a few mods...but no rockers...
Good evening,
An update to share some thoughts of recent on the layout.
Firstly, the track layout. I had some thoughts on relocating the turnout onto the other board to try and increase the length of train for run-a-round purposes and this would still allow room for a class 33/73 between the turnout and buffer stops. I then realised that this would increase the amount of visible track in the front edge of the bay platform and one of the things I liked about Kyle was having a little scenic space to allow the siding to breathe. Instead I have now shuffled the turnout to the end edge of the baseboard which buys about 50mm extra in the loop, which could be a wagon length at this scale.
Only minimal but preserves the single track to the front baseboard edge...
Secondly, the means of operation for the fiddleyards. I have been wrestling with traversers v cassettes in my mind for a few weeks now (I have always wanted one of those sliding traversers built on draw runners) but alas, its not to be for this layout.It makes much more sense for the cassette type operation as most trains on the through line will be fed from the single track end and then they will be collected and reassembled at the other end to start the sequence again.
Coupled with this, the fiddleyards need to be hinged to fit in the boxfiles...so more complications with a hinged folding sliding mechanism
Back to cassettes and the ones below were fabricated for CJM and are 500mm in length.
Two aluminum angles on a card base...
I thought about reusing them, but they need to be extended as the 4CEP doesn't fit and longer lengths will enable slightly more interesting trains (more on this in my next update) Next thought was to see if they fit in my hand luggage at 500mm in length and possibly extend them at each end...but I kinda like the idea of everything still fitting into both boxfiles, which still squeeze in my hand luggage. So it looks like I will be splicing them in half to give 2 No. 250mm pieces, hinged together with a 100mm feeder extensions to both ends That's the thinking today anyway...as I try to find a neat solution for power and alignment issues to avoid the same issues experienced on Kyle.
Thirdly, should it be of interest I have uploaded some sketches mostly which were done en route to the UK and were enhanced with a little Bombay Sapphire and Tonic in my bloodstream at an altitude of circa 35,000ft..They show how the solution was developed for the folding hinged through line alongside some thoughts on layout lighting, fascia and electrical supply etc.
Overall dimensions and stacking in the boxfiles...
If cassettes, that will determine depth of fiddleyard bases...
Layout lighting will probably use IKEA strip lighting used on RMweb 2011 challenge entry....
Ideas on power between boards and for cassettes...
Hinged through line support method and location of control panel elements...
The next entry will cover rolling stock and possibly any developments on the cassettes.
As always, comments welcome...
- 13
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