batrapyr

Luckily, I have all 3 of the Middleton books plus another written about the Chichester to Midhurst branch, produced by the West Sussex County Council. BTW, that C2x that took a nose-dive, after the blocked culvert resulted in the waters washing away the track bed, burned for several days as the coal fell forwards and must have got through to the fire under the boiler. Remarkably, sometime later it was hauled out (on temporary rails) and was restored to service. Midhurst and its branch lines was a quirky environment. The signal box at the east/Pulbrough end of the station was converted to a ground frame and eventually became a station staff office. The much larger west box was freezing during winter and like an oven during summer. It also leaned at an alarming angle is the foundations were inadequate. Sadly the LBSR station was flattened by developers but some of the other stations have variously been used as luxury B&Bs, a vineyard, etc.

Thank you all for the amazing information. So much more than I could ever have expected. Very useful to know the loading levels, etc. Although white bricks were manufactured at Midhurst I have decided that the brickyard (off scene) will be located at the next station on the branch line from Midhurst to Petersfield. I think that my (imaginary) version of Midhurst will have other incoming wagons to keep the yard fully occupied - livestock will form a large part of the trade as my version of Midhurst will have a popular weekly market. Also, I plan to have polo ponies arriving and departing as Cowdry Park ( well known location for the 'toffs' to indulge in their sport) is nearby. There will be some necessary renaming of locations but they will still be recognisable to anyone familiar with the area. The station will be called 'Midhirst & Esburn' (the local football club is called 'Midhurst & Easebourne' but is pronounced similar to my version). To the south the end of the branch line will be at Chidester (the Sussex pronouncement of Chichester). Petersfield will become Petersfold (there are plenty of places, in Sussex, that end in "fold"). And, lastly, Pulborough will become Pulbrough (pronounce "Pullbra").

I am planning an N gauge layout loosely based on Midhurst (West Sussex) in the late 1950s to early 1960s. A branchline runs (roughly) east to west with Midhurst in the middle and a branchline, from this junction station, heading south to Chichester. To the west of Midhurst the next station on the line (off scene) has sidings into a brickyard. To the east (also off scene) there are coal fields and sand pits. To the east and the south there are major building works that require bricks from the aforementioned brickyard. Midhurst itself will also require some of the coal (for local consumption). I want to plan the layout of the goods yard, at Midhurst, to accommodate both this traffic and other traffic (agricultural products, animals, etc.). And so to my questions... 1. What sort of wagons would be used for transporting the bricks? 2. What sort of wagons would be used for transporting the sand? 3. Would empties and wagons of bricks, coal or sand be combined in a single train? 4. if the answer to 3. is "yes", would there have been a specific order of wagons in the formulation? 5. Were private owner wagons still in use in the late 1950s/early 1960s? Apologies for the 'numpty' questions. Barry Denyer

Sometime ago I acquired a (large) Z gauge layout that had previously been exhibited but had been mothballed for a number of years. As can be seen from the track plan (schematic), it comprises 4 baseboards each with its own control panel. Handheld controllers plug in via a couple of 6-DIN sockets. It is, obviously, DC and cab control is employed. To an inexperienced modeller, like me, this was an ideal project where I could learn about things like electrics and I have to confess that my first impression of the wiring loom, under the baseboards, was one of bewilderment. There were wires of every colour of the rainbow and I set out with the intention of figuring out what each wire did and then labelling them. I quickly discovered that there were 3 separate circuits. The first was for the points; the second was for the uncouplers and the third was for the track power (using two separate feeds). I have managed to work out the two baseboards, with pink and grey backgrounds. There are separate 'zones' and I have given the track a different colour for each zone. They are electrically isolated and are controlled by appropriate (centre-off) switches on the control panels, thereby providing cab control. The other two baseboards are where I have a problem. The previous owner had started to dismantle the layout and had removed the control panels for the two left-most baseboards. I am in the process of reinstating the missing control panels and I have all the necessary wire, switches, etc. however I need to work out where the isolated sections would be. Any suggestions would be warmly welcomed! Barry Denyer A novice modeller & an electrical numpty

