N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: LASteve on November 24, 2024, 03:36:56 AM

Title: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on November 24, 2024, 03:36:56 AM
 :claphappy:

This year, the Project Manager decided that this year there would be no more Chocoloate, Wine, Gin nor IPA-themed Advent Calendars.  :( For 2024 she's going 2500-piece Train Jigsaw-Puzzle-3D-WTF-Calendar.

Here's the box and the Project Manager. Many more updates to come, I'm sure! Check back for progress.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-241124032629.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147143)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-241124032545.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147142)


This thing is huge and complicated, the pictures don't do it justice. When Jill saw James Street at TINGS (and York) and decided I needed to build a bigger layout, I didn't quite realize how much she doesn't have any truck with half-measures.

For now, Advent Calendar we can do - possibly :)


Cheers in anticipation :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: crewearpley40 on November 24, 2024, 04:28:00 AM
Wonderful idea. Sounds novel. Is Jill designing the idea ?

Hope your well
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on November 24, 2024, 09:49:16 AM
Absolutely awesome! Aaaaand that's why she's Jill, always looking for a challenge.

Looking forward to updates on progress.
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: jpendle on November 24, 2024, 07:37:00 PM
The last time Sharon tried anything Lego like, she gave up with the immortal words.

"It's nice, but it'd be better if someone else put it together for me"  :doh:  :confused1:

John P
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: joe cassidy on November 24, 2024, 08:14:43 PM
In France Lego are currently advertising their kit for Notre Dame cathedral

The real one is due to re-open soon, after the fire

The pope will not be attending - he has a prior engagement in Corsica
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Trainfish on November 24, 2024, 09:48:26 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on November 24, 2024, 08:14:43 PMIn France Lego are currently advertising their kit for Notre Dame cathedral

Looks quite easy to build:

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/a0/8e/64a08e695a9e11a5bbc5d5fbec7ea8b9.jpg)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: jpendle on November 24, 2024, 11:25:15 PM
Quote from: Trainfish on November 24, 2024, 09:48:26 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on November 24, 2024, 08:14:43 PMIn France Lego are currently advertising their kit for Notre Dame cathedral

Looks quite easy to build:

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/a0/8e/64a08e695a9e11a5bbc5d5fbec7ea8b9.jpg)

It's the re_building that takes the time  :D

John P
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 01, 2024, 09:15:31 PM
Day 1.

A bag of bits and a 60-page assembly guide that makes a Dapol schematic look simple. End result is possibly a chassis of a wagon, but who knows?

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-011224210348.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147316)


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-011224210427.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147317)

That took about an hour. I think I prefer the gin calendar :)

Roll on Day 2!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 02, 2024, 01:33:37 PM
Piffle!

Those instructions are superb, but then I did grow up with Lego. To this day I can walk barefoot across a floor of Lego pieces without flinching & be able to identify each piece, including colour, underfoot.

 8)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 03, 2024, 09:54:51 PM
Day 2 - another bag of bits. This one looks like it needed some liquid assistance in the form of a cocktail.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-031224215110.jpeg)

A wagon seems to be taking shape here.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-031224215045.jpeg)

22 more bags of bits to go!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 05, 2024, 03:05:57 AM
Day 3 & 4

Day 3 was a struggle and so had to push to Day 4 for a double shift. All good in the end!  :beers:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-051224030328.jpeg)

Day 4:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-051224030403.jpeg)

Looking like a wagon!

Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 06, 2024, 03:24:45 AM
A big bag of bits on Day 5, and now we're looking at a whole wagon (Caboose)? Clerestory windows and all. I'd guess there's maybe 500 pieces of Lego in this one alone.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-061224031732.jpeg)

Tomorrow is a whole new sub-project.

Lessons learned by the Project Manager:

1. If you drop a piece it either rockets across the room or bounces under the couch, it never lands gently on the table in front of you.

