Jump to content
 

Warren Lane (formally The Layout Formally Known as Warren Lane, and Wulfruna) again...


Satan's Goldfish
 Share

Recommended Posts

Half a really long fiddle yard... more progress.

 

20190928_181524.jpg.10b1266d8b5fbca2425b03e2cd2c0f04.jpg

 

Saw Alan and Maggie at the Bury st Edmund's show earlier (plus Dan and Mick, all exhibiting Fenwick TMD) and had a good catch up. The layout is now back to being known as Warren Lane (rather than TLFKAWL (The Layout Formally Known As Warren Lane)) as Alan has passed the name on :) that should save a bit of confusion, thank you Alan.

  • Like 8
Link to post
Share on other sites

Rain on a metal shed roof is very loud.

 

Started laying track at the headshunt end, but I've run out of code 75 fish plates now :(

 

The headshunt line itself is code 100 rather than 75 as I have quite a bit of that spare, rail head filled down to match 75 where it meets the scenic board. Using 100 has been useful for playing around the point geometry to get it layed out, but the 'flexi' track turns out to be some odd Hornby lengths that really don't like flexing! The webbing is only cut on 1 side too so had to cut the other to persuade it around the curve.

 

20190929_170435.jpg.ca420f1b24dae7c84e006529b3134de9.jpg

 

20190929_170504.jpg.f9ddcbd726ecd1027e746aa229361127.jpg

 

20190929_170522.jpg.bec18ae7bf6e0fadbccc1aaef577bf3e.jpg

 

 

  • Like 10
Link to post
Share on other sites

Supply stock up tomorrow so I can carry on track laying.

 

Meanwhile, making the most of a quiet late shift I've had a draw up of the current layout plan as it's all kind of been made up as I go rather than following any of the previous well thought out designs (bad omen for how far off script I'm likely to go with the wiring then...)

 

1769445124_ProposedModifications.jpg.e1690a7b4fbdd5fce7a454d09726eee4.jpg

 

It's a kind of to scale/best guestimate combo. There's only a few gaps left in track laying to finish up before the wiring stage starts, but the above shows the end aim.

 

I'm possibly starting to complicate the fiddle yard electrically in my head; the aim is to have an electrical break half way along it so each line can hold 2x 8ft trains or 1x 16ft train, which is simple enough. Then I reasoned that actually there's quite a bit of wasted space with each 4 car emu or short freight (nuclear flask) in that format, and where the board joints are could comfortably let each track hold 3x 5ft trains instead, or 1x 5ft and 1x 11ft. To cover all eventualities that would see each storage track split into 4 sections (5ft, 3ft, 3ft, 5ft) and double the amount of train position sensors and wiring required to make it work.... still debating that...

 

Speaking with Alan at the weekend, he said he'd come up and help with the scenic alterations as I'm petrified of messing up his work. The main bit is removing most of the big grassy bank to increase the size of the container yard and seeing what state the old original hardstanding hiding underneath is in. That will make enough flat width for a Faller HGV to turn through 180 degrees. Still not worked out exactly where a system would run through the yard but at least turning at both ends is then fairly obvious... with what I've done so far maybe I shouldn't worry about drawing it down anyway ;)

  • Like 6
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Still getting bits laid as and when I can. The 4 missing turnouts have been bought and it feels like the end is in sight now. The far end is fully laid, just middle and headshunt end of the fiddle yard to go as and when time allows :)

20191019_143928.jpg.b18b695c715d6dd5c0fe206de4b97244.jpg

 

 

 

I've been mulling over the issue of how many sections to split each fiddle line into and think I've got a solution. All lines will be laid with the central electrical break as per the diagram (future proofing) but on 2 lines in each direction the break will be bridged and those lines split into 3 sections at the board joins. This gives scope for up to 10x trains to be stored in each direction (more usually 9, 1x long freight takes up 2 sections), 4x at a maximum of 8' long and 6x at a maximum of 5', or longer freights taking up more than 1x section. Working out what trains are required for normal operations this seems to be the most efficient format, although this is by no means set in stone such is the perils of more stock than storage space and any visiting stock to accomodate. Both directions have a similar selection of services and vaguely balanced to normal operating patterns, when fully automated it will run 1x train from each line (shuffle up the train held behind) then switch to the next line:

 

8ft 1a: 1x 86/DBSO push/pull☆

      1b: 1x container service▪

8ft 2a: freight (tankers, aggregates, steel, etc)

      2b: mail (TPO) or double EMU*

5ft 3a: single EMU

      3b: single EMU or 302 parcels unit*

      3c: short freight (nuclear flask, engineers)

5ft 4a: DMU or loco+4 DMU replacement 

      4b+c: long freight (cartics, enterprise/speedlink, mgr, etc)

 

☆or HST, 87/90/91 push/pull, hauled passenger stock (class 86 on NSE mk2s (West Anglia Mainline)), etc, depending where and when the layout is pretending to be... 

