Between taking a regular Web Authoring course and updating this website, plus starting volunteer work for the "W.R.V.S.'s Meals On Wheels" a little progress has been made.
I have had a practice at card scenery in the way of buildings. Corgi's Blackpool Balloon 710 has been converted using a motor unit from a Bachmann PCC street car. I am not visually impressed as the wheels are too low and to get right would require cutting into the upper deck and spoiling the effect. [click here to see photo] I do like the lighting of the interior that is part of the conversion.Whether I go for another drive unit or start hacking will depend on the outcome of the next Balloon to be done which I am Thinking of doing David Voices' way with universal joints as per his book"More Tramway Modeling in 'OO' gauge".
I also decided to transplant some traction poles from the Stockport-Albert Square section to make up and paint Blackpool bracket arms in an attempt to get this section working. As it is the only section with power at present (test track for the cars so far using a flying lead - hence suicidal Salford Car). [click here to see photo]
Speaking of Photo's a lot of newer shots including a day-trip to Blackpool for scenic purposes ALL went down the tubes due a film fault. Yet another sting in the tail to add to the others already mentioned !!! Due to the lack of Slater's paving etc in my area I am experimenting with Home drawn on the computer and printed out on my son's Inkjet printer, which will probably need a fixer spraying over it. Will report back on this in a future update. So still no Overhead yet till this and the Footbridge are completed.Other work includes making the steps down into Piccadilly's sunken garden and a homebrew version of the mill (now the Stockport Hat Museum) on Chestergate along with bridge wall adjoining. Sorry it's not more, Oh I even took time out to Photograph some new 'Metrolink' cars for another enthusiast. These can be found on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/model-tram/files in the folder "Metrolink from Manchester"> should you be interested.
Update #4 @ 12.01.2001....Now Here >>>>>>
