Working on my stiff leg derrick crane.

The current modelling project has been the completion of my derrick crane. I was a little stumped at just how to construct the mechanism, and as usual my solution was to put it in the 'too hard' basket. I searched the net and came up with a few helpful ideas, from a site called Shorpy historical photos. 

The instructions with this kit were horrible, and the white metal castings had enough flash on them to keep a streaker happy! So with gears from Peter Boorman ( thanks again Peter!) and a couple from Vector cut I had a go at the mech throwing away the original one. What you see below is the just painted item, ready for mounting, rusting and weathering.  Ignore the square timber under it, that was just used to hold the item while painting it. There's still a bit to go, but I'm looking forward to finishing this one off, now the procrastination is over with.

It will be mounted in the goods siding, beside the loading bank. I'll post a photo when it's in place. a quick post today, just to let you know I'm still here.
Have a great week,
Oorroo!
Geoff.

NSW Convention 30

I had an opportunity to head to the convention this year as Z and I had some time away, just the two of us. Gary and Marcus were great in helping get things sorted. The day had me set up having a chat to people about landscape techniques I'd tried on Splitters.

The sheer number of attendees was huge, and the sessions available were many and varied. I attended two on the day, Sandy Hollow and modelling backyards. I thoroughly enjoyed both. The backyard scene is something I could really relate to as I firmly believe the scene sets the 'time' of the layout. I do have a few photos found on the net that will help when I get to that stage, and it was pleasing to find others wanting to set the scene in their layouts as well.

I met several modellers that I'd known by name only before through the blogs, great to finally catch up Gary and Linton. The level of involvement of modellers is great to see with many wanting to spend time with all of us set up for demos.

A great day, think I'll have to go next year,
Geoff.