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My Model Railway / Saving WIgan

Started by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, my hobby is modelling railways that is a model of Wigan Wallgate station area and approaches set in the early 50's. Still very much in the early stages as the photo's show.




court and coops by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


20121030_140132 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


But any comments, help, corrections etc more than welcome.
Kevan

Started: 1st Mar 2013 at 22:01
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 02:28:22

Posted by: veg grower (inactive)

Kevan - thats great, I look forward to seeing how that develops.

Have you bought that as a whole kit? I wasn't aware you could buy kits for individual stations.

Replied: 1st Mar 2013 at 22:11

Posted by: dostaf (inactive)

Impressive stuff.

Coops is certinly recognisable.

Replied: 1st Mar 2013 at 22:20

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks guys, glad you can recognize my offering. All of the buildings will have to be built from scratch using photos etc. Coops involved a lot of 'Gimping' ( a program like photoshop! )of a photo of Coops, many hours work cutting and pasting. Many many more hours to go building up a 3D model by layering multiple copies over each other. Part of it has been printed as a draft hence the pale look. Most of the buildings along King St West have been given the same treatment to less a degree currently. The station building I started on about 25years ago (this is my third attemp due to house moving, NO B More!)
I intend modelling from Pagefield Ironworks to the Gas works with varying degrees of 'Modellers Licence' invoked (Like poetic licence but more physical )
Hope to post a link to the full story shortly

Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 2nd Mar 2013 at 08:27

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Looking Good Kevan, What Gauge is it.

Replied: 2nd Mar 2013 at 15:30

Posted by: dostaf (inactive)

Was just thinking about the gauge, and how much room you'd neeed to do a full representation from the ironworks to the gasworks. That's without the artistic licence, of course.

I'm impressed that the images are Kevan's own work, rather than 'shop bought'.

Keep us updated.

Replied: 2nd Mar 2013 at 15:43

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Excellent. Will look brill when finished.

Replied: 2nd Mar 2013 at 19:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks all for the positive comments, as it says in the heading "/Saving Wigan", hopefully I can achieve the desired outcome with a snapshot of Wigan in the early fifties.
The layout is built to 4mm/foot scale ( Hornby trains size ) and it is being built in a room approx 20 square,which is probably about the minimum needed to get it in.Even so modellers Licence had to be invoked with Dr Beeching removing the lines through Pemberton and the Southport line turning left not right under the West coast mainline. Trying to figure a way of getting Prescot st shed represented as a visit to that with my Grandpa Mason in the mid`late 50's is probably where this all comes from.
King st will have to be on a large sweeping curve, sorry but to lay this out accuratly I would need a room about 50' wide, having said that the WCML to Wallgate to Chapel Lane arre not far short of true scale hence the required 'bending' of the subject.

20130427_090021 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
Pic 'looking up Wallgate'the empty space in the r/h corner is where King St will curve around


IMG_1672 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Looking over Chapel Lane with the original Gasworks Retort House in the distance.
Careful here as trains running to Manchester currently run into a Plasterboard obstruction on the line.
The centre of the room is occupied by an 8' x 4' table that my wife and I share ( 75/25% ) several evenings a week, Deb turns out some award winning Paper Tole works like this in progress print of the Tigers.


debs work by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Each frond of the ferns etc is cut formed and attached seperately, she intends to enhance the tiger's fur by tiny cuts between individual strands!
Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 2nd Mar 2013 at 21:17
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 02:39:58

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan Did You not consider N Gauge.

Replied: 3rd Mar 2013 at 17:22

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Cindy, I did consider changing over to N gauge for a while but the advantage of twice as much room to work in was eclipsed by the cost of replacing all of the trains, rolling stock, track etc and primarily by my eyes and thumbs no longer being up to the job

Replied: 3rd Mar 2013 at 20:03

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Cracking job, Kevan. keep us posted.

Replied: 3rd Mar 2013 at 20:26

Posted by: mavis (1063)

Cracking post Kevan, wish I had the patience and know how to do what Deb does, looks really interesting, will keep watching how the tigers turn out, please keep posting.

Replied: 4th Mar 2013 at 21:47

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Aww you guys
Mac I will update whenever I seem to have made some progress, though sometimes going is rather slow and at other times backwards. A couple of 'frinstances' I have maps and photos that show significant changes in regard to the what was I presume the large goods shed that was between King St and the lines from Wallgate stn adjacent to Chapel lane. I know there was a shed with 'Fyffes' on the side but the other one is shown on maps and in a couple of photos as having a twin pitched roof (non technical term) with one being much longer than the other then half of it is not there but an open air platfrom is. The other problem tendds to be due to using mainly b&w older photos it is annoying to find half way through construction that the build was red brick not brown!

Mavis I will try to get Deb moving on the Tigers but again that tends to take a fair while ( months ) to complete. Unfortunately photos of Paper Tole never do the subject justice as you lose the depth of field (I know what I mean)
Google Paper Tole

Help wanted: Can anybody identify the proprieters(?) of the row of shops opposite Wallgate Station say around the mid 50's ??? please.

Kevan

Replied: 5th Mar 2013 at 09:30

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Good man, Kevan. If you look at the top of this pagem you will see a text box. Type Wallgate station (or similar) in there and LOTS of pictures will automagically appear. Hope the photo you want is amongst them.

Replied: 5th Mar 2013 at 10:12

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

that's an epic project!

Replied: 5th Mar 2013 at 18:06

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Kevan great project I wish you well. Can't wait to see how it progresses

Replied: 5th Mar 2013 at 19:41

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Mac I conjured up the pics as you said, I think Isherwood's Shoes was the only one shown in the group. These photos were taken late 70's early 80's on one of my parents trips back home.






Perhaps I should post them in Album as well, but if anyone can remember who or what these shops were in the 50's I would greatly appreciate it.
Kp and cllr GF yes it is a bit of a project but as I slow down in life hopefully I will have more time to play trains

Mind you it's not as big a project as the guy doing Birmingham New St.
Cheers for now
Kevan

Replied: 6th Mar 2013 at 07:52
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 03:10:04

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

Helen Rowe was there in the 50's because my auntie worked there.

Replied: 6th Mar 2013 at 08:49

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

one down

Replied: 6th Mar 2013 at 11:33

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Excellent pics, Kevan.

Replied: 6th Mar 2013 at 11:49

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Thinking back Kevan the frontage on the Goods shed at the Chapel Lane end Were they not stone? Has regards to Gauge I understand what You mean, When I started to Build My Wigan Central layout I was lucky to able to start from scratch, The Station is built to exact Scale & the whole station From the Blocks to the Station throat, In N gauge is 6 feet To have done this in 00 would have taken too much room. Anyway keep us posted.

Replied: 6th Mar 2013 at 17:04

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

cindy the couple of photos I have (courtesy WW ) of the Chapel Lane goods shed(s) all appear to show brickwork, although I have been unable to find anything showing the end facing Chapel lane itself.
I was fortunate to get a number of photo copies from the history shop of various structures within the Gasworks,including intial construction of the new much bigger retort house, but none looking toward chapel lane sadly.
Anyway, where's the pic's of Wigan Central then?? come on,let's be having you
Come on folks more info on Wallgate shops as shown above, Please

Kevan

Replied: 7th Mar 2013 at 12:29

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan I asume You have all the photos You need of Wigan Wallgate Station, As there have been Quite a lot on ebay the last month or so B/W of course.

Replied: 7th Mar 2013 at 18:44

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

9f at wigan central wigan central goodsSorry about the poor quality I am No David Bailey when it comes to photography

Replied: 8th Mar 2013 at 13:03

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

How long have you been working on your layout cindy? it's obviously farther advanced than Wallgate. I did consider Central station a few years ago but sometimes I like to sit back and 'watch the trains go by'.
Progress here has been slow due to having to restart after moving house (again) but staying put now!!!!! I have only recently joined the two ends of the main line up and have just outlayed cash on going over to DCC control so hopefully I will get trains running through the timber and cardboard wilderness shortly.
Now about those shops people............
Kevan

Replied: 8th Mar 2013 at 20:23

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan worked on it for a few years then took a break. As regards to watching the trains go by, I did think at one stage (Modellers Licence)of Joining Wigan Central up as a roundy roundy WHEN I get to the end of it, But I have only just got to the Canal Bridge at Ince Here I have used a brick Viaduct which I took of another Layout that was Scrapped (once again Modellers Licence)
Next stage is the turntable on the other side of the Canal then under the Lancy Yorky Railway, Then Lower Ince M.P.D.

Replied: 9th Mar 2013 at 12:22

Posted by: piccyme123 (1395)

wow !!!!!! what talented folk you are they are amazing, but, I have to show my ignorance sozzz, but what is Paper Tole work ???? never heard of it before,
as for Tigers my favourite wild animal awesome

Replied: 9th Mar 2013 at 13:53

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks piccyme, Paper Tole is basically an art form in itself utilizing multiple copies of one photo. Deb spends a considerable time just looking at the original photo before starting work. A complete copy is glued to a base of cardboard (or similar ) and then starting form what she perceives as the subject closest to the horizon she starts to build up a 3D image by layering multiple copies of each subject usually seperated by 1 - 2 mm. It is difficult to see the depth of the work in a photo but in the Tigers photo the trees in the top r/h corner have only a single layer attached whereas the ferns on the left have been built up in multiple layers of individual fronds.
Some of her work takes months to complete ( and she calls me mad! )I'll see if we have a couple of pics of other examples.
Kevan

Replied: 10th Mar 2013 at 00:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Found these 2 photos, the second one shows the many layers used to build up this work.





You can see the layers particularly on the fairy in the lower l/h corner

Quite proud of the First Place at the Royal Adelaide Show which is a big event here in September.
Kevan








Replied: 10th Mar 2013 at 01:06

Posted by: piccyme123 (1395)

and again Stunning is Not a good enough word. they really are Amazingly Beautiful. please Congrat her for me

just a little change of subject, i was a Taylor in my childhood, before i married, Surname i mean are you a Taylor also sozzzz don't mean to pry,

Replied: 10th Mar 2013 at 10:46

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

I will pass your message on to Deb thank you and yes Piccyme, been a Taylor all my life, Born to James Alan Taylor and Doreen Taylor (nee Mason) from Pagefield St off Gidlow Lane in 1954.We emigrated to South Aust in 1964, mum still lives in the house they bought then but now in a 'granny flat' following my father passing away coming up 5 yrs ago. Deb and I did the extension for her and we moved into the house, hence the restart(again) to building Wigan Wallgate. Not prying at all, came across a guy on here last year whose great aunt was married to my great uncle. at one stage his mother lived in the same house that I was born in.
Mum knew some of the family but didn't realise that there was a connection. Small world

Kevan

Replied: 10th Mar 2013 at 13:13

Posted by: piccyme123 (1395)

hi taylor, thanks for your info, my dad.s family were from Ince, and my dad was born in the Top Lock area. may I ask if Debs is ok with it, I would love to see more of her stunning masterpeaces, but, if she likes to keep them private I do understand.

Replied: 12th Mar 2013 at 18:28

Posted by: orrellite (2427)

taylork54, how could you leave Winnards pies behind?
I have a recollection that there was a Billy and Barry Taylor living in Pagefield Street at that time,ring any bells ?

Replied: 13th Mar 2013 at 09:48

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

piccy' I'll have to see what we can find, maybe I'll have to start her own Post? Unfortunately they don't photograph very well, loss of 3D depth as I have said.Deb recently sold one that she had done of Winnie the Pooh and friends in the snow for several hundred dollars !!!! . The chap that bought it also wants one of Outback Australia doing but that will probably be several months away.
orrelite,spoke to mum about Billy and Barry Taylor, no relation but apparently lived about 4 houses down from my clan (Uncles Jack,Gordon and Ken and Aunties Phyllis and Joan )
We lived in Coniston ave at Orrel just prior to coming out here in '64 in 1980 and 2005 I had a meat and potato pie from the little bakery at the top of Broxton ave, smelt them as we got off the bus at Orrel Post and dragged the wife over there, 15 then 25 years between bites but just the same

Replied: 15th Mar 2013 at 21:56

Posted by: orrellite (2427)

unfortunately Orrell bakehouse closed a few years ago was really forced out of business by the new landlords,who own too much of Orrell IMO, who once it had close opened a take away Pizza place like their roots in their old country, however I think it has now closed or is about to do so.

Replied: 16th Mar 2013 at 13:53

Posted by: cindy (5970) 


This is a photo of My Wigan Central Layout took some years ago in the early stages.

Replied: 26th Apr 2013 at 19:42
Last edited by cindy: 26th Apr 2013 at 19:48:01

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, has somebody sped the clocks up do you know? Time is galloping! Modelling interrupted a bit by moving Deb's daughter and two little ones to a new house. How does anybody gather so much stuff in such a short while ?

