davidparker172

@gazmanjack have you still got the images for this build that are no longer displayed? I would like to see more of the layout

@RobAllen I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading this build log. I am in a similar position to you at the beginning, a long time lurker but not actually built anything. Although I am still struggling to come up with a plan I am happy with, your build log here has inspired me to push on. Well done and thanks for the inspiration!!

@Northmoor MPD This little micro is absolutely fantastic. I just found it on the Microlayout FB page and immediately came here to find it Superb and just the inspiration i need Have you any earlier fabrication pics to share??? Thankyou and well done!!!

Thankyou! I keep referring back to your build on a daily basis!!

Thankyou very much! Am learning as I go

Hi all Its about time for an update. Things have been going slowly due to life getting in the way but i have been beavering away at any given opportunity so here are some pics in order of the work i have managed so far. I have made it all up as i went along so its not a particular type pf real bridge, not a "real" size, just something that looks right and enables me to learn some new skills. I have used Scalescenes printed sheets for the bricks and stone work and a Wills bridge kit for the steelwork. Part of the enjoyment is working how you are going to do something, but also make sure its removeable so can close the box fie for transport. I am planning on having a standard boxfile to carry some of the separate parts in, which can be taken with the layout. As always, comments and critique are all welcome

Small update I decided that when joining the boxfiles together, I didn't want to reply on glue only so after some research i found some items called binding screws, so decided to give them a go. A few holes drilled including a sunken bit so the fixture doesn't stand proud of the box wall and i was in business. Also, I have added small magnets (suggested by @Booking Hall) to hold the fold down fronts when in storage. Then i added 5mm foam board at the base of each box file so that I can sink any cables inside this below track level. I had to check with the largest loco I have for this build and luckily i have 8mm to spare so far..... Now the research starts as to exactly what I am going to do in each box file. As always, any comments/critique/suggestions are welcome

Hi all a question relating to points for this box file please. I want to use Peco electrofrog points operated manually on the track by hand with no point motors obviously. i would also like to the option to use dc or dcc (with correct controllers) depending on what loco I use. Could anyone advise me on which of the “usual” mods to an electrofrog point I need to do…. Or none??? i will be relying on the moving rail to transfer the power. I still get baffled with the point wiring😆

A small update after the recommendations I received (thanks guys). Firstly, I have decided to to the build in 2 sections, each of 2 boxes fixed together. This means I only have one join to worry about when in use and also means I can space out my streamline points a little rather than squeezing them between the box walls, and also means that the joint between the two sets of boxes is done using track ends not point ends. Secondly, I have now revised the layout over all plan to include a run around loop. I intend on building the first two boxes first as a standalone build, knowing that in future I will move on to the second two boxes. Any comments or suggestions would be gratefully received

@luke the train spotter thanks for the reply. it appears that lack of knowledge on the subject has come to haunt me and yes a runaround is a better idea. i never even thought of two permanent joined boxes…. Good shout! it would still be easy to store etc but also enable less need to faff with track joiners

Thanks @Andrew D Yes Brierley has a lot to answer for, your build is on my follow list too stull not 100% sold on the run around loop but am considering it while I build up these first two box files.

Thanks @Andrew D Yes Brierley has a lot to answer for, your build is on my follow list too stull not 100% sold on the run around loop but am considering it while I build up these first two box files.

@Keith Addenbrooke Thanks for your reply, it makes interesting reading. Of course I don't mind you using the image or for giving your thoughts, this is what I was hoping for. I like your idea for joining up the short siding to make a loop, the only downside is that it means all my box to box joints are two lanes rather than varying it up and having only one lane in at least one joint, but I guess this isn't so important, especially as it gives me a runaround loop. Anymore suggestion or ideas please pass them on😁 With regards to my railway room designs a couple of years ago, it soon became apparent that I was massively trying to run before I could walk, and an entire room layout is something to aim for long term. Projects like these box files and a slightly larger one I have planned should enable me to learnt the hobby first.

