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An Introduction and background

The Fatadder

Entry posted by The Fatadder

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This blog aims to cover the development, and eventual construction of my next layout, Bodmin Central.

The layout is based around three assumptions detailing how the town of Bodmin developed in this alternative reality,

 

Firstly, I have kept a number of closed lines open, covering both the line to Bodmin General, and the second branch to Wentford (which will be further serving the north Cornish coast. To further ensure maximum interest, the Wentford clay works will still be operational (and rail served) insuring significant freight traffic. Other rail served works on the line (such as Fitzgerald Lighting), are assumed to be fully operational.

The second assumption considers the population of the area, in practice the population of Bodmin is just too small to require the sort of intensive passenger service that I would ideally like to operate in exhibition conditions, to counter this I have decided to assume that in this reality the population of Bodmin is significantly higher. This is then further compounded by taking a summer setting for the layout, allowing additional summer services (based upon the Wessex trains 31 rake).

The final assumption is that due to the increased usage, the line was rebuilt in the 80s using modern flat bottom track and colour light signals, The main reasoning for choseing this boils down to wanting to try something a bit different (given few layouts have accurately modelled Flat Bottom track), this will be modelled using the Colin Craig range of parts (that are due for release soon), all signals will be scratch built and fully working.

My modelling covers a couple of distinct periods, principally the 80s (covering 84/85 and 87/88) and post privatisation (covering 98/99 and 04-06), as such the layout will be designed from the outset to allow for easy conversion between these two periods. With replacement station signs, road vehicles and some other details, with the possible addition of some interchangeable buildings (although that will only be if the joint between building and ground can be adequately hidden.

 

 

Specification:

  • P4

  • DCC

  • Turnout operation by Tortoise motors controlled by a single control panel

  • Cassette based fiddleyard, sized to be able to hold at least a 5 coach voyager

  • Much be able to be operated by a minimal number of people, preferably 2 or less.

Operation wise, there will be freight coming into the station to run around and head up the branch (and vice versa), this will be mostly comprised of china clay wagons (Tigers, Clayhoods, CDA, bullets along with Vans), along with a mixed bunch of trains serving other speedlink type stuff. also tempted to add some kind of cement facility (off sceen somewhere) as part of my 'improvements' to Bodmin. Passenger wise it will mostly be a unit railway, with plenty of variation. Some liberty will be taken with the TOC boundrys to get a summer south west trains service terminating here (allowing use of my 159s), with local services by Wessex (or Wales & West) 150/153/158, along with services by Virgin XC.

 

Track plan.

blogentry-54-12548736994268_thumb.jpg

The track plan is scaled from an accurate map of the area, following the general path of the existing line, however there has been the addition of the extra platform, and switch back siding to add a little extra interest.

 

Building wise there will be the main station building and signal box (both based upon the prototype) along with two 80s prefab platform shelters (this is one building which because of how these structures weathered, will need one set for 80s and one for later). Other prototype buildings include the road bridge and the engine shed (the original) which I am aiming to convert into some kind of small business. The rest will be fully dependent on how much space is left...

 

At the moment a rough copy of the templot plan is slowly taking shape on my floor (alas I didnt calibrate the printer, so the actual templates are worthless), the idea here is to get a good impression of the size required for the layout, along with checking point motor alignment, points over baseboard joints etc. I also hope to get a better idea as to the area available for other buildings.

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Chris56057

Interesting project developing their Rich. There's good scope for realistic train workings and I like the idea of the working clay works.smile.gif

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tea boy

Hi Rich

 

During the early 80s the North London Area Group of the S4 Soc ran a very long series of artilces on the contruction of their model of Bodmin in the Model Railway Constructor. It was very detailed and from memory had drawings of all the buildings, bridges etc. The series inculded such details as the signal interlocking. If you can get hold of second hand copies of the series you may find it very helpful.

 

A second thought, if you are a member of the S4 Soc is contact the North London Group for help, I am sure they would not have disposed of their copies of the drawings.

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  • RMweb Gold
The Fatadder
  • RMweb Gold

I have managed to get a copy of that series for articles, which has been incredibly useful in working out what I am doing. I had completely forgot about it though...

 

Looking again today I found the bridge drawings which have been particularly handy given the lack of photos on the net!

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