GEOEng03 Posted October 26, 2015 Author Share Posted October 26, 2015 Hi all, Been a few weeks since I got to do anything on the layout, but I managed a chunk of time over the weekend. I have started pinning the track and platforms in place for the station area. Picture below shows what will be platforms 1-4 and DMU/EMU stabling point for the new station. I decided that I would make Platform 4 a terminating platform to allow for more space for the station entrance and also for a 3 to 4 car stabling point – inspiration from Croydon North Street for this… IMG_20151026_131603468 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 2nd picture that shows what it could look like with rolling stock in the area. IMG_20151026_132210666 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Most of the weekend was spent soldering points for DCC use (Code 75 Electrofrog) and boy was this fun! This is the first time I have ever done this and its showed. But I have now wired up plenty of points for the layout and the ones you can see have predrilled holes and will be having the polarity switches and Megapoints system installed in due course. The picture shows off spurs for what will be Platform 1/EMU/DMU stabling area (left point) and Platform 4. IMG_20151026_131736262 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Another picture that shows the track into what will be Platform 1 and the stabling area. Again this point is ready for wiring up to the Megapoints controller. Or so he says… IMG_20151026_131557330 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Finally, I have tried to make some of my buildings more NSE reliant. The recent Bachmann post war station is receiving NSE red on doors etc… Again this is the first time I have every modified something to this extent – but I want it to be prototypical of the time. They are not finished and will need a few more coats (the camera makes this obvious) but show the start I have made. IMG_20151026_131805469 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I just need to decide on the orientation of the station building now and build the elvated area to sit it on. That’s it for now, and just a brief update, but it feels good to have made a good start on it. Cheers 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Storey Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Remember to show plenty of damp patches on the station building - these were based on the CLASP system, which were cheap and quick to build, but suffered terrible maintenance problems from day one, especially with the roof and seals between each wall panel. I had to deal with this at both Rainham and Newington stations in Kent, in the '80's. both fairly new then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Anymore updates?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share Posted November 14, 2015 Hi all, Been away for a while, but there has been progress. I have started to extend as agreed with the wife, although she was a bit shocked when she saw the expansion . I'll upload some pictures in a bit but have been concentrating on trying to get the platforms completed, wiring for DCC under the track and some other detailing as well. Just realised that I now need more points! But will concentrate on the centre 2 loop tracks for now... Thanks for the recent comments. Mike how would you suggest adding damp patches? is it as simple as using a very watered down weathering paint or perhaps adding some kitchen grease There has been some recent stock purchases to sit alongside the modern image stuff. Some of the NSE was lost to fund these, but that decision had to come at some point I suppose! Cheers 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted December 17, 2015 Author Share Posted December 17, 2015 Hi all, Been quite a while since I got to do anything with the layout and managed sometime recently. As with everyone the Xmas build up takes hold… So for a short up date. Picture below shows what will be the full extent of the layout. After getting permission, I have started to close the loop and have the section in the corner to sort to allow this. It is basically now a two line mainline with station at the back and sidings and loco area at the front. IMG_20151217_153105764 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr This picture shows the front area and how it will look. I have installed to the points shown and there are 3 sidings to the left side and what will be 4-5 lines for the depot area. I will be widening the boards in the depot area to allow for more room for sidings etc… IMG_20151217_153044800 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr This picture shows the run from the front area and the double slip points leading to the station area. Interestingly the left is electrofrog and the right is insulfrog and the latter is much more reliable – perhaps my bad wiring. I need to work out why locos are stalling on the electrofrog point. IMG_20151217_153035629 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20151217_153020386 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Leading into the main sidings area and what will be the loco area. IMG_20151217_153022999 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr This picture shows the main station area. It is two main lines with a 3rd loop and two additional lines shown in the picture that terminate at the station. These are wired up with the Gaugemaster lighted points shown in the second picture. These make a huge difference to the layout and are really simple to install. I will be buying more once I know what is happening in other areas. IMG_20151217_153012910 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20151113_163821648 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I had considered having the line closest to the camera as a DMU storage siding, but I will now be removing the fencing that had been painted and installed and placing a