For various reasons I have, for the past year or so, had an inkling to build a small Z gauge layout. I had acquired some track, controllers, switches, etc. (all from Marklin) and fondly thought that it would be a neat idea to pick up a few items of rolling stock to create a 'simple' tail-chaser. However, I realised that this would quickly become boring as it would have no operational interest. I needed some points, just to make things a little bit more interesting. One thing led to another and having got chatting to a guy who had some track for sale, I discovered that he had an old layout that had previously been on the exhibition circuit (about 15 years ago). My initial thoughts were that if I acquired it, I could delicately remove the parts that I wanted and 'bin' the rest. However, having purchased the layout from him I am now reluctant to carve up something that obviously took him many long hours to create. The layout is 'end to end' coming, as it does, on 4 baseboards each of which is 1 m x 0.28 m. The track plan isn't overly complex although there are several levels and an integral fiddleyard. There is a very small control panel that appears to cover operation of 2 of the baseboards. There are multi-core cables used to transfer power (and control) between the baseboards, using plugs/sockets the like of which I have never seen before (approximately 1.25" square with about 12 flat pins). Two of the baseboards appear to have all of their wiring still intact but, sadly, the previous owner had started to remove some of the control systems for the other two baseboards. There are lots of wires still attached to the underside of the baseboards but the buttons/switches that they were connected to have been removed. Finally, on the non-viewing side of the layout there are two 5-Din sockets. I had assumed that these were used for throttles but I am assured by the previous owner that this was not the case. Sadly, for me, the previous owner (who was responsible for building the layout) didn't feel the need to label any of the wires. Indeed, I am fortunate that he bothered to identify some of the switches on the very small control panel that sits above the fiddleyard. It is obvious, from looking at the layout, that its previous owner had designed and built it for his own use and for exhibition purposes - it has a number of the small plaques that are given to exhibiting layouts, at shows. From these plaques it was possible to deduce that this layout had been in storage for about 14 years and a number of tiny spiders had taken up residence in the meantime! I am faced with a number of challenges if I want to get this exquisite layout running again. Firstly, I need to give it a thorough clean to remove all of the years of dust and cobwebs that have accumulated. As some of the scenic parts are very delicate this means using very soft brushes and a hand-held vacuum cleaner, inspecting the contents of the collection bin very carefully after each and every cleaning session. As this task can get incredibly frustrating and not a little tiresome, at the same time I am going to try to produce a track plan (using SCARM). This is not as easy as it sounds because the scale is so small that an error of a fraction of a millimetre could, potentially, become quite serious. I do appreciate that this is going to take many days/nights of meticulous measurement and recording but once I am happy with it, I am going to add a layer to the underside and attempt to create a wiring diagram. In preparation for this herculean task I have ordered a new digital multimeter and a set of digital vernier scales (to measure each object - track, buildings, platforms, etc.). I will be using the lowest point on the layout as the datum. My first attempt at producing a track plan for baseboard #1 is underway and looks something like the image below.

Retirement beckons and, like many, I had set my heart on building the layout of my (youthful) dreams. Having decided that N gauge was right for me, I set about picking up rolling stock, track, etc. at auctions (not Ebay). I 'scored' some major successes with only a single failure and I now have much of the bits and pieces that I require. However, one of the 'Lots' that I won at an auction included a box of Marklin controllers, switches and track but, sadly, no rolling stock. I thought that it would be a neat idea to create a very small Z gauge layout (the Marklin track being Z gauge). When I spotted a batch of Z gauge locos being auctioned I jumped in (feet first) and bagged several items. However, I identified that I would need some points and started asking around. I got into a conversation with a guy who was selling off his collection of Z gauge track, etc. and he still had a few items left. In passing, he mentioned that he also had an ex-exhibition layout that he had started dismantling. For whatever reason he hadn't got any further than removing some of the electrics and he was going to throw it into a skip if no one was interested. Rather tongue in cheek, I made him an offer and was surprised (and delighted) when he accepted. I am now the proud but daunted owner of an end to end Z gauge layout that measures 4 m x 0.28 m. It has been in storage for a number of years and spiders have taken up residence - it will need a thorough clean before I do anything with it. It appears to have two names, one of which is "Hauteville". One of the tasks that I have set myself is to produce a track plan (using SCARM) and then add a wiring loom which might help me to work out what bits are missing and whether or not the whole thing could do with re-wiring. Sadly (for me) the previous owner was pretty experienced in building layouts and didn't feel the need to label any of the wiring - troubleshooting was either a real challenge or he got everything right first time! I have erected the layout in my dining room (not currently in use) but have had to place it diagonally, from corner to corner, because it won't fit in anywhere else.

