need my traction to work for its living. I decided I would wait for the 2nd batch of locos to be released and hoped the quality control issues associated with the first releases would have been ironed out.
Well it was with a great deal of trepidation that I placed the first model onto my DC test oval in the kitchen and turned the controller's dial. The directional lights worked and the model moved off smoothly and quietly and crucially, without any wobbling. Hoorah! I ran the loco on slow speed and then moderate speed for half an hour in each direction and all went well...Phew! Loco number one was returned to it's box to await DCC chip fitment.
Loco number two then entered the stage...you can tell already where this is going can't you? I went through the same process and placed the model, which it has to be said looked absolutely amazing, onto the test track. I turned the dial and the lights worked perfectly...excellent start! The loco ran around my oval twice at slow speed and then disgraced itself by "putting a leg out of bed" producing a loud pop, a small flash inside the engine room and a whiff of smoke. Corky was not happy as the dead loco sat stricken on the mainline! So much for improved quality control eh?
I contacted Rails of Sheffield who supplied the model (I normally use Hattons but Rails were cheaper) and explained the problem. Their response was excellent. They agreed the model should be replaced and immediately emailed me a return postage label covering all the costs. Superb service which has resulted in a few pre-orders being diverted from Liverpool!
A few days later another shiny blue and silver box arrived and I once again went through the running in and testing on my DC test track. I am happy to report that the replacement Whizzo ran well and no wobbling or terminal popping occurred. The whole Dapol Whizzo episode from my perspective is one of disappointment and regret. So far I have purchased 4 models of which 3 have been returned due to significant faults. That is simply unacceptable and Dapol desperately need to get on top of the quality control issues in the Chinese factories where these models are produced or they risk badly tarnishing their reputation. I am not alone in this. The modelling forums are full of similar stories. The regret I have is this gorgeous looking model wasn't produced by Bachmann who in my personal experience are head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to reliability and correcting known faults.
I need a large number of Westerns on the Corkscrew-Lines so I still live in hope that things will improve. I have an example of D1015 Western Champion in Golden Ochre on order and this should be the next arrival on the layout. Fingers crossed it will run as well as it will looks!
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| DC testing taking place...prior to going bang! |
CLAG 2014 - The Final Running Session
A few weeks ago I hosted the final "CLAG" - Corkscrew-Lines Alternative Gala and as always a great time was had by all. Sorry I didn't make the date known to you all but I just wanted a few friends around for a final poignant session just a few hours before the dismantling of the layout began. Regulars in attendance were Napier-Boy and Wibble who brought his friend Jack, or "Gentleman-Jack" as he shall now forever be known, to see the layout for the first and last time. Rooster couldn't make it which was a pity as I would have liked to have all the earliest and most regular Corkette visitors present. It was the usual free for all with much banter, biscuits and tea helping things along.
The last to leave was Napier-Boy who had been at the controls (smart phone via the Roco Z21 system) for the last ever train around the curve past Shinbash Lane signal box and into Lower Yard. A green Dapol Class 22 with a rake of green mk1 stock came to a stand at the end of number 3 road and was shut down. The Corkscrew-Lines mk1 had seen it's last train. But lets not feel sad my lovely Corkettes because the mk2 layout will be even better and much improved on the test bed that was the mk1 version...Hellfire!
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| Corkettes are always a cheerful bunch! |
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| Some of the traction for the day |
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| Lower Yard action |
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| Gentleman-Jack...Seems right at home doesn't he? |
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| Would you buy a used car from this pair? |
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| Great friends, great tea and great trains. Napier-Boy works the last trains. |
The Dismantling Begins!
Those of a more nervous disposition should look away now because the depressing scenes below are reminiscent of lines such as the Somerset & Dorset or the Withered Arm being systematically taken apart. Thankfully everything is being unbolted and the only sections being destroyed are those that will not be required for the mk2 version of the layout. Still sad though because I have loved constructing the layout over the last few years and sharing my techniques and ideas with you all via this blog and the pages of Hornby Magazine...Dreadful!
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| Lower Yard succumbs |
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| The central peninsula has been removed |
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| End panels and baseboards being removed. |
So What's Next?
Well, we will be spending the next six months in rented accommodation but that doesn't mean I won't still be working on the Corkscrew-Lines. The mk2 version of the layout will require a large diesel depot to house my collection of diesel-hydraulics and I want to create a mini Laira type section of the layout. I want to construct the maintenance sheds and ancillary buildings using a modular system so the buildings can be expanded or extended if required. That, together with an entire fleet of locos to be chipped for DCC and have kadee couplings fitted should keep me busy for a while. I will still be posting updates and then once we have found a house to purchase I will confirm my plans for the mk2 version of the layout...Hellfire!
I have just realised that this humble blog has had over 10,000 visitors so far. Thank you to everybody that regularly visits the blog and I hope you have enjoyed the Corkscrew-Lines journey so far...Oh My Lords - Hellfire!
That's All Folks!
Corky
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