platform there, think it will look much better. Will also make this area a bit more interesting. The picture also shows the start of the retaining wall facing the incline that I am constructing. Ballast was plaved to see what it would look like and it makes a difference. I just need to decide how to deal with the coping and buttress that will hid the joins and make the top neater. IMG_20151113_161732301 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr This picture shows the main station area and the incline that I am still deciding will be either another access to elevated sidings or just a roadway to a town. Can’t decide. Thinking the latter tbh, will minimise the emphasis on rail and introduce another dimension. IMG_20151217_152954059 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20151217_152945643 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr One of the biggest jobs that I have tackled was the under board wiring. I must admit this took many hours and was a massive learning curve for me. But after some choice words and scratching (and banging of head) working out what shorts were (one was literally red being black and vice versa – but took an age to find!). I am really happy that it is all wired to work and the point work as they should (aside from the earlier mentioned double slip). 20151129_133228 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20151129_133224 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr SO, it may not look like loads has happened, but progress is being made and I am now fully behind modern image you may have noticed J. There have been some good purchases of recent and I am aiming to get the full loop in over the Xmas break to allow continuous running. On a side note, I recently brought 66952 for a very good price (well considering what they all go for at the moment) and it is a ery good runner in excellent condition, aside from the fact that it has had nameplates fitted (it never carried them did it?). Anyway, any suggestions how to deal with the 20151103_204457 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20151103_205036 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Cheers for now. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted January 5, 2016 Author Share Posted January 5, 2016 Quick update on my lunchbreak. Managed to get quite a few hours on the layout at the weekend and finally I have completed the Up/Down loops for the layout. Picture below shows this as it was occurring. 20160103_110708 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I haven’t managed to get an overall picture of the completed loop, but this one shows the loop completed with the stabling area and depot building progress to date as well. I have opted for two main areas. Closest to the camera will be large enough for 5 car loco hauled engines or a loco +6 wagons. Area to the back of picture is a 4 lane engine sidings with a further ¾ lanes right at the back under construction for what is yet to either be intermodal or coal/aggregate yard. 20160103_214512 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr This picture shows the area a bit more detail. 20160103_214218 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr View looking from intermodal side. This is currently being constructed and I haven’t actually decided on the layout just yet here. All other track is pinned down and is bus fed in and is working very reliably. I have also wired up all points and drilled out the holes ready for point motors using the Megapoints system. I have also wired up a single depot light for a trial just now. Works very well and I will now buy more of these and wire on a separate DC source. 20160103_212703 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr View form the back of the depot area. 20160103_212714 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Now I have finally got the main loop in and working, I can concentrate on getting the station finished and adding detail to the diesel area. I have some Knightwing kits that will be built over the coming weeks. Not sure I am a fan of the Hornby shed though and this may have to be replaced with something a bit more modern looking – expect to be shot done now and told it is… J 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejab95 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Looks great! I really like the look of the TMD area! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Looking great keep it up David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Looking forward to new update on this now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 Hi All, I am aware that I have been away for ages, but there has been some movement on the layout development during my away time. Not as much as I’d like, but it is beginning to start to look like a railway! Update on slow progress. Beginning to get there now. Slowly. Also spent the time renumbering the locos in the ECoS. The original sidings have no longer got an East and west exit. The west exit has been removed and the sidings have been straightened to allow for the underpass for lower levels to be constructed. 2+8 HST sets can be stored comfortably now and this has allowed me to take them out of storage from last year! As they were IMG_20151217_153048918 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160222_201552 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr As they are now! 20160306_193404 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160306_193436 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I have recently started to add a lower station area, where access will be gained from the area where the old sidings have been removed from. There will be a single track access that becomes 3 bays along the bottom, just to the back of the area in the picture below. You can see the point where access will be made at the back of this picture. 