Work progressing slowly on several fronts here's a couple of hopefully recognizeable places.


Uncle Joes is being built from actual photos, ( the large round shiny object is not a new line of sweet but a magnet helping to hold the two parts together.



I have several different photos of the exterior of Addisons Wines showing brickwork, render and back to bricks again! I opted for the brickwork based on the photo of Isherwoods shoes with the set of shelves (?) up on the awning ( that will make a nice little cameo!) as the period looks about right.
If anyone happens to pop into Addisons / Derby's ask em if you can take a general photo of the interior layout for me, because this building is right on the front edge of the layout I will have to make a reasonable attempt at the interior. (If they look at you funny like don't try to explain, I'll try myself in Oct. when I'll be in Wigan for a few days )
Until then I'll have to leave the top floor removeable I guess.

Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 28th Apr 2013 at 00:44

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

looking Great kevan

Replied: 28th Apr 2013 at 13:24

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Cindy, are you still working on Central? I seem to be spending more time browsing through photos than I am actually building things! My new DCC controller turned up a few weeks ago, I haven't even plugged the thing in yet! better do it soon or Deb will be wondering why I bought it
'Nother update soon

Kevan

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 04:36

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan Not doing anything at the present time, Been busy doing O Gauge railway loco's Wagons Etc up for EBay.Once Ive sold the O Gauge stuff,I have a OO Layout to sell & OO rolling stock, Hopefully Then I can get back to working on Wigan Central. Anyway Keep the photo's coming.

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 11:26

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

i love the Uncle Joes factory!

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 13:21

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Superb. Well done to both.

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 13:27

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Belting updates.

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 16:26

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Me to Kath AAAHM Slaverin Here Thinkin about them

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 18:43

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Any more pics and updates on the new layout?

Replied: 29th Apr 2013 at 19:03

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

that's a good word Slavver!

Replied: 30th Apr 2013 at 09:02

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Another photo of My Wigan Central layout taken some years ago,This is looking down The station Throat.

Replied: 24th May 2013 at 15:38

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Taylor, any more updates?

Replied: 28th Jun 2013 at 01:37

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Sadly not much progress to report Gareth,have been sidetracked recently playing with a couple of new toys. One is a new controller for the trains which like many things these days is wireless. This now allows me to wander around the room or sit at the modelling table and still be able to control the trains ( that is when I get the trackworck and wiring sorted out ! )
The other toy is a "Plotter Cutter" which looks like a printer but actually cuts out designs for you. Cutting out all the windows for Coops wasn't something I was looking forward to (If you'd seen me wielding a scalpel the plotter is a much safer prospect )
I just tried to upload a couple of pics to Photobucket but it appears to be sulking about something so I will try again later.
The plotter has successfully cut out the framework of the panelling that the platform buildings used to feature. See Item #: 23556 about 2/3 of the way down page 2 of Album "Wallgate Station"
Other sidetrack involved bringing in exterminators to treat the property for Termites / White Ants AAAAARRRRRRRGH. $2000 I really needed to spend( need an armed guard for the train room now !!! )

Kevan

Replied: 29th Jun 2013 at 00:38

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Photobucket seems to have got over it's sulking from yesterday and let me upload some pics. So

IMG_1749 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
This fret would have taken me about a week to cut out (including time to buy more plasters,knife blades etc etc )
The cutter did it in about 15mins.The small holes are about 3 x 4mm each and there are 5 buildings to do in total which would each need 2 frets per wall to represent the timbered frames.
I have also finally found a suitable representation of cobblestones /setts for various streets, back lanes etc


IMG_1752 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

A plaster casting from a Silicon Mould made in Ireland somewhere, so several dozen of these should see me right.
I dunno carpenter, plasterer, glazier, Av ne'er wuked s'ard.
Progress still a bit slow but now that the winter rains have arrived the garden will have to take a back seat. Will update soon.

Kevan

Replied: 30th Jun 2013 at 00:48
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 04:11:08

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Kevan This is really impressive and by cindy and Deb as well. Those pictures are amazing. I wish we could see them in all their glory.

Replied: 30th Jun 2013 at 17:35

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

To make the project more authentic it should include a model of Pemps, complete with Barbara, sat outside in her car, watching the door!

Replied: 30th Jun 2013 at 18:48

Posted by: joseph 1 (inactive)

Excellent work, Kevan.

Replied: 30th Jun 2013 at 19:27

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Tonker, the building that was Pemps will certainly be there however with me aiming for an early fifties time frame I think the Bolshie would be more fitting.(Perhaps two shifty looking types in black suits sitting in a black car.)
Ha, thought I'd Google up a photo, but all I got was several dozen smouldering photos of Anna Chapman
Cheers all
Kevan

Replied: 1st Jul 2013 at 22:55

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

kevan Don't take any notice of Tonker. He is a Sen Telliner, because they don't have a website there he has to cause bother on here

Replied: 1st Jul 2013 at 23:15

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Coming along nicely, Kevan.

Replied: 2nd Jul 2013 at 07:59

Posted by: fred mason (2836) 

Great idea, kevan.

I actually thought about doing the same thing with Wigan Wallgate and going through to Southport until I calculated the room needed...about a quarter of a mile of indoor track....

I guess n guage would be better but still a lot of room needed.

Great photos from all.

Replied: 10th Jul 2013 at 07:09

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Fred, I am very fortunate to have a 20' x 20 ' room available for this layout which will let me get from Pagefield Iron Works (Walker Bros.) to the Gas works in reasonable accuracy ( If you allow enough modellers licence for the two 90deg bends at either end of the station.) I have just been doing some early test running through the bare cardboard wilderness that is the station area, I was pleased with the look of a Black 5 and 7 carriages passing through from Southport to Manchester, might experiment with the video camera see if I can get something on here.
Kevan

Replied: 10th Jul 2013 at 22:34

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Kevan, this is amazing, so jealous.

Replied: 16th Jul 2013 at 16:38

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thank you Gareth, glad you like, actually you can be impressed, happy even thankful ( that this part of 50's Wigan wont change ) but don't be jealous, I'm not here to inflict that emotion!
Help if you want eg. what was the interior layout of this building like in the fifties ?


IMG_1759mod by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

This is only the first section of Coops that is in a fit state to photograph, but as it does kinda dominate the skyline and as I've managed to get the clear windows and frames fitted I suppose some sort of interior would be required. I'm coming home for a few days in late Oct. so if anyone see's someone with an Auswiganese accent taking photos in strange places it's probably me.

Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 17th Jul 2013 at 14:56
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 04:17:37

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Don't computers and printers do strange things, I've just noticed the colour of the stone at the base of Coops, I'm sure it was brown when I started out. Mumble mumble......

K

Replied: 17th Jul 2013 at 15:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, It's sodding freezing here in Adelaide, but at least it's too cold to work in the garden..... might as well work on the railway
Just posted a couple of pics on the progress of Coops in message board / places. I trying to get some help with the layout of the inside of the place nothing too detailed just a general idea of what could be seen through the windows from a little way away.




Still several layers to be added to the outside to increase the 3D appearance of the brickwork,windows and embelishments.
Looking forward to seeing the place in the flesh so to speak in mid /late October whn I 'll probably spend some time going through the History shops archives. Got some wonderful info on the Gas Works and Pagefield Ironworks on my last trip home a few years ago.
Cheers see you soon
Kevan

Replied: 21st Aug 2013 at 14:31

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

Brilliant. An eye for detail.

Replied: 21st Aug 2013 at 15:27

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Mac, although sometimes that can be a hindrance to progress as I spend ages on getting something right. But as mi dad said "If tha's goint do owt tha ma'swell do it reet," contradicted by my mum's " Kevan,a man on a galloping 'orse wouldn't see it!" No wonder I'm confused!
Hence my request for help in cladding out the interior of the building whilst at the same time wondering if anyone would be able to see through the windows into the building anyway........Arrrgh Still I'll know it's right even if the horseman can't see it.

Replied: 22nd Aug 2013 at 23:48

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

No, Kevan, the windows are above head height.

Bad news I'm afraid, the Horse died.

Replied: 23rd Aug 2013 at 08:29

Posted by: cindy (5970) 


Can anyone help Me to identify the make of this loco, Its a 3 rail 0 gauge, the only marking on it is between the pickups which says Foreign.

Replied: 30th Aug 2013 at 13:33

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Bumped up for Help.

Replied: 1st Sep 2013 at 17:07

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Cullie will know.

Replied: 8th Sep 2013 at 11:08

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

MarieM Who is Cullie.

Replied: 8th Sep 2013 at 18:23

Posted by: mache (inactive)

See your request post

Replied: 8th Sep 2013 at 18:25

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

cindy He knows everything about the Railways and he posts on here regularly.

Replied: 8th Sep 2013 at 19:02

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Kevan, get picks love this project and when it's finished I guess we can all jump on the WW jumbo and come over for the grand opening.

Replied: 10th Sep 2013 at 09:51

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Gareth,I'm jumping on one of those myself in about 5 weeks time shall be in Wigan from the 20th Oct for about a week (except on Wed 23rd when I have a ticket for the steam hauled Cumbrian Express from Preston upto Carlisle and back. (Actually I board at Crewe, but I think that's Only Diesel hauled, sorry Cullie )Got a bit of info gathering to do and some grandparents graves to find and visit but I wouldn't mind catching up with a few people off here for a chat if there's any takers.
Cindy can't help you with your quest I'm afraid, what a bright thing to put on the bottom " Foreign" I ask you!
Kevan

Replied: 10th Sep 2013 at 13:49

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Not sure if you could fit it in but maybe a WW party for you and Beer should be in order

Replied: 11th Sep 2013 at 09:26

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

An uncle of mine was into model trains (cindy will know who I mean) I was fascinated watching him use a wheel type gadget to make impressions in soft balsa of brickwork. He had several of these wheels so as to make different sized brick/stone work. Then painted always looked good.

Replied: 11th Sep 2013 at 09:40

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Anne, haven't seen an actual one of those wheely things but I have seen the outcome and very nice it looked too.
I started a building once many years ago using the little card punchings from the time cards at work stuck on as bricks, looked good too but even the guy that supplied them who was also a modeller looked at me like i'd gone off

Gareth mmmmmmmm Beer, some degree of flexibility built into the week I'm there Hmmmmm.

Replied: 11th Sep 2013 at 10:48

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Anyone up for a WW World beer with Kevan the week he's over? I am Kevan either way. Beer

Replied: 11th Sep 2013 at 12:31

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Gareth, look forward to having a drink how would Thurs 24th suit, can't do the Wed. as I have the steam train ride up to Carlisle. Anyway an email to debnkev.taylor@gmail.com will probably be the way to contact as I'm bringing my laptop with me to keep in touch with Adelaide.
Kev.

Replied: 13th Sep 2013 at 10:06

Posted by: veg grower (inactive)

Fascinating thread this.

Replied: 13th Sep 2013 at 10:09

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

Taylor Thurs 24th sounds good. Let me know where about and hope other WiganWorlders can pop down for a WW beer too.

Replied: 22nd Sep 2013 at 23:24

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Gareth, I should be staying with an old family friend in Douglas Bank Drive, but as the rate of pub closure's appears to be outstripping my visits I am open to suggestions of venue
How about it readers anyone else interested in a chat over a couple?

Replied: 24th Sep 2013 at 22:09

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Anne Yes I knew Your Uncle Don,(Fantastic artist) He knew that I was building a layout based on Wigan Central & this is a photocopy of The Wigan Central Painting that he did, Once again appologies for poor photo as said before I Am No David Bailey.

Replied: 29th Sep 2013 at 16:32

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Cindy.... I think one of my favourites is the one of the railwayman walking along the track, back view, not as detailed as his others but very effective. Have you seen that one?

Replied: 29th Sep 2013 at 16:44

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Anne dont think I have Only other beside the Wigan Central one was I think a Black 5 At Boars Head.

Replied: 29th Sep 2013 at 16:54

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Just over 24 hours to me boarding for the long haul home. Should be in Wigan by Sunday afternoon

Replied: 17th Oct 2013 at 21:26

Posted by: dennis dickinson (1131)

Just out of curiosity - I live in New Zealand, but I have a model Steam Locomotive made by my grandfather in Orrell in 1908.
It is 3 and a quarter inch gauge, 0-4-4 side tank engine. I have never seen it working, but my late father told me that when he was a lad, it was set up on a rail track and could pull a rail wagon which he sat on.
My question is, what would I expect it to sell for ?

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 16:51

Posted by: Mac (inactive)

How did the visit go, Kevan, still here or gone back yet?

