Popular Post boxerbayrailway Posted February 19, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) Hello everyone, After many scale changes and different areas of interest pursued I've finally arrived at my ideal scale, layout size, and choice of prototype. I've modeled in what seems like almost every scale / prototype starting with TT, and nothing compares to the joys of O. So the Boxer Bay Railway, is a fictitious light railway set on the coast in Sunny Somerset, around the 1930s. Inspired by many Col. Stephens railways which I find fascinating. It also allows me freedom to model exactly what I like. Not being from England I don't have a super connection to any particular railway company or area, outside of Somerset (My interest in Railways being ignited by watching Ivo Peter's S&D films) Location : Somewhere along the coast in Somerset ! Time Period : 1920 - 1930s - Railway : Boxer Bay Railway (B.B.R.) Size of Railway : 16' x 9' 6" - Minimum Radius Curves : 4' (The Pines Express will not be passing through on this layout !) Track : Peco Bullhead 124 - Control : Basic DC Block control Type of Line : Coast Harbour to inland connections with GWR & S&DJR Traffic : Curious Travellers / Coal / Peat / Dairy / Ale / Fish / Farming Equipment / Misc Locomotives : A1 Terrier 0-6-0T / '02' 0-4-4T / 1F 0-6-0T / Peckett 0-4-0T + Anyothers I can get !! Basic track plan - excuses the crudeness but I'm no artist, and I'm certainly not a computer CAD master. Certain details / placement of buildings etc.. will change with construction I'm sure. The layout has been under construction for about 7 months and the benchwork / trackwork is mostly finished with some final wiring to be completed. Then the real fun can begin ! Current state of the railway : Edited July 18, 2021 by boxerbayrailway 33 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Felix, I am delighted to see this new forum. I recently encountered Boxer Bay on Youtube where you posted a video showing one of our Minerva Kerr Stuart Victory 0-6-0Ts at work. I think you have created a great continuous run in a space more usually associated with 4mm scale. I shall be following progress with great interest. Regards, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 Thanks Chris. I know I'm stretching the limits of what's doable in 14 x 9 for 7mm, continuous running was a large priority, both forenjoyment and running in equipment. The 4' radius curves haven't tripped anything up yet, including a kit built LSWR 02 0-4-4T which I wasa little nervous about ! The track plan has been inspired by many of Iain Rice's great plans from his super book "Light Railway Layout Designs"The video you mention must be this one - hoping to do an updated one showing progress and the lovely Minerva Peckett soon. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hartleymartin Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 I'm justing loving this layout. In fact, I am almost inclined to copy it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 Busy Busy times, leaves little time for the railway, but one important decision was made. Prototype authentic link couplings, or a choice of auto couplers. There looks to be hundreds of choices, but after some thought I picked the Bachmann OO tension lock type. I was tempted to stick it out with the 3 link chains, but I know my eyesight will only get worse, and there will be a couple spots on my railway which will be hard to reach. With the convenience of auto coupling, and with a tool, easy uncoupling, the decision was easy. I don't think they look too bad, and when the wagons are coupled, I can barely notice them. Buffer locking is no longer an issue ! I tested them on 3 wagons and they worked great on curves down to 42" radius. Kadee knuckle couplers were tempting, but they're just too noticeable and looked odd on English equipment, at least to me. Installation is easy with little work, and I can leave the original hooks, which allows the wagons to be coupled to another wagon which is not yet equipped with TLs, another bonus ! Plus they're cheap - the Colonel will appreciate that 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share Posted March 21, 2017 Evening All,And Now for something completely different ! This model was built from a very nice laser cut wood kit by B.T.S. (Better Than Scratch), a firm that is somewhat local to me in the US.It's a USMRR flatcar, built in 1860's. Kit #19517. My Dad built and weathered this model, added buffers and used Wiseman white metal archbar trucks. It fits in surprisingly well with the 7mm equipment, so will be used on the BBR from time to time for special duties.Seen here delivering Bertie Wooster's Aston Martin 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Evening All, And Now for something completely different ! This model was built from a very nice laser cut wood kit by B.T.S. (Better Than Scratch), a firm that is somewhat local to me in the US. It's a USMRR flatcar, built in 1860's. Kit #19517. My Dad built and weathered this model, added buffers and used Wiseman white metal archbar trucks. It fits in surprisingly well with the 7mm equipment, so will be used on the BBR from time to time for special duties. Seen here delivering Bertie Wooster's Aston Martin “What ho!" I said (Bertie Wooster). "What ho!" said Motty. "What ho! What ho!" "What ho! What