Faffing with Fiddleyards!
Although I'm happy with the layout when playing with it at home, I've been conscious for a while that certain things could be improved upon when exhibiting the layout at model railway shows. The road over bridge acts as the break between the scenic part of layout and the "off stage" fiddle yard as show in the picture below.
Fiddle yard and rear of road over bridge
The problem at exhibitions is that the fiddle yard can clearly be seen under the road bridge spoiling the illusion that the trains are actually coming and going from somewhere other than an MDF plank! The fiddle yard also has to be re positioned during shunting maneuvers to enable stock to move from the main line into the yard, which means unlocking and realigning the latching bolts every time. All of this means that my fingers can be seen faffing about under the bridge spoiling any illusion of reality. To rectify this I'm considering the following "cunning plan!"
Stock visible under bridge.
Fingers under bridge!
A base board about 3 feet long incorporating a point to link the main line and the yard would have the following benefits...
1. It would eliminate the need to move the fiddle yard during shunting maneuvers.
2. If I give this base board full scenic treatment then the view under the bridge would be greatly improved!
3. My fingers couldn't be seen when moving the fiddle yard to set up roads for different locos and their accompanying stock.
4. Trains could reach a reasonable speed before entering or leaving the scenic part of the layout.
5. I could incorporate an area in front of the scenery to put a cup of tea or coffee!
All of this greatly appeals and although its addition wouldn't fit in my workshop, I think it's construction would definitely be worthwhile for those occasions when I'm exhibiting the layout.
My trusty C&L point templates show that a 3 foot long board would allow the use of a B6 left hand turnout to link the main line and the yard without too tight a curve.
Template in position
View under bridge, imagine scenery!
I'd appreciate your thoughts chaps!
Best wishes
Dave
Edited by wenlock
Restore pictures
- 18
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