Replied: 24th Oct 2013 at 12:09

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Mac,
the visit is just about wrapped up, quite successful from the things that I wanted to do plus managed to achieve one or two extra things.
I arrived last Sunday at 12:25pm courtesy of Richard Branson and went directly to the Subscription Bowling club where Ken H. the family friend I was staying with had a most interesting function organized ( NOT for my benefit I might add ) that included several ex Wigan R L players who regaled us with tales from the 1965 Cup match against Hunslet. Several most helpful people at the History shop and at the Bereavement Services office helped me to trace the whereabouts of my maternal Grandparents graves. Thank you all concerned.
Caught up with my cousin Jim, we worked out our last time together was around 1958. The Brockett didn't stay open long enough for us to finish the chat.
A couple of downsides, it's time someone felled the trees etc in some of the roof gutters around town don't you think before they do any more damage.
Went on the Cumbrian mountain railtour on Wed. Galatea disgraced herself by topping Shap at a paltry 12mph. I know because the man sitting opposite was timing it between 1/4 mile posts all the way up to Carlisle!!!!! AAaaarrrrgh talked incessantly from Crewe , took a breath between Warrington and Wigan and I though another near Preston. Such dedication currently in Harrogate but heading for Cardiff via Wigan tomorrow.
I wasn't going to mention the weather but............

Kevan

Replied: 25th Oct 2013 at 21:44

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi everyone, Merry Christmas to you all. Not much of an update I fear but I thought I had better at least write something as I watch the ' viewed no. increasing steadily.
It has been a particularly non- productive couple of months, between visiting Wigan, building a veranda and decking out the back here and hosting a couple of relatives for a fortnight it has taken what spare time I could muster to keep the dust off the layout!
Anyway I am intending to wangle a few days here and there over my 3 week xmas break to get on with some railway work. In particular getting the track wiring done to get some trains running. I have instructions to get "Cardiff Castle" on video from one of my Welsh inlaws. I purchased it in Cardiff whilst over there, my wife had said that she couldn't see any Welsh coal wagons in the sidings! I told her we had enough of our own and didn't need theirs. Anyway CC will make a detoured appearance occasionally on a football special or something ( perhaps bring Billy B up to Wigan to play ? )
Hopefully a better update soon.
Cheers all
Kevan

Replied: 18th Dec 2013 at 20:22

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello everybody, sorry to all those following this for the lack of updates keep getting sidetracked. The main activity on the layout has involved sitting underneath the boards trying not to burn myself with dripping hot solder while attaching feed wires to the tracks.
That has taken sometime but I can now at least run trains around the main line
Bad habit of mine is to have about 6 different projects on the go at once and not finishing any of them fully,( must try to get out of that)however hopefully the latest pic. is recognizeable to 'older' readers as it doesn't look like this now in real life.


IMGP0805 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

had to do a lot of estimating etc to get what I think is roughly the right size.


IMGP0800 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
Very much a "work in progress" I'm afraid but the drawing for the other half with the different pattern lattice is well under way.
Hopefully if I can figure out how to attach a video I will try to get something up showing the whole layout with trains running.
All for now, Thanks for all those interested to obviously keeping checking for progress, I'll keep trying
Keep you feet dry
Kevan

Replied: 15th Feb 2014 at 22:36
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 10:40:42

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Oops, try this one.

Replied: 15th Feb 2014 at 22:39

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, thought I'd better try and update the few evident changes.
Firstly I'm still working on the Iron Bridge, however I have also been bobbing up all over the layout doing a bit of wiring, researching and working on additional buildings all over the place from John Woods Eng. site and the council cleansing depot off Frog lane to the Victoria Hotel on Wallgate. None of which I have got anywhere near finishing but they are all progressing, albeit slowly.



The front of the Victoria Hotel, NOW the question, prior to the ghastly colour it is now can anyone recall the colour of the front wall and the window frames in the late 40's early 50's ????



The front section with a loose section of the framing that I have stained brownish at one end and a creamy colour nearer the station end. Any thoughts anyone???

And now for something different, a " Where was I when I saw this fine example of the brickies trade ????

[image="http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y462/wigankat/IMGP0210a_zps6ae23699.jpg"][/img]

Yes it is in Wigan!

If you think I should have posted this elsewhere let me know,
Colour of the Victoria, please !!!

Regards
Kevan

Replied: 23rd Apr 2014 at 12:37

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hmm what happened to the Where am I, Try again witless.


Kev.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2014 at 12:40

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Somewere in ABRAM

Replied: 23rd Apr 2014 at 17:24

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Sorry Cindy, nowhere near Abram, somewhat closer to the building I am asking about. Nice assortment of stone / brickwork though, don't you think ? In a functioning (??) wall
Kev

Replied: 25th Apr 2014 at 00:18

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Taylor why is the ABRAM Stone in it.

Replied: 25th Apr 2014 at 15:20

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Dunno Cindy, maybe like the rest of the wall it was just lying about when somebody decided to stick it all together.
Anyway, down the laneway between Wallgate station and the Victoria Hotel, at the bottom next to the blue brick wall. That's if they haven't knocked it down yet.

Replied: 27th Apr 2014 at 00:29

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Does seem strange The trouble someone went to carving ABRAM in stone & it finishing up there.

Replied: 27th Apr 2014 at 16:25

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

And very neatly carved, shame about the wall though eh?

Replied: 27th Apr 2014 at 22:47

Posted by: cllr gareth fairhurst (5397)

It will look great when it's finish.

Replied: 4th May 2014 at 12:37

Posted by: veg grower (inactive)

That 'ABRAM' brick looks like it may have been the end of a section of worded bricks as there is a full stop after ABRAM.

Great thread!

Replied: 4th May 2014 at 13:25

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Gareth, haven't seen you on here for a while ( well this bit anyway) all better(ish) now I trust.
Veg. Hadn't noticed the full stop actually, but I think you're right,just managed to find my original photo of that section which confirms a definite full stop. The Thick plotens methinks. Same thing with the stone with the lines carved in it, I wonder where they're from / why where they there?
I wont quite be modelling that bit anyway so it merely remains a curiosity
Kevan

Replied: 5th May 2014 at 10:53

Posted by: winder (1293)

Kevan, I used to go train spotting down the side of Wallgate station in the 50s early 60s and I seem to remember a showroom for grave stones and monuments being down there.
So, the Abram stone could have been for a grave.

I've looked on the old street directories but found nothing, but I'm sure there was something down there.

Keep us updated on your progress your doing a great job.

Replied: 9th May 2014 at 19:33

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Winder, apparently Middleton & Woods Stonemasons was down there according to a thread fro 2007 '16 - 18 Wallgate ,Wigan.

UK Hol 082 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
I have photos that I may have got off WW showing the stained glass windows of this building from the inside and they are all saved as 'Stone Masons'.
Unfortunately the "Abram " photo is the only bit left of several photos I took in this area last year, due to the failure of the memory card in my camera I lost quite a bit
Must finish off several of the buildings I have started lately including the Council Depot building on Frog Lane
Kevan

Replied: 9th May 2014 at 23:23
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 12:06:04

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

THE PHOTO ABOVE IS THE GINNEL DOWN SIDE THE VICTORIA/WIGAN WALLGATE STATION,USED TO PARK MY CAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PLACE.

Replied: 4th Jun 2014 at 16:25

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan Any Updates on the layout.

Replied: 14th Aug 2014 at 12:30

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Golden Bear What's that building on the right nearest the camera.

Replied: 14th Aug 2014 at 19:00

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, Cindy unfortunately progress has been a bit slow of late as Deb and I try to finish off the various house and garden projects to make the place presentable for our up coming wedding on 11th oct. (I figure after 14 yrs we should ) So if any of you are not busy that afternoon either come on over or raise a glass to the Bride and Groom.
I have been carrying on with some of the buildings including the Victoria and now the Station Booking Hall but info from the 40- 50's era is getting a bit sparse now although the buildings are largely unchanged.
I have also been fitting DCC decoders to some of the loco's and getting things up and running / ironing out faults as I go. My son and his family are coming over from Perth (WA) so the line had better be running or my grandson will want to why.
When I figure it out I'll try to post a video with train sound running through Wallgate.

Marie,I believe the building you are asking about was Middleton & Woods's Headstone shop.

Cheers all, will try to update soon when I've achieved something

Replied: 14th Aug 2014 at 22:48

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Blimey is it that time already,to all those that have kept dropping in for a look thanks and I am sorry for not updating the thread before now, we have been a little busy!
Having got the back garden finished we got through the wedding without any problems ! Grandchild # 9 popped out the week before rather than on the day, thanks Emily, Mum got diagnosed with Parkinsons early Nov. then decided that wasn't good enough and she had to have a battle with Ovarian C. Arrrgh, My daughter invited people to a thirtieth birthday / engagement party in March but they snuck a wedding celebrant into the mix around the time that #10 arrived ( I have given up with names ). Mum got the all clear at the end of July ( Hip Hip .....) August arrived and I thought there's a model railway around here somewhere best I find it and get on with life I think, # 11 has just arrived ( No we are not related to rabbits )
ANYWAY, Progress as you might guess has been a little slow however I offer a couple of not quite finished structures for comment, I did want to have gotten most of the shops around the station done and in place before I posted but as the Scots say 'The best laid plans etc.....'


PIC 223 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

and


PIC 222 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

I havent got the two shoppers watching the proceedings as yet ( see Wiganworld Album photo )they will appear when the building and the footpath get their final position.
Had a hell of a time trying to find suitable photos of Bendix washing m/c's etc, and I now have several unfortunate souls without the lower half of their legs / boots that now ordain Isherwood's window.
Hopefully I can now update sooner rather than later in future.
Cheers ,Kevan

Replied: 31st Oct 2015 at 23:20
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 04:22:03

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Thanks for the update Kevan.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2015 at 16:32

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes, thanks indeed. I had been wondering how you were getting on with it.

Good luck with the remainder of your task.

Replied: 6th Nov 2015 at 23:00

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks for the support Cindy & Priscus and all those who drop in for a look.
Now it's question time folks,
I have numerous buildings on the go at any one time at the moment, currently working on Hellers Furniture store Wallgate / King St West and while I am pretty well ok with Hellers the premises under the same roof as Hellers and adjacent to the 'Alliance Chambers' (??) is a bit vague.
I have good detail of the building from about 1978 onwards, when it was "M A S Sales" but have no idea what / who was there in the late 40's ~ early 50's

[url=https://flic.kr/p/WH9rKj]
[/url]Hellers m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


k w 3 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
If anyone has any ideas or knows who might,I would appreciate the Info.
In the meantime a bit of furniture in Hellers


IMG_0682m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Replied: 11th Nov 2015 at 10:09
Last edited by taylork54: 16th Jul 2017 at 04:36:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, Seasons Greetings to everyone ( belatedly, but I'm a long way away )
Well between Xmas and New Year, moving my son and his family back home from Perth W.A. 45 deg days then twice the average rainfall for January in a couple of days it's been a busy start to 2016.
In between all that I have been pressing on with a few buildings. So a few pictures
First up having determined that the shop I was asking about was Middleton & Woods I had to guess wildly at how it would have appeared so along with Hellers I hope it's somewhere close.

IMG_0959m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


IMG_0960m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

In my usual manner I get to a point with each building then want to move on to the next before finishing anything!! Anyway, I have been on the other side of Wallgate in the last week or so getting some ides what the back of King St will look like.


IMG_0955m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


IMG_0950m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


IMG_0954m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

As you can see , lots of roofless buildings, the King St ones are merely single layer prints on foamboard carcasses to assess appearance and layout.
Several of them are built from actual photos of the building having spent considerable time on the computer cut, pasting, squaring up etc.
One or two involved a fair bit of guesswork as the only pics avail were b&w,long distance or aerial shots. Anyway given that I have had to bend King St rather more than somewhat I don't think this area looks too bad.

Deb and I are having a fairly major clean up in the room at the moment as it was well past looking like a bomb had gone off in here. Besides it looks like being in the mid 30's all week so gardening is off the agenda we may as well be in here.

Cheers for now
Kevan

Replied: 6th Feb 2016 at 13:02
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 12:01:23

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Taylor, what a wonderful project you are doing. Will we be able to see it anywhere.

Replied: 8th Feb 2016 at 19:00

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

You are most welcome to come and have a look Marie, if you are ever in Adelaide in South Australia. Unfortunately it's a bit awkward to take on the exhibition circuit, so I guess it's for local 'visitors' only

Kevan

Replied: 8th Feb 2016 at 20:24

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all,
Still busy around King St at the moment, having a bit of a problem with suitable photos for use as buildings,also the photos I have taken of the models appear to be varying in quality!However the ones in these photos wouldn't normally be seen in all there glory, the rest of King St being in the way. Even though the photo is rubbish I am quite pleased with the way Grimes' Arcade turned out


IMG_1051m2 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Particularly the view out of the back of the arcade ( a b&w shot that I'm sure I stole off Wiganworld, sorry but I can't remember whose it is ) So who ever you are / were thankyou for contributing.