ho! What ho!" After that it seemed rather difficult to go on with the conversation.” ― P.G. Wodehouse, My Man Jeeves 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted March 22, 2017 Author Share Posted March 22, 2017 “What ho!" I said (Bertie Wooster). "What ho!" said Motty. "What ho! What ho!" "What ho! What ho! What ho!" After that it seemed rather difficult to go on with the conversation.” ― P.G. Wodehouse, My Man Jeeves Indeed sir ! Read that one many times, also enjoyed Fry & Laurie's portrayal very much. Although I would have liked to seen the original series with Ian Carmichael & Dennis Price, but I guess the BBC tossed them all into the rubbish bin, except for 1 that is up on youtube to enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir douglas Posted March 22, 2017 Share Posted March 22, 2017 It'll be the same case of taping over it, it happened with a lot of programs from the 60's. the BBC were short of film and didnt want to spend money on new film so they just went over existing film, this is also why alot of early doctor who is missing because it was taped over with something else Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardian Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Great subject, great period, great plan, and, judging from what we have glimpsed so far, great modelling. Boxer Bay is one to watch ... and enjoy, methinks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 Thanks, can't wait to start the scenery and buildings, but still a little work to do before that, turnout control, ballasting and track painting / weathering up next. The Col. was able to acquire a "new" piece of equipment for the B.B.R., an Ex Midland Railway 1F 1377 class 0-6-0T. Our locomotive Superintendent had a quick look over and gave the thumbs up, despite some history of the loco wanting to only run bunker first ! Here She is being lined up for the official photograph, awaiting re-lettering, and some minor mechanical work to fix a worm gear that is noisy in one direction only. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mervyn Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Busy Busy times, leaves little time for the railway, but one important decision was made. Prototype authentic link couplings, or a choice of auto couplers. There looks to be hundreds of choices, but after some thought I picked the Bachmann OO tension lock type. I was tempted to stick it out with the 3 link chains, but I know my eyesight will only get worse, and there will be a couple spots on my railway which will be hard to reach. With the convenience of auto coupling, and with a tool, easy uncoupling, the decision was easy. I don't think they look too bad, and when the wagons are coupled, I can barely notice them. Buffer locking is no longer an issue ! I tested them on 3 wagons and they worked great on curves down to 42" radius. Kadee knuckle couplers were tempting, but they're just too noticeable and looked odd on English equipment, at least to me. Installation is easy with little work, and I can leave the original hooks, which allows the wagons to be coupled to another wagon which is not yet equipped with TLs, another bonus ! Plus they're cheap - the Colonel will appreciate that can I ask what size screws you used and where you got them from ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted March 30, 2017 Author Share Posted March 30, 2017 can I ask what size screws you used and where you got them from ? Actually I had these screws left over in a parts box, but I believe they're size 0-80, I'm not 100% certain. I'll have to order some more to complete all my rolling stock, once I find out the correct size I'll post it here. The advantage to mounting them this way is you can remove them quickly and easily incase one should ever need replacing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSB Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 We ended up mounting ours a bit lower to avoid the hooks hitting the bottom of the corridor connections on coaches. Obviously on a light railway without corridor stock that won't be a problem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted April 1, 2017 Author Share Posted April 1, 2017 Had a little spare time to run some trains yesterday, excuse the poor camerawork but it was difficult operating and filming at the same time. Now after testing that everything has been wired up correctly and there are no problems (yet) I can move on to the super "enjoyable" task of painting / ballasting ! Also need to paint up a proper crew for the loco. So much to do, so little time. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Northroader Posted April 1, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 1, 2017 Really liked that operating session, you've got me thinking hard about couplers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toplink@()1989))(( Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 Great layout design Felix, I will follow your exploits with interest!, just out of curiosity, where did you get your resin boats? Cheer's, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted April 2, 2017 Author Share Posted April 2, 2017 Great layout design Felix, I will follow your exploits with interest!, just out of curiosity, where did you get your resin boats? Cheer's, Pete. Thanks Pete, well the "River Barge" is actually a Verlinden 1/35 scale resin model, a very high quality casting that I thought might pass for 1/43. The tug boat is a 1/48 resin kit from "Frenchman River", it's a small 24' steam tug built at the turn of the century, I can highly recommend this kit, very high quality castings with little cleanup, all parts fit perfectly and have great detail. You can find them on ebay for about $50 USD. It seems we are limited in maritime models for 7mm, so it's either make do with what's around and convert it, or scratch build ! I'll need to scratch build my main coastal freighter ship, but that is probably a few years away. As for the couplings Northroader, I would definitely think about it. While filming this little test of the layout, I had 3 wagons equipped with the OO TLs, and the rest with the 3 links, and it was a real pain dealing with the chains, even with a little hand tool I made up. The TLs worked perfectly, and that part of the operating was very enjoyable. I know the TLs aren't as pleasing to look at when viewing close up photos of equipment, but I can overlook it as my main interest is smooth and enjoyable operation of the railway. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardian Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 Had a little spare time to run some trains yesterday, excuse the poor camerawork but it was difficult operating and filming at the same time. Now after testing that everything has been wired up correctly and there are no problems (yet) I can move on to the super "enjoyable" task of painting / ballasting ! Also need to paint up a proper crew for the loco. So much to do, so little time. Great stuff. And a fine selection of pre-Grouping and PO wagons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 I was looking for any excuse to delay painting the rails and ballasting the track, and I found it ! A very inexpensive and fun side project, a weight bridge from Lcut. Kit # B 70-14, cost is only £10, or $12 USD. The kit is laser cut and is very high quality, everything fit together perfectly and the whole thing was built, painted and weathered in about 2 hours. I chose to prime it with Humbrol acrylic, then brush paint it with Tamiya acrylics and used chalk powders for weathering. The model takes up about 114 x 132mm, including the base. Photos show a little gap between building and base, that will disappear when building is glued to the base, and I do need to finish it with window glazing. I hope to improve my painting skills in this area but I think it turned out pretty good. Now sadly onto the ballasting Please note Renault (Heller kit) will not be featured on the 1920s era railway, just shown for fun 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir douglas Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 a nice looking kit and very good looking paint work, but i would have spent a bit more time on those corners getting them to fit right Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 a nice looking kit and very good looking paint work, but i would have spent a bit more time on those corners getting them to fit right I agree, but I'm not too sure what can be done about the corners, it's the way the kit is designed. My plan is to disguise them once it's installed on the layout with a down spout, or a strategically placed figure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 It's been a little while since the last update on the BBR. Nice weather, busy with work, garden etc... have left limited time for the railway. However I've managed to get a couple things done lately, including painting the rails / track. This was done with a spray can, I know I took the easy way out ! But I will go back and brush paint in some effects in certain areas like the loco shed to add a bit of variety in rail colours, and I'll weather the sleepers in due course. What a difference it makes once you paint the rails, night and day !I've also managed to install my first buffer stop, built and modified from the Peco rail type, I used a wood beam instead of the supplied rail one, and installed a lantern taken from the original. The next step will be continuing with weathering the track, and then comes the Super Joyful task of ballasting. The Colonel is busy recruiting inmates at the local prison, and looking for volunteers to get this stage of development moving forward 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Fealix, I enjoy your updates and I can see that you are as excited about ballasting track as I am. A further simple enhancement to the Peco buffer-stop is to install a bracing rod from suitable wire behind the bufferbeam. I have attached some photos for illustration. Regards, Chris 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerbayrailway Posted June 20, 2017 Author Share Posted June 20, 2017 (edited) Thanks Chris for the tip, I'll add a bracing rod today, and a bit more weathering I think. Your stop looks great. Then onto the ballasting ! I actually don't mind it too much, I think the trick is try to not do too much at a time, little by little. Of course I've only ballasted a layout in TT scale before, so in 7mm I anticipate a whole new set of challenges to get it to look right. Edited June 20, 2017 by boxerbayrailway Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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