The backscene module viewed from the front

The backscene module in profile

Well, that’s all the basic components for the rear ‘Overdale Quarry’ module cut. Next step was assembly. First stage was to cut four corner blocks and screw them to the end panels. These will also act as supports for the module top.

With corner blocks fixed to the end panels assembly begins

The front and end panels assembled together

Screwing on the backboard completes the basic module

To hide all the visual clutter behind the layout I had always intended to construct a scenic backboard, as I did with ‘Dales Peak MkIV’. Whilst cutting wood for the rear ‘Overdale Quarry’ module it occured to me that I might as well make the backboard an integral part of the module.

The backboards will give a cleaner look to the loft when all the modules are complete

The overall dimensions of the rear module are similar to the front module turned on its side. So, that means that it will still be within the same maximum dimensions to allow it to be removed through the loft hatch, if necessary.

Because the back module isn’t as deep as the front, it will still fit through the loft hatch, even though it’s tall.

Having some microwave containers left over, after I’d sorted out all my scatter materials, it made sense to use them for storing modelling projects, etc. I’ve always got half finished projects on the go, and there were various components that I rescued from ‘Dales Peak MkIV’ for which the original packaging had long since gone.

For example, I give you Exhibit One:

Keeping project components in coffee jars is far from ideal

Having put up a small shelf, that was no longer needed, I started stocking it with my jars of scatter and landscaping materials, but this got me thinking. It wasn’t really making best use of the space. By coincidence, I’ve recently started saving the small microwave containers that are left over when we have a chinese takeaway. Whilst not the healthiest way to provide storage it does, at least, bring out the ‘Womble’ in me.

Storing materials in stacking microwave containers is much more effective

I’ve started recycling what was salvaged from the old baseboards of ‘Dales Peak MkIV’, to expand the ‘Overdale Quarry’ module. To start, with I’m going to create the rear scenic module behind ‘Overdale Quarry’… (no track here!)

This rear module will be a lot narrower than the front. I’m going to bolt the front and back modules together permanently and landscape across the join, as if they were one. In the event that I ever do have to remove the layout from the loft, I will just have to settle for dealing with some remedial work across the join.

The existing ‘Overdale Quarry’ module was used to copy the contour for the rear scenic module

My current thinking is that this rear module will also incorporate a backscene. I’m also toying with the idea of a Faller Car System ‘Set piece’, running around the quarry module, of a scratch built Caterpillar 777, or similar. It’s easy to imagine these things… more difficult to create them in the cold light of day, but aim high I say!

I started tonight by setting up the ‘loading facility’ on the workbench and soldering the ends of the enameled wire stands together. Then I wired the model up to the H&M transformer and tested that all four LED’s worked. Satisfied that everything was OK, I installed the building on the layout.

The ‘Overdale Quarry’ loading facility wired up for a lighting test on the workbench

The ‘Overdale Quarry’ loading facility in place on the layout with its lighting wired up

Loft lights off and a view through the ‘Overdale Quarry’ loading facility with the first four LED’s lit

I was originally going to call this post ‘Christmas lights…’ but things suddenly got busy on the ‘Graphics’ side of my life, and Christmas seems like a long time ago now. Best intentions, and all that! I had hoped to start the year with more posts on the blog, but I seem to have fallen at the first fence.

However, I have at last got around to fitting the LED’s into the ‘Overdale Quarry’ Loading Facility, which I started soldering together just after New Year.

Although the hot glue method of fixing things in place looks a bit messy it is, at least, quick.

Finally, I’ve routed all of the enameled copper wire leads out through the base. Although I’ve not had time to test them yet .

All the enameled copper wire leads have been routed out through the base

Took the opportunity over the festive break to have a bit of a tidy up. I’ve also managed the first modelling session of the year.

Started cutting down the LED’s for the loading facility’s interior lighting…

…and soldering the resistors and wiring

Well, it’s been a strange year of pottering with this and that on Dales Peak, but an enjoyable one. At least there has been progress in the right direction. No ripping it up and starting again! So, I’m inspired to continue the good work in 2012, though I doubt I’ll be winning any gold medals for speed.

In the meantime, Santa brought me this very useful Dymo LetraTAG labelmaker, which I’m intending to use for labelling wiring and for naming all the various DCC components under the layout, etc.

Hope to keep the blog interesting and informative in 2012, without wittering on too much. And, with that, may I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, and happy railway modelling… Cheers! Ian