67A Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 Just a quick couple of pics to show the state of play The fiddleyard support brackets have now been fitted along the wall, next job fitting the boards with the straight track and removing the track on the approach board to allow for realignment then connect R/H end of the layout to the fiddleyard the L/H will follow in due course. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted September 23, 2017 Author Share Posted September 23, 2017 Hi all, Nothing to show on the changes until tomorrow because I took a rare day off and went to the Halifax show which I attend every year, some years are better than others but this was not one of them, too many non British layouts for my liking, still I made the most of it and took some awful pictures with the so called state of the art Samsung phone thing!!!!! Even though its set on sports mode a train travelling at a scale speed of about 30mph looks like 130mph with the resultant blurring, so apologies for this and I hope you can get an idea of 'Hazelbank' which was my chosen feature layout plus an interloper. Class 25 25305 shunting the breakdown train A Class 40 passes on the main line with a tank train A Loadhaul Class 60 is caught with a tank working on 'Acton Lane' Back to Hazelbank and a Class 27 passes with a Presflo train A pair of 27's on a Parcels working The train crosses the impressive bridge which was based on the bridge on the WCML at Crawford (Which this layout was originally operated in a steam guise). A Test Coach on the bridge with some strange contraption affixed The Class 40 is seen again on the tank working Must get this blinking phone looked at!!!!! 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted September 23, 2017 Author Share Posted September 23, 2017 Found the phone problem, you have to download the sports mode which I did ages ago, I presumed it was still set on it but it had gone AWAL, hope it works now! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted September 24, 2017 Author Share Posted September 24, 2017 Hi all, Here's a few photos to keep you updated on the alterations... Views of the original storage areas repositioned - note the track damage! The original fan section was unsuitable due to the approach angle so the trackwork section was removed and rehoused in this new frame. This new section will be set to meet the up and down lines emerging from the layout. The new approach tracks will be realigned to the storage yard. Removal of the wall has allowed a wider entrance to the layout room, a lift out section will hold the return lines. Ample storage room below the layout. The layout room is a right mess at the moment but order will be restored. That's it for now. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PeterBB Posted September 24, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 24, 2017 Proceeding fast, how you and Andy work so fast I do not know but it looks like you will end up with literally 'many scale miles' of track. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted September 30, 2017 Author Share Posted September 30, 2017 Off to the Wigan show today, hope to have a good day and perhaps meet fellow RMWebbers' 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Scottish-Exile Posted September 30, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 30, 2017 Well, a small piece of Dent is now in North Wales, destined for an as yet unbuilt layout, which hasn't even reached the design stage yet. I've purchased from Mike the 2 helixes and in time will incorporate them into a layout, replicating his idea of using these to supply trains to a low level storage yard. It's a long way off however as my partner and I are about to put our respective homes on the market and begin searching for a new home together. My only stipulation for what our new home will be like, is that it must have a large room for a model railway Thanks to Mike for these and for showing me around his stunning layout. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 No going back now then Mike! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Thanks to Mike - (yes another Scot called Mike) for purchasing the helices and as Andy said 'no going back now'. Met Mike again just as we were leaving the Wigan show yesterday and wished him well with his future plans. I also met Martin who had his 'Chester Northgate MPD' layout positioned as you entered the 1st hall, a lovely looking layout really well built erm..... scratchbuilt should I say, photos to follow. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Not much by way of an update due to tidying up and prep work but here's an interlude from the Wigan show yesterday. Couple of favourites above, 60024 favourite A4, Clan, Duchess, Jubilee just any really, I returned a few time to catch A2 60530 on scene but was just as unlucky as catching the real thing! Cont/... 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 St.Marnock has a sister layout 'Lakeside Diesel Depot' which luckily tagged along... Moving to 'Acton Lane' Finally Martin 'Gismorail' layout - 'Chester Northgate MPD' Fabulous modelling Martin. All in all a very good day out. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 2, 2017 Author Share Posted October 2, 2017 Hi all, There is a change of plan to the fiddleyard alterations. Looking at the scribbled sketch the layout will be brought forward a few inches and two tracks will run behind linking the main yard and a 4 track board to the left hand side to either run round and return to the yard or reverse and proceed via the layout. Hope you can get the idea from the sketch. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 7, 2017 Author Share Posted October 7, 2017 Finally started some track laying, currently connecting the main fiddleyard to the re-positioned approach fan. Once finished I will be installing the first of the scissor crossings then connecting the Southern end to the new arrangement. I have made the channel sections which will run behind the layout and once the track is fitted the whole length will be lowered into position. Then it will be time to concentrate on the new North end approach and new smaller fiddleyard. Pics will follow later or tomorrow guys. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 8, 2017 Author Share Posted October 8, 2017 Hi all, It seems to me the more you do the less you see sometimes. Having spent most nights last week and all weekend I have just about connected the main fiddleyard! Utilising the old approach fan it gives an odd approach to the yard but it saves all the rewiring - thankfully! Looking toward the layout I have installed a scissors crossover to allow easy access to all roads, the single slip spur leads to the hidden return lines - yet to be installed. The short spur in the foreground will eventually hold 3 short sidings to hold DMU's I chose to use Peco for expediency Two main lines almost connected and the point leads to the hidden return General views The north end is another challenge for another day! A couple of new editions to the fleet - sorry pic's are blurred That's it for now guys. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 (edited) Hi all, Another week of 'not a lot to see' I'm afraid - so you'll have to use your imagination! First of all I had to construct a trough to carry the hidden return lines, this is 5.8 mtr long and was fitted with the assistance of 3 of my mates on Friday evening any less and it would have been a disaster. The layout having been drawn forward leaves this space behind Here the trough is shown in position Since then its simply been fitting point motors and boring wiring of which there will be a lot as I now have two fiddleyards to operate and control panels with which to do so..............why do we punish ourselves it was all working so well. I must keep telling myself its all for closer looking couplings. That's it for now guys. Edited to hopefully correct photo rotations! Edited October 15, 2017 by mike61680 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 Why do images turn 90 degrees by themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
77philg Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 Hi mike what happens if you get a derailment in the trough? It doesn't look easily accessible ? And whom is the mug sorry volunteer that will clean the rails in the trough? Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Hi mike what happens if you get a derailment in the trough? It doesn't look easily accessible ? And whom is the mug sorry volunteer that will clean the rails in the trough? Phil Hi Phil, "Theoretically" there should be little chance of a derailment on a straight run so that does not particularly concern me, as for cleaning had I not purchased the CMX Track Cleaner shown below I probably would not have considered such a solution having had previous experience of the potential problems when I had similar on my Chestergate & Milne layout many years ago. I will send the cleaner round once a week and see how things go. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 29, 2017 Author Share Posted October 29, 2017 Hi Guys, Thought I better report that there is ...........erm.........very little to report! er'indoors has decided on a different plan for my spare time and that is remodelling the kitchen so sadly there will be a bit of a lull until its done. On the layout front the 'south' end is almost joined up to both the main lines and the hidden return lines and the re-wiring only has these new connections to make. I hope to get a couple of evenings at it this week to complete the job then I can prepare the 'north' end boards - I get more time at work than I do at home these days 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Physicsman Posted October 29, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 29, 2017 Hi Mike. It's been a while since I looked in on here - or virtually any other thread than KL2. I think your new fiddle yard arrangement is so much better than the helix system. With no gradients to worry about, I bet you'll enjoy your running sessions a lot more. I also have a scheme in mind for my (much smaller) fiddle yard, but that's for the future. Good to see the enjoyment oozing out of the thread! Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donington Road Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Hi Guys, Thought I better report that there is ...........erm.........very little to report! er'indoors has decided on a different plan for my spare time and that is remodelling the kitchen so sadly there will be a bit of a lull until its done. On the layout front the 'south' end is almost joined up to both the main lines and the hidden return lines and the re-wiring only has these new connections to make. I hope to get a couple of evenings at it this week to complete the job then I can prepare the 'north' end boards - I get more time at work than I do at home these days Them indoors have too much time on their hands. They seem to always want things doing when the cold days and dark nights arrive and have no consideration when you already have a major project to do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted October 31, 2017 Author Share Posted October 31, 2017 Hi Mick, My sentiments exactly, the "current" Mrs Mac as I like to refer to her has been told many times that she's only busy all day thinking of something for me to do - which inevitably involves manual labour I've decided I'm coming back as a woman. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donington Road Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Hi Mick, My sentiments exactly, the "current" Mrs Mac as I like to refer to her has been told many times that she's only busy all day thinking of something for me to do - which inevitably involves manual labour I've decided I'm coming back as a woman. Oh no, don't do it, it'll be all kitchen and no railway. Next time around get one of those new lady robot thingy's and turn the sound off. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 it'll be all kitchen and no railway. That's my current situation Mick Having my mates round tonight so may just get the hidden lines connected at the 'south' end. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
67A Posted November 5, 2017 Author Share Posted November 5, 2017 (edited) Hi all, Not much to report with kitchen work taking precedence but here are a few shots of the 'south' end approach lines now completed I am carrying out wiring alterations before starting the 'north' end work A bonus buy this week week was the arrival of a long awaited model - at least 55 years I've waited for this version so was very pleased with the outcome. A very light weathering will be all that's applied to Sir William's masterpiece in due course. That's it for now guys. Edited for corrections Edited November 5, 2017 by mike61680 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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