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kyle 7mm (working title)


bcnPete

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HNY all!

 

New Year - New Project! :O
 

Well...not quite yet...am 100% committed to completing Wenford dries first...however there has been an idea long in my mind to recreate my 2FS extract of Kyle in 7mm scale. Strange you may think to recreate an identical layout in a different scale...well, Ian Futers, long a hero of mine did it with Lochside I recall (P4 - 7mm) and for me Kyle gives the perfect excuse to run a blend of passenger, parcels and freight, all short trains.

 

The idea first came about more than 10 years ago when I was living in BCN. Eager to toe dip in the senior scale (after all, I was the good side of 50 then ;)) I purchased a Lima class 33, a PMP conversion kit to make a class 26/27 and three Lima S/H passenger coaches. Said items all resided in the gloat box and were surpassed when the Dapol 08 arrived along with a few hoods...which eventually made it to my now ‘work in progress’ extract of Wenford Dries. So called ‘extracts’ as I choose a prototype and then due to space extract the ingredients to try and capture a sense of time and place of the area. 

 

Regular follows also know of my obsession with IKEA Lack shelves as baseboards, again something that came from BCN in 2007. Kyle in 7mm has been mapped out many times on different lack shelf templates, both1100mm long and 1800mm long as I enjoy the constraints they bring (Wenford uses 2 x 1100mm shelves) However even back then I realised that the 260mm width would just not capture the scene, only the track. The dock side harbour edge and the platform/station building in relief would need to be added to the width.

 

Fast forward to now and my need to look beyond Wenford as a layout project. Coupled with the re-release of the recently announced Heljan classes 26 and 27 and a preordered Heljan 37/4 which I will tell you more about another time ;) 

 

Mojo was low the last few months, so after a reread of some Ian Futers layout articles I dusted down the project to start pre planning. Current thinking is it needs a Scenic board circa 2m long and the same for the Fiddleyard, probably custom made. This would allow a 37/4 and three coaches. I also have a backup option using IKEA 1800mm boards although with this 7mm stuff it’s hard to manoeuvre them around the apartment...1100mm just about doable on my own :O


The other dilemma I have is either to recreate what I did before in 2FS or to add more interest, model the other side of the station.

 

Kyle of Lochalsh

(Link was posted here but it’s showing the image - assume that’s ok Mods?)

 

Both would again be reduced in width to allow the water, so you get separate water, trains and mountain datums which give it depth. The other side of the station is not as well documented in photographs and also features an additional turnout on the run around loop having not been simplified in later years. This creates additional operational interest but am worried it crams too much track in...this one I am pondering some more.

 

The lengths were first worked out using rough templates drawn over Wenford in pen on tracing paper. Here’s where the Lima stuff comes in use again to gauge train lengths. When you see the Lima Mk I’s think Heljan, Dapol or Darstead and when you see the 33 think Heljan 26/27 ;) 


D9C5DBFB-D72F-4FDF-B786-317C65575080.jpeg.0cd1cfd8d253be4ca80694bc6692685a.jpeg

 

A89BAE90-EF6E-4D7F-A52D-CB1709941DBD.jpeg.1185d5a141a9aecd586faf8fa7e876c6.jpeg

 

Following this I drew this in CAD approximately using dimensions based on Wenford but increased in width. Here I have flipped the layouts showing options of either side and also 2000mm and 1800mm board/shelf versions (1800mm not shown) Plan and indicative fascia elevation shown including my cheeky windows into the FY’s.

92B95B00-D73E-4A47-BA79-46CC0BEAADCE.jpeg.a01f4be8c73f77d8a0915cf56e7e9b75.jpeg
 

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In terms of construction, my usual cantilevered proscenium arch arrangement allowing 50mm ribs at the rear to support a hidden light at the front. For the FY this arrangement would be flipped with the ribs at the front fascia edge and possibly some horizontals to store some stock. 4 track traverser is assumed but I might have a separated head to allow loco runaround (2FS Kyle requires lifting and turning the locos...not as heavy as these beasts though!) Here’s a sketch of how the arrangement may come together...