Hi all After being massively inspired by @Booking Hall fantastic build of Brierley Canal Road I decided that it would be a good idea to start a build log, hoping for help, inspiration, suggestions, advice and also to motivate me to stick with the build and make progress. I worked out a suitable track plan to share along four box files, trying to avoid a straight copy or Brierley (but there are only so many options to fit in a box file). I have decided to use Peco Streamline Electrofrog points after reading multiple negative comments about using set track on a box file. The Peco streamline points are longer than set track and so are a tight fit in the box files but i think its manageable. I am an experienced modeller but am new to railways, just a long time lurker on here, so am learning the ropes. Please see below images of my track plan plus a few pictures of where I am up to. Thanks Dave

@Andrew D Thanks for that. Mine are similar design to what you have described so hoping it will do the same!!!

Absolutely superb @Andrew D Its amazing what a change it make going from white card to painted and detailed. Can I ask, the dreaded drainage ditch situation.... How are you cutting the front of your box to get the fold down section? I want to do it to a boxfile myself but am undecided of best way... See attached sketch of the options I see, unless I am misunderstanding and there is a third option ....

Hi all I am looking in to the wiring on my first meaningful build and would like some advice. I currently only own a couple of DC locos (one is DCC ready) but do intend to eventually go DCC with the next one I buy. I would like to wire my first build for DC and also to enable DCC running on the future. I have seen from some research online that its best to use electrofrog points which I have, and also point motors to change the polarity at the frogs which I have, and to wire the points as per the DCC instructions on the back of the packet i.e. break the two wires to isolate the frog. Am I right then to think that if I connect up a dc controller, my layout will run a DC loco, and if I connect a DCC controller, my layout will run a DCC loco? Obviously I can only run one DC loco at anyone time unless I make some isolated sections. Please let me know if I am right/wrong or if there is more to it TIA

@luke the train spotter are you using dc for this layout? Are you using insulefrog or electrofrog points?

I have to say this build log has done wonders for me ..... that first page comparison between the original layout and the new plan just shows the difference context makes, its like a different layout And now it looks like you've been doing this for years Keep up the good work @luke the train spotter

@Andrew D Thanks for that, I never thought about using a Y piece. I will have a look on Anyrail where i mock up my layouts before committing

Thankyou for the reply! Yes see now, i must.ve missed the comments about droppers. Its a good idea to avoid losing connection at points. Ah ok, I see, sneaky video editing 😁. I have seen a few people comment on the fact that removing the front of these box files reduces the solidity of the box, I might have to investigate to see if there's a fix, it adds so much more build area that it would be worth finding a fix. I agree with the Electrofrog comment, however, in a single box file you can 'only just' get two streamline points inside the box, with no track between them as they are longer points than set track, this makes it look a little too tight. Yes its been very helpful thankyou. And beginner or not you should be very pleased with your layout, its something i aspire to be able to build like, and is an inspiration (pics saved for future reference). Thanks again Dave

@Andrew D I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this build log tonight. The layout is great, your descriptions sum up what a lot of people feel regarding issues and mojo etc Can i ask a couple of questions (I am a newbie and trying to learn and get inspiration, and seriously considering some boxfiles after seeing this build and Brierley Canal Road by @Booking Hall) 1 Am I right in thinking this is a DC layout? Your running video shows multiple locos running one after the other but I didn't see any switching on or off etc 2 If DC, do you have most pieces of track having their own power via droppers (or equivalent)? 3 Your early pics of wiring diagrams and wiring installation etc are obviously missing, would you be able to repost on here or maybe send them to me on a message for reference? 4 How did you go about separating the front panels so they would fold down? 5 Have you used set track throughout? I hope this is all ok? Thanks in advance Dave

More than welcome. i am currently now trying to work out some box file layouts for me to have a go at. would you be willing to message me some of the wip pics for my inspiration ??

I am very very late to this party but i have been blown away by this build. So many questions and queries Just wanted to say rally well done Is there any way to get back all the missing images from early on in the build??

i see 🙄