2. Sometimes you need a pair of pliers to gently squeeze things together, the finger-squeeze doesn't cut it.

3. A cocktail helps. A lot.

Onward!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 07, 2024, 04:42:41 AM
Day 6 - apparently another chassis to put together:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-071224044142.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147454)

This one comes complete with dog. About 400 pieces so far and counting ...
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: weave on December 07, 2024, 06:47:26 AM
Hi Steve,

Looks fun. Also looks like you need a refill. What are the cocktails? We've seen a pinky red one and a green one so far.

Good work  :thumbsup:

Cheers, weave  :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 07, 2024, 07:50:34 PM
The pink one's a Vodka Zombie and the green one's a Cucumber Margarita (mezcal, not tequila, we're posh round these parts).

Cheers, Weave!  :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 08, 2024, 04:23:44 AM
Day 7 - a bald pine tree.

Assuming that after 250 bits it might turn into a Christmas Tree. Right now it looks like our trees on January 7th

Cheers!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-081224042158.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147479)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 08, 2024, 03:50:02 PM
It's coming together nicely!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 10, 2024, 04:16:31 PM
Day 8 - the tree goes from bald to bushy and decorated!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-101224161235.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147546)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-101224161444.jpeg)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: jpendle on December 10, 2024, 05:11:13 PM
Hi Steve,

Just thought I'd hijack the thread.

Here's our Christmas train ready for the Grandkids who'll be here on the 22nd.


We've added a Christmas Coach each year they've visited. The 2017 coach plays carols when it's moving.

Merry Christmas!

John P
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 10, 2024, 08:02:40 PM
Quote from: jpendle on December 10, 2024, 05:11:13 PMHi Steve,

Just thought I'd hijack the thread.

Here's our Christmas train ready for the Grandkids who'll be here on the 22nd.


We've added a Christmas Coach each year they've visited. The 2017 coach plays carols when it's moving.

Merry Christmas!

John P

The first thing I think of when I see that is Wallace & Gromit...

...is it just me?

 ???
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 11, 2024, 03:59:58 PM
Day 9 : Another wagon is taking shape by the look of it:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-111224155203.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147558)

Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 11, 2024, 08:56:30 PM
Day 10 - Looks like the auld fella just needs a bogie and wheels on his sled and he's in business:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-111224205537.jpeg)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 13, 2024, 04:31:10 AM
Day 12 - Santa indeed got wheels! :claphappy:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-131224042828.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147616)

Goodness knows what is in the cocktail, you need to check with the Project Manager on that one.  :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Bealman on December 13, 2024, 04:39:30 AM
Hope it's not copper sulphate! ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 13, 2024, 09:58:14 AM
San'as  ride be bitchin!

 :D

It's looking good!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 14, 2024, 04:21:35 AM
Day 13 - more than halfway!

Looks like the auld fella is getting something to drive ...

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-141224042004.jpeg)

Looks like that makings of a Hunslet Class 04 shunter to me, but what do I know?
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 15, 2024, 08:06:03 PM
Day 15 - twofer today. I forgot to post yesterday. The Hunslet Shunter now has a passenger hanging onto the side and some random bits on the roof which eventually will probably make some sense.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-151224200132.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147680)

Slaînte!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 17, 2024, 04:02:19 AM
Day 16 - the shunter evidently isn't a Hunslet. The boiler kind of gives that away.

I measured the width from wheel to wheel, pretty much bang on 5cm. What gauge is that? I'm definitely breaking the "N" gauge rules here.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-171224040002.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147739)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Bealman on December 17, 2024, 04:04:19 AM
Lego gauge! ;D
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 17, 2024, 12:34:23 PM
It looks like it's one of those 'fireless' steam locos at present.
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Trainfish on December 17, 2024, 01:12:37 PM
I'm really not sure that a fire in a Lego loco is a good idea  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 17, 2024, 01:14:46 PM
Quote from: Trainfish on December 17, 2024, 01:12:37 PMI'm really not sure that a fire in a Lego loco is a good idea  :hmmm:

Exactly!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Ch4lkst3r on December 17, 2024, 04:49:22 PM
Quote from: LASteve on December 17, 2024, 04:02:19 AMDay 16 - the shunter evidently isn't a Hunslet. The boiler kind of gives that away.