20160306_193404 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160228_113333 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160228_105631 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr New point work installed at dead end of layout lower section. This will enable diesels to run round and swap ends during Running. I will install points at the other end as well. This is where the superb N gauge scissor crossing would work amazingly 20160306_193421 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Another view of new sidings. And the small works completed on the Lower level. 20160306_193359 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Hard standing area been made out of plastikard for engine area. Rough and ready now, but will get sprayed shortly. 20160306_193428 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Some general layout pictures. 20160229_203056 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160229_203058 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160222_201552 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160229_203039 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr 20160222_201602 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Ballast isn’t fully complete yet – in that it’s glued down. I have been experimenting with the best way of laying it and find it so boring, but important really! Cheers 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 Looking great keep it up David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 Like the station building Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSE DAZ Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 Good variety of stock there Keep up the good work Darren NSE DAZ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 (edited) It has been a while since I last updated and there has been some large changes to what was developing at Hewenden West. The layout has been located from what was the 2nd living room it occupied and it now lives in what was the box bedroom. This room is 2.0m wide and 3.5m long, although there is a kink where the door opens into the room. IMG_20160404_165654391_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr While the layout has shrunk, this has in my eyes made the layout much more manageable to develop and I am enjoying what is happening with it so far! As with previous layouts, there will be two main areas. Right hand side as you walk in will be a station that is partially hidden and undercover to give the impression of bigger trains in this area. The inspiration for this has to go to New Bryford (thanks Mick) and I like the fact that trains will not look odd using this clever approach, it also means that there is less platform building. Station entrance will again be similar to above and be above the tunnelled section of line. IMG_20160404_165744644_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20160411_074456117 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20160404_165802805 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20160404_165752875_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I intend the area to the left of the station to house 2/3 lines for stabling EMU and DMU’s, these will comfortably hold 4/5 car units, and so the only realistic HST would be a GC unit! Area to the left of the layout will be the main Diesel Depot area, I haven’t fully decided on what this will look like yet, but I am currently scribbling when bored of reviewing reports at work! IMG_20160411_074501973 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr There will be some scenic areas as well. Layout has the main two loops in and these are now fully wired for DCC running. Although my points are disagreeing with the Class 08 that I recently brought. I thought I had wired then well enough and no other loco struggles. I may ditch the 08 and use a 66 on shunting duties perhaps – much like DB are doing these days. There is a plan to have a single internal branch line that runs as a loop as well, just to make it a bit more interesting. Only issue I have is that because of the tight radius of curves by the door, I could not build sidings for freight workings. I need to try and be inventive with this and clever suggestions from you all would be greatly appreciated. I intend on running 5-6 rake freight workings – dependent on size of wagon, this may increase to 8 perhaps. IMG_20160411_074505672 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Hopefully the update is of interest. The biggest lump of time was dismantling the old layout (so that track and points would be reused and then building the new baseboards. I had learned that the 12mm thick boards were just too big to handle, so these have made it to the garage for now to be used in the loft and new 6mm thick boards were brought. These are much better and while I know they are chipboard, I thought I would stick with what I knew worked for me. Cheers Edited April 15, 2016 by GEOEng03 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed a/c Posted April 17, 2016 Share Posted April 17, 2016 Looking forward to seeing this develop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted July 10, 2017 Author Share Posted July 10, 2017 Hi All, A lot has happened since I last posted here last April (which is over a year ago now!). The layout was dismantled and everything sold (the sole survivor being 66720, which i could not bring myself to part with and the recent dark half of the LUL 66's), why i concentrated on other things. Those other things included a promotion and a relocation from West Yorkshire to South Devon, an opportunity that was just too good to miss. We spent the best part of 7 months in a rental while we searched and sold properties and we are now permanent residents of the the SW, living just outside Teignmouth (good for many reasons, including the GWR line between Newton Abbot and Exeter) and i am now settled into the new role. After attending the recent