Jackson3592

Has anyone tried painting the magnetic end of the hunt couplers to try blend them in better with the front of the loco? If so it would be great to see some images. I am a huge fan of the hunt coupling system but trying to find a way to make them stand out less when a loco is running light engine

Does anyone know if Revolution/Kernow will is a re-run of the GBRf variant (and DB MMA variant for that matter) . I wasn’t able to get enough funds to buy a decent rake before they had sold out. (I believe there is just 2nr of wagon C left) The GBRf wagons are seen quite widely used on the network so I imagine there is still demand for these wagons in model form (similar to the DB MMA’s)

I understand it isn’t step forward in terms of tooling however to those of us who are not skilled enough to make the modifications to standard stock it leaves us empty handed if they avoid it. Is there a modelling business that converts standard releases to custom stock? if so I can understand why some would not want these to be released. I agree it shouldn’t be used as a way of ticking off the modern image market for 2021 however it should be a fairly easy win for both Hornby and modern image modellers if they were made available. The ROG barrier wagons have a been used fairly widespread over recent years with all the stock moves which have happened. A lot of different Mk3’s have been dragged around between these barrier coaches. It could lead people buying other mk3’s which Hornby offer.

I would like to see some ROG Mk1's & Mk2's barrier wagons along with some more NR Mk2's (no windows) ROG MK1's - https://coaches-library.weebly.com/mk1---barrier-coach.html ROG MK2's - https://coaches-library.weebly.com/mk2---barrier.html NR MK2's - https://coaches-library.weebly.com/mk2---departmental.html

I would like to see more modern DMU's. Either a 180, 185, 195 (331). I understand DMU's/EMU's generally not viable as they cost a lot to tool and generally don't offer much coverage however surely there is market at least 1 of them. Class 180 - FGW, Hull Trains, Grand Central, EMR Class 185 - FTP old, FTP new, EMR? Class 195 (331) - Northern (widespread)

Yes I agree programme logic is abit of an issue. Hopefully one day the software/hardware becomes more inteligent to work out its route from A-B and what things are connected. A current fix for this could be to have mutiple train controller files depending on what layouts/sections are connected. If you know there is only 4 layouts/sections to be connected then it will only be handful of files which need to be set up. Plus it only needs to be done once and then the logic is done forever.

Sorry if i understood this wrong but are you saying the DR4088 can be connected into the DR5033 Lnet port instead of going back to the DR5000 Lnet T port? (as shown below)? I have seen it been discussed in length on multiple threads. Its clearly something people want to do if its brought up so much. Just a shame nothing materialises. I can see the added challenges of freemo because it seems like its structured so that endless amount of layouts/board can be attached. Also each scenic sections attaches directly to each other which I don’t think lends itself to the way British railways run. I was thinking was more of a fixed series of up to say 3-8 layouts which are set up to look independent but trains run all the way through from one end to the other. If its pre-determined how many layouts/sections there will be surely it becomes a lot simpler to plan and set up. (see example image below) Greens = custom scenic section (on scene) Purple = custom scenic to off scene transition (off scene) Blues = standard curved sections (off scene) Pale Yellow = standard straight sections (off scene) Yellow = standard sidings sections (off scene) Orange = standard sidings transition sections (off scene) I am going off topic from original thread. It is very over ambitious that I will ever own 3 or 4 large layouts to connect together myself but 3 or 4 small layouts in a loft may be possible. Dan

Yes I plan to just do it as in house thing. My original thinking was that when I had completed one scenic section I could simply remove the modular baseboards and replace them with new blank baseboards to start a new scenic section. I could then swap them round as and when I want to depending which layout I want to run trains on with little fuss. I then got thinking that by doing this I could run the scenic sections in series so trains could pass through both (space permitted). As mentioned in my original post this would give a good sense of journey as it travels up/down the line. It would be good if a group/society could be formed to do something like this. Each person having a layout they run at home but could come together at a meet (post COVID) to run them all in series. Connecting them all by an off scene sidings between each layout. It could be ran though computer control to sit back and enjoy or in “driver” mode where people drive an individual train and conform to signals and routes set by a signalman. I know this is very much like what they do in America and Europe with Freemo. I think the additional of offscene sidings between each layout could make it more attractive to the UK modellers. I guess the hard part is getting people buy into a system to allow this to happen. Dan

Thanks for the response Nigel. Your electronics/DCC knowledge clearly outweighs mine. I think to play safe I will try and stick with dijikeijs products and use a simple wiring diagram as is possible. I will keep your comments in mind if I run into issues down line. Dan

Thanks for the responses. Yes plan to control the layout(s) through train controller which is why I have block detection modules (as you pointed out) I want to keep the connections to each of the layouts simple which is why I ideally only want 2 loconet cables connecting them all together (loconet T and loconet B). I did look into the idea of running from a single command station but I feared the power supply may not be enough to power multiple layouts/ locos. By each layout having its own supply the possibilities of adding more layouts in the series in endless (until I run our of CV's or max out the dr5000 capabilities) For now I only have 2 small layouts so that defiantly won’t be a problem but it’s good to know if this wiring diagram would work for when I look to expand. I do wonder if any UK model railway clubs have attempted something similar in putting a series of layouts together to form a “journey”. I can’t say I have seen anything like it in any of exhibitions I have attended.