 

17933DD8-3C0D-4088-8F15-7C13E1938855.jpeg.9f160d8fab8649ec9d92ac14958b67c7.jpeg


Following this, I decided to make a quick n dirty mock up. In 2FS you can do the whole thing, but whilst I didn’t feel the need to recreate all the 4m length of it, being an Architect I was keen to see how the cross section worked. An ‘extract of the extract’ if you like! That would show proportions, as well as viewing portal and general relationships between track and scenery...a lot cheaper than doing it all in timber first. The two different track arrangement were laid out in plan cobbled from some C+L paper templates.

 

145CD768-F2EE-42ED-9F16-0BD6BD70CFCB.jpeg.70cb1cb136cf04245b811f10c15b3dd4.jpeg

 

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The first option represents the view as per Kyle 2FS with simplified runaround. The second option represents the other view as per prototype picture above...

 

Here’s some pics of the full size mock up...again, when you see the Lima Mk I’s think Heljan, Dapol or Darstead and when you see the 33 think Heljan 26/27 - stay with me on this one :D

 

7EA90937-40B9-4FF8-830C-94344EA817DD.jpeg.db1a86322089a1621930519a7d9131a3.jpeg

Overall view from viewing side...

A0251915-8409-495E-A2FC-B2B4B13FA94C.jpeg.93913aa6cf49456be807244af3d25e33.jpeg

Extract of harbour side, platform and relief station captured...

00F7D915-6D38-4F87-B1C0-F3476892BAB9.jpeg.940111cba1efeb48a71bdb6ed6d3336c.jpeg

This option allows some extra stock to be left in the siding....

ACE846EC-6F5A-45F8-A510-240B678ABD08.jpeg.a1e2fb181e393f64c9dd9b97c7744638.jpeg

Wagon left on harbour side whilst loco runs around train...

B0225915-BFD5-4037-B785-869C35EA1D9E.jpeg.d4aed584618ab3c32b41b3faac599073.jpeg

Depth allows the three datums as per 2FS Kyle...

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From above...

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This represents Kyle as my 2FS one so would have a fence between tracks...

 

So what I have learnt from all this over the festive period? Well a number of things:
 

- I think the project is doable (either option still works for me)

- 7mm takes up a lot of real estate (Adding the FY gives me storage issues!)

- The harbour side on the mock up should be reduced in height (thanks Mickey!)

- The width can be squeezed by 50mm giving 450mm overall depth.

- The viewing portal will be increased another 50mm in height.

 

The latter was based on Wenford of 250mm but that has a shallower depth so works ok  proportion wise. This 50mm will also allow more mountain backscene.

 

So that is where I am at...expect it to be a slow burn as I am committed to complete Wenford Dries first...but I think I have the all important ‘next project’ lined up.

 

As always, comments welcomed...

 

Pete

 


 

 

 

 

 

Edited by bcnPete

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13 Comments


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  • RMweb Gold

Great project in the making there Pete.. ;) Good to see Mr Futers influence once more especially with a 7mm representation of Kyle. 

 

Lovely to see one of your mock ups that gives a representation of what your aiming to achieve. 

 

Look forward to further progress on this. 

 

Cheers, 

 

Mark ;)

 

 

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33 minutes ago, 46444 said:

Great project in the making there Pete.. ;) Good to see Mr Futers influence once more especially with a 7mm representation of Kyle. 

 

Lovely to see one of your mock ups that gives a representation of what your aiming to achieve. 

 

Look forward to further progress on this. 

 

Cheers, 

 

Mark ;)

 

 


Many thanks Mark.

 

I think I told Ian that I was thinking of doing a 7mm version was he was stood in front of my 2FS version a couple of years ago...will take me longer than he does though to finish it ;) 

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  • RMweb Gold

This has all the hallmarks of your neat and creative style Pete, looks like the juices are flowing again :locomotive:

 

I very much like that photo of Kyle, no wonder it inspires you so.

