fishytrains

I like the look of the worl you have done so. I will be following with interest your progress. Regards Mike

Further destruction deconstruction of the layout has taken place. The retaining wall around the single return loop has now gone. I have temporarily laid the double track return loop to get an idea of the further ground work that will need to take place in that area. I have also lifted the middle platforms of Lilac Grove station, as this will need repositioning in order to lay the mainline. I have also lifted the branch line tracks through the station, modifying the layout slightly. Having checked the temporary track to make sure it works, I am now in the process of relaying the track. Hopefully, I will soon have a complete circuit once again in the not too distant future. Once the track is down, I hope to take some photos to show the changes. Regards Mike

Finally made a start on the removal of track and the retaining wall. Slow progress as I don’t want to make a complete mess of it. ``that said, it will be great to reach a point where trains will be running again, just not going to be any time soon. Mike

So whilst on holiday I have had a further rethink about the layout and have decided to make it a roundy-roundy! This means that the goods yard area on the inside of the one return loop will be reduced in size and also turned into a derelict site. The retaining wall will have to move forward to allow for the double track mainline. The fiddle yard will be accessible from both directions, meaning the loss of the other return loop, which I wasn’t so happy about. The two boards will join together with a double track. This section will be wired as a return loop. On the left of the above picture there is some track, this will be lifted and turned into a disused track bed. One further change is that I intend modelling the layout in an Autumn time period as this is a season I enjoy, but haven’t experienced for the past seven years. Not sure when progress will start what with weekends away, rugby World Cup and getting used to my new job! Regards Mike

Good to see the progress you are making. Sometimes you just have to stop and play, in order to make sure it all works properly! Regards Mike

The last photo with the 47 and the pond does look good, but definitely needs some planting round the pond to enhance the overall image. Mike

Spent an enjoyable time catching up on the videos, then to see these pictures just shows the needed enhancement to an already good layout. Mike

Some steady progress has been made in the possession that is currently taking place on the layout. No pictures, as currently there is nothing to show. Still sorting out the track bed and the lay of the track. I am keen to ensure it is laid correctly for smooth running, not quite managed that yet. Not easy as it is quite warm in the loft as well. Mike

A good start. As with the othes, another one to follow with interest and copy some of your ideas. Mike

After seven years of living and working outside the UK, I am now back home and so hoping I will be able to make some long needed progress on the layout. At the moment the priority has to be relaying the track so that I can get trains running again! At present there are sections of track laid, but nothing is running. Prior to returning to the UK earlier this week, I placed some large orders that will help with that process. As well as some rolling stock. Once I have moved things on a bit, I will post up some photos of progress. Mike

Good to see the progress you have made. I can also see the benefit of running a mix of the two years you have highlighted as it does give more variety in terms of what can be run. I am doing something similar with my layout. Mike

Andy, from the photos, I don’t think you need to re paint the rocks, as they look pretty natural to me. Mike

Good to see your progress. Mike

Another one to keep an eye on! Mike

Looking forward to seeing this one develop. Regards Mike

Certainly looks interesting and rather different to Dent. Regards Mike

Looks to be an interesting layout you are building. I will be following with interest. Mike

Nice to see round the back of the layout. Mike

I like the positioning of the buildings. Mike

I'm using the bubble wrap silver sided stuff from Wickes, because it is light in weight and I didn't want to increase the weight in the loft too much. It comes in rolls and just needs to be tacked in place. You can get rolls of aluminium tape to seal the joins between the separate sheets. Mike

All of the top half's done, I need to finish the lower half, which I will do once I am home again. It has made a difference, but will make more once complete. Mike

A little more progress when I was back home for Christmas. A couple more sections of cable trunking have been laid, I have now found a way that works well, with my fingers crushing them! I have also completed the girder bridge shown in an earlier photo. This now needs to be painted, as job for the summer. I have also removed the track from the mainline as I felt it was more appropriate for it to be laid with concrete sleepers. The original return loop has also been lifted as it had not worked properly for sometime. I have purchased a couple of rolls of cork, so again, when I am home in the summer, I can commence the relaying of the track. Hopefully all these changes will improve the running, as I will be in a position to run trains through the autumn this year, for the first time in seven years! A mere 22 weeks to get through now! Happy New Year to all Mike

Thoroughly enjoyable video as always. Mike

Great video as always. Mike

Another enjoyable video, thanks for sharing it. Mike