Although I was hoping to get the Docks Branch module finished before my usual winter break from modelling, it was not to be, and I've only recently got around to completing it. Or at least as completed as its likely to get.

The image above shows an overall view. Although the original intention was to have several different rail-served industries along this branch, the coal wharf seems to have hogged the scene and pushed out the other potential customers.

The main feature here is undoubtedly the crane. This was based on a photo of the contraption that used to crawl along the Holyhead breakwater dropping rocks into the sea. However the resulting model only retains a superficial resemblance to the original, and I've no doubt HM Inspector of Cranes would give it the thumbs down if he ever to found his way to this backwater.

The crane model was constructed from cardboard, which is probably not the most obvious choice for such a structure, but it's a material I like working with. The whole thing was sealed with a couple of coats of Humbrol matt enamel, before being weathered with washes of poster paint.

Operation

Although the wharf has its place in the greater scheme of the layout's coal operations, I was concerned that the module might turn out to be an under-performer, with little scope for being drawn into the scene and absorbed by the action. I mean to say, all we have here is essentially a two foot long siding. Wagons are left at the coal wharf, then some time later they are removed. It looked like what was needed was some extra make-work in order to expand the amount of time spent here. To that end, I decided to try simulating the weighing of coal wagons on the weighbridge.

If we take as an example the scenario of loading empty wagons with imported coal, this is how it goes...  A rake of up to three empty wagons enter from the right, propelled by the loco, and are shoved one by one over the weighbridge. This is situated at the left hand end of the wharf so that the loco itself doesn't need to cross it. 

As each wagon sits on the weighing machine, empty weights are jotted down on a scrap of paper. These weights are actually provided by a little pack of cards on which random weights have been listed for the different types of wagon. I suppose an alternative might be to use a magnifying glass to read the tare weights off the side of each wagon. After weighing, the wagons are pulled back beside the bunker to be loaded. The virtual train crew then abandon their loco and sneak off to the Bankside Cafe for a cup of tea.

I don't really have a clue as to how long it would actually take in real life to load a wagon with a crane like this, but I've allowed a token 15 minutes (Tweedale Railway Time) for each one. That gives the crew a relaxing three quarters of an hour for their cuppa. I hope they appreciate it. In reality the crane is not a working model, so while they are away I cheat by placing dummy loads into the wagons by hand. 

By the time I'm ready to resume, the crew have returned and the wagons are shoved back over the weighbridge, where random full weights are jotted down from the cards.

Before the train finally departs, the actual loads are calculated. As Tweedale is set in the era of tons, hundredweights and quarters there's some head scratching involved, but hey, when you get to a certain age a bit of brain exercise is no bad thing. A 'ready reckoner' table for this calculation would be more efficient, but the whole point of all this palaver is to drag out the time here. All in all it adds about an extra 10 minutes of interaction and immersion in the scene. You have to be in the right mood though!

Cheers, Alan.