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kyle 2014 - phase II - fiddling around...


bcnPete

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Good evening,

 

As Phase I of the 2014 refurb draws to a close (second coat of paint added to fascia and new lettering has been applied) I turned my thoughts to the new fiddle yard.

 

As mentioned previously I would like to give cassettes a rest for a while and revert back to a traverser running on mini 150mm shelf runners that I acquired some place in BCN.

 

One of the issues to be addressed was due to the track layout, for run-a-round the train needs to back the stock almost halfway into the fiddle yard so a short 'transitional ' piece was required which was worked out the other day to be about 200mm. This means the traverser can move independently without the train bridging it.

 

Another issue was not being restricted by the travel length of the traverser meaning all roads could be used. It occurred to me a cheeky little slot could be formed in the facia allowing the traverser to slide out as and when required and also give sneak pics of the rolling stock (don't you just love to crank your neck at shows and get a preview of what's about to emerge?)

 

With this in mind, sketches were happening during my work week as follows:

 

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Yesterday I had a brief visit to the Epson and Ewell show and suitably topped up with enthusiasm from seeing St Ruth and Diesels in the Duchy, I decided to make a mock up this afternoon. This is to test a few ideas as most of it will be laser cut at work so I wanted to flush out any immediate problems.

 

Using a couple of sheets of 3mm foamboard I began to map out the enclosure to first get the continuity of the all important front presentation to the viewers. This will all be painted dark grey to match the recent fascia work. I also wanted to express the 'transitional' piece on the front (which also masks the join between the scenic section and FY) so have done so by introducing two 3mm shadow gaps to provide a neat solution. This will also incorporate the 2mmFS logo which I have from the first time it was exhibited.

 

The traverser itself will have 5 roads which should be enough for say 3 fixed train formations and a couple of spare for run around etc. The ends of the roads will have a simple DPDT switch to isolate each individually - no complex sparks from me I am afraid :no:

 

There is also scope for one possibly two shelves built above the traverser to hold additional stock - will need to review this with the lighting positions.

 

Having completed the mock up I can already see a few areas that need further work but overall I am happy with the results. One thing I quite like is the possible glow from the traverser slot when seen from the front.

 

Here's a few iPhone pics with a little stock provided for scale...sorry about the light etc...its not so easy to take the layout outside as I used to do in BCN... :)

 

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Any comments most welcome...

 

Pete

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I must admit I have a soft spot for Class 37's in this guise, but keep it secret, I'm supposed to be a steam buff, but your excellent layout is certainly making me think about hiding, sorry building a layout in a box file

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As ever your work always encourages, and I particularly like the slot idea and the glow coming from it. Am really looking forward to see it one day.

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I wouldnt worry about the lighting, it makes the scene look moody and stormy, interesting developments here!

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Hi Pete,

 

It was good to see you at Epsom. Glad to see that Kyle is progressing.

 

Another thought for you - if you want the punters to see what's in your fiddle yard then how about a clear plastic front rather than an opaque one? We used to have a perspex front on the FY on our previous roundy roundy layout (Helsby Tumill and Haddon) and it was positively received on those occasions when the floor plan allowed the punters access to that side.

 

Regards, Andy

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Good to see that the week off was put to good use Pete. Personally, I'd be concerned pushing the traverser out of the front if you were using the rear rails... in case it got knocked.. but yes, if you want that many lines then it'll possibly be the option you gave to select...

I'm presuming that the intent is for this to be exhibitable... which I hope it should be .

Jon

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Very well thought out. 2mm meet at Kidderminster then?

Don

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Classic "neat Pete"! I love the glow of light (as you say) and the promise of delightful secrets inside the traverser!

 

Apologies if I've missed it, but any thoughts on how you'll do alignment?

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I must admit I have a soft spot for Class 37's in this guise, but keep it secret, I'm supposed to be a steam buff, but your excellent layout is certainly making me think about hiding, sorry building a layout in a box file

 

Many thanks Paul - the Scottish 37's also have that effect on me! Go for it...