I measured the width from wheel to wheel, pretty much bang on 5cm. What gauge is that? I'm definitely breaking the "N" gauge rules here.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-171224040002.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147739)

It's standard (Lego) gauge! As can be seen from the photo below there are 4 studs between the rails so it's roughly 1 stud to the foot to give the 4' between the rails!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/9395-171224164748.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147750)

Why do I have such a knowledge you may ask?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/9395-171224164850.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147751)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 17, 2024, 05:09:53 PM
Quote from: Ch4lkst3r on December 17, 2024, 04:49:22 PMIt's standard (Lego) gauge!
So L gauge then?   :)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Ch4lkst3r on December 17, 2024, 05:32:00 PM
Quote from: LASteve on December 17, 2024, 05:09:53 PM
Quote from: Ch4lkst3r on December 17, 2024, 04:49:22 PMIt's standard (Lego) gauge!
So L gauge then?  :)

Although you joke it is unofficially called L gauge
https://l-gauge.org/wiki/index.php/Welcome_to_L-Gauge

Mine are standard Lego models but there are some that make their own like these guys
https://www.lukrailway.co.uk/
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 19, 2024, 05:42:01 PM
Day Lost Count. Getting closer! Funnel, smoke and steam!

Plus a layered Zombie. Matches the engine!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-191224174009.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147800)
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 21, 2024, 05:51:04 PM
Not much more to go! We've now got piston-ey things (not my areas of expertise, so not sure quite what to call them!)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-211224173733.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147852)

No cocktail in sight for this one, but I'm eying up a bottle of oak-aged Laphroiag which landed in my lap a litte while ago courtesy of one of Santa's pre-Christmas elves on special delivery. The Project Manager has some Tamarind vodka to explore. We'll report back tomorrow.

 :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: paulbeckwith on December 21, 2024, 06:08:56 PM
    la steve    you have  got us  all  standing on  our  heads

  paul
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Trainfish on December 21, 2024, 07:23:30 PM
Go careful on the Laphroiag, it does funny things to you and everything else around you  :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: crewearpley40 on December 21, 2024, 07:38:13 PM
Hi Steve

Maybe you need a motor which lego manufacture just for fun


Happy Christmas and I agree with Paul and John. Hello to Jill


Cheers. Chris
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: port perran on December 21, 2024, 07:56:48 PM
It's that the Oak Select Laphroaig?

The peat on that one isn't as pronounced as in most Laphroaigs in my opinion.

Or have you got your hands on the Four Oak (which is VERY nice indeed) or even the 10 year old  Cask Strength bottling?

Laphroaig produce some very nice peaty whiskies - not my favourite amongst the Islays but well up there generally although many folk aren't too fond of the peatiness.

It's a nice glass of Tullibardine Sauternnes Cask finish for me this evening which is slipping down well.
 
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 23, 2024, 04:52:40 PM
Quote from: port perran on December 21, 2024, 07:56:48 PMIt's that the Oak Select Laphroaig?

Yep, that's the one. I prefer more smoke TBH, but it's a nice mellow sipping whisky.

Back to the train - pretty much done once this bag o' bits get assembled!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-231224165044.jpeg)

Slaînte!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: LASteve on December 24, 2024, 07:09:33 AM
The End!

1,000 + pieces later, 24 cocktails (at least) and a lot of sweary !#&^*&^!# outbursts, the Project Manager and her Christmas Creation is finished.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-241224065719.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=147903)

I'm not sure what the Whyte code is for the wheel arrangement, it's not a 0-6-0 because the middle axle is not driven - does that make it an 0-2-2-0 with the middle axle unaccounted for? Anyway, cheers!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/6889-241224065925.jpeg)

A very Merry Christmas to you all!
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: Bealman on December 24, 2024, 09:56:46 AM
Cool! Merry Christmas folks! :beers:
Title: Re: Advent Calendar 2024 - Christmas Train - The Jill Project
Post by: emjaybee on December 24, 2024, 11:16:02 AM
Hussah!

"All hail the Project Manager!"

I think next year, maybe, 'up the game' a little...

...now Jill's got the hang of it.

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/millennium-falcon-75192