ipatrick

Thanks Jim No worries. Thats why we posted, to get some feedback while we can. We'll give that a try. And add some diagonal bracing if needs be. All the best Ian

Hello Again Just thought we’d post something to keep things fresh. The initial stages of baseboard construction are underway (Slowly but surely). And while i am by no means an expert carpenter/joiner, it seems pretty solid so far. The height has been lowered slightly from the initial concept sketch. The idea is that the layout can be stored under a bed when needs be. This is early stages so there’s still a bit to be done. Hopefully there will be more to post soon. Thanks Ian

Thanks very much Jim those videos will be very helpful.

Thanks simonmcp we'll consider moving them slightly.

Hello again. We reworked the plan (in photoshop) from last week slightly based on some more suggestions and feedback. The Goods shed has now been moved to the long siding (For better road access) and coal staithes removed. The end can now be kept for unloading. The cattle dock has now been moved to short siding at the end of the run round loop. It can be accessed by a road off scene/ by shortening slightly the new goods shed siding/ or a rough crossing over the line itself. (Any suggestions here?) Hope this is a bit more of an improvement. Suggestions are as always welcome. Again given the small space imagination will play its part. Might be a while before I post again as heading into a busy time, so would like to have a plan ready to go when normality resumes. Might look into baseboard construction next and sourcing some flexi-track once I feel I’m happy with the track plan. Thanks again Ian

Thanks Cam The suggestions are all helpful. If it helps make things look as realistic as possible given the small space. Thanks Ian

Many thanks Harlequin.

Hello Again. We’ve found some time to update the track plan slightly based on the very helpful feedback last week. I made an attempt at doing a revised version using flexitrack and streamline medium radius points (I printed out some templates from online to measure up). Added a slight curve and made the siding veer away so there is now a loading and unloading point. Also included are the cattle dock and an area for coal. The runaround loop now runs off scene and will lead to a moving cassette. Again apologies if the drawings are a bit rough. There’s a settrack version also, although I’m swaying more to investing in some flexi track (For the scenic area given the size of the layout). Still debating over code 75/100. Suggestions again are welcome. Thanks again Ian Ian

Thanks very much CameronL. We'll have a think about it. Time permitting i might post a slightly reworked version of this plan over the next week. Would like to keep some of the simplicity of the initial design too (Given my level of skill). Contemplating investing in some streamline points and flexi track. As i say we're on a budget, so you might see a setrack and steamline version. Then there's the Code 100/75 thing. (Code 75 does look great when all is said) But I have some old rolling stock (1990's) locos that i'd like to use and wonder would it be a big step jumping into code 75 at my level. On the question of points and turnouts for this type of branch line layout, If we where to go the streamline route i presume the rule is always use the largest radius point that will fit? Sorry for all the questions. I just though it's worth asking before i dive into the unknown. May stick with setrack also just to get modelling when i can. Anybody have experience with trying to deal with these compromises? Thanks again, everyone. Ye may find i'll ask a lot of questions over the next while. Ian

Thanks for these suggestions. Glad i signed up, gives a fresh perspective.

Thanks folks for the comments and suggestions. Harlequin, I think I might actually consider the loop going off scene particularly if it allows more scenic space. The settrack situation is more a budget thing at the moment given this is the first attempt in a long time, but we are looking at going down the streamline route. Although I’ll have to do my research into building a moving cassette. CameronL, the plan at the moment is to use trees as an off scene vision blocker. The area itself from what I’ve seen in photos looks very picturesque, woodland hills etc. I did read on one source, that a major reason for not extending the line beyond Newcastle Emlyn was that it had become recognised as an area of natural beauty. I’ll rework my track plan a bit in regards to goods yard scenario . Thanks also ThomasG for the input, I was wondering where I could put a coalbunker. Just one question and excuse my ignorance here. Would extending the loop out of vision mean removing the semaphore signal? Would like to include one but not veer too far from reality. As I said placement of signals and such things isn’t a strong point of mine. Thanks again Ian

Agree Bazzer42. As i've heard a few folks say look at the real thing for inspiration. It's funny sometimes what compromises where actually made in real life. I think it allows for something interesting in the small space, and gives me the chance to model water, something i've never tried. Will also look at adding a bit more of a curve all things permitting. Thanks Ian

Hello. I’m new to this forum. After a long time away from the hobby i decided to return to the world of model railways. I have a plan I’ve been working out for the last month or two for a micro layout that will fit in a limited enough space. A scenic area of roughly 5ft 2 inches x 1ft 6inches, and a removable cassette/fiddle yard area. As I’m on a budget and considering this is a tester layout I’ve decided at present I’ll be using some of my old set track. Hopefully it will give me platform to try out techniques new and old. The layout itself is inspired by the branch lines of rural west Wales (More specifically the Teifi Valley lines) and the period will be early BR days. The station is loosely inspired by an idea of the GWR extending beyond Newcastle Emlyn to reach Cardigan, however plans where halted when they reached Cenarth. Which might explain the spartan station layout. (But largely it’s fictitious, and more about capturing atmosphere) The track plan is inspired from other micro layout plans and some real life prototypes across the Uk and Ireland (ie. The run-around loop over the bridge is a nod to Aberayron). Beyond the bridge and scenic area (using some imagination) is possibly where loco shed and other facilities are located. I’d also like to say while I have some knowledge built up over the years i still consider myself a learner and a beginner. Things like signaling, location of points, sidings etc. are still a bit of a mystery for me. The track plan and illustration (Apologies if it’s a bit rough) are there to give an idea of what I’m trying to achieve. Any suggestions are welcome. Many thanks.