The other building that caused me a lot of problems seems to have featured many times in Message board discussions as to exactly the entrance(s) etc to the Bodega where located. However other than the photo of the corner of the building with the Horse drawn Funeral Carriages No-One has ever taken a photo of the front ! As such while the top two floors are actual photos of the building the ground floor is completely from imagination / photos of a Bodega Hotel in Newcastle. So if anyone knows any different SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE. Before I glue it all together


IMG_1052m2 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
It was while looking for the Bodega that I discovered the Methodist Church on the site next door that was replaced by Tesco's. Again basically bugger all photos exist of the church except a couple of ariel shots from afar or a small portion of a corner.


methodist church by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr]

Then a miracle


im by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Other than the windows being slightly different on the front! And where is it? I hear to ask in joy!
Bolton! alive and well and I can got quite clear shots of it from Google Street view ( SHHHH!)

SO must get on with more of the same and even a few rooves(?) I think, It's going to be around 36-38 deg all weekend, far to hot to venture into the garden don't you think?

Be back soon

Kevan

Replied: 3rd Mar 2016 at 10:38
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:03:08

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

You certainly got an eye for detail Kevan,Will be Gr-e-a-t When it comes Together.

Replied: 19th Mar 2016 at 13:00
Last edited by cindy: 19th Mar 2016 at 16:48:48

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Did the Bodega Bar have a frontage?

I can only recall entering it from the stairwell adjacent to the side entrance: guess someone will correct me if that is not the case.

If my memory is correct, the front entrance was primarily to the offices contained within the building.

Replied: 19th Mar 2016 at 16:25

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Dont think it did, The Bodega was on the left of the king of clubs

Replied: 19th Mar 2016 at 16:50

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I have a mental image of an illuminated yellow sign saying 'Bodega', and people sitting drinking on the steps leading down to it. So long ago, and I think I only went there a couple of times.

Replied: 19th Mar 2016 at 17:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all,
I have held off on progressing The Bodega frontage any further ( ie gluing it together ) in case I needed to rework anything and by the sounds of it priscus and cindy I apparently need to. Which is a shame really as it looks quite nice like it is.
The sign you mention priscus I think is the one on the corner of the building that is shown in the photo featuring the horse drawn funeral carriages outside the Methodist Church.
Am I right then in assuming the entrance was actually in College Ave.
Wish I could find a photo of the building front from pre 1950.
Oh well, I'll have a fiddle.
In the mean time I carried on with the Methodist Church and a portion of the Royal Court THeatre / Cinema, usual disclaimer " neither are finished "

IMG_1125 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


IMG_1126 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
The space to fit all the Royal Court ran out, I tried once before to have half of a building in 3D and the other half on the back scene, unfortunately 'perspective ' kept raising it's head and while it didn't look bad viewed from one direction it looked rather odd from the rest of the room.

As they say "If at first you don't succeed, hide the evidence that you even tried !"

Cheers
Kev

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 04:46
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:15:07

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Impressive stuff!

Yes, I believe the usual entrance to Bodega was on College Ave.

Somewhere on this site, I recall 'ART' giving a description which I recognised, but only of the interior.

Could be worth asking for information on the general thread, which I suspect is viewed by a wider audience.

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 10:09

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks priscus, I have trawled through the whole WW site on several different searches and yes there has been quite a bit written about The Bodega amongst other things at various times by many people unfortunately none if any have ever seen or taken a photo of the front of the building.
It's funny how many 'discussions ' have been had over what was where or whose shop / office/ etc existed where or when
The Methodist and Baptist churches appeared to be on wheels they moved up and down King St so often. Memories eh? who'd have 'em
Speaking of Art , I haven't seen any of his posts lately,??
I might give the General thread a go as that could hold more input, I have had some degree of success previously on there, ( or was it places ?)
B. freezing down here today, first day significantly under 30C for some time, people wandering about looking for their cardigans etc


Cheers for now
Kev

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 12:02

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan On this photo it shows the Chapel with railings I think they were removed in later years for the War effort, Seem to remember the steps went all across the front of the building.

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 16:27

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 16:31

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Cheers Cindy, there's a good bit of ironwork there for sure,I can remember little iron crosses on our front wall in Pagefield st, the railings obviously went the same way.

I might wait until I put the buildings across King St in place because unless you were 7' tall I am not even sure that you could see the footpath from the edge of the layout. We will see.
They look like mighty big bullet holes in the KoC frontage

Kev

Replied: 20th Mar 2016 at 20:20

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello all,particularly those who keep visiting to see if I have actually done anything of late.
Well I have been continuing with the buildings along King St,in the main all of the assorted add on's, extensions etc etc that appear to be the work of a random builder working with a pile of left over bits. Suffice to say considering these were all supposed to be some 'mock up' models to see how it would look initially the time some of them have taken has had me seriously occupied for many nights. ( However I think Deb appreciated the peace and quiet and the dogs now growl at me if I try to sit on the sofa next to her)
Anyway a few photos of how far I have managed to get although very few have managed to score a roof as yet.
The latest though at this stage only the back wall I was pleased with a) that it made it onto the layout and b) the sign on the wall came up well after rubbing it with charcoal dust and the sand paper to age it a bit.


IMG_1241 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

IMG_1242 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Mid way through trying to make out Fyffes warehouse(?) I had several long distance photos that all appear to show different window configurations. Oh and the Hippodrome sign had at least 2 variations as well.
Lastly for this update a long distance shot with one of the shots I have been trying to work from for comparison.


King st back view by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

The weather here decided to turn rapidly into winter so we went from 25C and dry to 18 and p.. ing down, so the garden has missed out again this weekend.
As always, comments, critiques, information or thoughts all welcome, please feel free
Cheers
Kev

Replied: 5th Jun 2016 at 07:58
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:21:00

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Looking Good Kevan.

Replied: 5th Jun 2016 at 15:50

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Just found this photo of My Wigan Central layout taken in early stages of building.

Replied: 2nd Aug 2016 at 16:11
Last edited by cindy: 2nd Aug 2016 at 16:21:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Nice one Cindy have you got an article on it anywhere?Wigan and it's various stations appears to be quite popular amongst the modelling fraternity, I have been talking with a chap in New Zealand who is doing a 2004 onwards version of Wallgate, and there are at least 2 others who have borrowed from or based their layouts around Wigan. All of them are written up on the RMweb site along with several other Wiganers and their layouts as well. Shame we are so spread out, it's a bit far to come for a modelling night once a month.

Kevan

Replied: 3rd Aug 2016 at 14:53

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Hello Kevan I have a number of books & photo's of the Stations along the line , Next station was Lower Ince,followed by Hindley South,Bickershaw & Abram, WestLeigh & Bedford, Lowton St Marys,Culcheth, Newchurch Halt, Glazebrook, Then all stations to Manchester Central.There were junctions At Lowton St Marys for St Helens, Newchurch Halt for the Munition factory,& Glazebrook for Warrington & stockport. If You want any information I will do my best to help. cindy

Replied: 3rd Aug 2016 at 16:32
Last edited by cindy: 3rd Aug 2016 at 16:33:29

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello to any / all readers / contributors , I am afraid there appears to be a lull in proceedings currently as I come to terms with being beaten around the head and neck daily with Radiotherapy for the next 6 weeks or so.
They said it's got a good success rate but it's like we ( the docs) run you over with a bus, stand you up dust you off and run over you again the next day! How Jolly! Anyway first week of diving under buses over with now with a few of the side effects kicking in, Lethargy being the most common, mouth is now permanently dry it seems and one fingertip has gone numb ????. The interesting bit was they said we don't want you to loose any weight! so for the last 10 years I have been trying to cast off 30Kg of surplus Kevan. Now I have the chance and they don't want me to, Rotters!
Anyway still pottering around on the layout when I can or feel like I want to so fingers crossed and I'll let you know how I get on.
The doc says I should suck on a boiled sweet or something, so donations of Uncle Joes greatly appreciated.
Kevan

Replied: 27th Aug 2016 at 00:50

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Sorry to hear of your illness.

Have strength.

Hope that it works out well for you.

Replied: 27th Aug 2016 at 15:47

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Very sorry Kevan..a little prayer is on its way to you...keep strong and keep
your chin up, you'll come out the other side.x

Replied: 27th Aug 2016 at 16:15

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Sorry to hear that Kevan, Hope things improve for you.If You look under disused Railways You will find loads of photo's & information on Raiways around Wigan. Fingers Crossed for you. Cindy

Replied: 27th Aug 2016 at 17:38

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thank you folks, it's apparently the same thing that Michael Douglas had a couple or so years ago, good prospects for complete cure but the treatment & side effects nearly kill you
Anyway I get weekends off for good behaviour so managed a couple of hours in the railway room in the afternoon yesterday. Might have another go today.Cindy I'll have a look at that info you mention, I took delivery of a book all about the Prescott St Shed a couple of weeks ago there is some great info and photos in there, not that it would have had much relevance to your Central layout.
I have been working on the Goods shed on the north side of the line at Chapel ln, which looking at maps and photos between 1933 - 1955 changed considerably with one complete enclosed section being removed leaving just a platform area, had to make an educated guess as to when that actually happened, it appears then as now people weren't happy unless they were changing something significant. Ha

Kev

Replied: 28th Aug 2016 at 02:11

Posted by: Jazzy (8656) 

Hello Kevan

I've not commented previously on your thread, but I've followed it and been in awe of your talent to recreate Wigan Wallgate and surrounding area from the 50s.

I just wanted to say, how sorry I am your health isn't to good at the moment, and wish you all the best for your treatment.

Take care.
Jennifer

Replied: 28th Aug 2016 at 08:59

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thank you Jazzy, hopefully things will only slow down for a little while why I learn how to deal with or get round some of the side effects, The strangest one being Lethargy, the worst one being my throat now feels permanently on fire But I haven't got time to be despondant , I have a town to finish
Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 28th Aug 2016 at 23:59

Posted by: Jazzy (8656) 

Kevan, I look forward to seeing it when you've finished it. It's a work of art....literally.

Replied: 29th Aug 2016 at 00:05

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Kevan..I don't think anyone else has created anything like your masterpiece
so it will truly be a one-off...and when it is finished should get some
recognition...you're very talented...

Replied: 29th Aug 2016 at 10:02

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Awww c'mon guys, there is some brilliant work out there, I just happen to be modelling something that is easily recognizable to you all. I will however take all the encouragement and support at this time particularly, so anytime somebody wants to post" Geronwi it" please do.
Been asleep for 3 hrs this evening after the latest zapping hence why I'm up at midnight and it sounds like the Challenge Cup Final is on the tv in the lounge room, shame Wigan couldn't manage it, ah well next year, ?
Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 29th Aug 2016 at 15:45

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all,
Just a quick note I am still in the fight with only 5 rounds of Radiotherapy to go , however, the body is certainly taking a beating. Having lost over 20kg from body mass in around 8 weeks doesn't do you a lot of good I have found.Spent a few days in Hospital last week while they rehyrated me after a few issues with trying to get enough food and drink into me.
Hopefully some form of normality will come more to the fore soon.
Regards
Kevan

Replied: 3rd Oct 2016 at 02:20

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Taylor,I wish you all the luck in the world..you will come through it all,God
bless.x

Replied: 3rd Oct 2016 at 08:26

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Taylor Will your model be on show anywhere in the future. Best wishes.

Replied: 4th Oct 2016 at 18:25

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks momac, some days are better than others, just hoping now to get the recovery process underway in a few days ( 4 visits to go ) then wait for the all clear.

MarieM couple of small issues with doing that, one is it's not really built for ease of transportation, the other being it's being built in Adelaide in Sth Australia, (Unless you live down this way that is )
Fair way to go yet but will get more ,general photos up soon and probably video once it is more complete operational wise
Kevan

Replied: 5th Oct 2016 at 00:19

Posted by: whups (13121) 

hi taylor54 , a friend of mine is well into model railways . johnnie hill ,do you know him.

