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Jaggzuk

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Blog Comments posted by Jaggzuk

    Therealnips

    Posted · Edited by Jaggzuk

    Sounds like a great plan! As you say keep it simple and get it built, can’t fault that approach.  Plus as a simple layout to learn techniques on is really a good idea.

     

    It is amazing how rolling stock builds up ;-)  So with the baseboard construction, I would keep in mind the ability to expand the tunnel track section width wise in the future, if only by adding an extra outer line on each of the Slow lines.  You may want to add extra entry and exit point ladders in the tunnel area so that you can create the illusion of a train going somewhere and another one passing it “off scene”.

     

    If time and cost is an issue you could reduce one side of the layout down to 2 tracks coming out of one of the tunnels.  This way you have less track to buy and lay, you increase your scenic width without widening your boards and you could have less tight curves round one/two corners.  By doing this you also add an extra bit of operation complexity by having to stop a slow train while a fast train passes by.

     

    Layout_Plan.jpg.7a479dfd91530ea2f22d892b5ca1c838.jpg.549c370cea8897e004370b93f8896cd9.jpg

     

    One way to reduce the used item count in the free version of SCARM is to use as much flexi track as you can rather than lots of short straight sections.  Once you have your alignment, simply delete all the short straight section and replace with one length of flexi track.

     

    Have you considered how to control the layout yet, Analogue or DCC.  I know you have said you do not have much rolling stock (yet), but with a layout this size and the ability to run more than one train on each track loop, DCC would be the way to go.  In reality the wiring is so much simpler, yes you need power droppers everywhere, but not section switches or isolation breaks.

     

    As a side note, you do not need to “Quote full” posts back, as the Blog comments are pretty much in context so easy to follow.

     

    Paul

    Therealnips

    Posted

    Interesting plan Will and a great space in the attic.  It is always nice to see a new layout emerging and watching it grow.

     

    Have you got a paid up version of SCARM, or running the free version?  I found it perfect for planning my layout which was done before it became a limited free version.

     

    Here is a link to a useful Topics on using SCARM.

    On pg 10 there is help on creating transition curves

     

    I agree with the comments from others, your curves did look too tight and the addition of triangle in the corners will help.  With 4 tracks, you inner curve should not be tighter than 2nd radius.  Be careful on rolling stock overhand on curves and clashes with the adjacent curves.

     

    I know it is a very early days plan, but try to add in sweeping curves on the straight sides, it will look much better and more lifelike.  The other useful trick is to keep the track level constant but to raise and lower the baseboard (ground level) to help create cutting and embankments.  That way you can easily add over and under rail structures like bridges etc.  This will help to setting the scene and crate the illusion that the railway was constructed through the landscape.

     

    With your 4 tracks, which lines are Up and Down and which would be the Slows and Fasts?  This may help with point arrangements.

     

    Are you planning a storage road fiddle yard in the tunnel section?

     

    One fundamental tip, do not get overly complicated, unless you have a lot of free time to plan and build!! 

     

    I think this layout will end up having a lovely feel of watching trains go by?

    GWL

    Posted

    Love the layout.  Kadee are great for shunting and shunting puzzles.  Be careful where you place the magnets for uncoupling.  They must be a) on straight track and b) far enough away of any point such that all wagons and locos have completed their traversing over-swing – you will be surprised just how far that is for some locos and bogie wagons!

     

    I agree the foam under axel adds just enough rolling resistance for Kadees to work when shunting light weight wagons.

     

    For fixed rakes, try Hunt Couplings, these are magnetic couplings for NEM pockets (and a screw fix version).  I have just invested in some and am really impressed, especially for coaches which have the auto close coupling NEM devise.  Also great for any wagon set you do not expect to shunt.  https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/151728-hunt-coupling-system/

     

    A good price, just be patient on stock levels, I reckon they are coming straight off the 3D printer and into the post pox ;-).

     

    Keep the update coming!

    • Like 1
    Jaggzuk

    Posted

    Thanks Pannier Tank of that.

     

    I guess I had not really understood the #/#.#mm convention for wire and it all makes scene now!

     

    Now I know what I am looking at (sort of), am I right in thinking that for DCC this wire is probably a bit too thin for track droppers?  Looking on the web, the wire I have probably has about a 0.22mm2 conductive area and from what I have seen recommend for track droppers is 0.205 to 0.518mm2 (AWG 20-24) at approx 3 foot centres.

    Jaggzuk

    Posted

    Cheers for the advice, I ended up getting a Bachmann 36-557 21 pin for my Class 47 and a Digitrax DN136PS harnessed and non-harnessed versions for the Lima Class 37 and the Railroad Class 66.  Once I have had a play with these, I will then see where my preference lies.  The 36-553 was out of stock at the time I went to the shop.

     

    I will solder the DN136PS to a temporary strip PCB harness and test it out in all my old stock to see how they perform before I invest in chipping them all.  Need to lean how / have a play with CV setting now to see what you can do with these Decoders.

    Jaggzuk

    Posted

    Hi

     

    Did you ever get that train set? :)

     

    What a great question and very curious timing too, cos I am actually in the middle of writing a post to detail our first OMWB modelling session together, me and little boy No1.  I say No1 as there are two now; two little boys!  

