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Loch Awe - An overview...


bcnPete

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Afternoon all,

 

Here’s an introduction to an idea for a follow up layout in 2mmFS. I had been debating whether to move into 7mm and progress further with my china clay layout however maybe there is one more 2mmFS layout in me before the eyes and patience give up:notme:

 

Partly inspired by the excellent Meanach in Model Rail recently, which has prior featured on here and been a favourite too, the lure of the Scottish period in BR Blue is too hard to resist. By staying with 2mmFS means an opportunity to create a ‘train in a landscape’ but keeping it within a size which could still be termed micro layout I have again turned to my favourite Ikea Lack shelves which provide the dimensional restraints. A good flick through of the two Ian Futers Scottish layout books revealed an image (usually just one is justification) of a class 27 passing through a station between a loch and a rock face. Unfortunately I can’t post It here so as to avoid copyright issues.

 

This photos was the spark and the research commenced. Situated on the scenic line to Oban, the station seemed to be at its heyday until closure in 1968, reopening in 1985 having been simplified to a single line and sprinters. Here is where a dollop of Rule No.1 comes in as this would probably not make for a great exhibition layout, however clearly loco hauled trains to Oban would have still run through it.

 

So my proposal is to use the 68 track plan but set it around mid eighties so I can run class 27’s and later class 37’s. One of the things that I think has been successful (from feedback) on my interpretation of Kyle of Lochalsh is the layering of the scenery - harbourside water at the front, station at the next level and then mountains in the backscene. This project uses the same ingredients however there will be a larger expanse of water at the front, station at the next level then the intruiging Loch Awe Hotel at high level in bas relief behind - all surrounded by trees, foliage and rock faces. I think this is also why St Ruth is such a popular layout on the circuit as it has similiar levels of depth and perspective :yes:

 

To put in context, here are a few images to begin with...

22735657-99BE-4600-B2E4-3C3F67E97146.jpeg.e98a333e1994d35cc339a357559d3630.jpeg

It’s an incredibly beautiful setting...

3B7647A4-72D8-4444-BC2C-5E418CEDE8BA.jpeg.0d06e978d3d8259fdd980187500d1dcf.jpeg

The hotel obviously has to form part of the model...

 

As usual, much has been pondered first by sketches to try and help make decisions. There will be one Lack 1100x260mm scenic board and two 590x260mm Lack fiddle yards. This will avoid having a joint halfway through the water :rolleyes: I can also store the two FY’s in one box and the scenic box in another, not unlike Kyle.

 

Here’s a series of sketches undertaken recently...

 

147A3419-7287-4AC7-9F73-038ACB21CCA6.jpeg.9af9ffae9b411dfbb929292d79e2412f.jpeg

Option 2 was chosen so as not to cramp the two sidings...

3D8F834E-1525-48D6-A3FF-D9FD892969A3.jpeg.0b7362e09127aa206f91525001537e26.jpeg

Option B avoids joints in the water...

7BD14056-BE56-46F4-A591-F0C007D85059.jpeg.d15aec9e48088dc2595bcc3509b389e0.jpeg

Setting out the proportions...

E977AB6B-6461-4D24-A41E-73913BB4CE07.jpeg.866679c0f9a5f20432aa432d6be60ea3.jpeg

Operations and track plan has been skewed slightly...

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Presentation ideas and overall feel of layout...

36B49988-6797-4EAA-B1AE-53649025FCE0.jpeg.9922b2095428e631560cf3fa82ad0e9c.jpeg

Dimensions for fascia and viewing...

 

Following this I have emailed the Architects who undertook a refurbishment of the hotel to see if I can get copies of some drawings. Two emails later, still no replies so plan B will mean producing my own CAD drawing of it and building a representation from that. I need to try and purchase a few books on the line as there is not much photographic record in the early eighties presumably as the station was shut...Trains to Oban will include passenger, oil and mixed freight I assume.

 

Following this I have made a crude full scale mock up using foamboard from the work studio. As previous mock ups I have used the white balls as Architectural interpretation of trees so no gags about The Prisoner series again please :rofl:

 

Here are some pics with a few trains laid out to give an impression...The footbridge will be modelled :O and possibly the signal cabin but I will be trying to convey glimpses of trains through the trees and foliage so the platforms will be kept pretty simple. The half station allows 3 coach trains (I have some pics of Large logo class 37’s on three coaches) which will fit nicely on each fiddle yard at either end. The two sidings allow for some shunting to add interest. 

