Jump to content
 
  • entries
    4
  • comments
    10
  • views
    1,777

cooley_boy

639 views

So here we go.

 

For a while now I have been wanting to build a layout and have so far built 3 layouts which have since either been sold or dismantled into other projects. In previous layouts I have been a bit free lance in my design moving into a layout based off a location but not true to prototype. So now I am looking at modelling a location as true to prototype as possible space willing. In doing so the search was on for a layout that can be used for both 1960 operations and current day which narrows the field down a bit but the challenge was to find a place that has not really changed much since the 60s so anything near a city was more-or-less out.

 

I therefore moved into the country side and into the LMS region which is where I personally think the best trains were made (ducks for cover) and where some of the most gruelling and dramatic scenery is located. This is certainly true of the S & C but this have been modelled to death and wanting to look into an area where not much has been done in recent years I looked into the West Coast Mainline between Preston and Carlisle.

 

Here we have 2 major Climbs being Grayrigg and Shap both of which are gruelling grades which in steam days required helpers which would be a very neat thing to replicate in operation which with DCC will be very easy to achieve. I have settled on Shap for no real reason other than for several reasons:

 

1- Shap is more open in its landscape and will be in my opinion be more dramatic to recreate.

 


2- I have spent time around the Shap incline and know it better.

 

3- Shap has less of a range of traffic than Grayrigg due to all the Stainmore traffic turning east at Tebay which means there will be less traffic to cover than Grayrigg which from a budget perspective is always a good thing.

 

Having said that last point though there is still a huge amount of traffic on this line:

 

1960's Highlights:

 

The Royal Scot
The Mid-day Scot
The Night Scot
The Caledonian
The Lakes Express
All Freight Traffic

 

Duchess's
Princess's
Britannia's
Royal Scots
Black Fives
8Fs
9Fs
ETC

 

Current Day Highlights:

 

The Caledonian Sleeper
Tesco Train
Virgin Pendalino's
Virgin Super Voyagers
All Container Traffic
All Engineering Traffic
Colas Timber Traffic
Flyash Traffic
Coal from Ayrshire to Wales
Class 66, 68, 88, 57, 92, 90, 86, 60
Colas
DRS
EWS/DB
Frieghtliner
Network Rail
WCRC Excursion Trains

 

All in all a lot to model and consider.

 

I have already accumulated a fair bit of rolling stock in regards to both settings for this layout and as I don't have the space at this time to built the layout I am focusing on getting all the rolling stock ready and running this in at the local club. So what is to follow will be a series of works in regards to the rolling stock and locomotives.

 

Regards
Rand

8 Comments


Recommended Comments

Guest Midland Mole

Posted

Very ambitious idea, I like it. And you are right, the LMS definitely had the best trains! *joins you ducking for cover* :D

Alex

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold

Certainly ambitious. You don't mention scale but, assuming 4mm, this is going to need a lot of space to look right, at least 50' of visible track length. Worth considering making it as a circular layout with fiddle yards as an inner loop (see, for instance, Star Lane Hooley on RMWeb).

Link to comment

Good idea. Love the idea of the range of stock that can be used. Nothing wrong with the LMS- I am now on my 2nd LMS based layout (Bakewell-see my blog) having first modelled the over killed Dent on the S&C.

 

Not sure how much space you have for this. I initially wanted to model Millers Dale in the Peak district but needed at least 30 feet of track space and that was impossible in 00. So not sure how much space you have.

Link to comment
  • RMweb Premium

Are you going to fit removable catenary for this? Plug in signals as well?

That way you can cover the stock you want.

Baz

Link to comment

Very ambitious idea, I like it. And you are right, the LMS definitely had the best trains! *joins you ducking for cover* :D

Alex

I appreciate the company under the table =)

Link to comment

Certainly ambitious. You don't mention scale but, assuming 4mm, this is going to need a lot of space to look right, at least 50' of visible track length. Worth considering making it as a circular layout with fiddle yards as an inner loop (see, for instance, Star Lane Hooley on RMWeb).

Thank you for the references =). The design I have will have about 100 ft of scenic track length. I am still finalising the design but will post it once I have finished it.

Link to comment

Are you going to fit removable catenary for this? Plug in signals as well? That way you can cover the stock you want. Baz

I am certainly looking into doing that yes. Having a system for taking the catenary off and placing back on depending on the era of operation. I know in my mind how I can do it and I suspect there will be small clumps of grass up and down the line =P. Signals will be something along the line of removable modules or hidden plugs. Will see what developments have been made by the time I get to that point. I already have most of the stock of which I am going through and detailing in the mean time.   

Link to comment

Good idea. Love the idea of the range of stock that can be used. Nothing wrong with the LMS- I am now on my 2nd LMS based layout (Bakewell-see my blog) having first modelled the over killed Dent on the S&C.

 

Not sure how much space you have for this. I initially wanted to model Millers Dale in the Peak district but needed at least 30 feet of track space and that was impossible in 00. So not sure how much space you have.

Yes I would agree that Dent has been done to death but is certainly a dramatic spot and having had the privilege  myself to drive along the line I can certainly see why. I had thought of doing a spot on the S&C but every part of that line has been done which is why I stuck with the West Coast Mainline. I will have a look at your blog. Thank you for the reference.

The design I have will require about 50' Length. I will be moving most likely next year so will be looking for places that may be able to accommodate that. A nice big shed is what I need.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...