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[dkightley]

I'm making progress in preparations for the show in Glasgow.

I've sorted out loose scenery, etc and I'm part way through replacing the broken signal.....and I'm on track to get things ready for the trip north.

I'm going to be joined in Glasgow by fellow forum member Jim ( Ruskyviewer), who has volunteered his help throughout the show. Which is going to be most welcome.....as news I have had this morning is that the layout is going to be filmed as part of a publicity feature on Scottish TV. I've been asked to get the layout assembled in place in the SEC hall early so that filming can take place on Thursday afternoon.

So.....exciting times ahead over the next week!!!!

[dkightley]

All issue on the layout identified at Newbury have now been addressed.

Loose and compacted dirt removed from around the wheelsets on the class 170 DMU power units, broken signal replaced, loose & damaged scenery items sorted, transport boxes repacked, track cleaned, rolling stock wheels cleaned & checked.

I think I'm now ready for the trip to Glasgow!

[dkightley]

And the story of Glasgow can be read here...... viewtopic.php?f=9&t=402 .....and what a story!

Since the show, I've received three invitations to others shows, two of which I've accepted & I'm still thinking about the third. The two new shows are at Worthing in September and Bristol in April....which gives me two shows in two weekends. I should survive....provided nothing breaks at the first show!

I've finished damage assessment after Glasgow. A couple of the layout assembly captive nuts seized & had to be replaced and all threads have now been lubricated to prevent a repeat. And I've spotted another broken signal! I think I knocked a signal head over when we were packing away. They're very delicate things & seem to attract large objects to them!!!!

Very little other damage....a couple of paint touch-ups on the edges of layout sections done. And I intend doing a deep clean of the power car axles, etc...but there's plenty of time before the next show. Let's see.....11 days time!

[dkightley]

Less than a week to go before the next show...this time a local show in Nottingham.

Most of the repairs from Glasgow are now sorted. Just a loose caisson to sort out....and the usual round of track and rolling stock cleaning to do.

And following on from my off-show demands at Glasgow, on Thursday, I'm being interviewed for a spot on Radio Nottingham on Friday morning! The responsibilities of fame!

[dkightley]

I've just had confirmation of the 13th appearance of the layout.....and its a good job I'm not superstitious!!

In fact this show just has to be something special....its the nearest show to the real Forth Bridge!! I'll be able to give more of the locals an opportunity to see their homes depicted in miniature.

[dkightley]

With my media responsibilities dispatched.....an interview for BBC Radio Nottingham......I have the layout ready for transport to its next show.....at Harvey Haddon Sports Village.....the Nottingham East Midlands Model Railway Show, this Saturday and Sunday.

This is my local show...and I'm anticipating visits from friends, family and ex work colleagues....so I'm looking forward to the weekend. One minor sacrifice though...I'll be spending my birthday setting up for the show rather than celebrating.

I wonder if they award prizes for the layouts......

[gbtrains]

Hi Doug
Have a wonderful Birthday and a great weekend out with the layout. (LOL)
Hope they do awards as I think that you spent a lot of time and effort in the Bridge Layout.

Best Regards

Graham

[dkightley]

Day one of the Nottm over.....a busy day despite it being a bit wet! Chatted to many visitors....some who I've spoken to before, but many who were somewhat amazed with the layout.

Of the many highlights of the day was a gentleman who had travelled down from Motherwell (circa 225 miles away) specifically to see the layout as he'd missed being able to get to Glasgow!...and was so pleased he had done so! I also chatted briefly with a couple of ex work colleagues whom I'd not seen for approx. 18 and 34 years, both of whom had seen the layout featured somewhere and recognised my name.

The rolling stock used on the layout (classes 158 & 170 DMUs and GNER HST) performed flawlessly for most of the day once I'd ironed out a few dodgy joints. Mental note for post-show....I must change all rail joiners for new ones! The automation also behaved impeccably for the majority of the day.....with only a handful of times where timing dropped out of sync- most caused by shadows of one form or another triggering sensors.

Just need to do a deep clean on the rolling stock axles....and after a rest I'll be all set for day two.

[dkightley]

Day two of the Nottm show over and layout safely back home....but not stowed away yet!

The show was not as busy as yesterday, but still a lot of interest in the layout. Had the 158 & 170 running flawlessly all day bar the last half hour...and again joined by the 4-car GNER HST, which also ran very well. At the request of the show manager, I swapped out the tree train set for an InterCity 125 full set....which after a couple of minutes warm-up ran almost perfectly for half an hour without having to juggle carriages, etc.

The automation performed even better than yesterday....only marred by the 170 derailing when running out of the north end run-around loop a few times. When things work like this, it s not at all that much hard work manning the layout single-handed....and impresses the visitors far more than having a single train running!!

I need to check over things for damage, etc....but a couple of items to start off a "To do" list .....
- change as many track connectors as possible for new ones
- couple of broken glue joints on cantilevers to re-glue.

[dkightley]

The layout is ready for its next outing...a local small two day show this weekend. All of 13.2 miles away by road!

Should be a fairly relaxing couple of days if the trains behave themselves.....