▪by sharing express passenger services with container services on the same storage line should mean the Express service runs round the layout more often as the container service will sometimes be held 'on scene'.

*Mail/parcels services in opposite directions.

  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

Hi Matt

 

How about the section break being two feet away from the exit point in each direction.  Than any combination of short or long trains can be held on each siding as the lead loco is isolated on the short isolated section and the other train is isolated anywhere behind it.

  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hi Matt

 

How about the section break being two feet away from the exit point in each direction.  Than any combination of short or long trains can be held on each siding as the lead loco is isolated on the short isolated section and the other train is isolated anywhere behind it.

 

Hi Clive,

 

Nice idea, but doesn't work with push/pull sets if the loco is at the push end, or running something like a pair of 312 EMUs each with their own motor bogie. Sensor positions for the eventual automatic running could still only come into play at fixed positions anyway so I may as well just work with predetermined block sizes. 

 

 

Managed to get more track laying done earlier, but looks like I'm going to run out of Flexi track tomorrow :( suspect I'm 2 or 3 lengths short and don't know when I'll be able to get out for some more. Oh well, as long as at least 1 fiddle line is complete in each direction it could be worth starting on wiring...

  • Like 1
  • Informative/Useful 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

I knew as soon as posted it , Matt will say what about the push/pull trains. Well I have a solution on the Norwich bound trains you motorise the driving coach and take the motor out the loco. For those destined for London you have the loco motorised. As for class 312s............................let me come back on that one.

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm hoping I don't need to make any bits of track shorter than this, less than the length of the fish plates....

 

20191020_130335.jpg.2400be1c1dac1e7d294d28277a84c94c.jpg

 

 

Run out of flexi track and fish plates :( need 3 more lengths as predicted. But I have managed lay track all the way around on both lines :)

 

20191020_134657.jpg.aacadd73cc862d6a7c90e5246ce3a7e4.jpg

 

20191020_134932.jpg.8c8a3a765f11c0302ca6cc8b3a797217.jpg

 

20191020_134734.jpg.43e4827729c0aff8299284cb93940c57.jpg

 

20191020_135142.jpg.2408e886b3074fac83396349cc0e9b48.jpg

  • Like 6
  • Friendly/supportive 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Marcus-Jay said:

Could always do DCC :laugh_mini:

 

Let me think about that... ;)

 

(Although I will make it so all tracks on each of the 3 lines can be independently all live so if someone wants to play with DCC and sound fitted items they can do, they've just got to bring it all themselves!)

 

7 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

There is always one ..................................and it is not me this time. :D

 

I'm surprised really Clive, given how much you are an advocate and promoter of the modern simple 'just 2 wires' system, DCC and a laptop to control it all wasn't your first recommendation :lol_mini::rolleyes_mini::D

  • Like 1
  • Funny 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

:)

 

all code 75 now laid

 

20191027_142236.jpg.1f78d8b50e0a5f3b96c5c4f9e896886a.jpg

 

20191027_142250.jpg.39184e0f6dd23934da2cf85dc673757a.jpg

 

20191027_142512.jpg.3e8f1ef6a5edfcc6693d35d545f9b951.jpg

 

Just the code 100 bits for the headshunt to go. Removed the point for the 2nd loco stabling siding, it's just slightly tighter than I'm happy with to try and get 3 tracks further round, so switched isolating sections for loco stabling if it is :) the rather unflexible code 100 flexi track is spending some time on a radiator in a bid to soften it slightly. 

 

 

 

20191027_142453.jpg.4e2e348fe40b4b8c3ca36d10b5065aa4.jpg

  • Like 7
Link to post
Share on other sites

Track laying finished :)

 

The last area to lay was a bit of a t₩@+ really, only slightly more difficult than taking decent pictures in that end! Had to position a 'worse case scenario' length train in the headshunt, clear of the crossing on the scenic area leading into the yard, and use that as a clearance guide to fitting in loco stabling areas. In the end, each of the 2x loco sidings is able to hold a pair of 37s (or 2x seperatd engines of equivalent length), plus there's ended up enough space in the kick-back for another engine as well as the fuel tankers. So that's good :)

 

RES 47 as shunter on slightly over-length set of wagons. 37s in loco sidings:

 

