Jump to content
 

Scratch built HO models for model train project in Sri Lanka


Ron Heggs
 Share

Recommended Posts

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

 

post-10633-0-04972400-1476372158_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-49261100-1476372341_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-36941200-1476372190_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-56516300-1476372215_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-92356600-1476372375_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-34455300-1476372231_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-92105900-1476372261_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-61116100-1476372297_thumb.jpg

 

 

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

 

post-10633-0-81766900-1476372567_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-30219800-1476372589_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-97547100-1476372613_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-26347200-1476372647_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-11140900-1476372680_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-36159100-1476372712_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-76366000-1476374058_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-51991200-1476372770_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-60950300-1476372805_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-59120900-1476372923_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-59412700-1476372968_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-18051100-1476372988_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-95027800-1476373005_thumb.jpg

 

 

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

 

post-10633-0-48919300-1476373102_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-00393500-1476373128_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-84525600-1476373144_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-35884200-1476373180_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-67398100-1476373208_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-75181000-1476373247_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-14815400-1476373286_thumb.jpg

 

 

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

 

post-10633-0-67958100-1476373352_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-62962900-1476373371_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-58418400-1476373393_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-16198600-1476373412_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-17361100-1476373425_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-33556900-1476373438_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-66665600-1476373539_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-60786700-1476373553_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-18158200-1476374109_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-73025400-1476373592_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-69369500-1476373620_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-71739100-1476373635_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-28317600-1476373528_thumb.jpg

 

.. more pictures to follow as the remaining models are completed

 

Edited by Ron Heggs
  • Like 14
  • Craftsmanship/clever 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

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

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

  • RMweb Gold

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

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.

  • Like 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Bandarawela Bus Station

 

post-10633-0-99642800-1476726544_thumb.jpg

 

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) -

 

post-10633-0-58136500-1476723189_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-00112400-1476723210_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-56066700-1476723235_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-14524400-1476723266_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-06569900-1476723293_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-37752800-1476723312_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-51932900-1476723331_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-86373600-1476723364_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-72319700-1476723385_thumb.jpg

 

.. and after painting and some assembly -

 

post-10633-0-71185200-1476726112_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-45867400-1476726139_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-33230600-1476726166_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-85879100-1476726190_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-86408200-1476726213_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-09060400-1476726239_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-50554100-1476726268_thumb.jpg

 

Windows and Roofing still to be added

  • Like 11
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Gold

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

View of the rear of the Bandarawela Bus Station from the Railway Station -

 

post-10633-0-34852100-1476726964_thumb.jpg

 

Bandarawela Railway Station

 

post-10633-0-23524600-1476726877.jpg

 

View of underside of main station canopy

 

post-10633-0-24956800-1476728091_thumb.jpg

 

The latest stage of the model build -

 

post-10633-0-00019900-1476727442_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-74570100-1476727253_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-31391500-1476727273_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-97911200-1476727549_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-97911200-1476727549_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-72719200-1476727582_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-77174400-1476727613_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-27863700-1476727627_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-02046500-1476727648_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-32708500-1476727661_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-12535100-1476727673_thumb.jpg

 

post-10633-0-14887800-1476727685_thumb.jpg

 

- more to follow

 

  • Like 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

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

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...