More images added to my orginal post. My main concern was about the siginal for the DR4018 coming from the digiboost instead of the main command station. Can the digiboost pass signal through the Loconet port to the command station? Dan

Hi, I have two small layouts wired for DCC control and was wondering if I could run them as one if I was to connect them together and wire them as shown in the image below? I have seen videos of modular railway meets (freemo?) and I imagine they have to do something similar when linking layouts together? It’s a shame that it only seems to be popular in America/ mainland Europe. If I can get the power and control to work, I would like to create even more layouts to run in series. I have long term ambition to create multiple small sections of the former Matlock to Buxton line and piece them to form one larger layout. I plan to put a non-scenic section with a sidings between each of the scenic sections. That way the trains can wait in the off scene section making the timings seem more realistic from each scenic sections. I think it would give a good sense of journey and enjoyment to layout(s). Dan

Thanks Apollo for the links. Didn't think of searching free-mo layouts on YouTube. Those layouts are much bigger than what I had in mind. Like BrianUSA is saying I was thinking of using selected sections along a line and having a siding imbetween the layouts (not visible to spectators). That way the subtle colour difference of the grass for instance between 2 layouts can't be easily seen as the layouts are split from a spectators point of view. If it was a group of individuals who are aiming for a similar goal then this could work. Getting clubs together would be a lot more difficult. I guess it's the case of just trying to find individuals who are happy to work together to create a super layout. So in my case finding individuals who want to model around the Peak District modern image in 00 gauge. I guess if individuals keep joining maybe one day we could reach Penzance! (Might need the NEC)

Hopefully with the use of modern technology its possible to have a UK wide model railway society as such with members only interested in certain gauges and era's (Maybe layouts can be era "neutral"). Maybe get away from the idea of having a club house and simply store and run the layouts at either exhibitions or test days (hire somewhere out). I find the downfall of the Freemo standards is that they are too complex and through for just one person to take them all onboard. It sort of sucks all the enjoyment out of designing and creating a layout to that many constraints. One possible way to make it work would be if each part of the built was done by a specific person so each person only has to work with a set number of standards. For example the build stage could be split down into: - Planning - Stand & Baseboards - Track & Points - Topography - Electronics & Systems - Ballast & Scenery - Buildings & Structures - Finishing & Testing - Presentation & Lighting It would work somewhat like an assembly line. Once your bit is done the layout is transported for its next phase. The only issue with this is the transporting and storage of the layout. It would also require a project manager to keep track of all the movements and make sure the standards are being maintains. It could start small with just 1 or 2 layouts with the capacity to grow seamlessly I believe if it could be pulled off it would create a great spectacle. I guess the only way I'm going to be able to make something like this happen is to gain some friends interested in the idea. If anyone is interested in getting involved feel free to comment below or message me and we could discuss things further. It would be great to be part of this grand plan See attached

After visiting a few model railways recently I find there is a lot variations in with layouts in terms of era, gauges and countries the layouts are set in. I find myself skipping many layouts which are not of interest to me which got me thinking. Could we have exhibitions based on set era's, gauges and countries. Even further could we join up layouts to create a model rail network. For example say a exhibition is organized which is specific to modern image (2010+) all in 00 gauge based in the UK. Then all the layouts are put together strategically to mimic that of the UK network or at-least a small area of the network. For example we have layouts based on Derby, Belper, Chesterfield & Sheffield. Each layout can then be connected to each other to form a model rail network. Trains can then pass between all the layouts to simulate the real life journey. Obviously the transition sections between the layouts would have to made by someone and returning loops could be added where required. I understand this would give challenges in terms of stock used and the electronics of it all but I feel these could be overcome with a little organization. Model trainspotting could even become a thing where you have to spot all the trains running on that day throughout the layouts. (maybe even giving a prize to the person who can capture them all on the layouts - maybe a way of getting more people through the exhibition doors. People love prizes). I drew up a quick diagram on how it could work. see attached What are peoples thoughts and could you see it working? Has this been done before? I understand its a far from perfect idea.