Replied: 10th Oct 2016 at 12:20

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi whups,
Can't say that I do and it's probably unlikely unless he lives somewhere in Adelaide in South Australia.
Starting to feel a little more 'normal' since the treatment finished, I lost 26kg in weight ( most of which I could afford) BUT do not recommend the method of loss.I have found areas of me that has bones! Anyway got to build up the necessary in the right way over the next period, hopefully that will do away with the tiredness / lack of concentration which is why nothing much is happening on Wallgate.
Cheers all
Kev

Replied: 20th Oct 2016 at 01:19

Posted by: momac (12409) 

God bless Kev..we're all cheering you on.x

Replied: 20th Oct 2016 at 08:32

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Momac,
Starting to feel better the last few days , if you don't count still wanting / needing to sleep about 16 hrs a day. That also should improve as I get some strength back.Still having lost 28Kg in about 2 months can't be good for you! It wont be good for my wallet either if I keep it off and need a complete new load of clothes.
Now we just have to wait until near christmas before finding out if it has all worked like they said it would (should). The doc's said the Radiotherapy has done so much collateral damage to other glands in my neck that they wont be able to get a conclusive result from any test until all that settles down. Anyway
Kev

Replied: 24th Oct 2016 at 02:16

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all,
Not much to report on the modelling front, however I am glad to report that at 4 weeks after treatment has finished I am feeling much better and actually starting to eat a few things normally. Having lost about 30Kg body weight during that time I have had to buy new jeans etc as the old stuff kept falling off
Unfortunately the doc's can't give me the all clear until early January due to the 'collateral damage' the treatment has caused to various glands etc around my throat area. They say that all of that would need to settle down before they can tell me anything decisively.
Oh Well,hopefully my next post will contain some updated modelling.
cheers to you all for still watching and your well wishes
Kevan

Replied: 17th Nov 2016 at 23:05

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Very good news Taylor..and long may it continue..I'd like to wish you all the
luck in the world.

Replied: 18th Nov 2016 at 19:18

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Momac, I am starting to feel rather more normal with each day, did a bit of tidying up in the railway room yesterday. Isn't it amazing how clutter accumulates in a room when it is left to it's own devices for a prolonged period of time !
Kevan

Replied: 20th Nov 2016 at 22:37

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

Hi there taylor54 i was wondering if you can help me my sis is after buying a steam train book price is not that much of an issue, now what he has always said would be is books about when he was a fireman out of SPRINGS BRANCH SHEDS, he has been trying in the long past about finding the one about this region of ours LANCASHIRE or as he puts it "northern line area? " so if you can help i would appreciate it very much.

Replied: 12th Dec 2016 at 16:12

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi GB, I recently purchased a book about the Prescot St shed which is an excellent source of information, photos and stories, there is a similar one available for Springs Branch.

Springs Branch

First time I have tried to post a Link on here, hope it works.
Best Regards and Merry Christmas
Kevan

Replied: 13th Dec 2016 at 22:18

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Ha, the Link above works ,
I have actually got back into the Train room in the last few days , nothing to show as yet as I have been mainly trying to remember what the heck I was actually doing with all these bits of card and sections of brickwall etc.
Anyway life is slowly getting back to normal in that I am trying various foods to eat that don't taste of cardboard or similar.
I don't recommend this as a method of weight loss, however most say I look much better for having lost the 37Kg !!
The problem is that there has also been a considerable loss of muscle as I found out the other day when I crouched down to pick up a box of stuff in the recommended manner and the legs couldn't stand me back up again, looks like some visits to the gym are in order.
Anyway wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year from us all downunder, looking forward to getting some constructive work down shortly.
Best Regards
Kevan

Replied: 13th Dec 2016 at 22:29

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Glad to hear you are on the mend.

All the best to you and yours for Christmas.

Replied: 14th Dec 2016 at 00:27

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

Hi Taylor 54
Wow thank you very much that is exactly what were looking for i will be calling round my sis's to-morrow i have printed off details from your link yes you have done great
I think i will have to try link's out in the new year
once again thankyou Kevin?

Replied: 15th Dec 2016 at 04:20

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas as we prepare for it being 40c on the day down here in Adelaide. That should be nice.
Hoping to get back into the train room after Christmas, have several Grandsons coming round who will want to see the trains running again, what better excuse.
All the Best

Kevan

Replied: 22nd Dec 2016 at 23:08

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

OK , Just had the "You're ALL Clear" from the doctors at the cancer clinic
The relief is tremendous, so time to get back to modelling in earnest I think. Pretty well got back to normal food wise still have a bit of trouble with bread and pastry and Beer and Chocolate still taste awful .
Still, I can deal with that, along with buying some new ,smaller clothes as I am now 42Kg lighter than I was! NOT a recommended method of losing the weight though!
Kevan

Replied: 11th Jan 2017 at 22:46

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Congratulations Taylor..enjoy the rest of your life..brilliant news.

Replied: 11th Jan 2017 at 22:50

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Cheers momac, It certainly makes you think sometimes
Kev

Replied: 12th Jan 2017 at 00:28

Posted by: Jumpin Jack Flash (165)

Best wishes taylork

Replied: 12th Jan 2017 at 20:11

Posted by: david dunlop (133)

Congratulations on the 'All Clear', Kevan. Just waiting for mine at the end of the month after 6 weeks of similar fun with prostate cancer.

David

Replied: 23rd Jan 2017 at 22:28

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello David, Well I hope you get the same good news that I was given, it certainly relieves the tension somewhat I can tell you. I will keep all the various bits crossed for you.
How is your mum?

JJF thank you,

I actually felt like I had achieved a bit on the model last night, even if one of the achievements was to realize that I had some height issues with the relationship between Wallgate, The Coal yard / Exchange sidings and the main running lines, It may mean getting out the 'Nasty Knife & Saw' .........Hmmm, will have another look at that tonight I think.
K

Replied: 24th Jan 2017 at 21:57

Posted by: david dunlop (133)

Numbers came back where everyone wanted them. If they still look OK in 6 months, I am off their books.

Mum passed shortly after her 93rd Birthday. Just over a year now. Terry and Belle still going strong, however, and both over 90 themselves now. Must be that Wigan air!

David

Replied: 5th Feb 2017 at 05:06

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello all,
David, just passed on your last post to mum, I think the mention of Terry took her back many, many years.

Anyway things with me are improving in leaps and bounds eating and therefore energy wise, still struggle a bit with breads and pastries but otherwise doing well. Started at the Gym twice a week trying to move some weights about, compared to what I used to move I feel positively frail. But a Start has been made !

As such I have been actually doing things in the train room instead of just going in and cleaning up / sitting and looking.
A little bit of additional wood work has produced the base for the Exchange Sidings, allbeit slightly the wrong shape but the photos give the right idea.


IMG_1479 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


IMG_1582 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
While I am in this area the next photo shows the two signal boxes to the east of the North Western Station, 1 attached to the goods shed and the other 3 story affair. Does anyone know when these may have been taken down / out of service ? Hmmmm


signal boxes by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Oh and while I am asking questions the yard are around the exchange sidings appears to be Granite sets any clues yes / no
Will update things again shortly as I get more active

Replied: 25th Feb 2017 at 01:40
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:34:16

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I believe that the elevated signal boxes were replaced with the so called bomb-proof design (Wigan No1, and Wigan No2) in 1942, but I do not recall where I read this.

Replied: 28th Feb 2017 at 13:54

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Yes priscus, I have had the same info from a member of the Model Railway Forum (RM Web) that I also have a Wallgate thread running on. However I have decided to invoke Rule 1 of Railway Modelling to wit "It's my layout, I'll do what I like" or as is also used "Modellers Licence" it's a bit like Poetic Licence but more 'physical'.
Besides all that drivel, I really prefer the look and appeal of the old boxes compared to the concrete bunkers that replaced them. I had already started building a model of the old "Southport Junction Box" rather than the Pill Box that was installed around the same time as the others.
As at one time I was (still am) considering featuring Meadows Colliery opposite Prescot St. Shed that probably closed down 30 or 40 years before when the layout is set. I figure the Signal Boxes lasting another 7 or 8 years before being replaced isn't stretching credibility too far.
Any ideas re the Sets in the Coal yard area off Wallgate ?

Replied: 28th Feb 2017 at 20:51

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes, I agree with you in respect of aesthetics in relation to the pre-war signal boxes.

Like yourself, I too think the road surface in the coal yard to have been granite setts (would have been originally laid out for horse-drawn vehicles) but have to admit that I know not if my visual image of them be a true memory, or a reconstruction.

Replied: 28th Feb 2017 at 21:25

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

ps

I guess you will be searching for good photos of this L&Y elevated box, to work from.

If you find such, I wonder if I could ask you to be so kind as to share them with us on here.

Replied: 3rd Mar 2017 at 12:30

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello all,
Finally I have got back into doing a bit of work on Wallgate in this case the Exchange sidings as some would know them between the North West Station and the lines going under Wallgate
This required a bit of carpentry and a fair bit of thinking / planning on my part trying to keep the elevation relationships correct between the main lines as they drop down under Wallgate and the sidings themselves.

This shot is looking from the siding throat area towards Wallgate, alas due to space limitations etc the number of sidings has had to be reduced significantly, they also, in following the main lines have had to turn into curved sidings .

IMG_1582 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
And a slightly more elevated view, showing the fact that I havent finished the outer siding as yet ( Ooops ) hence the misaligned rails


IMG_158-3 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

A shot taken from above Wallgate showing some of the pristine P O wagons that in the late 40's should be looking anything but, I will need to find suitable weathering powders soon I think.


IMG_1585 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

The joint line in the baseboard section adjacent to the unfinished track laying is there to allow the board at this end to hinge upwards providing access to the return loops hiding underneath.

I found the Fyffes van at a swap meet a couple of weeks ago, finds like that are a bit of a rarety over here, also a few ex LNER area PO wagons have snuck in, must have been on a detoured train heading for Liverpool or similar, allows for a bit of loco variation.


IMG_1592 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Amongst everything else I have been playing with the Silhouette Cameo, partly trying to remember how to use it and hopefully to stop it seizing up ( like me )

Any way success on both counts with success in drawing, cutting and assembling of the Water Tank that used to grace the far side of the tracks adjacent to Wallgate .

First part of the job is to draw in a CAD program then send it to the Cameo. The unit looks somewhat like a printer but has a small knife blade instead, the advantage with it is it can cut multiple items of a design exactly the same


IMG_1576 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

The rather poor looking cut out was me trying to cut something 0.8mm wide out of rather poor quality card. The second photo shows the second attempt using the better quality card that I normally use.


IMG_1577 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

The proverbial one I prepared earlier showing the four layers assembled. Including dirtying it up a bit with some Charcoal etc


IMG_1579 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

This showing the long side of the tank, partly dirtied up.


IMG_1581 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

I will post a few more shots of the tank as I get more of the assembly done, sooner rather than later hopefully.

It certainly feels good to get back into modelling after several months of feeling fed up with a complete lack of motivation towards practically everything, still havent got a taste for beer or chocolate back, although I am feeling much better now for having dropped all the weight that I did

Cheers for now.

Kev

Replied: 3rd May 2017 at 08:54
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:46:18

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Good on yer, Kev.

Pleased that you is on the mend.

Replied: 3rd May 2017 at 10:34

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Glad to hear Your back at it Kevan, Keep us posted (thats if You dont get TOOOO tanked up.

Replied: 3rd May 2017 at 16:24

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Kevan,do you realise that theres probably no one else who's done
anything like this on such a grand scale..I take my hat off to you..you're so
artistic....everyone can see just how much work has gone into these
models of Wigan ..you're brilliant..and am so glad that your health is
improving. x

Replied: 3rd May 2017 at 18:11

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Very droll Cindy, Toooo Tanked up ho ho,
Momac thank you but steady on it took me half an hour to get out of the train room I kept banging my head on the doorway . There are many great modellers out there doing wonderful things it's just that you guys can relate to what I am building.
I do appreciate all the support and well wishes I have had over the last 9 months or so it most certainly has helped get me back into the work. Seeing the number of views increasing even though nothing had been updated for ages on here was testimony to the interest shown.
Thank you Wigan, hopefully we will get back to say g'day next year
Kevan

Replied: 3rd May 2017 at 22:40

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Kev,

fantastic stuff. I still haven't found a suitable track design for my layout, but all the signs are good.

Finding time to get up there in the loft bedroom is a real problem due to working full-time.

Still don't know whether to go digital or stay analogue. If I switch to digi, my entire fleet of locos will have to be 'withdrawn'.

Best wishes,

J.

Replied: 4th May 2017 at 00:00

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

I wasnt sure about switching over to digital control myself Jarvo but i am glad that i did even with the limited time i have had in running trains. A couple of things though,
Pretty well any loco can have a dcc chip fitted although some are more difficult than others mainly due to space constraints.
Some of the Bachmanns and the old Mainline range that have split chassis are more fiddly to do.
The old Hornby Dublo / Wrenn locos tend to be rather heavy on current draw so suitable chip selection is pretty important.
Dont believe the blurb that it only needs two wires!
The capabilities seem to be almost limitless ( governed by available funds)
A guy i visited here is well into sound as well, he brought a two diesel passenger train into a terminus with all the carriages lit up. The next thing i hear is the seperate diesel engines shutdown , door slams shut footsteps move along the train turning lights off and slamming doors shut as they go, absolutely amazing but so expensive to achieve.
Go dcc mate!
Kev

Replied: 4th May 2017 at 13:04

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Cheers, Kev, I need to ponder over that one.

