Thebaz

Evenin' I have been mainly using SCARM to plan my layouts but have found that I end up exporting a jpg of the layout so that I can import to AutoCAD and add the rest of my scenic items, carry out accurate measurements and generally draw more easily. What I cannot then do is import a dxf or any other format back into SCARM to make alterations to track etc. It would be really great to be able to import a dxf, or even a jpg and scale it. So my question is, are there any model rail planning softwares out there that have file compatibility with mainstream CAD software?

Is it still available? Definitely says sold out at Hattons. Who else would sell this model? Even if the livery is not the one I want there is the option of Electra Railway Graphics overlays I suppose (if he does 4CEP). That 2HAP looks really good Paul. Did you cut the sides completely off the Farish Mk1s or overlay them? And you didn't use the WW cab ends?

Thanks for the tips so far guys. I neglected to mention I'm intending to do this in 2mm scale! It does seem to be more complicated than I first thought. Didn't realise there was no glazing! Presumably cables horns and other detail is also missing? As you say it may be better for me to purchase some cheap wagon kits to practice on but I won't really have a use for them afterwards. Trouble is I'm interested in modelling BR SR EMUs (up to present day) so I guess I'm going to have to learn to scratchbuild. Unless there other suppliers of kits (with more detail) in 2mm scale? I note that Farish has sold out of their 80s era SR long-distance slam-door units. I'd pay good money for any VEP/REP/CEP if anyone was selling!

Hi all, I'm thinking of investing in a couple of said EMU kits Worsley works - probably Class 421/423. But there are some issues... namely I've never built anything from a kit before so I don't have the foggiest what the best approach is or what I'll need in terms of tools and adhesives. I consider it a long term project since I haven't even got a layout at the moment as I don't have the space for one. Questions range from: Should I use a specific type of glue or are they for soldering (I cannot solder for love nor money)? At what stage should I paint the models - when complete? or panel by panel? And what are the best paints? Recommended bogies and how-to install them? Recommended motors Whether to install DC or DCC (probably the latter by the way things seem to be going). Then stuff about building realistic under-carriage components. Am I mad?

Was hoping for the 450 but wasn't expecting it after hearing about the sales of the 350. Will be pre-ordering one of those even though I don't have a layout yet! This is such good news for me - it has really reopened the possibility of me fulfilling the modern era layout that I've been dreaming about for so long ;-) Next year I predict 377 or similar - they can't overlook the class for too long considering the ubiquity of them on main routes DC or AC.

Great, thanks very much.

I'm interested in modelling Broadstone in a modern era take of the old S&DJR station. I'd like to know how many carriages would fit into the platforms back in the day - in other words how long were the platforms? I've seen plenty of photographs and few plans from Mitchell/Smith books (but unfortunately they're not to any obvious scale.) Was this sort of information ever published and is it in the public domain? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Nice, good ideas. I like the look of that too! Reminds me a bit of a cross between the main line platforms at Queens Park and the derelict remains of Highgate station on the former Northern heights branch. Don't worry about that, I'm sad enough to have been to plenty! I have some ideas in my head, and of course there's also Google images... Cheers!

Has anyone done this? I don't mean modelling a 're-opened' version of a closed station I mean actually modelling the desolate weed-covered platforms and broken buildings etc.. I've never seen it, but I'd like to. I am interested to include something like that on a model I have in my head. The idea would be say a former doubled-tracked station where the line has been singled, or an abandoned bay platform. I know some might consider it a waste of space (I'm not talking about modelling a whole scene without any railway in it because that would truly be a waste of time and space!), but it could look pretty cool if you got the modelling right.

Great pictures! Brings back memories. I lived in Australia in 2005 and I drove out to Mudgee - I'm sure I got a picture of the abandoned station somewhere, I'll have to try and look for it. It's such a shame about the lack of investment in railways there. I used to travel a bit between Sydney and Canberra there was some talk even of closing the line to Canberra. It is rather unfortunate but the line terminates a good way out from the city centre as a result of a storm which washed away a bridge that was under construction. After that they never bothered to start it again (familiar stories of abandoned infrastructure in the UK...) The train takes 3.5 hours and to drive it takes 2.5 so most people drive or get the coach. Also the coach is about half the price. Couple that with when you arrive 2 miles out from Canberra city centre there is no connecting bus to get you into town. There is bus... but it doesn't connect with the trains. All in all it does seem like a recipe for closure. Having said all that, there was the whopping investment to build the Gahn from Adelaide to Darwen but I think that was more about freight than passenger traffic. At least Aussie has some railways - I also lived in Papua New Guinea and there's not one single piece of railway track in the entire country!