009matt

So, after moving house and having the layout in storage, we are now back up and running. Lots of testing, purchasing of new Baldwin (not in pics). Now just need to scenic the layout.

Thanks - that is really interesting. For my 009 cameo layout, that is 4'6" viewing, it may be useful, although even then, the sound might feel a bit static, but I will have a try.

I have been building up stock. I have a 2-6-2 minitrains Baldwin, I have a o&k outside framed diesel. I picked up a leek and manifold kit and a kit for converting into a railbus. This should be more than enough stock but I do like the look of the Bachmann Baldwin due to be released soon.

That sounds quite a neat trick. I take it that you put a small speaker in the layout somewhere to amplify make the sounds produced come to life. It may be a good approach for me in 009. I will have a play myself when I get time. Will be interested to see how this thread progresses. Matt

Some further progress today. All wired up track down and electromagnets in place and working. They are selected by the rotational switch to operate one at a time http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/gallery/image/82440-img-0863/

Ok, baseboards complete. I am now planning the track layout, point motors, uncoupling etc. I have acquired 4 cobalt motors from a friend, but need one more. Unfortunately I need one more operating wire etc. for one if the motors. I was then looking at uncoupling electromagnets, to see what was out there. I saw a photo of the peco version. I thought it looked like a point motor cut in two. So I grabbed an old glued up point motor cut it in two and hey presto, a working electromagnet. I will superglue the core into the hole so it doesn't drop out during transport. However, it does mean I save a few quid.

I have begun constructing the board http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/gallery/album/4243-009matt/ Need to do the legs and a plug in fiddle yard. Thinking of cassettes that are slotted in from the left hand side. Track plan will be based upon Elan in Iain Rice's finescale in small spaces, shrunk into 57" long and 18" wide

Hi all, I have bought the book and I am reading it in great eagerness. I love Ian Rice's writings and musings and have been inspired by his and others in the wild swan series. About 10 years ago or so, I built a 009 layout that was circular, called the East Hants Light Railway. It depicted a narrow gauge light railway that connected the market towns of Petersfield and Alton. My skills and attitudes towards modelling have changed dramatically since then, as has my exhibition experiences. I have come to the conclusion that I lack the finesse to make superb rolling stock. I am great at detailing etc, but I just can't get the blighters to run smoothly or efficiently. There are only so many kits that you can throw in the bin. Therefore, highly detailed rtr is the approach I now take. Fiddling around with couplings is also a bugbear, so will be using tried and tested methods. Track building is also a problem for me, so I will be using detailed rtr. What has come a long way is my scenic efforts. I happened to be at an exhibition where the Gravetts were giving scenic demos. They have now hooked me on postiche and static fibres. What I am proposing is a depiction of a terminus on the line. I want it to run superbly. I want it to look as if I have built the stock and track myself, but have cheated, however, the heart of the cameo, as mr rice so clearly puts is that exquisite and intricate detail within the scene. It will be 009 and the line is a 2'3" gauge. I hope that this is ok and in the spirit of the competition, whilst allowing for my modelling skills and limitations. Matt

Unfortunately I have already posted pics of the early construction. It has not progressed since then, still a lot to do.

Hi, I have started building a layout that fits the cameo type, can I enter this or does it have to be built from new?

Hi all, I attended ally pally on Saturday. I hadn't been for a couple of years due to commitments elsewhere. I have to say, I was not disappointed. I quickly scanned around the hall, butterflying from trader to trader, picking up some bargains (£35 manors on the Dapol stand ) and grabbing a front row view of Copenhagen fields enforce it was 10 deep. I then managed to tick off every layout. I think I saw movement on almost all layouts. If I didn't, I didn't care, because I enjoy looking at the quality of the scenic work, often with the chat about how it was made. My favourite layouts were, in no particular order, the North American HO/HOn3 timber/logging zig zag layout, leysdown and Eaton Gomery. I also enjoyed the impressive might of the American modular. Hats off to that team, it is nice to see a modular layout that doesn't look like modules. I have exhibited layouts (not at ally pally mind) and it is great fun to show them off, but sometimes it is hard to balance a cup of tea, a chat with a member of the public, running trains without derailments, overcoming electrical faults etc. I had no qualms about any of this on Saturday. Well done to all for a fantastic show

That's incredible - well done that man! Looks just like it

Last night managed to grab a may 1967 RM on ebay so watch this space

Thanks for the info Adam that should help

Anyone have a copy of this? It would be interesting just to get an idea of the driving wheel diameter or other dimesions as I have a chassis that looks bout right, but I want to make sure before plunging in any deeper.