peak experience Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 hi david...looking good...i also did some research into holyhead depot during its' time as a diesel depot..the depot plan you have is from the steam era. i have a feeling that the shed roads, 1, 2 and 3 became terminated at the rear of the shed and it was only number 4 road that was actually a through line, probably because it has a kick back to the fuelling point. regards, dean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted October 30, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted October 30, 2012 hi david...looking good...i also did some research into holyhead depot during its' time as a diesel depot..the depot plan you have is from the steam era. i have a feeling that the shed roads, 1, 2 and 3 became terminated at the rear of the shed and it was only number 4 road that was actually a through line, probably because it has a kick back to the fuelling point. regards, dean Interesting point, and difficult to ascertain from the pictures I have of that era - the line running around the front of the depot is very much in evidence in later pictures and a shot I have of the depot immediately after its demolition before the track was lifted shows all 4 shed roads intact and running some way back beyond the shed doorline but the distance is obscured so I can't make out if they join at the back as in the plan. Certainly there are enough shots of locos parked near the office at the rear of the depot to show the lines protruded beyond the depot itself but if the lines then were truncated it doesn't show...maybe a need for some modellers' license here in the absence of accurate pics of the era. It'll be a while before I start on the depot anyway so plenty of time to cast around for more info. Thanks for the input David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted November 1, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 1, 2012 Finally managed to dodge the showers, braced against the gale-force wind and took some shaky pictures of the new Prestatyn station; as it's based exactlyon the old LNWR building it will form a very useful prototype for my own model in due course, albeit it different colours!! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peak experience Posted November 1, 2012 Share Posted November 1, 2012 i spent a good while looking for photos of the rear of the shed...there are, as you say, plenty showing locos parked up on number 4 road and plenty showing the outside line between the shed and the box but all the photos ive seen of the shed shows the rear doors of lines 1, 2 and 3 always closed. only once did i see a photo of the rear of the depot showing a class 40 on line 4 taken from a position where, if line 3 were still down, it should have been showing...there was always the possibility that the ground was so encrusted with years of grime and grot that the rails were obscured but i looked long and hard at that photo and saw no trace. i'd be interested if you do find some definative evidence for or against. a model of the depot is still high on my agenda one day. regards, dean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted November 3, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 3, 2012 i spent a good while looking for photos of the rear of the shed...there are, as you say, plenty showing locos parked up on number 4 road and plenty showing the outside line between the shed and the box but all the photos ive seen of the shed shows the rear doors of lines 1, 2 and 3 always closed. only once did i see a photo of the rear of the depot showing a class 40 on line 4 taken from a position where, if line 3 were still down, it should have been showing...there was always the possibility that the ground was so encrusted with years of grime and grot that the rails were obscured but i looked long and hard at that photo and saw no trace. i'd be interested if you do find some definative evidence for or against. a model of the depot is still high on my agenda one day. regards, dean Ok will see what pics I have and do some asking around; thanks again Dean David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted November 3, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 3, 2012 Finally got the baseboards fully assembled; I hope at some stage to buy some trestles to put them on so they are at a more convenient height. Next post will include some pics of track!! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimleygrid Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Very neat and tidy boards there David, I look forward to seeing the track laid and some trains running! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted November 4, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 4, 2012 A nicely-wrapped parcel arrived from Hattons with all the track for the scenic section, so I put the boards together and laid everything out approximately where they should go - I used some old lengths of code 80 flexi with the code 55 points as I didn't want to get any kinks in the new flexi before serious tracklaying starts! I did, however, connect up the points in their groups, trimming the sleepers to fit, as these will eventually form the basis for the rest of the track geometry. This is the first time I've seen the whole thing laid out full size, albeit as a loose mockup, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it all fitted and looks eminently 'do-able'!! The white trays laid across the tracks show where the scenic breaks will be and loosely coincide with the baseboard joints...the kick-back siding into the bay platform is a modellers-licensed version of the prototype as the original is served off a separate loop, but I haven't got space for the whole thing! By the way, ignore the apples - this was not me offering my support for a certain communications hardware manufacture, merely trying to get the platforms to lie flat while I worked out the track layout Next stage is to work out the electrics and get the track laid properly; then we can get something running! (may be a while before that happens though; we'll see!) David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachmann Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Two things you see on earth from a satelite, Adrians Wall and Prestatyns footbridge. But those buildings look smashing...Thanks for posting your recent shots. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted January 3, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted January 3, 2013 Ok, so two months later; Christmas been and gone; wardrobe moved and old layout table dismantled and I now have a space to put the whole layout up on a permanent basis Only thing is, it'll be 4'6" high to clear what's underneath, but for me that's an advantage as I'm 6' and like to see 'into' a layout rather than from a virtual helicopter...!! (will make laying the fiddle yards at the back a challenge though...) Off to the wood-shop this weekend to buy the 'legs' (2" x 2" lengths of timber) and then we'll see how to put it all together...any advice as to how to stop the whole thing becoming top-heavy and keeling over would be appreciated!! More soon David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class 108 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Great thread. Judging by the photo above I think you should change the station name to Appleby though!! Ho Ho.. Alan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted January 8, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted January 8, 2013 So here we have the baseboards all neatly assembled and perched atop 4'6" posts, securely fastened to the wall and levelled off... You can see the reason for the height; my youngest daughter's new drumkit!! Is ok though; I can see everything up close without cricking my back, and lining up and wiring track should be a breeze...having said that hopefully my next post will include some track, although how long before that'll be no-one knows...!! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted January 19, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted January 19, 2013 Today saw the first track being laid on the layout, and I was able to site two of the platforms as well. I was determined not to rush this process, so none of the track is pinned or glued just yet... The platforms are screwed from underneath the layout, so I can move them if I need to... I took some time getting the platforms the right distance apart; one advantage of having a long run and a gentle curve is that you can achieve the proper track spacing without having to allow for coach overhang; mind you, I may have to tweak the edging if anything too wide comes along...!! I added the ballast inlay after I was satisfied with the track spacing, and I think the overall look is pleasing and will be ok when it comes to fixing it all down. Here's the process: I need your help with these next two; after fixing down the platforms I inserted the ballast underlay and took these pics of the mk1 - the track/ballast is not fixed down yet, but I would value your thoughts as to whether the height of the platform is ok? To me it looks just about right to the original, but it's always nice to get a second opinion when you're doing these things on your own!! And here's a couple giving an idea of what the overall appearance will be with the ballast etc. - of course, I will infill the gap and finish off the edges, but I don't think it looks too bad... More soon David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingsignalman Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Just scanned these photos today, I hope they are of interest. They were taken in about 1979 The down end of the station receiving attention The original station from the footbridge. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted January 21, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted January 21, 2013 Just scanned these photos today, I hope they are of interest. They were taken in about 1979 Prestatyn 001 (800 x 551).jpg The down end of the station receiving attention Prestatyn 002 (800 x 550).jpg The original station from the footbridge. Brilliant thank you! The old station building and goods shed are now being absorbed into the new Tesco complex being built on the site of the old sidings and coal yard. There was always some kind of attention being given to the buildings at 'Tatyn as it was so old; now they're all new let's see how long they last! By the way, can anyone give me a specific design for the white(ish) footbridge at the back of the first picture? Closest I can get is a GWR lattice design, but this being an old LNWR bridge is unlikely - it's certainly different to the old iron ones spanning the tracks further down the line...I'll try and post some pics if I get clear enough ones. Problem being, it has been replaced so many times I'm not sure if anyone else remembers it...! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted February 9, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted February 9, 2013 Everyone was out today so I took advantage of the peace and quiet and got on with some serious tracklaying! I started with the fiddle yard which, being at the back of the layout, is the most awkward to get at - as it was I had to stand on a chair to reach the back; so much for 'elf and safety!!. The yard has 5 loops on each main line, the longest being 6' and the shortest 3'6" - as the layout is all about running proper-length trains the need for good storage is essential. Here are some pictures of progress; the black and white patches are 2mm thick foam sheets which I got from the internet - this for two reasons: Firstly, I'm using the Peco side mounted point motors so I needed to elevate the points by about 2mm to make them fit - I've included a couple of pictures of these at the end in case someone finds them useful; Secondly, I'm using Gaugemaster ballast strip around the front so I needed something under the track at the back to keep everything level! That's it; hope you like the pics - of course I won't know if anything actually works until I get everything plugged in and powered up! I'm considering using Heathcote infra reds to start and stop the trains in the fiddle yard so I've included isolating sections in advance of this. And here's the close-ups of the point motors as fitted (sorry about the quality!) That's it for now; time for a lie down I think!! Happy to answer questions and of course all comments welcome!! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee m22 Posted February 9, 2013 Share Posted February 9, 2013 That's some really neat n tidy track work It interests me that you've chosen to give each running line it's own set of loops. I've set my plan up to have a shared set of loops, though my decision was based on location. I never considered curving the running lines in as you have. Is there a particular reason you've decided on this setup? I've never designed or operated a 'tail chaser' layout so I'm interested to see how others tackle the storage areas. BTW, elf n safety is mre of a guideline than a rule! Look forward to seeing more! Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted February 10, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted February 10, 2013 That's some really neat n tidy track work It interests me that you've chosen to give each running line it's own set of loops. I've set my plan up to have a shared set of loops, though my decision was based on location. I never considered curving the running lines in as you have. Is there a particular reason you've decided on this setup? I've never designed or operated a 'tail chaser' layout so I'm interested to see how others tackle the storage areas. BTW, elf n safety is mre of a guideline than a rule! Look forward to seeing more! Lee Thank you; it took me just over four hours to get that lot done, and none of it's wired up yet!! I've given each line its own set of loops for two very good reasons: 1. I'm useless at electrics and all the points are electrofrog so doing it this way means I don't have to worry about polarity changes and wiring in blocks; all I have to do is operate the points in pairs to select the next loop and off we go! 2. The loops will be hidden behind the backscene and I hope to use Heathcote's IRDOT tech to hold the trains and let them go as and when I call for them; having the loops this way makes the whole operation very simple! I toyed with several versions before I settled with this one; this way I can have the same lengths of loop on each line so I don't end up with shorter trains on the inner loop which is what happened with my previous layout when I adopted the 'cascade' format...fortunately this time I have the length to have good sized loops and still have the running lines curve into them. Probably be another week or so before I get back to it as there's a few other jobs to be done - one thing I will need to do sooner rather than later is design and build a control panel ready to accept wiring etc...not my favourite part of layout building but very necessary!! Back soon David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee m22 Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 Thanks for the explaination! It give me some insight while thinking about operating the next station to the west Look forward to the next installment! Regards Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted February 26, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted February 26, 2013 Hindsight is a wonderful thing! With its timely provision I have been able to see that the sweeping bends into the fiddle yards are, in fact, reverse curves by any other name, and thus corridor connections and short couplings drag the stock off into the rough...hmmm... So I'm going to have to 'do a Coachmann' and rip up all the carefully-laid trackage done so far so I can re-route the incoming main lines in a gentle sweep to keep everything on track! Not sure it'll be quite as pretty next time around as I haven't got the same amount of time, but it will work properly which is the main thing...!! At least I hadn't wired it all up and hidden it all behind the backscene; now that would have been interesting... *Picks up screwdriver and pin hammer* back soon... David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee m22 Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Doh, hard lesson Shame you have to redo all that neat track work but function wins over form! Regards Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkie Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I love this layout. How easy was it to fit the new type point motors in the fiddle yard. Sorry to read that you will have to alter the fiddle yard entrance & Exit layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted March 3, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted March 3, 2013 Ok, so the deed is done and the fiddle yards have been re-laid; actually all I had to do was turn the back section around and swap the end points on the forward section to facilitate a smoother transition from the main lines, although it took most of the day to get it all sorted out! While I was there I finished off the curves round to the front of the layout which means that all the code 80 track is now finished and everything else will be code 55 in the visible scenic section. I've heard that's a very different animal to to deal with so I'll look forward to that challenge another time It also means that I can get on with the complicated task of wiring it all up; as mentioned before, I'm not expert in that field so don't expect too many pictures of that process Here's some shots of the day's work; apologies for the truly appalling quality of the pictures; bad light and poor camera combination I'm afraid! And here are the curves round the front waiting to be connected to the code 55 stuff... Back soon-ish David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted March 12, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted March 12, 2013 Heath Robinson's been at it again (only people of a certain age will get that quip!); a start has been made on the control box for Prestatyn. It needs to be upright and flat fronted to go up against one of the legs of the layout, and be self-contained ie. no loose bits of electronic stuff where flailing hands (or drum sticks!) could catch them. And so *fanfare* I give to you: The Box (yes, it's a boxfile - Stubby would be proud!) On the front I cut an aperture for the controller to sit at the bottom to give it stability, although it will be fixed at all corners. Then I created a mimic of the layout in Excel of all things - amazing what you can do if you're bored at work - laminated it and stuck it on the front. When it was dry I punched holes through and inserted the switches for points and isolating sections. There's a mimic on the reverse of the box where the connector strips will be; I need to get some tiny screws to attached the blocks first though... Of course the really fun bit comes now when I have to start soldering, but hey I can bask in this bit for a while...here's some pics of the action so far... More soon as always David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted March 31, 2013 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted March 31, 2013 Happy Easter everyone! After a wonderful church service and rather-too-large roast lunch I settled down to finishing the control panel while the children watched seemingly endless reruns of You've Been Framed in between dozing on the sofa; maybe next time I'll get them to do the soldering - after all their fingers should heal more quickly!! Anyway, long story short I got it done so it's now a self-contained unit - all I need to do now is attach the rest of the layout to it and we can actually run a train or two (notwithstanding I haven't actually finished the trackwork at the front yet; ah well, tomorrow's a Bank Holiday...!!) Here's some pics of the front and back, the latter ready to be wired up to the points, isolated sections etc...I found the use of a mimic diagram invaluable in tracking where everything should go - the simpler the better for me!! I've also included a pic of the inside just to show you can't judge a control panel by its box!! And yes here's the insides, track cleaner and CDU included...no comments on that particular spaghetti-nightmare please!! I made a shelf to attach the box to one of the layout's legs at the front: And here's the final result: I guess the next thing is a day under the layout with a torch and wiring kit... Back soon David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.