Thanks for the feedback and advice. I am now stuck, trying to work out which system to sell. I really like the features of the Dynamis (especially computer control) but dislike the fact that it is only possible to control 100 accessories. Barry Denyer

Newbie question... I am planning a ‘Fiddleyard > Scenic > Fiddleyard’ Layout where the Scenic section consists of a station and goods yard. I decided, early on, that it will be DCC and purchased a Bachman’s Dynamis Pro. A little later I picked up another (pre-owned but unused) handheld controller. All good, so far, and I continued to collect things that I am going to need (track, engines, carriages, wagons, etc.). At a recent auction I picked up a lot that consisted of 3 boxes of N gauge stuff and buried in the bottom of one of the boxes was a Gaugemaster Prodigy Advance complete with 3 hand held controllers. And so to my question... Is there any sensible way that I can use the two systems together? I am, potentially, thinking of using one for points and signals only and the other to control the trains. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Barry Denyer (Approaching retirement and looking forward to some modelling time)

Hi, I am hoping that someone can help with a spot of ignorance, on my part, in relation to the Bachmann Dynamis Ultima. I did a fair amount of research into the most appropriate system for me. I am NOT saying that the Dynamis Ultima is the cheapest, most sophisticated or easy to use - it just happens to meet most of my requirements in a reasonably uncomplicated bit of kit. As I am only just starting out with my first layout I believe that the Dynamis Ultima will deliver all of the functionality that I will require, at least for the first couple of years. Following advice, I am going to start 'small', in terms of layout size. However the ultimate objective is to build quite a large layout - not in terms of rolling stock or track but in surface area. I hope to end up with a fiddleyard > scenic > fiddleyard layout that will show the railway being 'fitted' to the countryside, not the other way around. If all baseboards were laid 'end to end', this N gauge layout will (eventually) be something like 12 metres in length. I hope to be able to wire up so that it can be run semi-automatically, with one operator. However, I would like to be able to run it with 3 - 4 individual operators. And that is where my problems will, eventually, lie. The Dynamis Ultima comes with a piece of kit ('IR extension') but I have been unable to find any instructions on how to use this. Also, If I want (say) 3 operators how do I add an additional 2 controllers (throttles)? At various points on the Bachmann web site, it refers to these throttles as part number 36-507 but I have yet to find anywhere that I can purchase one or more of them. Even Bachmann seems to say that they are not available! Final 'daft' question.... given the length of the layout, will I need boosters? Thanks, in anticipation, for any help. Barry