At the moment I am looking for a four road shed/MPD. And maybe one that can be extended length ways.

This will be my datum, with everything measured from here.

Replied: 4th May 2017 at 13:28

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Have you had a look at the 'Scalescenes' range of downloadable card based kits, they can easily be extended / modified for purpose and they build up into good looking and quite robust models.
Most of the model railway forums would have sections devoted to them and many examples of the breed shown.
Kev

Replied: 4th May 2017 at 22:15

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Kev,

I have never built models from card before.

Any tips?

Replied: 5th May 2017 at 12:31

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Always use a sharp craft knife! Actually if you look up "your model railway club" and or "Rmweb" they are both excellent model railway forums. The former has a complete section devoted to various forms of kit building including a thread specifically for scalescenes that includes a three part series written by one of the members with tips, methods do's and donts. It's not that i dont want to give you any tips but i think that that is the best one I can give you.
Also on the rmweb site in amongst the layout topics there is a topic on my Wigan Wallgate layout that has input from several Wigan based or born and bred modellers. There is also a topic
By an expat wiganer in NZ who is starting a 21st century version of Wallgate.
Both of these sites are well worth browsing through, there is a whole range of topics, tips, layouts etc
Kev

Replied: 5th May 2017 at 13:53

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Cheers, Kev.

Replied: 6th May 2017 at 22:04

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Hi, Back in Feb, you asked about setts in the coalyard.

Been looking for this pic for ages, and yes they certainly look like setts.

Replied: 13th May 2017 at 02:49

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks for that priscus, I wonder when that painting was done as Wallgate appears to be setts as well. I can't say that I am looking forward to trying to produce the correct appearance because of the curved sidings I have had to put down. Commercially produce sheets of setts are ok but will not follow the curve of the lines which will make it look very odd I would think.
However I have just taken delivery of a pair of 'rollers' that have the pattern on their surface so when a rollout some modelling clay theoretically it rolls the pattern into the surface! Famous last words I will post photos of the results of me trialling the method shortly.
Cheers
Kev

Replied: 14th May 2017 at 00:40

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes, lots of places, the metalled road surface which appeared later, was laid over the top of the setts. The 'metal' frequently did not extend to the kerb, leaving a couple of lines of setts exposed kerb-side. I guess because drain gratings and the like had been built flush with the upper surface of those setts.

Replied: 14th May 2017 at 01:17

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Looking at that pic . the setts are well out into the road near where He has signed his name.
Anyway I have had a play with the above mentioned rollers on a couple of scrap bits of track.

IMG_1635 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Tried several methods of colouring, mainly thin washes of acrylic paint then a rub over with some sand paper


IMG_1632 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
Next experiment will include trying to make them look 'rained on' and a bit of spilt coal and coal dust about the place.Ah well back to soldering dozens of wires to rails in an effort to get the trains running.

Cheers
Kev

Replied: 14th May 2017 at 09:08
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Jul 2017 at 11:53:04

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes Kev, I was not suggesting that on that pic/at such time, the setts were under a cover of road surface metal. Certainly though, up to late 1950's/early 1960's, you could see setts where the metalled surfacing stopped short of the kerb. You also could observe when contractors dug up the road for various and sundry purposes, the layer of setts had to be extracted. I am guessing the structure remained as such until the time came around for maintenance replacement of the road's base layer.

Replied: 19th May 2017 at 16:03

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Photo just appeared on 'album' with some detail, which may be of interest.

link

Replied: 17th Jun 2017 at 21:58

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Cheers for that Priscus, excellent photo isn't it , I did pick it up this morning. I have a look every day at the Album contributions for useful if not just interesting photos.
I have been working on the wiring for the tracks in the Exchange Sidings, have to get that running reliably before I can start putting the setts down. Actually had a train doing a bit of shunting yesterday ( Some would call it Playing Trains ! ). Just need to fit a few magnets in between the sleepers as a precursor to enabling wagons to be uncoupled in a more realistic manner than the well tried but not necessarily more effective "Great Hand in the Sky" approach.
Cheers
Kev

Replied: 18th Jun 2017 at 03:38

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Well once I figure out which photos I had where I will try to replace them and PHOTOBUCKET can go to hell!
I hope they are very soon regretting there descision as they look for a new job!

Replied: 8th Jul 2017 at 00:53

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Rotten of them!

I guess that many threads on many sites left stripped of their images.

I did not sign up to an account with them, it just did not feel quite kosher!

Good luck with your endeavour to replace them.

Replied: 11th Jul 2017 at 16:37

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Ok , we are underway replacing the photos ( thanks to all those who helped sort it, )
I have noticed that Cindy's photos have now been blocked by Photobastard,
Oh well, How to make yourself popular and win friends, Eh?
It's a cold and wet Sunday afternoon here in Adelaide I guess I will have to go in the Train Room, Darn!
Kev

Replied: 16th Jul 2017 at 04:47

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

Its a right mess Kev ,ive lost about 230 photos since i joined WW ,ive closed my acc with photobucket and deleted all my photos. Have to try sort flickr out or some other site.
PS great project your doing Kev,been following it from the start ,the detail is amazing ,hope you get your photos sorted also .

Replied: 26th Jul 2017 at 12:35

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, still trying to find a few of the photos that need to be reloaded here, however, in the mean time I have been continuing working on the Water Tank that used to stand behind Frames Tours at the top of the ramp down to the Goods Yard area.
Tank on top of the Stone base
[url=https://flic.kr/p/XNyhLR]
[/url]20170619_110749_resized by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

(I seem to have a couple of extra bits of data to do with Flickr, but hey.)
Having tried my hand at painting various things I decided I would make a good Pastry Cook, so the two water pipes shown here are plastic rods covered with a modified photo of some rusty pipework, printed out onto self adhesive label paper.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/XJscbu]
IMG_1752[/url] by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

( I will have to update this more often so I don't forget the process for pics)

Because the tank didn't have a lid on it I guessed the water would probably be a bit murky, eventually I found an artificial water product basically called "Deep Murky Water" seemed reasonable, I think it filled up the tank ok.


20170717_202531[/url] by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Last shot is of the tank roughly in position on the layout, it took the Murky Water product a couple of days to dry properly, fortunately it gave me plenty of time to pack the tank base so that the waterlevel was parallel to the top edge of the tank. Obviously that part of my layout isn't level !


[/url]post-19569-0-72382400-1500464226_thumb by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Anyway I have moved back onto getting trains running again ( more reliably!) I have identified a couple of sets of points that need attention and one or two locos that need work.
My one and only Jubilee class, is struggling to pull 4 carriages up the incline from Wallgate to the Gasworks and as I would like at least 7 behind it, it is going to need more weight for traction I am afraid.
Also one of Mr Hornby's Chinese offerings couldn't pull the skin of a Rice Pudding.
Onward.
Kev

Replied: 17th Aug 2017 at 12:02
Last edited by taylork54: 17th Aug 2017 at 12:32:19

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan I had a problem With with loco's pulling out of My Wigan Central layout, Farish Jubilee couldnt budge out of station, But Minitrix 9F had No problem it is heavier & also has Traction tyre,I'm not well up with 00 rolling stock, As to wether you can buy traction tyres for 00 I dont know, You can buy something which You put on Your Loco wheels to give them Traction Cant remember what its called though If I find out I will put on this thread.

Replied: 1st Sep 2017 at 15:49

Posted by: mollie m (7076) 

Hello Kevan

This is a fascinating thread but I'd just like to clarify exactly where the Bodega was on King Street which was discussed earlier. I worked at 26 King Street (Gibson, Russell & Adler, Solicitors) back in the 60s and further up the road, guessing at number 32 or 34 was a firm of Solicitors, then called Frank Platt & Fishwick. The Bodega was accessed to the left of this firm by a set of stairs leading downwards into a bar which later became known as the Beer Keller, then later still as the King of Clubs. This probably doesn't help your project, but perhaps helps with the history.

Replied: 2nd Sep 2017 at 04:23
Last edited by mollie m: 2nd Sep 2017 at 04:36:01

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi,
Cindy, once I had improved the rolling capabilities of some of the carriages it was a little better but unfortunately the Mainline Jubilee loco is suffering from a malady that apparently plagued many of that particular brand of loco.
The design utilizes a split chassis which then uses split 2 piece axles joined by a plastic bush for each driving wheel set. These things apparently fail with regular monotomy rendering them very unreliable when running and even more noisier. Grrr, something you don't hear about until many years after they have been purchased ( and a re no longer readily serviceable !)

Molly
Yes I had been made aware of my model being wildly inaccurate in this instance, something I must get back onto and correct as best as I can given the limited info. and even more limited photographic evidence that is available on this particular building. None the less thank you for your input, each little piece of info helps in it's own way, some in obvious ways helps to solve a question and other times by posing a new question, like " I wonder what that big chimney is attached to ?"
Please keep following and reading and more importantly adding information to confirm or correct my efforts.
It is all appreciated
Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 3rd Sep 2017 at 07:54

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Sorry Folks, not much of an update I am afraid, Thanks to all of you that keep looking in though!
Most of my activity lately has been trying to get some trains running on a more reliable basis than they were, along with converting some of the older models to run on the Digital Command Control system.
Whatever happened to twirling a knob on top of a transformer ? it would seem I am rapidly becoming qualified to land the manned flight on Mars!
We just had our first 'warm' days of spring ( ie: > 32deg) which has then caused an assortment of issues with trackwork that has been in place now for several years!
The lift up 'bridge' section that allows ease of access into the train room without having to go down on your hands and knees to get under the layout suddenly grew (over night almost ) by 2mm in length and would not close fully, it is either heat expansion or the wood has started to grow again!
Having cured that I then discovered the reason for all the trains derailing on a 4' radius curve was that again due to heat the rails had grown in length and broken all the chairs that hold the rail to the sleepers in one section allowing the outer wheels on anything passing to drop of the rail!
Ripped up that section and replaced it and off we went, Hurrah!

Now believe this ( or not ) but it is a fact that if the Adelaide to Darwin Rail line was fixed hard at Adelaide and only allowed to expand towards Darwin of a Hot day the buffers at Darwin would end up more than a Kilometer out to sea !

ps. Tried my first beer since my treatment finished (12 months ago) still tastes B. Awful
Bugger

Replied: 17th Oct 2017 at 23:52

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello all,
Following on from the previous post about the weather just had a few more days in the mid 30's but a couple of weeks ago we went from 35 one day to 18 max the following day talk about being B cold!
Anyway, having got fed up with track and train repairs I decided to do a bit of modelling and Westwood Lane bridge drew the short straw. Well at least it is based on it and it's rough location.
The model has followed my usual approach of working from original photos, in this instance primarily the side walls of the inside face of the bridge became the outside face.

[/url]20171122_170532 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

[/url]20171122_170743 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

There was no way I was going to attempt to paint the surfaces of the model, any previous attempts to paint models have ended up looking like a thumbnail dipped in tar has been involved, hence why I try to use printed 'wraps' for as much as I can. In this case that includes the vertical angles and the channel and I beam sections under the bridge that are wrapped in suitable printouts.
While being rather fiddly to wrap the end result makes me quite happy.
The vertical angle on the side walls are 2mm Plastic angle and the channel underneath is 4mm.

[/url]IMG_1972 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

The granite Setts are courtesy of a plaster molding ( originally sold as a stone wall but they make much better setts)

[/url]20171122_170558 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

On the health front it is just over 12 months since radiotherapy treatment finished, still get tired and have only put on 5kgs of the 42 I lost but all going well. I have a check up tomorrow with the Ear Nose and throat specialist so hopefully all will continue to be well.
Cheers for now, stay interested and keep the home fires burning.
Kevan

Replied: 22nd Nov 2017 at 09:48
Last edited by taylork54: 22nd Nov 2017 at 10:11:01

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan Hope things go well tomorrow,Nice to see the layout coming on. Unfortunately I cant put photos on W.W. As I haven't mastered Flickr Yet So I can only put photos on the Rejects.Cindy

Replied: 22nd Nov 2017 at 15:57

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Kevan,I wish you all the best for tomorrow..and God bless.x

Replied: 22nd Nov 2017 at 16:04

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hello Kevan,just wondering how you are.