 

A8B49A96-C72F-4E4B-8317-EC6E1009BB66.jpeg.518d38806a56b32018b9ba263379a489.jpeg

Google Earth overview...

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Front on view of scenic section...

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Overall shot...large expanse of water at front to be modelled...

 

I have more photos of the mock up but will perhaps save for a second follow up entry as I think I have exceeded the 10MB size limit...

 

The plan is to try and finish Meeth for the 2mmFS 60 years celebration in 2020 and that will be used as a test bed to improve my scenic landscape skills as Kyle is pretty urban!

 

As with Kyle, this again represents my interpretation of a place so is not meant to be an exact scale copy however it will hopefully have enough ingredients that people who have been there can recognise it...and in addition be an entertaining exhibition layout.

 

Would love to hear your feedback and thoughts on it,

 

Thanks, Pete

 

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17 Comments


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What a a wonderful introduction to what I am sure will be a simply Awe-some layout (bad pun there!!)

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5 hours ago, LBRJ said:

What a a wonderful introduction to what I am sure will be a simply Awe-some layout (bad pun there!!)

 

Many thanks LBRJ - yes I was trying to avoid that word myself :)

 

3 hours ago, nick_bastable said:

love your design and planning  ever thought of making a  DJLC entry 

 

Nick

 

Many thanks also Nick...that is what Meeth is :biggrin_mini:

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14 minutes ago, bcnPete said:

 

Many thanks LBRJ - yes I was trying to avoid that word myself :)

 

 

Many thanks also Nick...that is what Meeth is :biggrin_mini:

Pete

 

apologies  I erroneously assumed Meeth was  side lined

 

Nick

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This looks like it will be an impressive setup Pete. Always admired your abilities in design sketching and mockups, you've managed to get a lot of scene in a small space. Hope to see this progess.

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That looks superb already, Pete. You have turned layout design into an art form.

 

Are there any whisky distilleries near Loch Awe? I ask because looking at the sketch of your Option B, it seems that you were having a drink as you went along  :jester:

 

image.png.93e01c6fc37d618ab06d481ef6b9f209.png

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Hello Pete,

 

that could be a very nice looking micro layout. And regarding the distillery. As the station is on the line to Oban, there is the Oban distillery at Oban.

 

Markus

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That looks a smashing design, a kind of railways-in-the-landscape in a minimal space. I look forward to seeing it progress as it really seems worth pursuing.

 

With regard to the Cl 37 iffy running, I know space might be tight in the bodies, but would some measure of stay-alive help at all - unless they are already fitted. It's quite amazing the difference they can make, but may depend on the sound decoder type fitted.

 

Izzy

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20 hours ago, nick_bastable said:

Pete

 

apologies  I erroneously assumed Meeth was  side lined

 

Nick

 

No worries Nick...it’s still a possibility...

 

20 hours ago, Ramblin Rich said:

This looks like it will be an impressive setup Pete. Always admired your abilities in design sketching and mockups, you've managed to get a lot of scene in a small space. Hope to see this progess.

 

Many thanks for the kind words Rich...

 

20 hours ago, Mikkel said:

That looks superb already, Pete. You have turned layout design into an art form.

 

Are there any whisky distilleries near Loch Awe? I ask because looking at the sketch of your Option B, it seems that you were having a drink as you went along  :jester:

 

image.png.93e01c6fc37d618ab06d481ef6b9f209.png

 

Many thanks too Mikkel.

 

:laugh: Apparently there are reading below! Yep, it’s a bit loose that one...I can do loose and polished depending upon quantities of alcohol consumed...:rofl:

 

12 hours ago, McRuss said:

Hello Pete,

 

that could be a very nice looking micro layout. And regarding the distillery. As the station is on the line to Oban, there is the Oban distillery at Oban.

 

Markus

 

Many thanks Markus. Good to know about the distillery. Assume that means it was transported by rail? Will have to research that...

 

8 hours ago, Kylestrome said:

What an Awe-ful idea! :D

 

David

 

Thanks David...:P

 

8 hours ago, Izzy said:

That looks a smashing design, a kind of railways-in-the-landscape in a minimal space. I look forward to seeing it progress as it really seems worth pursuing.