20191103_143644.jpg.98891f2a7992690317e861a29ec9bcb2.jpg

 

20191103_143759.jpg.89c7b065f76dd08914d7e201a0c92c1b.jpg

 

20191103_143914.jpg.f7ec3a5dfae011c972f0eca5e1fe6662.jpg

 

20191103_143944.jpg.8f4ef9ba70aa50007b36b11a6f5e8faa.jpg

 

I did originally think about just having a couple of engine stabling isolating sections in the end of the headshunt, but added the turnout and stub siding that the 47 is positioned on instead. This is to stop a distracted driver that's supposed to be shunting accidentally coupling up to a stabled engine in the end of the line...... we've all been there! ;)

 

Same area with stock removed to better show the track layout. Need to take the layout apart 1 board at a time next to fit point motors and wiring.

 

20191103_144734.jpg.c91d4ece2ea06d928952074bb1e4ff70.jpg

 

20191103_144724.jpg.268d14b8018599d443aeb4e2e512041f.jpg

 

20191103_144700.jpg.a46154b9171fb63f11d92f8505680037.jpg

 

20191103_144648.jpg.a197de5d00e3b15fd268dc1d4d2e4865.jpg

  • Like 9
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

By default, from electrical work going on in the workshop, I think I know which boards are going to end up getting wired first...

 

20191218_192920.jpg.8c3645b0c2a87d8d7fb0804cadb0d8ad.jpg

 

Had to start somewhere, end curves it is as they're now on the floor :) ... just got to finish the workshop wiring and moving furniture.

 

All is not dormant in the world of Warren Lane, there's just other things going on around it. Although it did mean I found I hadn't cut the tracks properly on the board join, luckily the weight being supported by a single piece of code 75 didn't break anything.

  • Like 2
  • Friendly/supportive 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium
2 hours ago, Satan's Goldfish said:

By default, from electrical work going on in the workshop, I think I know which boards are going to end up getting wired first...

 

20191218_192920.jpg.8c3645b0c2a87d8d7fb0804cadb0d8ad.jpg

 

Had to start somewhere, end curves it is as they're now on the floor :) ... just got to finish the workshop wiring and moving furniture.

 

All is not dormant in the world of Warren Lane, there's just other things going on around it. Although it did mean I found I hadn't cut the tracks properly on the board join, luckily the weight being supported by a single piece of code 75 didn't break anything.

Is S Wolf happy you are wrecking her new big kennel?

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I've been busy with overdue electrical work and other bits and pieces in the workshop so the layout is taking a back seat for the moment. However, I noticed earlier I seem to have gained some wobbly storage tracks :( I'm not sure why, it was warmer in the workshop when the track was laid so that rules heat expansion out. Unfortunately access to that board is blocked while I finish other bits in the workshop so I can't get a closer look. Just hope it's nothing serious...

 

20191227_160338.jpg.f9a5dd978bb44cd1f26636d591af92f7.jpg

  • Friendly/supportive 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Change of subject, and not intermodal related at all; I've lost track of which manufacturers have released aircon mk2 (d/e/f) coaches, but have any of them released a BFK/BFO yet? or is that still needing an airfix cut and shut job to make? Ta.

 

Might get to look at that wobbly track soon, workbench frame is due in this weekend and hopefully it will then be less chaotic :)

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

It's been a busy and exhausting time in Goldfish Manor, which has seen plenty of domestic changes and long distance driving, which has meant Warren Lane has had to take a bit of a back seat this year so far. The workshop needs a little TLC to get tidy and usable again, but I've booked a week off work later this month so I can actually have some sorely needed 'me' time rather than running around after everyone else :)

 

in one of the recent long drives this weekend I found myself passing Swindon on a day where the Replica Railways shop was open. I've not been there for a while, but found some unused Lima Mk1 coaches at a price too good to ignore. These will be added to the existing stash of mk1 and mk2 stock to make up a couple of different loco+4 sets. I've a couple of BR blue class 31s hiding in stock boxes somewhere which will go nicely with these as some mainline fodder between emu's.

 

20200302_102357.jpg.bbd346871adb9634315df3a8f35bf975.jpg

  • Like 6
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
13 hours ago, rhysnationalexpress said:

Hi "Satans Goldfish " I have just been reading through this post , loving the layout and the stock and would love to see more

Are you on Instagram or do you have a youtube channel ?

 

Rhys

 

Hi Rhys,

 

Thanks for the kind words. No separate insta etc for the layout. However if you search 'Warren lane' on YouTube you can find plenty of videos of it out at exhibitions a few years ago.

  • Agree 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...