Replied: 20th Dec 2017 at 06:30

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Not had the best news I am afraid Momac, it's back.
Merry F'in Xmas I don't think. Sorry, for that outburst.
Chemo starting early new year, However I am not going down without a fight there are still too many buildings to sort out for Wallgate, so things will be carrying on with and around me just as normal.
There hasn't been much activity on the railway of late but that is because I am flat out trying to finish 2 Shopkins (I presume they have them in the UK) Shopping Malls for 2 of the 7yo Granddaughters and a Star Wars themed 'Space Port' that one of the Grandsons can use with all of his Lego stuff that will be part of their Xmas pressies.
Stay tuned as Arnold said " I'll be BAck"
Kev

Replied: 20th Dec 2017 at 22:22

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hello Kevam,I'm so sorry about the return of the blasted thing..no doubt
you will have read everything you could find I'm sure,but I've been doing an
awful lot of reading on Hemp and cannabis oil..I'm sure as I said that you'll
know but if you haven't Kevan please google it . it makes you think...and I
wish you all the luck in the world..I really do.x

Replied: 20th Dec 2017 at 22:36

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Momac, have a Merry Xmas, I know intend to, between us we have 5 off spring and 11 Grandchildren plus sis, bro and mum plus a couple of ring in's here at some point during the day

Replied: 21st Dec 2017 at 01:38

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you Kevan, and I wish you all you wish yourself.

Replied: 21st Dec 2017 at 08:53

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, Hope you all had a good New Year, I shan't mention the weather as it appears a bit extreme( having said that we had 42.9C yesterday, however even that pales compared to Sydney today where my daughter says it reached 47.1!!! Damn Sydney have always got to go one better.
Anyway havent got much done on Wallgate over the last few weeks what with Xmas etc, I did however get stuck into building two units for two of the Granddaughters to use with their Shopkins stuff ( I am assuming that you have all that stuff over there) and a Lego compatible 'Space Port ' for one of the Grandsons

[/url]IMG_1993 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Avah Rose (6) is one of the GD's and the other one is Caitlin (7) ( therefore Caitlin Towers) they were both here when I brought them out to tell them that Santa had asked me to make them as the Elves had not had the time this year, they were occupied for about 1 1/2 hours during the afternoon, so big tick.

When I showed Jackson (8) his Space Port with a similar story about Santa's Elves, He stood and looked at it for several minutes without speaking and I thought Oh! err failure, Then he said " That is Sooooooo Cooool" !

[/url]IMG_1990 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

He promptly spent a good hour just setting up what little bit of Lego was around the place.
One of his schoolfriends has since seen it and wanted to know where he got it from, Hmm maybe a business opportunity here, has any one got more Papier Mache packaging, a piece of rectangular downpipe, a jelly container and the lid off a spray container and some printed bits etc
Still waiting on having a biopsy and another visit to the oncologist, but wait I will I guess for a day or so!!
Cheers for now, stay warm
Kev

Replied: 7th Jan 2018 at 07:08
Last edited by taylork54: 7th Jan 2018 at 07:32:41

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Kevan,you're extremely talented, you should be designing settings for TV
dramas....on another note have you not tried Cannabis oil yet..it's had
glowing reports lately...take care.

P.S..Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.x

Replied: 7th Jan 2018 at 13:14

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, Thanks you all for still looking in and pushing the views up past 10,000 , Wow!
Not much to show as an update for the trains although I am working on it still. Mainly been working on the running reliability which seems to include crawling about under the boards as much as on top.
Figured I had better sort that out before the Chemo inspired Lethargy kicks in, had the first dose of that on Friday after what seemed like an eternal wait while they ran more checks, tests etc etc. All of which confirmed what they had said in the first place ie "It's back but in your lungs this time".
No Radiotherapy this time which did as much collateral damage as good last time, only immediate side effect to show up is I have had around a dozen sessions of Hiccups since Friday!! Hopefully that wont last much longer.
Stay tuned I will try and get some more pics up soon.
Cheers
Kev

Replied: 10th Feb 2018 at 22:46

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Nice to Hear from You Kevan, Fingers crossed for You Hope thing improve.

Replied: 11th Feb 2018 at 12:49

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, Cheers Cindy,
Well 2 weeks post 1st chemo dose and I feel human again, one chemo at the hospital and one in a takeaway pack that went on for 4 days left me constipated and with a mouthful of ulcers. Dr's 'surprised ' by the rapid onset of those events!
However both have cleared up now have one week before they belt me again!
In the meantime a new loco has turned up from the UK for me, one that will eventually become the Jubilee Class 'MARS' ready to haul the L/pool to Newcastle Express.
It did two laps of the track at ' running in ' speed and stopped,Fortunatelt not the Loco's fault, Unfortunately a sfull short in the track was trying to melt the controller, mad panic hit the E/Stop !
Now all I have to do is find the problem in roughly 280' of mainline plus about 50' of sidings, Oh well where's my meter and that screwdriver?
Let you know shortly
Kev

Replied: 23rd Feb 2018 at 22:56

Posted by: cindy (5970) 


Nice to Hear from You again Kevan. Have Fun Sorting the Short out.

Replied: 24th Feb 2018 at 13:16

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Short sorted,
eventually traced to a problem involving divine intervention and a blithering idiot!
Having used PCB sleepers for location purposes on either side of a lift up section of the Top Yard sidings that allows access to the return loops below, the blithering idiot notched the copper face to ensure no short possible through the copper face of the sleeper and then drove a track pin right through the centre of the notch????
The divine intervention obviously kept the short clear for a good 6 months before either gravity, expansion due to high temperatures or some other unfathomable reason took over and ensured that the head of the pin completed the short. Suffice to say the remaining pins have been removed and a gob of suitable adhesive used as a replacement.
The offending idiot has been suitably admonished and his Uncle Joe's taken away for a week!

Replied: 28th Feb 2018 at 22:08

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Ive Just Opened A New Bag Of Uncle Joe's EEH BY GUM THEY Dont HALF TASTE GOOD.

Replied: 1st Mar 2018 at 15:53

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Shurrup! mumble mumble

Replied: 1st Mar 2018 at 21:29

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi to all still popping in,
Not much to report on the modelling front I am afraid BUT,
Just had a CT scan midway through chemo treatment and have been told that the tumours have all reduced significantly in size, by up to 50%.
So with fingers crossed I am off for round 4 of 6 cycles today.
One of the side effects of all this is I appear to have lost the ability to concentrate on things to any significant degree, so rather than do too much on Wallgate then look back at it and go " what a load of rubbish, what was i thinking?" I am just doing a few small things at a time. Hopefully I will end up with something to show shortly.
Cheers all
Kevan

Replied: 27th Apr 2018 at 00:00

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Congratulations on your recent news Kevan..long may it continue.

Replied: 27th Apr 2018 at 07:56

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thanks Momac, long day yesterday, between Dr. appointment, blood test, treatment and travel I was out for about 7 hours.Plus I have a little bottle of chemo attached to me now for 4 days! ( It's all working but can be a b nuisance! )
Had a takeaway for tea then fell asleep about 9pm, woke up at 6am. feel good but just had nearly twice as much sleep as normal. Thank goodness yesterday only happens every three weeks, treatments in between are much shorter.
Kev

Replied: 27th Apr 2018 at 23:28

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Kev: 'Mars' was based at Bank Hall. So very appropriate.

But watch for the speed restrictions at Wallgate.

Best wishes, J.

Replied: 1st May 2018 at 13:34

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan Nice to hear things are getting better for You, Fingers crossed You keep improving.

Replied: 11th May 2018 at 15:49

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Apologies and thanks to all that keep popping in looking for any updates.
Wallgate hasn't featured much in my limited range of activity recently, actually sod all has featured that comes close to activity I am afraid.

The Chemo continues to do it's job in trying to kill off both the cancer and myself with tiredness becoming more pronounced after each cycle.

However other than the mouth sores that recur within each cycle none of the side effects are much more than nuisance value.
Have you any idea how much soup you have to consume to maintain body weight? (It's probably why the extra shift has been put on at Mr Heinz Ha Ha )
My tolerance of cold appears to have declined significantly, I now wear several more layers of clothing than ever before and the gas bill is going to be enormous and unless I can get them to tow the iceberg moored of Pt Noarlunga jetty back to Antartica l guess the cold weather will continue.
Have done a little work on Wallgate so will get pics up as soon pos.
Cheers,
Kevan

Replied: 11th Jun 2018 at 23:57

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hello Kevan, I think you're an absolute brick the way you're coping,and I would like to wish you all the luck in the world..keep well wrapped up
Kevan until all this chemo treatment has ended and you've given the
cancer a good old kicking..my prayers are for you.God bless.x

Replied: 12th Jun 2018 at 06:57

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Thank you Momac,
I am giving this my best shot as I have a town and railway to finish that is very close to my heart even though I left there as a youngster. It would seem you certainly can't take Wigan out of someone and I do find it very disconcerting standing over here and watching what appears to be the steady decline of my home town.
Which is probably why I am working back in the late 40's with the model, (given the amount of info needed and found via these pages, WW, it's members and their combined memories has proven invaluable.

Kevan

Replied: 12th Jun 2018 at 10:10

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kevan I can only repeat What Momac says.

Ive Not much to report on the progress on My layout at the moment since the DEMOLITION.cindy

Replied: 12th Jun 2018 at 15:20

Posted by: david dunlop (133)

Nice to see you are still hard at work on this project, Kevan!

David

Replied: 15th Jul 2018 at 18:00

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Kevan, forgive me but can this model be seen anywhere. Forgive my ignorance. I would love to see the model. Hope you're feeling better.

Replied: 23rd Jul 2018 at 17:43

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Hardly...He lives down under.

Do keep up.

Replied: 24th Jul 2018 at 13:11

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello all, David D how's things with you?
MarieM unfortunately Jarvo is right the layout is in Adelaide in South Oz, however I am prepared to run tours with the price of admission being several tins of Uncle Joes!
Haven't been particularly active for a while as the dreaded chemo tiredness took hold and my ability to stay awake and concentrate during the time it took for the glue to set became problematic.
However finished the chemo 3 weeks ago and now just waiting on the side effects (tiredness etc ) abating.
The doc says my latest scan hasn't shown much change from the mid treatment one ( bugger ) but he is looking into a few new or alternative developments that we will give a bash.
Stay tuned for news and more the point Updates on the Layout 'cos I am slowly getting back into it despite it all. First up is to clear away all the clutter that seems to self deposit when I am not looking.
Cheers
Kev

Replied: 25th Jul 2018 at 08:17

Posted by: david dunlop (133)

Hello Kevan. Nice to hear from you again. Hope you bounce back quickly.

I finally took some time a couple of years back and got my Amateur Radio Licence. Felt quite chuffed with myself over that! And I am still trying. To sort out all the Ryan Family History as it relates to my GrandMum, Clara Ryan. I have a post about it all on the People Message Board. A few new leads have popped up to explore. Friends and neighbours sort of stuff that suddenly bits started to match together. We will see where it goes.

Can you get a full shot of your layout, Kevan? Love to see the progress over your first couple of photos!

In the meantime, enjoy the cooler weather!

Cheers for now,

David

Replied: 25th Jul 2018 at 12:25

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, thought I was getting back into 'normal' mode but that has proved to be a bit overzealous on my part, managing to get a bit done here and there but certainly not what I would like. However, I have been working in King St West of late so i will see if I can remember how to post some pics.


church gardens longshot by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Aaaargh, just edited this to add a further 5 or 6 photos and text only to have it say "inactive" and apparently post it into the great world beyond.
Too B tired now will try again tomorrow.
Kev

Replied: 1st Sep 2018 at 14:11
Last edited by taylork54: 1st Sep 2018 at 14:53:34

Posted by: momac (12409) 

It's brilliant so far Kevan,but get your rest when you can...it'll all be finished
when it's finished.

Replied: 1st Sep 2018 at 16:33

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Ok, time to have another go at updating.
As I mentioned previously I have decided that some of the earlier buildings were not up to my latest standards in either materials used or techniques. Not that I had actually finished many of them either which wasn't their fault!
So the first couple to get updated area the Law Court and the Conservative club and at the moment both of them are only done to a basic shell with Bay windows and roofs etc still to be done.


law court by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


cons club 1 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Both of these have been produced using several photos of the actual buildings suitably 'deperspectived' ( squared up) and many hours of cutting, copying and pasting. I have also given up printing them out with my old inkjet printer for the cost and quality benefits of having them laser printed at the local Officeworks. The only thing now is that I will have to make the rest of the layout look like it has just rained as the laser tends towards a shiny finish despite their best efforts ( Hence the Grey skies)


IMGP1343 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
Even the retaining wall shown is produced from a selection of photos.The hedge is made from a cut up pan scourer with added foliage glued on and I still have one or two more trees to add.


