Servicing Depot 2 in 1.

[70E]

It all started with me purchasing a second hand Bachmann servicing shed. It had been abused a bit and needed sorting out so it's been sitting around for sometime and also I wasn't sure what to do with it. Then I came across a photo of Kings Lynn which fired my imagination. So I have started to build a small 4 X 1layout from bits and bobs I had to hand as well as purchasing additional items.

 

I scratch built the oil storage tanks on KL so no bund as well as the water tower. Other buildings are Bachmann scenecraft. I also purchased the brick serving shed with the thought of inter changing certain elements to backdate to the steam era. So the storage tanks and fuelling point will lift out to be replaced by a coaling stage/water crane and another building. Not sure where to locate the coaling stage yet .

 

Layout is DCC with Peco point motors and a Lenz accessory decoder. I'm also looking to install lights.

The front will be a ditch or brook.

 

Having got so far, I'm beginning to wonder if it will have enough 'play value' shunting locos etc, should I change the track plan if so how? Should I increase the width a bit on the back edge so things are not to tight against the back scene?

 

Undoubtedly there will be some compromises so Im trying to achieve a generic look rather than region specific although primarily will be western/ southern bias.

Any thoughts welcomed.

Edited June 9, 2018 by 70E

[Guest ShildonShunter]

Hi 70E this looks like th beginning of a lovely layout the modelling is really good. Looking forward to seeing your next update.

[Rivercider]

I think you have done well with the space available.

Normally I would like a run-round, but here there is no room, and presumably you have another engine on hand

to shunt release a fuel tank/coal wagon, as required,

 

cheers

[marc smith]

Hi 70E,
Looks like a great start. I really like this little layout
Re your question about adding more "play value" - i think it has plenty!

I see so many nice designs and concepts which have started out well, and with the best intentions - only to be ruined by trying to cram in another siding, or another facility, or by adding a huge goods shed or factory.
Your design is good, remember, it's a rather narrow base-board, so adding another track, siding or loop will just fill up much more of the space you have
And if you add further depth to the board, either tacking on more board at the front or back - your baseboard will most likely appear shorter

Proportionally, to me, it looks fine. If anything, I'd say you could always tack on something at the back, to help you create a nice embankment, leading down to track level (with a low - medium height retaining wall?)
But again, it doesn't need too much, if at all - that's just personal preference. 

You could perhaps also have the road in the foreground (the one on the right, in front of the large corrugated shed) disappearing underneath a bridge, or just behind another structure or trees / greenery?
This gives you a bit more flexibility - but again, could easily look overdone, if you're not careful. I like the balance of the design - looks good to me
Can't wait to see it develop.... c'mon c'mon get a move on lol 

Edited June 12, 2018 by marc smith

[birdseyecircus]

3 or 4 locos each one must visit the shed then the fueling point.

I will let you to the maths!

Hours of fun!

 

Paul

[70E]

Thank you for the positive comments and encouragement. I will post updates as and when time allows. I made a couple of small fuel storage tanks this week. They need a bit more weathering etc to tone them down. They are resin and brass kits manufactured by Unit Models and available through Frizinghall Models. Best look at Units website for the full range if you are interested - no connection.

[Jerry1975]

This looks very nice, I will be following.

 

Jerry.

[70E]

I have been making some progress with the layout. Firstly, I purchased a lighting kit from express models for the Bachmann fuelling point. I'm finding Rmweb great for inspirational ideas such as Little Muddle so I have made it so the fuelling point lifts out to be replaced by a coaling point for when it's a steam servicing depot. I've put copper tape under the base of the fuelling point which touches the tape and solder in the layout section and lights up when powered up.

 

I've also started to scratch build my interpretation of a sectionalised concrete building loosely based on a picture I found on Rmweb.

[J50]

Nice work with the lighting on the refuelling depot..

[marc smith]

Nice idea re the copper tape to aid with electrical supply to the refuelling point
Really like the look of both sets of structures / plug-in modules too
This is a really neat idea. I've used plug-in components previously, to help disguise baseboard joints, but this is a really different approach 
You mention "play value" in your initial post, but whatever the play value of a micro layout - this one is surely doubled?

[andyram]

This looks like a promising micro layout. I look forward to seeing further progress.