 

With regard to the Cl 37 iffy running, I know space might be tight in the bodies, but would some measure of stay-alive help at all - unless they are already fitted. It's quite amazing the difference they can make, but may depend on the sound decoder type fitted.

 

Izzy

 

Many thanks Izzy.

 

Yes I am thinking of getting them looked at professionally, so hopefully someone can strip out the redundant PCB and simplify the wiring, incorporating a stay-alive too...will keep you posted. Both run with Digitrains Zimo decoders...

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Hi, if grain came to Oban by rail it would have to be transferred to truck for the short journey to the distillery.  I can't recall seeing grain wagons but don't take that as gospel. At Loch Awe station there was a coach at the Oban end of the station on the loch side in 1989. I assume it was a camping coach. One oddity at this time was the station signs were the normal Scotrail blue/black,. but the sign down to the station, Scotrail and the double arrows were in red. Good luck with the project.

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10 hours ago, Petesquire said:

Hi, if grain came to Oban by rail it would have to be transferred to truck for the short journey to the distillery.  I can't recall seeing grain wagons but don't take that as gospel. At Loch Awe station there was a coach at the Oban end of the station on the loch side in 1989. I assume it was a camping coach. One oddity at this time was the station signs were the normal Scotrail blue/black,. but the sign down to the station, Scotrail and the double arrows were in red. Good luck with the project.

 

Thanks Petesquire - Some good leads there to follow - yes it was a camping coach which I understand is still there looking at Google Earth...

Edited by bcnPete
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Good choice Pete, Loch Awe is a great location!

Always good see a C&O line model, it's always the modelling poor relation to the West Highland and the Highland.

 

I was contemplating Loch Awe instead of Killin Junction for a while.

Back in Caley days it received traffic tripped from Ben Cruachan quarry worked by a private engine which would add to the operational interest.

 

There are plenty of photos of the line (but only one photo of Loch Awe) here (assuming you've not already found this site):-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishswissernie/albums/72157688374962505/page2

 

Plans of most of the C&O station buildings have appeared in the True Line Journal, I'll take a look and see if Loch Awe is among them.

A CD is available from the Caledonian Railway Association with most of the back numbers.

 

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The camping coach is available for hire, and is owned by the same person who had and restored Scotscalder station for some years and now runs the Dunrobin station museum. Looks an excellent place for a break..

 

http://www.scotlandrailholiday.com/

Edited by Ben Alder
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11 hours ago, Argos said:

Good choice Pete, Loch Awe is a great location!

Always good see a C&O line model, it's always the modelling poor relation to the West Highland and the Highland.

 

I was contemplating Loch Awe instead of Killin Junction for a while.

Back in Caley days it received traffic tripped from Ben Cruachan quarry worked by a private engine which would add to the operational interest.

 

There are plenty of photos of the line (but only one photo of Loch Awe) here (assuming you've not already found this site):-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishswissernie/albums/72157688374962505/page2

 

Plans of most of the C&O station buildings have appeared in the True Line Journal, I'll take a look and see if Loch Awe is among them.

A CD is available from the Caledonian Railway Association with most of the back numbers.

 

 

Many thanks Argos - That’s really helpful - am struggling a bit with books and info relying on the net at the moment. Yes, I had found Ernie’s pic but the others also provide info on some of the train formations which is good...

 

8 hours ago, Ben Alder said:

The camping coach is available for hire, and is owned by the same person who had and restored Scotscalder station for some years and now runs the Dunrobin station museum. Looks an excellent place for a break..

 

http://www.scotlandrailholiday.com/

 

Thanks Richard - can’t see my wife buying into that as a weekend away...:no:

Edited by bcnPete
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Hi Pete, there are a few books and loads of magazine articles on the line, I've slowly been collecting them ove the past decade or so ready to model Killin Junction . Most cover the steam era, or early green diesel period though.

 

Let me know if you a looking for something specific, I'd be happy to help.

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On 21/03/2019 at 08:34, Argos said:

Hi Pete, there are a few books and loads of magazine articles on the line, I've slowly been collecting them ove the past decade or so ready to model Killin Junction . Most cover the steam era, or early green diesel period though.

 

Let me know if you a looking for something specific, I'd be happy to help.

 

Many thanks Argos...I will drop you a PM...

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