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SquireBev

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Posts posted by SquireBev

    Hornby LNER N2 0-6-2T

    in Hornby

    Posted · Edited by SquireBev

    2 hours ago, G-BOAF said:

    I mean not really a variation of the N2 is it?!

    The N2 is a much more numerous class and typified Kings Cross subruban working, as well as having a popular member in preservation.

    I know the N7 was more numerous, but also less geographically diverse, and as such I am surprised that has become a mainstream modern spec model before the N2

     

    Not a variation, no, but possibly similar enough to share a chassis at least?

    Hatton's website product navigation

    in Hattons

    Posted · Edited by SquireBev

    9 hours ago, GWR-fan said:

    It was a menu change to the Rails search log that drove me away from that store.  The new Hattons search is too detailed and frustrating and hopefully not mandatory.  Say I want to look at pre-owned wagons.  It seems that I have to tick the box for every individual manufacturer plus wagon types.   Somehow I had around 130 odd wagons found but after I ticked a few more boxes I finished up with just two items in the search field.  Why did I bother???????

     

    What do you mean about ticking the box for every individual manufacturer?

     

    You can just tick "Pre-Owned", "Wagons" and "OO" to bring up all pre-owned OO wagons, and the numbers next to the tick boxes tell you how many results your filtered search will come back with. Having established a broad category this way, you can then search within it if you're after something specific.

     

    It seems very intuitive to me, and much more useful than the old website. The ability to filter by multiple fields across multiple categories, and indeed to search those categories for specific fields - in effect searching for search terms, is a godsend.

     

    Unless of course I've completely misunderstood your post, in which case I apologise.

    North Bridge - Layout in a Box

    in Boxfiles, Micro layouts & Dioramas

    Posted

    Having recently discovered the wide range of module MDF baseboards now available, I've been toying with the idea of a smallish N-gauge layout, and from messing around with AnyRail and Sketchup I've come up with what I hope to be a feasible plan.

     

    Taking inspiration from the stations at Halifax North Bridge and Halifax St Paul's, I've combined elements of both to create a small terminus station located below a rough approximation of the eponymous North Bridge. The intention is to set the scene sometime in the late 50s/early 60s with the station in a rather dilapidated state, served by elderly GNR and L&Y stock (availability permitting!)

     

    The track plan itself is based on Sheringham Yard from the Peco N-Gauge Setrack Planbook, but with the addition of an extra kickback siding in order to turn the front section of the layout into an Inglenook.

     

    Layoutinabox.jpg.9eedd6e0e02da28bdc2c8d493dfd3fd2.jpg

     

    The bridge forms the scenic break between on- and off-scene - the idea being that the station and the sidings both continue beyond the bridge. The real North Bridge was a through station and had an extensive goods yard and multiple sidings running below the bridge itself - this interpretation instead models a small terminus, with buildings loosely based on those at St Pauls, and the goods facilities largely off-scene, with just a bay for parcels traffic and the stubs of a few sidings.

     

    NorthBridge02.png.7da486197bb0c5d17673b8ae849d1f9b.png

    NorthBridge01.png.5382be903c56881d52271a0ceacbe15b.png

    NorthBridge03.png.59eee758250c2213112053eac60e456d.png

     

    I'm hoping to use one of the layout in a box kits from Scale Model Scenery as the baseboard, and to design my own buildings for laser-cutting via Razor Lab.

     

    Any feedback or suggestions would be very welcome, as this is my first real foray into N Gauge.

    • Like 6

    Layout-in-a-box Construction

    in Layout & Track Design

    Posted · Edited by SquireBev

    Think I'm getting there. I've moved and shrunk the ends so they fit inside the square rather than capping the outside end of it, as it'll help to support the top/front.

     

    The next difficulty is actually cutting the boards, as I don't have the facility to do it myself anymore and so will have to rely on the in-store cutting service at my local B&Q.

     

    It should only need seven cuts though to get all six sides from a 4'x2' sheet. Hopefully they'd do it for free?

     

    I have toyed with the idea of getting it laser-cut so I could have proper joints at the corners and so reduce the need for battens, but it seemsm like unnecessary expense.

    Layout-in-a-box Construction

    in Layout & Track Design

    Posted

    Even if no point motors, probably better to leave a bit of space below the baseboard for wiring.

     

    You won't want square corners on your backscene anyway. So you can hide battens behind curved card backscene.

    Good point, though I'm hoping to disguise the corners as much as possible with tall mill buildings.

     

    I think more SketchUp is needed.

    Layout-in-a-box Construction

    in Layout & Track Design

    Posted

    So after a very quick play around in Sketchup (useful program, thanks for making me aware of it!), I've got plans for a closed box, and both options for opening:

     

    post-12808-0-33853000-1508275790_thumb.png

     

    post-12808-0-17936600-1508275804_thumb.png

     

    post-12808-0-57467500-1508275817_thumb.png

     

    Still reckon the second option is favourable for the reasons mentioned above, and also because it's always nice to have an "off-scene" section to work in.

    • Like 1

    Layout-in-a-box Construction

    in Layout & Track Design

    Posted · Edited by SquireBev

    Ahh yes, I used to follow Small Layout Scrapbook years ago. I'd no idea it was still updated!

     

    Anyway, I've thought about it, and I've come up with two options for increasing the space available to me.

     

    The first one is to build the box in two sections - front/top/left and base/back/right. The one can be slid off the other, turned upside down, and placed end-to-end, creating a scenic section twice as long.

     

    The other is to have two sections base/back/sides and front/top, as in my original plan, but do away with hinges and have the front/top section placed end-to-end with the other, with the open side to the back, creating a fiddle yard and storage area. This option will be easier it'll avoid having to interlock the scenery in both halves, plus it'll keep with the Inglenook theme.

    Layout-in-a-box Construction

    in Layout & Track Design

    Posted · Edited by SquireBev

    For the little N-gauge Inglenook I'm planning, the idea is for the whole thing to be built inside a wooden box rather than on a traditional baseboard, so it can be easily transported and put away when not in use.

     

    The track plan is designed to fill a space 2'x8", so assuming I use 9mm plywood, the finished box will be a little over 2'x8"x8", with a fixed base, back, and sides, and the top and front hinged in order to fold open and over the back to provide a working area for the controller etc. There'll be a batten along the "open" edge at the front/top.

     

    Hopefully it'll make a bit more sense from this diagram:

     

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5MhNBRTd_ysanhhVi1OaHR0VTg

     

    Although I have built layouts before, they've always been on traditional baseboards, with an MDF surface on a framework of timber battens. I'm rather feeling around in the dark on this one, so I'm hoping the more experienced modellers here can offer help and advice.

     

     

    Firstly, is 9mm plywood the right thing to use? I'm hoping it'll be strong enough to hold its shape without requiring a supporting framework, while still being light enough to carry. I am a bit concerned about drilling into the ends of plywood, and finding suitable hinges and screws to fit them!

     

     

    Any advice you can offer will be gladly received!

    post-12808-0-34666400-1508241962_thumb.png

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