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Tweedale - Shunting Lab


awoodford

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One layout scheme that has nagged me over the years has been that of a table-top modular system. That is, small scenic boards with simple track arrangements that can be plugged together in any configuration on a table top. I suppose it's just the next level up from set-track really. I've mentioned it before in an earlier post, but it didn't get much further at the time. However the idea has never completely gone away and the system of self-contained track modules that I'm currently using for Tweedale is a direct descendant, but for different reasons. Here the main purpose of the small modules is to allow easy construction on a workbench away from the layout itself. So far I have three of the boards wired up and working, but as yet without the scenery...

 

Tweedale33-1.jpg.6bfaa0bb8adb971fa056de6359b2b554.jpg

 

Together they represent the line from Slaghill (background) to the Upper Tweedale exchange sidings (foreground), and provide enough scope for some simple shunting. Before adding more modules, I'll add scenery to these and experiment with different methods of lighting and presentation.

 

Now I hope you don't mind while I go off at a tangent for the rest of the post. As I had the boards lying around loose, I got to musing on the table-top system again, and wondered just how many workable combinations of these three modules I could make.

 

Tweedale33-2.jpg.8eff18141183740f00513a065d73871c.jpg

 

As you can see, they consist basically of a small yard, a junction, and a loop. A quick calculation showed that in principle there were 72 possible ways they could be connected. However half of those were repeats (but rotated 180 degrees), while some others were unworkable as they would require additional headshunts. In the end I drew out the track plans on pieces of paper, shuffled them about, and whittled them down to 16 workable combinations...

 

Tweedale33-3.jpg.21835470edb7c280005a5334c6a79adc.jpg

 

 

Tweedale33-3a.jpg.f700d59a4595adea15879e65503fb495.jpg

 

Furthermore there were also 8 workable configurations using just 2 out of the 3 modules...

 

Tweedale33-4.jpg.89a217d153390e988e38549cdb1badcf.jpg

 

 

Tweedale33-4a.jpg.1f400ce83ec468f28994822377158cd0.jpg

 

 

For those who are into micro layouts and shunting puzzles, it seems to me this could form the basis for a small industrial shunting system, but with more operating flexibility than the usual micro. That is, once you get tired of the limitations of one configuration you could shuffle the modules for whole new operating experience. It must be said that some of the arrangements would be more satisfying to run than others.

 

Having got this far in my musing, the next obvious step was to consider taking such a system to an exhibition (which is unlikely but never say never). The first thing would be to pre-book a 6 foot table from the venue, then just take along a few modules, with some stock and a controller, and plonk them down in a random configuration on a dark cloth laid over the table. After a period of shunting I would then endeavour to amaze the onlookers, by taking it all apart and rearranging it into a new configuration (with a bit of showmanship and pizazz of course). Not only would it provide relief from the Small Layout Operating Boredom Syndrome, but it would also give the viewers a whole new perspective on the display.

 

Being set up on a table the viewpoint would be essentially birdseye, and I would make the most of this by giving the modules smoothly curved freeform edges, (bulging out to accomodate scenery), to give the overall display an eye-catching organic shape, as I've tried to depict in the diagrams above. To tidy it up I would also be inclined plug in rounded 'caps' with buffer stops to the truncated track ends. There would be no backscenes - the birdseye view combined with the dark tablecloth should be sufficient to frame the display.

 

Scenically, I reckon a mine, quarry or other straggling single industry would work well. Another option might be an urban canyon, lining the tracks with factories and wharehouses, cropped at the module edges, but also with gaps between to provide interesting sight lines along the tracks for those with cameras or willing to stoop for an eye-level view.

 

Tweedale33-5.jpg.4116bc120f1a1dded026905d016ca428.jpg

 

One thing that soon became obvious after playing around with these 2'6" modules, is that for the table-top system I'm describing they should ideally be shorter, say less than 2 feet. Actually the whole scheme would probably be better done in narrow gauge. Being more compact and with sharper curves, the display could then take on even weirder shapes. With enough modules it could become positively rococo. Now that certainly would have visual impact.

 

Anyway this has just been a digression into a flight of fancy. Make of it what you will. Next time I'll get back to the layout proper.

 

Cheers, Alan.

Edited by awoodford
Restored lost images

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8 Comments


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  • RMweb Gold

Great idea. I know I bang on about RC a lot, but such an idea would be ideally suited to battery power, radio control as it would not require any track wiring.

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I like the idea.

Could the baseboards be made wider to include trackside buildings such as a goods shed, warehouse, factory or other industry?

 

Gordon A

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  • RMweb Premium

You, sir, are a genius. I reckon this idea has legs. Dunno about the showmanship and pizzazz, blondes in short skirts might distract the punters too much.

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  • RMweb Premium

Brilliant idea. My own taste would be to include some scenery but I know that this would make the joins between models harder to manage unless there was a standard scenic end as well as a standard track end. Maybe each section could bulge out in the middle for the scenic bit and narrow to just the trackbed for the join?

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Great idea!  I think it would be very entertaining to watch. 

I would have thought there is also a family of configurations with the loop in the middle? 

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Thanks for your comments folks.

 

Quote Corbs: "I know I bang on about RC a lot, but such an idea would be ideally suited to battery power, radio control as it would not require any track wiring."

 

That would certainly help. The simpler the system is for connecting up the better.

 

Quote Gordon A: "Could the baseboards be made wider to include trackside buildings such as a goods shed, warehouse, factory or other industry?"

 

The boards I'm using here will eventually be expanded out to contain scenery. I've just temporarily attached some edging to the bare track boards here to tidy them up for the photos.

 

Quote Northroader: "Dunno about the showmanship and pizzazz, blondes in short skirts might distract the punters too much."

 

Personally I think there's not enough showmanship at shows, but yes within limits.

 

Quote FraserClarke: "I would have thought there is also a family of configurations with the loop in the middle?"

 

Yes you're right. I don't know how I missed those. It looks like they would add another 6 variations to the collection.

 

Quote Neil: "My own taste would be to include some scenery but I know that this would make the joins between models harder to manage unless there was a standard scenic end as well as a standard track end. Maybe each section could bulge out in the middle for the sscenic bit and narrow to just the trackbed for the join?"

 

I agree. I've not really gone into the details but there are quite a few things that would need to be considered for the flexible table-top system. As well as matching scenery at the ends (maybe just a short areas of scrub?), a more robust method of track alignment than the rail joiners I'm using here would also be advisable, also the wiring and electrical connections would need thought, if not going for the RC suggested by Corbs above.

 

OK, as I'm just about to lose my Internet access for the duration, I'll leave you here now and wish you all good health. I'll catch up with you again whenever.

 

Alan.

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