UPDATE OF UPDATE. INCLUDES MORE INFORMATION AND CORRECTIONS
I thought I’d write a bit more about modelling this logging tramway.
I set myself some objectives:
1.To build something different using the techniques I learnt from Neely.
The layout is, dare I say, not just different, but unique.
2.Follow the ‘keep it simple’ philosophy (KISS).
I realised that, following my stroke in early 2019, I couldn’t wait too long to have a working layout. The layout is a simple oval with only two, hand operated, points. The curves are from the Peco Setrack range with some flexitrack. I have not added any droppers , relying on the rail joiners to carry the power. I have not experienced any running problems with the loco as it is fitted with ‘stay alive’ capacitors and, should the lack of droppers result in a problem they can always be added later,
3.To introduce youngsters to the wonderful hobby of railway modelling.
I have achieved this by involving my next door neighbour’s 10 year old son. He has helped me build the feeder line from the logging activity to the transshipment point.
4.Make the baseboard of a size and weight that it could be easily transported to any exhibitions.
I have done this by using a single sheet of Xtratherm – a lightweight, 50mm thick foam board – about 36” x 42” which fits comfortably in the back of my Honda Jazz. All of the scenery is lightweight, the backscene is thick card, the terrain is formed using scrunched up newspaper as formers covered in a PVA-soaked material – garden fleece, that is used to protect plants from frosts. A plaster/PVA/water mix is then spread thinly on top to stiffen it further. It speeds up the construction by initially drying out the fleece using a hair drier.
What would I have done to improve the layout:
1.Glued 6mm ply to the top surface of the Xtratherm. This would have made the laying of the track much easier.
By the way, I mustn’t forget to mention my fellow modeller, David Bourne, who has produced all the trees and has been a great source of information about this project. He lives local to the site in Thetford.
Photographs will hopefully follow.