bcnPete

Sorry to jump in, but I recall Carl mentioned in the first post using EASITRAC, which is 2mmFS...from my experiences, 2mmFS rewheeled rolling stock and N gauge track is not a happy marriage...especially through the turnouts... :icon_eek:

That Dapol MkIII does look good...I still have the original Farish ones - I could justify buying only one which will be crossing my viaduct - assume the HST Power cars are to follow from Dapol?...

Update - Whilst progress has been slow on the two main boards, I have been giving the fiddleyard boards and storage a lot of thought. For a while I was torn between hacking my cassettes to fit from Coombe Junction, making new ones or using a sliding traverser. Finally I have a direction I am going to explore further, which has been drawn through, via a series of sketches in non modelling time. The idea is to make 3 new cassettes which hinge in the middle to a] fit within the rolling stock boxfile, b] when unfolded give the required length, and c] the hinge allows the cassette to have a top to hold and protect some of the rolling stock. There may also be room between the cassettes in the box to provide additional storage for rolling stock and also I will explore the idea that additional rolling stock may be stored underneath the 2 No. Kyle boards, using the 'upside down' fiddleyard support boards as trays. Hope this all makes sense - a few pics attach to clarify the words above...

wow! This is REAL modelling - cutting + splicing + filling. Reminds me of 20 years ago when I hacked 2 N gauge CCT's together to form a GUV! Am watching with interest...

Thanks Missy - I will try to post only positive things in my diatribes from now on!

Mark - Thanks also - slowly but surely - the advantage of a boxfile layout is that once this turnout is complete, then that board is finished in terms of track so overall the track building will be 50% complete! Have had a few thoughts on how to do the fiddleyards so will post some sketches tomorrow...

Kris - Thanks - I must admit, I recall that I found building track for Coombe Junction using Code 40 and plain rail a bit of a challenge too!

Good Morning - Fresh start was made on the turnout last night and with a cold beer to steady my nerves things were significantly better than the last attempt. The chairs for the straight rail have been added, the frog has been made again but the curved rail is only pinned in place. I will need to redo the common crossing a third time, but solely due to my own ham fisted soldering skills when connecting the rails beneath for electrical continuity and alignment. I will be in contact [bryn] to discuss how I can crack this! Thanks also to Dave M for advice on laying the sleepers prior to threading the rail. These EASITRAC turnout components are beautifully crafted and I look forward to seeing the first of only two turnouts for this layout in operation very soon...after all...I understand that the Bachfar 24 release is very soon and that would be ideal for undertaking thorough track testing :icon_biggrin: - Few pics attached...

Carl - 2mmFS, late eighties, blue diesels....we like this will be watching with interest...

Can I suggest that you make a small scale mock up? I do this quite a lot as I find it helps with getting the 'big picture' clear prior to cutting any board or track preperations. You could print out your track plan and use brown corrugated card - its relatively quick and easy to make modifications. hth

Nick - your probably right - I normally drink red so this might account for it - as the saying goes 'you can't keep a good man down' so I will be retrying the common crossing again in the next few days and hope to be more upbeat in my next post...

Missy, I previewed this on my iPod late last night but resisted to comment until I could see it on a larger screen - FAB - that looks absolutely terrific - I cannot wait to see some more shots of it running through Highclere - still my fave steam loco :icon_clap:

Good update Mark - that station building is looking the business. I think the time spent masking the openings is paying dividends :icon_thumbsup2: - Pete

:icon_thumbsup2: :icon_thumbsup2: :icon_thumbsup2: :icon_thumbsup2: :icon_thumbsup2:

Nice one - really captures the 50 very well - next time, move the cable off the track perhaps!

Thanks Invercloy - Kyle certainly has a lot of appeal, even in the rationalised track layout of later years. Although this layout will have limitations in terms of operability, I do like the concept of being able to set it up in 5 minutes, run it for twenty minutes and then pack it away in 5 minutes - 30 minutes better spent then watching a soap on TV me thinks!!

Hi Missy - Thanks - I know you are right - This hobby can be so frustrating some times. Its always good to reflect the next day though, and already I have a few ideas on why I think I was going wrong. This is only my second attempt at building a turnout...the first being the only one on Coombe Junction...now you know why I am not modelling Clapham Junction

Evening - I have to report, a disastrous night of modelling...Tried to tackle the turnout and spent over 2 hours trying to make the common crossing...and it looks complete pants :icon_eek: I am not sure whether it was my bad soldering skills, bad light, bad eyesight, bad white wine...or a combination of them all I am so embarrassed of my efforts, I am too ashamed to post a picture of this evenings attempts. All packed away now and hoping to try again another night soon :icon_mutter: Goodnight

You mean this one? :icon_frustrated: Its still there Jo...just click 'show all' below the emotions icons. Nice progress - look forward to see the weathering. Are you aimining to lower the 37 as well? Have heard it improves it again...

Kenton Thanks for the link - I have read the rules and KIAB weighs in at 204 square inches...so just inside the max 2010 square inches as determined by the rules Rest assured - I will post updates on the turnout as it happens. I am reminded of one of your last posts on the RMWeb 3 thread for KIAB... 'but how is the track and layout progressing'...Mr Impatient Hopefully now...the wheels are in motion... Stay tuned...

Mikkel, Hi, and thanks. Am not sure of the details of the RMweb competition - Assume I can find them on the forum if I do a search. The layout has to be sort of complete[ish] for a small exhibition next May so I hope to have trains running by Christmas...be nice if Bachfar got that Class 24 issued to suit!

Good evening - Tonight saw the first part of the construction for the track using EASITRAC. The track will be built on a 1mm card base and then this be framed with foamboard to suit. Firstly, a simple piece of straight track was made using some 500mm precut lengths from the 2mm Association. Cast brass sleepers have been added at either end to strengthen the joints. Secondly, the turnout base has been laid in position and connected to a short length of straight track - the next work session will begin to make the turnout. A few pics attached of progress...

Rich - I won't comment upon your thoughts to change to 2mm scale [as I am biased!] however I would like to say I am very impressed by your indexed blog - I assume once the structure is in place that you can add different sub sections as required? Pete

Thats looking good Jo - am watching with interest :icon_thumbsup2:

Nice work Missy - TBH, although I am not a big fan of steam, the Q1 has always been my favourite loco so am really enjoying seeing this evolve. Pete