When attempting your first layout it is so tempting to rush out and buy a controller, a few pieces of track and any loco that stands even the remotest chance of ever having run over the lines. However, I have decided to take my time over this layout. I have given lots of thought to location and period. I have read every magazine and book that I could reasonably lay my hands on. Sadly, for me, I have chosen the wrong gauge, the wrong location (region) and the wrong era. Southern, 1957 to 1965 in N gauge is poorly catered for in the R-T-R market but further research has revealed that there are kits available for the locomotives that I desire. I am not so foolish as to believe that I can go from a position of zero knowledge and skills to being a master kit-basher overnight. 'Slowly, slowly, Catchee monkey'. Firstly, the most important consideration - where is the layout going to be located. It was going to be the front half of the garage but a dramatic change of circumstances means that I now have a room that is roughly 4m x 4m, with plenty of light, eat and ventilation. I am not so stupid as to think that I can fill this space in one go. Instead, I am going to start small and slowly expand. My modelling skills are limited so I intend to start with one of the fiddleyards (there will be 2 of them, one at each end). My first baseboard will be 4ft x 2ft and I am not sure that the fiddleyard will occupy all of the space available. Clearly I have much to do and, therefore, while I continue with my research and start preparing initial thoughts on the design, I am starting to acquire the tools that I am going to need. The layout is going to be partially automated but I don't want to have to get involved in complex electronics (such as occupation detectors) and I don't want to spend a fortune on the controller. After much research I concluded that the Bachman Dynamis Ultima met my requirements. I am aware that it isn't 'top of the range' but for the price, it delivers the features and functions that I require. Most importantly, it comes with script-based automation, albeit time-based. I was lucky enough to get a decent deal, so this DCC controller became my first major acquisition. It is still waiting to be used. Knowing that I was going to have an almost inexhaustible list of tools and bits and pieces, I have made a start on acquiring them, a few at a time. I now have things like a Dremel, a soldering iron, jewellers screwdrivers, a decent steel rule, etc. I am waiting for a DCC training day, at my local model shop, when I hope to pick up sufficient knowledge to make a start. In the meantime, I have downloaded the instruction manual for Dynamis Ultima so that I can be prepared as possible. Progress, in the early stages, is going to be in fits and starts as I have some other commitments that I can't get out of. It is, perhaps, fortunate that one of those commitments means that I have to travel down to Littlehampton in Sussex, once a month. Of course, Littlehampton is only a few miles from Ford where Gaugemaster is based. I make a point of popping in every time that I am down in that neck of the woods, armed with my most recent shopping list. My next visit, towards the end of this month, will see me picking up sufficient 2nd radius curves to make a circle. Apparently this needs to be laid down, as a test bed, in order to set the scale speed of any loco. According to the instructions, it is necessary to run the loco round and round (at full speed) and then enter the prototypical top speed. Doing this with all locos means that they will run at the correct scale speed which will make running double-headers much easier. Of course, it will also help to 'run in' any new locos that I buy. With all of this going on I will still have some 'free' time before the serious model making commences. I have quite a lengthy commute, to work, each day - by train, naturally, and I intend to use that time creating a feasible backstory to justify the traffic that will run. Whilst there needs to be a grain of truth to the backstory, I still need to ensure that it is believable. There is little point in hypothesising that the Southern built an enormous goods exchange yard in the middle of the leafy Sussex countryside! My chosen location will be loosely based on Midhurst but will remain fictitious so that I can manipulate the population of that town and invent reasons for traffic levels. Arguably, the hardest thing to do will be to justify the levels of passenger traffic. In the real world, the lines into and out of Midhurst were poorly utilised by the public at large and it was no surprise that when one of those lines suffered severe flood damage the decision was taken not to re-instate the track bed. One instance of modeller's license will be to imagine that this incident didn't occur. So, if the layout is going to be fictitious then I will need to come up with new names for the off-scene stations as well as the main subject of the model. Midhurst will become 'Midhirst for Easebourne' and Chichester will become 'Chidister' (which is how the locals pronounce it). No doubt I will make extensive use of puns when naming other stations. Suggestions for alternative names for Pulborough, Petworth, Lavant, Singleton, Rogate and Petersfield would be more than welcomed.

Gentlemen, Thank you for your wonderful feedback which is going to take me a week to assimilate! Please forgive me if you don’t hear from me for a few days, there was so much wonderful and useful information in the replies that is going to take me some time to follow up on suggestions and ideas. There were, however, a few additional questions in the posts (above) so I will see if I can answer some of them... The layout will be N gauge. The trains running from foddleyard to fiddleyard will consist of engine, maximum of 4 or 5 wagons (5 plank) plus a guard’s van. Era is roughly 1954 to 1963. Location is fictional and Region is up for debate. A ‘plank’ was suggested and that is, indeed, what I aim to do or, at least something similar. I had actually thought of creating the basis of one of the fiddleyards to start with. Or now, I am going to print off all of the replies and get my reading glasses out. Regards and thanks Barry Denyer

