Clackwick Circa 1955

[TimberSurf]

Hi Brammie, no need for excuses, rule 1 applies, we are all still learning and a layout is never finished, just barely started!
I was going to ask who's the buildings are, then I smelled LINKA!
Keep it coming, it looks terrific so far

[brammie]

Thank you Timbersurf. Regarding the buildings; a real mix, some of plaster, some of plastic, and I might even have one of cardboard, but none of them have been left in original paintwork. A mix of manufacturers. I expect that I have all of the original boxes stored away, but I can't for the life of me remember who they were. The facia building CJH was a gift new from a good friend long ago, I recall, so when painting it I put his initials on it.

I must say that since posting these pics it becomes glaringly obvious what work is outstanding. The big warehouse clearly needs "populating" as do several other areas, so these will be next on the list after getting the two Class 20 diesels to work in consist with TTS sound (see my only other thread).

Just found another diorama pic: Jaywick, after rabbits with the dogs:

[Dad-1]

H brammie,

Looking very professional.
Nothing wrong with it taking time - saviour every minute.
I mean what do you do when it's all done ? If you find railwayjim's
Millsend layout it's entertained and inspired us for years but gone
very quiet as it's - almost finished (Never finished though).

Geof T.

[brammie]

With my most recent exercise (Lima Class 20 TTS speed control) on hold awaiting spares, I have taken the opportunity to add a few more views of my Clackwick layout - in this case, close ups of some of the scenes. I am surprised to note, for the first time, a number of "unfinished" elements of my layout such as; no seats on the station, warehouse apparently unoccupied and unused, several figures leaning impossibly, dog hairs, etc. Some of these have been corrected when noted - others will be attended to over the next weeek or two. Anyway, latest close-ups starting with the Jaywick Nissen Huts, our home for 7 enjoyable years. PC Mitchel can be seen chatting to the son of a neighbour (regarding the loss of a large wooden garden gate), and my Mother (with our dog) eaves dropping under the guise of cleaning the windows. Two old guys are seen at the bottom of their gardens; Mr Belcher bragging about the size of his vegetables and Ivan Chisnall extolling the virtue of his ferrets - the latter being observed in their cage by two local kids.

[End2end]

What a great layout brammie.
I love all the little personal cameos and the stories you have with them.
I use LINKA to make some of my buildings too but none as impressive as yours.
I need to check out that controller you use. I'd like to upgrade but I don't like the way most work.
Thanks
End2end

[brammie]

Thank you for that End2end. I have a few more cameos to finish yet and when complete they will feature in detail. However, they are all based on personal experience and confidentiality has to be respected in some cases.

I am not familiar with LINKA buildings, but will look them up on Google.

My controller is a recently purchased ECoS. For several years I used a ZTC, which included some nice features but had it's shortcomings. Although not used that often, it failed severely last year. I was considering replacing it with an updated ZTC (said to be in the pipeline), but when I read about the ECoS it was "no contest". I've been using the ECoS some eighteen months, and am well impressed.

[brammie]

Clackwick Station market. Interesting how, having photographed a cameo you built you only note the missing detail in a close-up picture. In this case, far too few packing cases/crates, no prams, no bikes, no dogs, and NO LITTER.

[brammie]

Whilst taking this latest round of pics, I couldn't help noticing another howler; the pub had been placed on it's site the wrong way round (see Aug 20, 4.54pm post). Anyway, it has since been "reorientated" and now sits correctly on the site:

[TimberSurf]

I love all the little personal cameos and the stories you have with them.

I echo the sentiments, I too like the personal touch in names and scenes.
It is annoying how the camera is so finicky with the horrifying detail it makes glaringly obvious (wood for the tree's syndrome) but ultimately shows up areas for attention, which is a good thing

[brammie]

Couldn't see any deliberate mistakes in this close up - the local garage:

[brammie]

Here's a close up of the local coal merchant having his lorry loaded for deliveries. The small hut beyond serves the weighing area - although I can now see that the scales are on the wrong side of the building. Hey, ho. It must be an age thing.

[brammie]

A close up of "The Woodsmen". Just noticed that I need to sprinkle a little fine sawdust around to finish it off. In the backgound can be seen Charlie Wheeler sitting outside his hut. He was a well known character around Clacton in the '50s, selling kindling wood from his barrow which he trundled from one housing estate to another.

[brammie]

The last four weeks have seen good progress on the Clackwick layout, with a number of improvements.

The Warehouse now operates with its own crane, and several new staff members support this activity.

A replacement footbridge has been installed - removed from a defunct station. Passengers have decided to occupy the platforms, and seating has been provided for their comfort.

The Grey Green Area Inspector chats with the driver, whilst the conductor arranges to meet his mate later in the Station bar.

The local market now enjoys a small band, who make their beer money playing for the public.

[brammie]

Further improvements:

The Golden Fleece has seen an upturn in trade, and additional staff have been taken on to cope.

The scrappie now has helper.

The coal merchant too has had to up his game.

[Mountain]

Very nice.