 

 

As ever your work always encourages, and I particularly like the slot idea and the glow coming from it. Am really looking forward to see it one day.

 

Thanks Tom - hoping to get it out there starting next year...

 

 

I wouldnt worry about the lighting, it makes the scene look moody and stormy, interesting developments here!

 

Thanks Will - yes it does look a bit moody in those shots!

 

 

I agree with Will J, the stormy atmosphere looks great. Looking forward to seeing more!

 

Thanks Jeremy...

 

 

Great to see a revived Kyle, hope to see this layout out and about some day.

 

Thanks also Alex...

 

 

Hi Pete, It was good to see you at Epsom. Glad to see that Kyle is progressing. Another thought for you - if you want the punters to see what's in your fiddle yard then how about a clear plastic front rather than an opaque one? We used to have a perspex front on the FY on our previous roundy roundy layout (Helsby Tumill and Haddon) and it was positively received on those occasions when the floor plan allowed the punters access to that side.

 

Thanks Andy - funny enough I was thinking of making all the FY in clear perspex on the laser machine....but part of me likes the secretive nature of the FY and the need to rubberneck...hence only the teaser slot ;)

 

 

Good to see that the week off was put to good use Pete. Personally, I'd be concerned pushing the traverser out of the front if you were using the rear rails... in case it got knocked.. but yes, if you want that many lines then it'll possibly be the option you gave to select...I'm presuming that the intent is for this to be exhibitable... which I hope it should be .

 

Thanks Jon - Noted, yes may need something to restrain the stock...yes, idea is to try and get it to exhibitable standards...

 

 

Bring it to a 2mm event.

 

Thanks Rich - might just do that :)

 

 

Very well thought out. 2mm meet at Kidderminster then?/quote]

 

Thanks Don - will see how far I get and how my day job is going...bit hectic at present...

 

Classic "neat Pete"! I love the glow of light (as you say) and the promise of delightful secrets inside the traverser! Apologies if I've missed it, but any thoughts on how you'll do alignment?

 

Thanks Mikkel - Alignment of FY boards will be via C+L board connectors purchased this weekend but I think you mean tracks...not sure yet...probably some simple brass tube sleeve arrangement...

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Hi Pete,

 

what a great idea and, again, so neatly executed.  Never seen anything like this before so it's another design first.  I've always admired your innovation and originality and this coupled with your exacting neatness always make your blogs a real joy to read.  I'm also glad to see your drawings again - always a treat.  I saw Grand Designs last night about a couple that built an ultra minimalist glass house in London.  Their neat and innovative use of simple materials reminded me of your neat layout designs.  I'm surprised that someone like IKEA or Dyson haven't snapped you up for their design teams!!  (Had to get the IKEA reference in somehow :))  But you seriously are really good at it.   Perhaps designer companies ought to be looking on railway modelling forums for potential employees or ideas.  

 

Mike

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Hi Pete,

 

what a great idea and, again, so neatly executed.  Never seen anything like this before so it's another design first.  I've always admired your innovation and originality and this coupled with your exacting neatness always make your blogs a real joy to read.  I'm also glad to see your drawings again - always a treat.  I saw Grand Designs last night about a couple that built an ultra minimalist glass house in London.  Their neat and innovative use of simple materials reminded me of your neat layout designs.  I'm surprised that someone like IKEA or Dyson haven't snapped you up for their design teams!!  (Had to get the IKEA reference in somehow :))  But you seriously are really good at it.   Perhaps designer companies ought to be looking on railway modelling forums for potential employees or ideas.  

 

Hi Mike - many thanks for your kind comments.

 

I'll stick with being an Architect me thinks - I seem to be making a break with IKEA since we returned to UK...no Lack shelves in our apartment to build layouts on ;)

 

 

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