 

May I also  congratulate you on the highly original choice of working title :D

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4 minutes ago, Mikkel said:

May I also  congratulate you on the highly original choice of working title :D


I took inspiration from the Bond movies whilst they are in productIon :D

 

Thanks Mikkel - I thought maybe you thought I was joking when I said I might do it in 7mm one day! 
 

Yep, mojo is back and I have been painting the first of the dries buildings over Christmas aided and abetted by glasses of red wine and Pink Floyd...expect to hear more on this later this month... ;) 

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Brilliant and I’m going to really enjoy the development of Kyle 7mm (love that title - it’s the sort of minimal moniker that suits your architectural approach).  As I commented before, this is an interesting idea to enable comparison between the 7mm and 2FS versions - a serious study into a hobby that is generally written off by those not involved as a big kids pastime.   If they only knew what work went into our creations - the planning, the frustration, the joy and the craftsmanship employed.  For me, and I’m sure that some will think I’m being a bit too over the top and fanciful, it’s an art form.  Especially given the quality and finesse of Kyle 2FS (not to mention a whole host of other layouts that appear on RMweb).  Can’t wait to see the Lima 33 and MKI coach conversions as I’ve often thought of buying some from EBay as a cheap intro to 7mm.  

 

Great to see you posting again and I love that picture of the real location, Mike.

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Looking good ,  I do feel that your rough mock ups beat my modelling hands down . I look forward to seeing this "micro" develop.   

take care and stay safe.

Robert 

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On 07/01/2021 at 01:11, PaternosterRow said:

Brilliant and I’m going to really enjoy the development of Kyle 7mm (love that title - it’s the sort of minimal moniker that suits your architectural approach).  As I commented before, this is an interesting idea to enable comparison between the 7mm and 2FS versions - a serious study into a hobby that is generally written off by those not involved as a big kids pastime.   If they only knew what work went into our creations - the planning, the frustration, the joy and the craftsmanship employed.  For me, and I’m sure that some will think I’m being a bit too over the top and fanciful, it’s an art form.  Especially given the quality and finesse of Kyle 2FS (not to mention a whole host of other layouts that appear on RMweb).  Can’t wait to see the Lima 33 and MKI coach conversions as I’ve often thought of buying some from EBay as a cheap intro to 7mm.  

 

Great to see you posting again and I love that picture of the real location, Mike.


Thanks Mike - I agree it’s a form of art. I always ‘big up’ the lots of different creative tasks need to be performed to bring it all together and ‘play down’ the playing trains lark ;)

 

Actually I think I might sell the 33 and Lima Mk I’s back on as now the new Heljan offerings are available...and life’s too short...

 

On 07/01/2021 at 07:42, 37114 said:

Looks a great project Pete, look froward to seeing this develop!


Thanks Rob...

 

On 07/01/2021 at 10:41, Robert Shrives said:

Looking good ,  I do feel that your rough mock ups beat my modelling hands down . I look forward to seeing this "micro" develop.   

take care and stay safe.

Robert 

 

Thanks Robert!

How’s Thurso coming on?

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Boards doubled up with second set - thanks - painted to seal and now locked in Wales....  track mainly ready as are buildings thanks to Pop designs lazer work and 3D prints.  Stock mainly done - couplings on wagons to start.  I suspect you will get more done this year  in 7mm.  

Robert  

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Great to see this new project Pete. Really like the plan.
But I was hoping to see Wenford Dries finished first! ;) 

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4 hours ago, marc smith said:

Great to see this new project Pete. Really like the plan.
But I was hoping to see Wenford Dries finished first! ;) 


Thanks Marc - you will Sir don’t worry :D

 

I may or maybe not have placed a pre order for a new Heljan 26 and 27 in a moment of madness last week :O

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On 02/02/2021 at 13:47, bcnPete said:

 

I may or maybe not have placed a pre order for a new Heljan 26 and 27 in a moment of madness last week :O

 

Oh dear.... I'm suspecting that you HAVE place that order.... ;) 
Kyle will be the perfect place for it :)

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On 04/02/2021 at 09:30, marc smith said:

 

Oh dear.... I'm suspecting that you HAVE place that order.... ;) 
Kyle will be the perfect place for it :)


Yes Sir :D

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