Author Archives: admin

N Gauge Layout MkV

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Despite the software indicating that the siding (between the Loco Shed and the Controller) would be possible, in practice it was too tight.  Below is what the layout will now look like.

1200x400 N Gauge MkV
1200 x 400 mm N Gauge Layout MkV

N Gauge Layout MkIV

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Below is the fourth design iteration of my small N Gauge layout.  I have replaced the two Peco engine sheds with a single Graham Farish pre-built unit.  This gives me more track space at the front and rear of the shed (the MkIII version was very crowded) and allows for the addition of a storage line down the side of the shed.

1200x400 N Gauge MkIV
1200 x 400 mm N Gauge Layout MkIV

Howell Cubby House

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Cameron enjoying the iPad in the cubby house.
The cubby house is (for now at least) complete.  To see the build pictures go to this Flickr set.  At some stage in the future I will no doubt add or improve a few things but everything I had planned for it is now done.  I’ve enjoyed building it and learning some new skills.

N Gauge Layout MkII

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I have made some modifications to my planned layout.  See the image below.  I have simplified the design and added a signal box.  Construction has commenced with Tasmanian Oak beams and plywood base.  The controller will be a Morley Controllers Vector Zero Two (rapidly becoming my favourite controller).

1200 x 400 mm N Gauge Layout MkII

Edit:  See below for a slightly modified “MkIII” design.  This is the design I have commenced construction on.

1200 x 400 mm N Gauge Layout MkIII

A belated update of sorts

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So, it’s been a while since I posted a blog update.  Here goes:

  • I upgraded the RAM in my 13″ MacBook Pro from 4GB to 16GB (purchased from http://www.macfixit.com.au).  The performance boost is nice.
  • The cubby house I am building for the kids is progressing well.  I am looking forward to the first round of bulk rubbish collections in the area for the year so I can stock up on some supplies (mainly Colorbond offcuts and wood).
  • The computer collection received two new additions – an SE/30 and a PowerMac 7600.  Both are used but came in their boxes including all peripherals, cables and documentation.  Two very nice Macs.
  • The N gauge model train collection and layouts are progressing well.  Recent additions include some old Graham Farish Class 43 HSTs, a new Dapol Class 58 and numerous rolling stock items.  I am in the process of planning a small 400 x 1200 mm layout as space in the Howell residence is becoming a little tight (see below for the planned layout).
400 x 1200 mm Layout Plan
  • I purchased an iPad Mini (16GB, WiFi+3G, White).  I am finding it a very convenient size.  This is my iPad, the children have claimed the other iPad (3rd Gen iPad, 16GB, WiFi, Black) for YouTube, ABC iView etc.

2013 Birding Targets

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Here is a list of the birds I am looking for in 2013:

  • Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus);
  • Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii);
  • Black-eared Cuckoo (Chalcites osculans);
  • Shining Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites lucidus), not sure how I’ve managed to avoid this one;
  • Gilbert’s Whistler (Pachycephala inornata), should be around the site I work at;
  • Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), a remote chance near the site I work at;
  • Inland Dotterel (Charadrius australis);
  • Painted Button-quail (Turnix varius);
  • Southern Scrub-robin (Drymodes brunneopygia).
Currently I have no plans for any birding trips so 2013 might be quite a dry year.