Hi, I am in the planning stages of my first layout and would like to make use of DCC, automation and computer assisted control. My plans are for a slightly unusual track layout with fiddleyards on both ends and a scenic section in the middle that includes a branchline station and a shunting yard. For various reasons, I would like trains to start in the left fiddleyard, travel through the scenic section and enter the right fiddle yard. From there they would reverse, behind the back scene, to return to the left fiddleyard. I would also like trains to run in the opposite direction. I would very much like to be able to automate this part of the operation so that these trains run to a pre-defined schedule. On top of that, I would like to be able to intersperse these automated trains with other services that are manually controlled. Important factors include, but may not be restricted to, the following... All accessories will be controlled by DCC (e.g. points, uncouplers, etc.) The fiddleyards will be hidden by (removable) scenery Fiddleyards will be monitored by means of CCTV cameras If possible I would like to include a DCC-controlled turntable in the scenic section The layout needs to be partially automated (see above) Trains also need to be run manually, including route setting Cost is not an important factor I do not want the distraction of sound Cost isn’t an important factor because I intend to start small and steadily increase. I realise that there will be a major outlay at the start (when purchasing base station, etc.) and I am aware that electronically controlling all points etc. Is going to make them quite expensive. However, I have a lump sum that I can invest, now, and will have a regular disposable income in the future. I have the ability to create schedules that include logic and decisions (e.g. checking status of points before determining whether of not they need to change) and I have several laptops, an iPad and a smart phone. So, my first question is... Is this feasible? I kind of assume that almost anything is possible given the funds :-) Is there a DCC system on the market that includes a computer interface that permits the automated and manual control of a layout? Given that I live in East Anglia (but am fully mobile) can anyone recommend a good model shop that would give impartial advice on the choice of system? Any comments or observations would be warmly welcomed. Barry Denyer

I am going to miss Allan’s musing especially those on this thread. Like many, I didn’t know Allan personally and never had a chance to meet the great man. However, he was kind enough to exchange private messages with me and encouraged me to ‘have a go’ despite my complete lack of talent, skill or knowledge. Fare well, fella. It was a privilege to know you. Barry Denyer

You have got to laugh at some of the numpties on here complaining about the start and end times of this show. Unless I am mistaken, all times and dates were advertised well in advance. I have no complaints about the venue, the times, the dates, the security staff, the traders or even Andy York. My only complaint is that some of the layouts were just too good, displaying craftsmanship and skills that I have zero chance of replicating. Apart from bring very impressed, I went home feeling totally humbled. Well done to all exhibitors. Barry Denyer

My first (and, probably, last) visit to Ally Pally, today. Many positives about the show but too much of a ‘faff’ trying to get to the venue. A couple of changes on the train and far too much walking. I might have been better off driving but having to negotiate the M11 and M25 really didn’t appeal. As for the show, I thought that they got the balance of layouts to trade stands just about right. I went with a shopping list but actually came away with nothing. I realise that our hobby isn’t inexpensive but when I see items that have doubled in price in less than a year, my wallet is going to stay firmly in my pocket. A classic example of this was Hornby’s 2HAL - on sale for £52.00 (at Hattons) last year and I assume that they weren’t making a loss, now on sale for prices ranging from £89.00 to £92.00. I am glad that I am not contemplating a 3rd rail layout! However, I do want a Wainwright Class H with Pull/Push set. I was astonished to see the Hornby ‘Push/Pull’ set of 2 coaches for the best part of £100. <rant over> On a more positive note, I was delighted to be able to spend some time watching the operation of Brighton East. I had first seen this layout on this forum and seeing it was one of the prime reasons for visiting this show. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Very difficult to fault the modelling of this layout and, having misspent much of my youth in and around Brighton I thought that the team had captured the essence of that town. The terrace of houses (upper right, above the entrance to the fiddleyard) was a fine rendition. Spot-on, guys. Although not my era or scale, I was equally impressed by Saltdean. Most modellers would shy away from anything pre-1900, so it was particularly pleasing to see it again. One other layout held a personal fascination - Friday Bridge. As a ‘What might have been...’ it was intriguing to see someone’s interpretation of a branch off the Wisbech to Upwell Line. As someone who lives in a village (Welney) that could also have benefitted from a connection to the Wisbech/Upwell line, I was particularly amused to see that it was modelled ‘in decline’. Had it been built, I believe that it would have been abandoned long before even the Wisbech/Upwell was lifted. And finally, highlight of the day.... I got to meet and chat (briefly) with Andy York. He is not as tall as he looks on the DVDs Barry Denyer