     

    Ok, so three years have past since I last wrote on this Blog and event though North Marsh Road went no further (for now), No1 son is soooo into trains it is slightly worrying; nature nurture thing?  I think I have to say that the nurture thing works very well, may be too well, poor Mummy!

     

    We have masses of Brio now which he loves and we also have a OO loop on the railway room floor. Yep I now have a permanent railway room in our converted attic, allowing for a 12' square layout to become reality - plans are afoot for a bigger North Marsh Road, more soon on that one.

     

    Ned has been playing with OO for 6 months now, mostly my old stock but some new Railroad items too.  What has amazed me the most is that he has very fine hand/finger control and at 2 3/4 he was able to rail rolling stock using a Hornby Railer section of track!  He has mastered how to uncouple tension lock too.

     

    So back to the post I am currently writing, it follows a trip to the end of year Toy Fair at the NRM at Shildon..... watch this space for more details.

     

    Happy New year too!

    Jaggzuk

    Posted

    Cheers guys for the comments.

     

    Well I guess I have to hope that nature has given him the interest in all things railway, but hopefully with a with a bit of nurture I am sure he will get in to all things toy trains. Perhaps being close to the Wensleydale Railway, I could also take him to see the real Thomas the Tank Engine when he comes to visit or a bit further to see the ECML race track at Northallerton? All exciting times ahead.

     

    Andy perhaps I should set a deadline of his first birthday to build a round-y-round train set... for him of course ;)

     

    Had a quick look at LGB James and that looks cool. A lot of our friends have said we should have a garden railway. We have rather a long garden so it could be a great feature, but then not so sure after seeing the prices, phew!!

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Now, now Paul, lets not use that dirty 'F' word on the forum !!

     

     

    Oops should have proof read my own words there as I meant to say "I hope you are not planning on using..."

     

    I have seen the EM rabbit in the hole as an exhibition a while back, most entertaining - well of sorts. But then I am sure with a clever camera angle you could get real ones on your layout some how during one of your field trips ;)

     

    Just curious, have you photoshopped the distant telegraph poles on to the second image or is that how many you have on the layout? They look spot on fading out to a blur, really good perspective.

     

    Paul

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Reading your last comment about the next one being Eastfield Depot, I hope you are planning on using the very rare word in the world of model railways that of - "It's finished" !!? As I will repeat one of my comments I posted on your gallery, I think you are missing some further elements of scenic work ;) – in the first shot you could perhaps have some bare patches of soil and some bunny holes? Only joking Jon, what you create in such a short space of time is truly inspirational, so I really look forward to seeing how you tackle a more urban layout.

     

    Paul

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Hi Jon Wahay we have moved in to the moving world of Sandhills, great video clips :D I love the fact that the wind was catching the leaves in the trees and ivy in the 2nd clip with 47535 on high-level. The lighting was very effective too.

     

    Now we know that you are a very creative modeller and that your realism skills are second to non, but how on earth did you create your back scene? ;) I mean, I have never seen moving clouds on a backboard before, very subtle and extremely effective :P - if only you could market that as a product....

     

    You may have written it previously but who's sound chip is in 47535?

     

    Paul

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Hi Jon, just fantastic, I really love what you create!! The split level is a really nice idea and I like the overgrown feel to the buffer ends.

     

    On the question of the telegraph poles and wires, I have seen black elastic thread used on an exhibition layout to great affect. It was apparently model aircraft makers thread used to create the rigging on model bi-plane wings. I have also heard that black magician thread is very good as it is very fine too.

     

    The only issue with these two is that you do not get the sag in the wires as they are elastic and you have to stretch them to get them looking right. However the layout owner did say that as they are elastic they are very forgiving if you accidentally touch them rather than pulling the telegraph pole out of the layout!

     

     

    Paul

    Andy Y

    Posted

    Hi Andy, great to see you being able to finally spend some time doing nice things like modeling rather than the constant fighting with software and sever hosts.

     

    Although doing wasp stripes might have be just as much hard work ;) looks good though.

     

    Paul

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Hi Jon, one of the best 'how to' I have read, really useful and very inspirational too, thanks :D Now I know how to work my recently bought Bachy VAA, VBA & VDAs.

     

    Just one minor observation on the Blogging, it would appear that the caption text you have written for each photo is appearing directly under the preceding photo rather than being formatted on top of the one it is linked to.

     

    Not yet having a Blog, I unsure if you can control this formatting or if it just the way it works ??

    Sandhills

    Posted

    Looking fab there Jon. The photographic angles you are going to get will be great in natural daylight.

     

    The shadows the big building will create will be quite dramatic I think.

     

    You have placed and sized the buildings so well such that when viewed at track level you have no big gaping holes in which a backscene would be need to be filled... roll on summer 2010 for them outdoor shots!! :)

     

    Have a well earned break. Happy Christmas.

     

    Paul

    Fen End Pit

    Posted

    Thanks David for the additional details and photos, very much appreciated. This is only the 2nd vertical traverser fiddle yard I have seen. The other one was very much on the huge scale and was motorised too. But I have to say on the size side and also the simplicity front I really like yours!

     

    It has certainly inspired me to consider this solution and so enabling me to go for a round-e-round layout now. I even like the idea that with a cover to the front, rolling could be stored and protected in the traverser rack.

     

    Paul

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