Some operation

Some photos from today's running.

A change of orientation

One major problem with where Eskalon is sited is that the layout was somewhat deeper than i originally intended and thus there wasn't really enough space. Because of the layout of the room the layout is in i couldn't easily operate the layout and also the far side of the layout was only just reachable. So i have now reorganised the room and moved where Eskalon sits, a rather intricate operation as the layout was never designed to be moved but all went well. Now i can actually sit properly at the side of the layout while operating it and i can now reach the far side of the layout easily. In fact a photo like this would have been impossible until today.

Real Mariazellerbahn

Another video, this time from the Mariazellerbahn home to the prototype for our new Rh 1099 locomotive, and we can see these amazing (and 100 year old!) locomotives ploughing through the snow!

Real Zillertalbahn

Well seeing as Eskalon is deviating from the prototype somewhat lets see a lovely video of the real thing. Great shots of the real Falcon travelling through the snow!

Latest workings

A few photos from today's running, in one of them you can see two of the new huts though i haven't decided where they will go yet so nothing is glued down...

A trio of lineside huts

Some new buildings for Eskalon, these lineside huts from a Faller kit. Just a bit of painting needed then they can be added to the layout.

The Jam Sandwich

Well all engines on Eskalon have nicknames, our latest has now been given one too. Presenting... The Jam Sandwich! Of course 1099.013-3 isn't exactly red and white, more orangey-red and cream but lets not split hairs. In other Eskalon news some new buildings will be joining the layout soon.

1099.013-3 at work

Some better photos of the new engine on a freight train.

Into service

So the test run went fine so now Engine #4 has been let loose on a proper service. We haven't thought of a nickname for it yet.

And Engine 4 is...

Well we speculated what Engine #4 would be last month, in the end the latest engine to arrive at Eskalon was neither of the shunter options but instead... a Roco Rh 1099 electric locomotive!

Lights on

Now the nights are drawing in, we need the lights on.

Threading through the tree avenue

Growler moves through the tree avenue, it can get quite a close fit in places. Btw the oiling didn't work, Growler still growls, but i guess as long as he runs ok...

Time for a bit of oil

With Falcon developing a bit of a raspy growl when travelling in 1 direction i thought it was time i performed a bit of maintenance on the fleet and oiled the gears. Growler really needed the oil as it no longer growls now! The nickname will remain intact though. Unfortunately oiling Falcon doesn't seem to have solved its growl but it might just be a case of the oil needing to work its way in. Here is Growler on a post-oiling test, without the cover.