IMGP1342 by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr
I am waiting on delivery of a couple of ladies pushing 'proper' prams to see which one fits best onto the garden path cos mi mum says it's got fot be a proper pram.
Anyway the next step is get this are suitable mounted including the footpaths and figure out if I can get a reasonable view of the church mounted on the room wall and blend it in ( somehow) more on that later.
Cheers all for the well wishes and staying tuned even with the sparse updates over the last year.
Kevan

Edit, I think I need to make the pics a bit smaller, or do I ?

Replied: 2nd Sep 2018 at 11:20
Last edited by taylork54: 2nd Sep 2018 at 11:22:41

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Nowt Wrong with size Kevan, Good to hear from You again.cindy

Replied: 2nd Sep 2018 at 13:27

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Brilliant stuff.

Replied: 10th Sep 2018 at 05:30

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Kevin, I asked this before and got shot down by you know who. Can we see a model of the whole thing anywhere.

Replied: 26th Sep 2018 at 18:30

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

No. He lives in Australia.

Replied: 27th Sep 2018 at 11:08

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

I meant a photo, Kevin

Replied: 27th Sep 2018 at 16:36

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

The whole thing isn't finished yet.

The photos are on this thread.

When it is finished, maybe Kev will transport the whole thing over to Wigan at some considerable cost.

Now that would be something.

Replied: 27th Sep 2018 at 21:27

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

MarieM ( et all ) I will have to do a bit of tidying up ( something I have needed to do for a while) and then see what i can do with some long shots of the layout as it stands.
Unfortunately progress has been limited somewhat over the last year or two due to side effects from treatment for medical issues, HOWEVER we are still here and still working on it, so please stay tuned.
Jarvo, maybe if things turn sour here I 'll have the buildings sent over to the History shop or something. and you can get it finished for me.
Cheers
Kevan

Replied: 28th Sep 2018 at 00:08

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Replied: 28th Sep 2018 at 05:32

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Anyone interested There is a Model Railway Program on Channel 5 this Friday & the following 4 weeks @ 8 O'clock.

Replied: 8th Oct 2018 at 16:39

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Watched it and it was rubbish.

Replied: 9th Oct 2018 at 05:31

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

I doubt that it will make it this far south guys so I probably would have to wait until someone posts it on YouTube. There was a significant discussion re it's merits on RM Web a couple of days ago, many likening it to " The Great British Bake off". something I have heard of but never watched as "Reality TV" gets right on my goat.
Kev

Replied: 10th Oct 2018 at 00:35

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

Kevan, if you ever get the chance it would be brilliant if you could some of your work on here.

Replied: 11th Oct 2018 at 18:27

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Watched 1st of the TV programme mentioned above last night.

I am not tempted to watch any more of the broadcasts!

Think it is targeted at the reality TV/contest fans, and will have little appeal to folk interested in modelling railway and its associated accoutrements.

Replied: 13th Oct 2018 at 13:44

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

I watched it & enjoyed, As regards modeling was concerned I couldn't have done any better, Some W W members will know I am into model railways But am unable to put photos on this forum . But have put some on W Rejects. So jarvo Why Not Put some of Your models on to show us.

Replied: 23rd Oct 2018 at 18:46

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Cindy: I will try to post some very soon. Progress is slow due to work, but I now have the rolling stock and the track plans more or less complete. I couldn't do Pemberton Junction - far too complicated.




Replied: 23rd Oct 2018 at 23:04
Last edited by jarvo: 23rd Oct 2018 at 23:06:01

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

When You put photos on Tell Me how to put them on W W From Fllikr People have tried to help Me But I cant grasp it some how. Kook forward to seeing Your Phots.

Replied: 24th Oct 2018 at 17:40

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hello to all,
Not much happening on the railway at the moment, that would show up in photos anyway.
Started on a new range of treatment recently, Immunotherapy rather than Chemo. supposed to put my own immune system into overdrive, apparently has some quite good reports about it.
Sadly mum (Doreen Taylor nee Mason) lost her battle with it late October, but she is now peacefully at rest.
Looking forward to 35 deg C for xmas day ( NOT!) so we will leave the turkey out on the veranda and let it cook itself I think.
Have been working on getting the area that represents the back of King St adjacent to the goods yard more recognizable and complete, will post some pics once it doesn't look like a bomb has dropped on it.
Cheers for now,
Wishing all in Wigan and all the ex pats a Safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thanks to all that still pop into see if I've dun owt .
Kevan

Replied: 20th Dec 2018 at 23:10

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Keep thi pecker up, Kevan, and all best seasonal wishes to you and yours.

Replied: 21st Dec 2018 at 02:34

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Nice to hear from You again Kevan, Best wishes to You & Your Family.

Replied: 21st Dec 2018 at 16:23

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Here's wishing you a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year Kevan.x

Replied: 21st Dec 2018 at 16:51

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

best wishes Kevin and you are feeling better.

Replied: 21st Dec 2018 at 18:15

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi, all
Time it seems is galloping away and it would seem that my body clock has gone onto a 20 hr day as I am all over the place ( eg, working in the train room at 3am this morning for an hour - mind wouldn't switch off so I thought sod ya!, may as well get something out of this nocturnal wandering.)

In the hour or so( at 3 am or whenever) I can muster each day between eating, sleeping and trying to achieve anything else I have been continuing to work in the area that backs onto the goods yard from King St.
Comparing some of the earlier photos with the latest ones I haven't managed to finish anything. Hmmmm!

Anyway, the work did involve pulling all of the buildings out to improve the base that they all sat on, then working on the backyards etc.



[/url]20190217_132531m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Not much to show with the buildings but I did improve the retaining wall and fitted the coping stones along the top edge.


[/url]20190217_132502m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

Still no roofs in evidence in places, still some coping stones required and probably some more weeds.


[/url]20190217_132541m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr


The front of Fyffes warehouse, the building of and it's location has taken up a fair bit of my time recently, most of the problems coming from the
modellers licence creating the bend in this area resulting in alignment problems. Oh well.


[/url]20190217_140452m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

[/url]20190217_122312m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

I thought the granite sett moldings would be ok around this area but they seem to be overly large, many of them scaling out at 12 x 9" rather than 9 x 6" ish as I seem to remember them.
Any thoughts on size?
I will have to try the rolling mold doofers that I tried out a while ago, I think they might be a better size.

When I get the light wired up in the office below you can actually see the man sitting in his chair in the r/h side of the window.
( Unless that is the wrong photo and you can't see him anyway, perhaps it is? ) ( Perhaps I need to go to bed, it is 10:45 pm here after all!)

[/url]20190211_141324m by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

This whole area has given me quite a few headaches in determining the most appropriate trackwork and warehouse for the time frame.

I have photos of at least 3 different methods of the trains accessing this part of the yard ( inc; Trailing x over and access point, what appears to be a diamond crossing , what appears to be a single slip, in lieu of said crossing) 4 different O.S Maps from late 1800's to 1954 all showing different access and yard layouts, inc several combinations of wagon turntables.

To add to the morass the warehouse backing onto Chapel Ln had a twin pitched roof design for the main structure, but added to the front of the L/h half was a further but slightly smaller pitched roof building which appears to have been knocked down and left as an open platform for a number of years until it too appears to have been removed completely. Again the maps only add to the confusion but I am planning on the middle option with the open platform.

I can feel the fatigue creeping up again, so I will say Goodnight and I hope this makes sense to sane minds.

Cheers

Kev

Replied: 18th Feb 2019 at 11:34
Last edited by taylork54: 18th Feb 2019 at 12:20:42

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Good to hear from you.

Updates on progress of project welcome, but update on yourself getting better more so.

I too have some health issues which result in my often being quite active at antisocial hours of two, or three am. Been so for long time now, so used to it. I sleep when my brain and body tell me to sleep, ditto times when I eat or engage in activities. It may be unorthodox, but I fall asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow. I do feel I am better off doing this than experiencing the sleeping problems which many seniors have related on these threads.

Do what is best for you, and keep up your recovery.

Replied: 18th Feb 2019 at 13:22

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Kev MarieM asked for photo,s of layout, Can You do a video, It would give a good idea of the size of the layout.

Replied: 20th Feb 2019 at 13:10

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi Cindy,
Will see what I can do, 4 steps req'd
a) Clear all the build up of dross that has gathered in areas of the layout!
b) Get things running
c) Take a video that is viewable (Hmmm)
d) Post it somewhere like YouTube and then get it onto WW.
No Problem! Errrr.

Replied: 21st Feb 2019 at 02:16

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Hi Kev when You manage it You can give Me Step By Step Instructions on HOW TO DO IT as I Ha vent a Clue.

Replied: 21st Feb 2019 at 13:40

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Will do Cindy, did you work out posting photo's ?

These are the changes I had to do to post the previous set of photos from Flikr using the 'Share' function on the Flikr page after opening the photo in Flikr. Click onto 'BB Code' and copy then paste that code complete into WW. It should show up looking like this:


[/url]HOW TO POST by Kevan Taylor, on Flickr

So, if you make the BB code that you paste from Flikr look like the modified code at the bottom of the photo I have inserted above .............
It should work, we will see in a moment when I post this.

Kev

Replied: 22nd Feb 2019 at 23:24

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Well done me, got it right first time following my own instructions, of course how the devil you do a video I haven't attempted yet.

Kev

Replied: 22nd Feb 2019 at 23:26

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Well Kev have had a try & failed Will try again some other time.

Replied: 24th Feb 2019 at 16:52
Last edited by cindy: 24th Feb 2019 at 16:55:43

Posted by: taylork54 (247)

Hi all, not much to report on the railway front I am afraid. I started a new round of Chemo treatment in mid -March as previous forms of treatment hadn'tbeen performing to expectations. Had the second dose on April Fools Day, some joke, within 3 days my body had emptied itself of anything consumed, Temp. was heading rapidly towards 39c and blood pressure was ranging between 190/100ish and 70/38. After 2 days in ICU they determined I had a Fungal infection of my blood, I was becoming a Mushroom! Anyway after 14 days including celebrating my 65th birhday in hospital I am now back home with instructions to eat as much of whatever I fancy preferably High in Protein but loads of KFC even got a mention. The downside is that the physio people will visit daily to try and convert whatever my intake has been into lost muscle and something called energy. I will let you know how we get on,meanwhile I am trying to get set up in the lounge room in order to at least progress some of the buildings already part done.
Cheers for now
Kevan

Replied: 19th Apr 2019 at 22:40

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Hello Kevan Sorry to hear Your having problems, Has I said before I tried with Flikr But Failed, Any way I will be able to put some photos of My layout as they are easy to copy from Wigan Rejects, Cant understand Why Wigan world cant make it as easy. Fingers crossed for You that You improve. cindy

Replied: 1st May 2019 at 17:33

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

How is Kevan getting Any body heard from Him.

Replied: 22nd May 2020 at 18:16

Posted by: david dunlop (133)

I think he may have passed away last October, Cindy.

David

Replied: 24th May 2020 at 20:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Oh how sad..why does it always happen to lovely talented people.
God Bless Kevan .

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 10:47

Posted by: cindy (5970) 

Really Sorry if it is so, like You said momac A Very Talented Person.

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 14:01

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

I am with the two above posts. A big loss indeed, pity there are not more like him on these boards.

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 14:29

Posted by: PeterP (11223)

Sad loss to these boards I wonder who will carry on the build of the railway or will it be confined to the skip

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 17:08

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

It's only a pity that the council won't get hold of this work for display in Kevan's home-town. Let's face it, they don't mind spending five and six figure sums, of our money, on shite sculptures for display in Wigan town centre!

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 19:54

Posted by: WN1 Standisher (578)

Its only a pity that it couldn't be shipped back to Wigan for a local model enthusiast to finish it off for Kevan. He seemed a really nice bloke and it would be no more than he deserved. A fitting tribute.

Replied: 6th Jul 2020 at 11:25

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

It could. Easily. But it won't.

However, if it was a model rainbow, made by a gay, lesbian or trans-sexual African disabled student who'd died of aids, there'd be no stoppin' 'em!

Replied: 13th Jul 2020 at 20:50

Posted by: Pewfall (529) 

great shame if this never gets finished. Kevs skill is incredible. a quick google shows an Adelaide obituary with exact name, age, also married to a Deborah - died 'after a brave battle' october last year.

Replied: 14th Jul 2020 at 19:28

Posted by: Brasstoff (475)

A really talented man. Such a shame.
Rest in peace, Kevan.

Replied: 16th Jul 2020 at 16:20
Last edited by Brasstoff: 16th Jul 2020 at 16:21:16

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Only just seen this.

R.I.P. Kevan.

I wish I had half the skill that you had.

Replied: 28th Jul 2020 at 13:24

Posted by: momac (12409) 

It’s so sad..God bless him.

Replied: 28th Jul 2020 at 13:59

Posted by: frecky (622)

A brilliant, talented man.....RIP Kevin.

Replied: 7th Oct 2020 at 18:35

 

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