[70E]

Apologies in advance for the poor photos. I've made some progress with the sectional concrete building, mess room/office I got carried away and forgot to put some furniture in it so when it's lit it will look a bit empty! The brick structure is for want of a better description an ash bunker loosely based on the one I found in a photo of Guildford shed coaling area. I'm quite pleased with roof even though the ridge is a bit of a donkey's hind leg! I used corrugated asbestos sheets from good wood scenics. They are metal sheet, easy to cut etc and just need the cut edges touching up with paint.

[70E]

I have been making some progress concentrating on the steam era part, so a few pictures to show recent changes. I have attempted to use the Chris Nevard method of recreating cinders using DAS clay which doesn't look too bad once it had been painted etc. Needs a few oily deposits between the rails.

 

The coaling stage is made from coffee stirrers and balsa wood.

 

Note to self - I need to paint the ash pit steps!

[70E]

I thought I would post a few pictures of progress to date.

[70E]

Some further progress made. I have now finished the frame and casing to the layout. All the buildings now have lights with either a 'contact' power supply or mini plug as per the locomotive servicing buildings. The large workshop building also has an arc welding simulator.  Still plenty to do, install yard lights, detail the road and finish off the stream , build a canopy for the coaling stage and other minor detailing.

 

I am pleased with how the chainlink fence turned out. The posts are laser cut from Scale Model Scenery (no connection) and mist sprayed with various shades as per the Chris Nevard  method.

 

I have to make a small control panel for the lighting switches and also the locomotive (off scene) base so they can enter the layout stage right as it were!

 

Whilst constructing the layout I have been giving some thought to the back scene and still somewhat stumped as to what to do? I was thinking less is more but now its put together the back scene is too  blue and the water tower although it needs weathering some more as it blends in a bit. I would like the layout to be in the landscape if possible rather than surrounded, by which I mean viaduct arches, warehouses etc. Maybe, I should have started with the back scene first?

 

The backscene is removable so I can still add to it. I had been thinking of a photo of a carriage sidings or make it look part of a station etc, but can find anything on the web ready made thats suitable? Any thoughts or ideas appreciated.

 

The pictures that follow are of the layout in its two guises steam and diesel. Water cranes can be replaced with oil drums and a tarpaulined load, Buildings lift out and can be replaced as well as the coal stage and fuelling point. 

 

 

 

[Guest Nero]

A stunning layout with plenty of great modelling within and the frame and skirt set it all off.

[70E]

Nero, many thanks for the compliment,

[70E]

I thought I would post an update of further progress on the layout.

 

I have now installed an overhead LED warm lighting strip with a dimmer switch, not sure if I need a cool light to balance it out a bit?  All the buildings have lights as well as the workshop have an arc light simulator. I have used mini plugs for the buildings so that they can be un-plugged easily and swapped around to suit steam/diesel era's.

 

I looked at various options for water some seem to be quite expensive and two pack so I decided upon and used Vallejo still water for the stream, its an acrylic base and flows quite well although it needs little encouragement to spread out. My first attempt was a disaster as I applied it too thickly and it shrunk back and started to peel away so I had to pull it all up and start again. Thin layers is key. For £8 for 200ml its quite good value and worked ok for me 2nd time around!

 

Reeds etc are WW scenics swamp grass and some Noch bulrushes. I still need to construct a canopy for the coaling stage as well as other minor detailing and some people. All in all I've enjoyed the build with quite a few 2 steps forward one step back scenarios but a great learning experience , first time scratch build buildings and use of lighting, water etc.

 

Next time I'll add some locos!

[PDBV]

This layout looks amazing

[Sweet pea]

Your layout looks great and the lighting is spot on. Thanks for sharing:)

[Signaller69]

Bit of a latecomer finding this thread, what a cracking little layout and has such a spacious feel for its size, like the idea of swapping buildings around for different eras too, very nice.

[70E]

thank you for the kind compliments Signaller69 much appreciated. Im hoping to post some more pictures in the near future but due to straining some muscles I am unable to lift it into the house from the shed to take some photos! The trials of getting old!

[sb67]

Layout looks fantastic 70E, really like the concrete hut, did you have a plan to build from?

Steve.

Edited February 9, 2019 by sb67

[70E]

Hi Steve,

 

Thanks, no plan just scratch built to suit the space available using some reference photos like the attached on RMWEB under sectional buildings, also the one shown that can be found in old Hither Green depot photos.

 

I've attached a picture of a similar example that was on eBay a few months ago  which used a couple of Wills Provender Store kits which I thought was quite a good idea.

 

Mark

 

 

[sb67]

Thanks Mark. I like those photo's, they've given me a couple of ideas. What did you use for the windows?

Steve.