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coombe junction - Display height and backscene...


bcnPete

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Update - After about 6 months of neglect due to the Boxfile Kyle layout I now turn my focus again to Coombe Junction. My renewed enthusiasm for it is twofold: Firstly, of disappointment that I had to withdraw it from the impending 2FS Golden Jubilee Layout Competition and secondly, after exhibiting Kyle, I realised it had been over 20 years since I had last exhibited and it was thoroughly enjoyable (albeit) a little stressful at times :D

 

Ironic then, that Coombe Junction was never conceived with 1) the GJLC in mind and 2) as an exhibition layout. It was planned as a layout on a few IKEA shelves in our spare room, without a backscene or lighting which just happened to fit within the GJLC requirements.

 

With the above in mind, and imposing on myself a target completion date of summer 2012, I started to seriously think again about the possibility of getting the layout to exhibitable standards and things which were never part of the original plan...i.e. display height, a proscenium arch, lighting, backscene etc.

 

The original 1/10 mock up model had been amended last year to show a proscenium type arch to frame and focus the view and looked something like this...

blogentry-3290-127515107994.jpg

...where the height of the viaduct determined the backscene height. However, it occurred to me that any rolling stock crossing the viaduct would not be lit and may look unintegrated floating above.

So...having decided that the rail height of the Coombe to Moorswater dries section will be 1200mm above finished floor level, the backscene would need to be 500mm above that to clear the viaduct with some breathing space.

Of course, only then did it occur to me that the height of the layout would restrict the operator from actually seeing anything :rolleyes:, so I decided that the middle section of the backscene will be slightly lower to facilitate this. This should prove a good vantage point to see any occuring disasters :P

As a test, this morning, I threw together a 1:50 scale model of the layout proposal so I could see it against some scale architectural figures I have from my work. Also, using some grey card, I mocked up the step in the backscene to see how that would feel and I think I am comfortable with this. The proscenium arch/lighting beam will remain at the same height across the front of the layout for uniformity and clarity.

I attach a sketch and a few photos and since this morning I have decided to reduce the backscene by 100mm giving 400mm above railheight lowering too 300mm for the centre section...

blogentry-3290-127515187734.jpg

sketch showing overall display and cutout to centre section for operator visibility...

blogentry-3290-127515206324.jpg

the viaduct will meet the backscene and may pass through an aperture...

blogentry-3290-127515221136.jpg

this will allow rolling stock typically of the mainline to be lit as well from the front light bar...

blogentry-3290-127515208802.jpg

1:50 scale model of display from the public viewing side...

blogentry-3290-127515211568.jpg

the front arch frames and focuses the display...

blogentry-3290-127515215438.jpg

view from the operators side...

 

We don't really have space in our apartment to erect the layout in its entire length and at the correct height so I may have to find a way of getting some legs built in the UK, and concentrate on just the layout here, however that's a little way off yet. I now feel that I have a target to aim for and that one day, perhaps I might get a chance to exhibit Coombe - Moorswater which was originally conceived as a 'stay at home' layout ;)

 

Comments welcomed as always...

9 Comments


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I've just been reading this with great interest. We seem to have similar ideas about presentation (take a look at my blog), although you are a bit ahead of me. I particularly like the 1/50 scale planning models. I also particularly like the idea of the section of Moorswater viaduct dividing the scene. With regard to the backscene, I have found with my existing layout that a high fixed backscene makes for unwieldy sections. I still want a high backscene, but I'm planning to use a single piece of something like roller blind material, which can be rolled up when the layout is taken down. Your planning models have the operator at the rear, have you thought about operating from one end at the front, so the operator is not cut off behind the backscene?

I'm going to follow this one with interest as I reckon I'm going to learn from this. Can't wait for the next instalment!

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Alex, Hi

 

Many thanks for your kind comments - I had a look at your blog and I will be staying tuned - it's very interesting - for me, one of the great things about this forum is we can all dip in and learn off each others experiences both good and bad, regardless of scales.

 

I will ponder the roller blind backscene idea. It took me a long time to get used to the idea of having a backscene for this layout and now being 100% convinced that it needs it, I do like the idea of something permanently attached to it...It won't make transportation of it any easier but I guess it could always be removable in some way...

 

In terms of operation, I (personally) am not a big fan of operations from the front. No disrespect to others as there are some fantastic layouts operated in this way...it's just...there is no where to hide behind when you have a big derailment/disaster :P :D

 

Pete

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Glad to see your getting moving again on this. I think its got loads of potential.

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Glad to see your getting moving again on this. I think its got loads of potential.

 

Kris - Thanks for this - I have been asked to put a small storyboard together of Coombe Junction for display at the EXPO so this has given me a bit of umph to get back on it - the aim is to try and complete the track on the final board this coming month...subject of course to 'sun stops play' B)

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Kris - Thanks for this - I have been asked to put a small storyboard together of Coombe Junction for display at the EXPO so this has given me a bit of umph to get back on it - the aim is to try and complete the track on the final board this coming month...subject of course to 'sun stops play' cool.gif

 

Morning Pete,

 

I too will be keenly watching the progress of this layout. I think you have some good ideas and I will also learn from your approach to building this layout.

 

As you're probably aware I've an interest in the Looe Valley Line too, with my rendition of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt. I've never modelled in N before and so far I'm totally impressed. If successful I'll be planning a further Cornish based layout set around Treviscoe Clay Dryers, but with a branch as well to the north coast.

 

Looking forwards to more updates and all the best with the project.

 

Cheers.

 

Mark

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As you're probably aware I've an interest in the Looe Valley Line too, with my rendition of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt. I've never modelled in N before and so far I'm totally impressed. If successful I'll be planning a further Cornish based layout set around Treviscoe Clay Dryers, but with a branch as well to the north coast.

 

 

Mark, Hi

 

Many thanks for your kind comments - I am certainly learning a lot myself by building this layout - and we never stop learning in reality.

 

Yes, I have seen your thread - any station on the Looe branch sets off the alarm bells with me :D - am amazed at how quickly your project came together - if your next layout does not have turnouts, then why not consider the 2FS EASITRAC as 'out of the box' N gauge rolling stock should run okay on it and the track looks much improved?

 

Pete

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Cheers Pete,

 

SKWWH has always enchanted me and thought it would be an ideal taster into the world of N gauge and simple to boot. As you say no points and using Set-track has speeded up the progress. I agree though Code 80 is a bit chunky but didn't want to go too mad. My next layout will have points though so best get a hang of the wiring.

 

In some ways it's an experiment but I'm hooked and will be selling all of my 00 modern image stuff and keeping just the steam locos and stock for my Kettering-Cambridge Line based layout.

 

Infact I've already aquired two Dapol EWS Class 66's some CDA's and other bits. Look's funny rolling through SKWW though! wink.gif

 

As for the speedy progress I've had some annual leave so I've progressed quite quickly but things may slow down a bit because I've got a course at uni to finish off and an exam in July so academia could be coming first what with writing and revising.

 

Just also picked up on 'Waton' on here as well and yet again this layout shows how N gauge becomes part of the landscape which is an effect I personally like.

 

Thanks.

 

Mark

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Most layouts are rather flat its great to see one making us of the height. 2mm does allow scale heights.

Donw

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Donw

 

Agreed that 2mm allows this - I was conscious when planning the layout that although I would not have room to include the inclined gradient to Liskeard, the line to Moorswater is relatively flat so hopefully the viaduct compensates for this.

 

Pete

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