Exeter show, i was hooked again and want to get going - once the list of jobs that need funds has dwindled somewhat. So, i am now back and after much pontificating over what to do and which region/era (trust me modern image GWR was on the cards), i have plumped for the East Coast region again. I am just a big fan of this line and feel the diversity of rolling stock, makes it an attractive option, there is also the premium that GWR stuff attracts that put me off. This time i intend on sticking with this region religiously, just because it becomes very expensive otherwise and will model it around VTEC, EC, GC, XC and EMT (which is why i have been drawn to this area, with plenty of stock, but mainly GBRf and FL. The wife has also said that surely i only need several locos and shouldn't buy that many! She has a very valid point, but... So, more on the layout. I intend on keeping the name from before (Hewenden West, but may place New at the front), the wife suggesting this (likely because she was born and lived in the village adjacent to the viaduct for most of her life - and she was the first one to jump at the relocation!!!) and the size of the room i intend on using is similar to the last incarnation it had. The room i have is the box room in the new house, measuring some 3m x 2.3 at its biggest, but more typically likely to be 2.4m x 2.3 with a dog leg. Below are a few pictures of the room IMG_20170709_164805527_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20170709_164805527_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr IMG_20170709_164802139_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr The next link shows a plan of the working area for the room. IMG_20170710_144643495 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr The next picture shows the two options that I am considering for the layout. Option 1, will form a end to end layout, while Option 2 will form the same end to end layout, but will have additional fill in wood placed to make it a more roundy layout. The layout is not as big as i would like, but it gets me modelling and allows me to explore many options. Not sure whether to move on with Option 1 and then see how i feel with the second option. But i would like to purchase at least one full set for the 43/91. Other Power cars will be placed as stock movers only or in the depot area with no rolling stock. IMG_20170710_144658565 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr I think that there is plenty of scope to develop this layout and i intend on trying to have a separate elevated branchline above the main layout to give it some depth - whether there is space is another matter! Comments and criticisms always welcome. Cheers for now. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempfix Rich Papper Posted July 25, 2017 Tempfix Share Posted July 25, 2017 Looking good already. My first thought - given that you now own the house, have you thought about reversing the door so it opens outwards? Would give you a bit more room and avoid dog-legging? If you leave the gaps where the hinges were you can easily switch it back again if you need to sell. Obviously domestic permission would be necessary. Rich 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigwife007 Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 Yes do consider reversing door. It will be worth the effort. Especially with the dog leg in the room. In fact in pic three it appear there's far more than one. Good luck I'm following this one Dan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted July 26, 2017 Author Share Posted July 26, 2017 Hi Rich, What a flipping great idea! I need to see how the wife would respond to that, but it wouldn't be in the way as the hall way is quite large! I have been looking at installing a pair of helixs at each end and having a siding storage area underneath the layout - this would then allow me to run prototypical length rakes for the HST and 91's that i am building up. Need to explore this other option though, but i do like the idea of helix's as this will limit the area i need to detail and scenic up to <5m length, thus allowing me to feel like i am getting somewhere with it. Excellent threads by the way. Working my way through them when i get 5 minutes. Love the workbench thread, is psyching me up to start hacking away at my 91 and mk4 sets and give them a keen systems update... Hi Dan, There is 3 in the picture, always appear when you don;t want them too and then when you want a picture - no where to be seen!!! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted October 31, 2019 Author Share Posted October 31, 2019 It has been quite a while since I last updated on this. After some decisions looming about future/career etc…, we are staying put for a while in Devon and I have bagged one of the slightly larger bedrooms to get going again. After a lull period of not knowing what to do or how to proceed and getting on the US wagon for a short while, I am now after visiting recent exhibitions, enthused and progressing again. The layout occupies an area of some 2.4m(w) by 3.6m(l), being around 1m off the ground and made of 9mm ply, each section around 1.2m length, and bolted together. The intention, as with Willow Creek, is to have a loop, to allow locos to stretch there legs and will largely be based in the SW of England, using the stock I have kept hold off, mostly HST’s, but a few 800’s as well. At the moment the plan is to have two main tracks that will loop the layout, which expand to 4 tracks in the platform area shown below, joining at curved points at each end, with a further spur off to enable access to what will be a modern stabling shed, that I will scratch build. The back end of the layout (away from the door) will have a covered section for a built area and elevated station access, to allow hiding of longer trains. I can hide a 2+7 just in this area, but will be 2+4 and 5car IET’s with other ones