Ron Heggs Posted October 13, 2016 Share Posted October 13, 2016 (edited) Back in May of this year I was asked whether I would be prepared to get involved in producing scratch built models in HO scale, of various railway related structures for a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. After series of discussions I agreed my part in this project The Project - Chrissleisure (Pvt) Ltd, a Company dealing with the hospitality industry is on course to create Sri Lanka's largest model train project in HO scale at a popular holiday resort in the high mountains of Sri Lanka The layout of approx. 2,500 sq ft will feature the scenic railway from Demodera to Haputale, passing through Ella, known among many of the tourists to Sri Lanka, and winding its way past beautiful tea estates, gushing waterfalls, lakes and fields through the stations of Bandarawela, Diyathalawa and onto Haputale, nestled at 1431 meters above sea level The project is expected to open for the public in early 2017 The project requires good modellers to undertake some of the other structures. About 100 plus structures of buildings, bridges, tunnels, etc. Those interested in more details, and a passion to be involved in the project may contact Christo Perera, Chairman / Managing Director of the Company on +94 716 805900 or christo.perera@chrisslogix.com My part in Stage 1 of this project involves the production of the following fifteen models - 2 Arch Viaduct, Demodara 3 Arch Viaduct, Ella 4 Arch Viaduct, Demodara 9 Arch Viaduct, Demodara Demodara Bridge Bandarawela Station Bandarawela Bus Station Demodara Station Diyathalawa Station Ella Station Haputale Station St. Andrews Church, Haputale Heel Oya Station Kinigama Station Kithalella station The first three completed models - Nine Arch Viaduct - Located between Ella and Demodara The model is 1350mm long and 420mm high with a single track deck. It is designed to be freestanding whilst it is being incorporated into the valley landscape Demodara Station – A popular destination to enjoy the experience of viewing the Demodara Loop which the railway line takes to travel around a hill to pass through a tunnel under the station as it continues over Demodara Bridge on towards Badulla. Without this diversion route the gradient would exceed the maximum allowed on Sri Lankan Railways The platform length is 1425mm long. The approach platform from the south is straight, and it curves through the station Demodara Station Goods Sheds - These three sheds are approximately 100m south of the station on a goods loop line. There are now disused and in a state of disrepair Demodara Bridge – This bridge is approximately 200 metres from the tunnel exit towards Badulla over the Badulu Oya River The model is 960mm long and 165mm high with a single track deck. It is designed to be freestanding whilst it is being incorporated into the river valley landscape .. more pictures to follow as the remaining models are completed Edited October 14, 2016 by Ron Heggs 14 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted October 13, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 13, 2016 Oh boy - I've been commissioned to build the Demodera Tea Factory - I have a rather high bar to reach to match your exquisite models. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian Smeeton Posted October 13, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 13, 2016 Absolutely exquisite. I have to say that when I saw your name on the Topic, I had the horrible thought that you had done a 'Larry', ripped up and scrappped the whole of Manchester Central, and had gone 'Native' Phew!!! Best Regards Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 15, 2016 Author Share Posted October 15, 2016 Oh boy - I've been commissioned to build the Demodera Tea Factory - I have a rather high bar to reach to match your exquisite models. Are you likely to post your build - it would be interesting to see your methods on such a large structure. I did prepare drawings for the cutting machine, for the main factory building and some of the associated buildings, but couldn't meet the deadline of mid-December with all the other structures being built. If you want some pictures of the site, about a dozen or so, I could PM them to you Cheers Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardian Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 Wow! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PhilH Posted October 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 15, 2016 Need an emoticon for jaw hitting the floor....as above, wow! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted October 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 15, 2016 Are you likely to post your build - it would be interesting to see your methods on such a large structure. I did prepare drawings for the cutting machine, for the main factory building and some of the associated buildings, but couldn't meet the deadline of mid-December with all the other structures being built. If you want some pictures of the site, about a dozen or so, I could PM them to you Cheers Ron Hi Ron, Yes, once the build is underway I'll post some pictures. Anything you have in the way of pictures would be most welcome, thank you. Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christo Perera Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 Hi my friends, It's very pleasing to see the great work Ron has done for me. Thanks for posting Ron and I must say I would have been totally lost without you. Hey Stu, so you can see what's happening with this project. You have some work cut out but based on the initial drawing you sent, I am sure it's a piece of cake in the end. Pls keep up the good work and the creativity going. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christo Perera Posted October 16, 2016 Share Posted October 16, 2016 Here some images of the real life structures for comparison purposes. It's great work by Ron. 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted October 16, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 16, 2016 Ron As always, some outstanding modelling, did you use your normal test loading method on the bridges? The weathering on that tin shed is exquisite. Thanks for posting, I can now understand why Manchester Central has taken a back seat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGR Hooper! Posted October 16, 2016 Share Posted October 16, 2016 Excellent stuff! I myself dabble with a bit of Indian HO scale stuff.... A few Sri Lankan engines, DEMUs and coaches are on my to-do-list. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 16, 2016 Author Share Posted October 16, 2016 Interesting project indeed. But it begs the question: how are you going to get such delicate and sizeable models in one piece to effectively the other side of the planet w/o reducing them to their constituent parts? I know, several large package shippers exist, but local staff might not be so familiar with the required care for these "fragile" models. PS: I notice Google has some StreetView imagery nearby, might be handy! With the exception of the Nine Arch Viaduct, all the models are designed so that the overall length of each piece of the model is no longer than about 600mm - 2 feet. The Viaduct deck is in one piece with each of the nine piers being separate to be plugged into the underside of the arched deck There are always going to be exceptions such as the stations with long canopies All the models are packed first in foamboard with cut-outs to hold and support them, then within strong cardboard boxes, and finally wrapped in plastic sheeting Christo is personally arranging for the transporting of the models to Sri Lanka I have been able to find a great number of suitable pictures on the web, including Google Maps/Streetview images. Although not all structures are accessible to Google's Camera Car. Christo has also been a great help in adding additional pictures for some of the detail requirements which are not usually seen on 'tourist' photographs All in all, it is a remarkable and fast moving experience to be involved in producing some very interesting buildings and structures very different from my own layout Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 16, 2016 Author Share Posted October 16, 2016 Ron As always, some outstanding modelling, did you use your normal test loading method on the bridges? The weathering on that tin shed is exquisite. Thanks for posting, I can now understand why Manchester Central has taken a back seat. No load testing of the bridge spans as track/deck width is rather too tight, and also fairly short, so any deflection would not be noticeable The viaducts don't pose any loading problems because of the depth of the deck structure and the arches are relatively narrow This is my first attempt at weathering structures taking it slowly with plenty of light coats Ron 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 Bandarawela Bus Station The first stages of the model of Bandarawela Bus Station which is directly across the tracks from the Railway Station (to be shown in a later post) - .. and after painting and some assembly - Windows and Roofing still to be added 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted October 17, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 17, 2016 Ron, Are you giving any consideration to the difference in temperature for where these models will be situated ? Whilst I appreciate your location in Spain is considerably warmer than Cornwall, will there be any chance of the models not coping with any additional temperature in Sri Lanka ? Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 View of the rear of the Bandarawela Bus Station from the Railway Station - Bandarawela Railway Station View of underside of main station canopy The latest stage of the model build - - more to follow 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 Ron, Are you giving any consideration to the difference in temperature for where these models will be situated ? Whilst I appreciate your location in Spain is considerably warmer than Cornwall, will there be any chance of the models not coping with any additional temperature in Sri Lanka ? Stu Hi, Stu I have already given Christo an outline of temperature and humidity requirements, which he was already having to deal with for the layout baseboards, etc.. The preference is to keep styrene/ABS as the main modelling media, as this would obviate any concerns with regard to humidity problems with the use of wood and card, and the use of mixed media in the models You could ask Christo if you have any specific concerns Cheers Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christo Perera Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 Excellent stuff! I myself dabble with a bit of Indian HO scale stuff.... A few Sri Lankan engines, DEMUs and coaches are on my to-do-list. Hi Hooper, Let me in on the Sri Lankan locos you are doing. Interesting to see what you have on offer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christo Perera Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 Ron, Are you giving any consideration to the difference in temperature for where these models will be situated ? Whilst I appreciate your location in Spain is considerably warmer than Cornwall, will there be any chance of the models not coping with any additional temperature in Sri Lanka ? Stu Actually Stu the project will be in a cooler climate condition. Maximum day time temperature will not exceed 15 celcius. So humidity will not be an issue. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted October 18, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 18, 2016 Ron Thanks for another master class in plastic civil engineering. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted October 18, 2016 Author Share Posted October 18, 2016 I hope you are all enjoying the 'ride' with a difference There is a lot more to come Cheers Ron 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Just takes your breath away, the audacity of the whole thing - almost a Sri Lankan "Pendon" project. If HO gauge is being used for the track, what scale will the engines and rolling stock be to reflect the 5'6" gauge? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Heggs Posted November 8, 2016 Author Share Posted November 8, 2016 Just takes your breath away, the audacity of the whole thing - almost a Sri Lankan "Pendon" project. If HO gauge is being used for the track, what scale will the engines and rolling stock be to reflect the 5'6" gauge? The track will be HO gauge at 16.5mm, not 19.25/19.27mm, but the locos, etc. will be 1:87 or 3.5mm/ft scale Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGR Hooper! Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Hi Hooper, Let me in on the Sri Lankan locos you are doing. Interesting to see what you have on offer. Send me a PM and we'll have a word! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGR Hooper! Posted November 9, 2016 Share Posted November 9, 2016 Hi Hooper, Let me in on the Sri Lankan locos you are doing. Interesting to see what you have on offer. Sent you a PM... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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