as well. Layout is to be DCC and will use NCE Powercab. All points are being made to be controlled remotely and my soldering skills are being put to the test. I have acquired over the past 12months, a large amount of point motors, signals and other electrics and scenery items to allow the layout to grow and I intend on using and trying for the first time block and timed signals – which I will update as I try and possibly fail. The wide has said that I have more functional stuff than just trains this time so, I really must give a go. The station end is mostly in and droppers installed, so the plan is to wire up and test, while I decide what will go on the left or window side of the layout, as a run off the main two lines. Wife wants grass and cows, I want minerals and industrial… Anyway, some update pictures to date. Portrait view of station area and how it will run for 4 platforms. IMG_20191031_083254478 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Close up of points in area to station IMG_20191031_083301124 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Close up of what will become the joint to allow bridged access into the room. This is a big new aspect for me and I am sure that it will work well, just need to figure this aspect out. IMG_20191031_083313375 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Side view from same area. IMG_20191031_083306802 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr Looking 180 opposite direction across the station towards the room entrance. IMG_20191031_083337915 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr It has taken me a couple of weekends to get to the stage, but I have been careful and tried to be as neat as possible on the straights and curves. I know that the sleepers spacings are not the best, but given this is my first real attempt, I was happy to allow this. The clearance to platforms seems ok, could be better, but the confines of the space I have make it hard to take much more room. Operationally, the 2 additional positions at the station, give me storage room while running trains around. Track is Peco Code 75 and I am using ElectroFrog point work. Majority is concrete, aside from the curved points and some connecting trackwork. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempfix Rich Papper Posted October 31, 2019 Tempfix Share Posted October 31, 2019 Good to hear that plans are still afoot. If it helps at all with the bridging section, some pics of my home one. My layout is on top of Ikea Ivar shelves so about 4 1/2 feet off the ground, but still didn't fancy the bending to get in the room. 1. When laying the track across all joins of mine I put in a strip of hardwood (Eileen's good for this sort of thing) the same height as the cork and then used araldite to stick down a couple of copper clad sleepers for each board. Then laid track over, soldered rails, and then sawed through with a fine razor saw. The bit on the left in this picture is the removable section. 2. It rests on a length of batten each side with alignment dowels in it. Think mine came from Station Road Baseboards (here), but are available on ebay too. 3. Bridging piece. Made just like a regular baseboard but smaller. Here you can see electrical connection to dowels - I used them to make the electrical connection to the track. 4. And in place from underneath. Only issue I had was having to borrow a more powerful soldering iron to attach the wires to the dowels as the pegs absorb quite a lot of heat before the solder will attach. 5. And from above. Hope this helps. Has worked fine for me for seven years now and I had a similar arrangement on a previous layout. Sorry for picture overload but always find it easier than explaining! Looking forward to more. Rich 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEOEng03 Posted November 8, 2019 Author Share Posted November 8, 2019 HI Rich, Sorry for the delay in replying - thanks for the comprehensive response as well. I do like the robust look of your solution... and you have shown me how to make the 9mm ply not as flexi. With regards to the copper clad sleepers. I am struggling to find where these come from. Not that proficient at Google apparently - could you help with your source perhaps? That is what has probably stopped me from going any further TBH. Did some signal installation at the weekend, not sure I like the fidelity of the wires that come with these things... OOI, what is the span between the two boards for your bridge? Not sure I could adopt the same pin solution you have (well as conductors), but the whole stereo plugs seem a good idea for me to connect broken wires. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempfix Rich Papper Posted November 9, 2019 Tempfix Share Posted November 9, 2019 Hello The gap on mine is 78cm. A bit random (I think it was dictated by the curves used either side) but more than enough space to get in and out. As for copper clad sleepers, I'm pretty sure that mine came from C&L Finescale at a show, but seem to be available online here, but on looking Wizard Models seems to offer something very similar and a bit cheaper here. Probably more than you'll ever need, but I use short lengths of them for other things too - to connect pickups on coach bogies most recently. While looking I also noticed this item from the USA, but pretty much the same thing and probably more expensive. One thing to look out for is the variable thickness of the copper clad bits. People who hand make their own track tend to use quite shallow sleepers, these listed are thicker as you want them nearer the thickness of the Peco track or you'll end up needing a lot of solder. You do of course need to file a little gap in the middle of each sleeper at some point. Once painted in and ballasted they're no more noticable than the joint itself. Good luck Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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