artfull dodger Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 (edited) Nice double heading pic Phil. Thanks for posting. I found some track plans for the layout at Llanfair, which will be the first part we model. Going to do a trunicated Llanfair Caereinion to Castle Caereinion(first section reopened in preservation) along my rear fence, right after the run around loop there, the line will go around a 90' curve to the right and travel up the side fence 55 feet to Raven Square station. Going to do point to point at first with the possiblity of return baloon loops later on. Would be fun to model the entirety of the line over time, but that is more space than I have. Just going for the spirit of the line in style and flavor. Scratchbuilding the stations ect are beyond my means so I found some kits that will fit the part. LGB 45mm track will be used with R3 turnouts and R2 curves. This should keep The Earl and his Countess happy vs using my exhisting R1 turnouts and curves. Mike Edited April 7, 2017 by artfull dodger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
77philg Posted April 7, 2017 Share Posted April 7, 2017 Mike Definitely put in balloon return loops , gives the option of sitting down while the trains go by . I use peco track which have 4'6"radius points as standard . I use a rail bender to curve my curves . I'm after roughly a 5ft radii curve to a min 4'6"R My garden is not big enough either Looking forward to seeing your empire grow phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 Thats what LGB R2 is, roughly 5 foot radius. With R1 being 4.5 foot radius. The turnouts are a bit abrupt in R1 and I worry about the engines or long bogie coaches picking the frog. The R3 are more expensive but smoother in operation. I already see that the Pearse engine is more tempermental about trackwork than the Merlin, which could care less about how rough or out of level sections of my old nearly ground level line is. With our temp extremes of 98'F with 100% humidity in the late summer to 20-30 below 0'F wind chills in the winter make ground level lines a chore to keep level. The fence has every post set deep in the ground with concrete and hasn't moved or heaved in 10 years, so once the shelves are mounted and track laid, it will be a nice level and smooth line. Not going to try to model the hill and dale of the W&L! Going to keep the line as level as possible for ease of live steam. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 7, 2017 Author Share Posted April 7, 2017 Here is a pic of Countess in bits, she was in dire need of a degreasing and tightening up of loose fasteners. The smoke box supports were loose, cab had a dent from shipping and one hinge on the roof is broken off, gotta figure out how I am going to fix that part, other side is almost broken off. I am pretty good at spot soldering with my micro butane torch without destroying paint work, thinking of laying some pieces of sheet brass around the soldering area to help protect the paint on the top side of the roof, not so concerned with the paint inside the roof at the moment. RC needs updating eventualy, has 75mhz AM in it right now. Second picture is the supprise. From the pics I couldn't tell much about the cars, but for the price, the engine was a steal. The cars are the really nice W&L coaches sold thru GRS in the UK. I do have a few pieces I need to JB weld back on, one set of end steps and the end railing on one of the composite brake coach. Both cars are full of people and have battery powered lights. Mike 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold vjoneslong Posted April 10, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 10, 2017 Good looking carriages AD. Sorry to hear about the damage to Countess. I'm fairly certain that delivery chaps like to play footy with parcels. Will keep fingers crossed you can fix it. As long as the boiler and motion/chassis are undamaged it should be a relatively straight forward fix. Mad idea but why not remove the hinge completely? I often remove my roof entirely when prepping the loco to get at all the bits, so I have removed the hinge from my Lawley as it was just extra hassle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 10, 2017 Author Share Posted April 10, 2017 I was able to repair the hinge, but I did think about just making the roof unhinged and just sitting in place, I believe it would stay in place while running, even without the hinge. The coaches are really nice, just need decals now. Both have working lights as well. The damage was pre shipping I think, probably from non live steamers handing the gentlemans engines. He passed suddenly while at the huge Diamondhead USA steam up in January and he normaly took every engine he had to that event. That would explain why Countess was so filthy and such. She never got the post steam up cleaning. The damage is fixed for the most part. You can still see some ripples in the upper cab but only if you are really looking for it. I do need to find some GWR green enamel paint on my side of the pond to touch up where it flaked off, mostly inside the cab, from the damage. Or I might take the plunge and paint the inside of the cab that off white color I see others do, and the way my Merlin's cab is. Mike 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narrow Minded Posted April 11, 2017 Share Posted April 11, 2017 The notorious "sorting room five-aside-soccer league" strikes again Sorry to hear it, but glad you're on the way to getting things repaired! I've just been after some decals for my own Pickering rake - Garden Railway Specialists do them, but they're currently showing "out of stock" on their website. I've sent an email asking if and when they'll be available, so I'll let you know when I get a reply. I've used them before (and their "Cambrian alphanumeric" sheet) and can recommend them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold vjoneslong Posted April 11, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 11, 2017 I was able to repair the hinge, but I did think about just making the roof unhinged and just sitting in place, I believe it would stay in place while running, even without the hinge. The coaches are really nice, just need decals now. Both have working lights as well. The damage was pre shipping I think, probably from non live steamers handing the gentlemans engines. He passed suddenly while at the huge Diamondhead USA steam up in January and he normaly took every engine he had to that event. That would explain why Countess was so filthy and such. She never got the post steam up cleaning. The damage is fixed for the most part. You can still see some ripples in the upper cab but only if you are really looking for it. I do need to find some GWR green enamel paint on my side of the pond to touch up where it flaked off, mostly inside the cab, from the damage. Or I might take the plunge and paint the inside of the cab that off white color I see others do, and the way my Merlin's cab is. Mike Excellent news. If the ripples are still visible, it might be worth considering repainting the roof in Matt Black. When our cat tried to "do in" my Argyll, Roundhouse said they would give the roof a coat of matt black. In the end they didn't as I was lucky enough that they got it out completely. Might be worth considering if you wish to hide the damage further... Have a look at Fox Transfers https://fox-transfers.co.uk/ they do Gauge 3 transfers which are roughly the right scale and I use on my W&LLR wagons. They aren't cheap, but the quality is superb. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 11, 2017 Author Share Posted April 11, 2017 The roof isnt were the ripples are, its above the "Countess" name plates on the real thin cab platework. When running on the line, I do not even notice it. Someone just hamfisted it when they picked it up. Probably when packing at some point and by someone not familar with the engine and where not to grab the model. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold vjoneslong Posted April 12, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 12, 2017 Ah yes, I can see how that can be problematic. Poor Countess. At least she will be well looked after now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 13, 2017 Author Share Posted April 13, 2017 Here is Countess, fresh from the shops and looking much more splended and polished up. Ready for the steam up on the 22nd of this month. Mike 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold vjoneslong Posted April 13, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 13, 2017 Cracking looking engine! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
77philg Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 I've got to strip mine, on testing for the season She wouldn't light properly and the gas was lighting in the smoke box. Stripped her down replaced the gas jet ,cleaned the burner and flue. Steamed her up and she will not move forward or backwards .Steam whistle is working and forward /reverse on the motion ,so I can only assume its the servo on the speed control. Its not hydraulic lock on the cylinders either .So I may as well strip down and clean and polish . When I took delivery of the loco first time out motion fell apart and . I hit a lift out section that someone had not put back properly, Found her upside down steaming merrily with some damage to the paint work and a small dent. Couple of weeks later on another garden visit hit a low bridge which took off both whistles, so it can be a bit of a trial sometimes but we are out to enjoy ourselves . phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 13, 2017 Author Share Posted April 13, 2017 Mine only has one of the twin whistles. Which brings up the question? Why 2 whistles. Never see them use the other one on any of the videos on youtube. I need to find a bolt on smaller whistle for my Countess. I would check the timing and position of your return crank on the middle axle as to why it will not move. If the valve that switches the whistle on is working, that is also your throttle I believe. Make sure the steam stop valve in the cab is opened up a couple of turns as well. Since the return crank is not "pinned" like a Roundhouse, it is easy to knock out of timing as it can just revolve around the crank pin on the center axle. It should lean slightly forward when the side rods are at bottom dead center. The timing adjustment is bascily the same as the old Merlin engines. If even one side of the valve timing is off, the cylinders will fight each other and she will not move. I also found on my friends Earl, that the O rings that are between the valve chest and the cylinder block had perished and were allowing steam to cross over between the two. Replacing both of them stopped this. The O rings on the lines to the cylinders that are under the smoke box also needed new O rings as did the whistle/throttle valve in the right side tank. All were rock hard and flattened out, allowing lots of leaks. The one in the side tank was making an oily,watery mess of the footplate. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 13, 2017 Author Share Posted April 13, 2017 Just figured out who made the coaches, they were Brandbright kits, found them in my old catalog. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 16, 2017 Author Share Posted April 16, 2017 (edited) The backyard line above nolonger exhists, I lifted the track on Saturday. Every day, more damage was being done by the dog from digging up track to finding my telephone poles in the yard all chewed up. I am looking at 2 options, one is to copy the small elevated line I posted in another thread, which would sit directly above the old railway site, just 36" above ground level were no dogs can mess up stuff. Option 2, is to relay the ground level line that used to exhist in my front garden. The up side is no major wood building projects and the whole are is shady all day long. Down side is that its still ground level and getting the line completely level will be difficult. The line was L shaped, R1 curves and one end was much lower than the other end. So some embankment would be needed to try to ease some of those. The old front yard line was the realm of a Regner Willi(sadly nolonger available). He handled the grades ok. I am posting some pics of the old railway below for opinions. The one end of the line was expandable further along the side of the front yard once I had more track. The white stone is gone now, but that end of the railway was much lower, dropping off fast after crossing the bridge at the front, and after the curve at the rear. The ground cover has completely filled in the front area and would need lots of thinning to reveal the old right of way. I do have a supply of common red bricks to build up and enbankment. The split rail fence is gone, neighbor put up a 4 foot tall wood privacy fence. We do live at the end of a very quiet Cul De Sac, so little foot traffic or danger of vandlism. Not sure which way to go. Either way really isnt suitable to Countess and her long coaches, The Merlin would be ok, but a 4 coupled engine would be the best. Looking for others thoughts. I will say the front yard is more conductive to a UK style railway with moss and such due to the all day shade from my big trees. Mike Edited April 16, 2017 by artfull dodger 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 16, 2017 Author Share Posted April 16, 2017 I did some tests with my 4 pieces of LGB R2 track that I own, I could make the ground level front line with R2 track or R1 track. The table top set up, would be R1 only and in the hot sun till early evening. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 17, 2017 Author Share Posted April 17, 2017 (edited) Decided against putting the line back in the front garden. I like the privacy and solitude of my fenced back yard to escape into my 16mm world(important therapy for me per my therapist). And I am also done with squatting to work on the railway, I can still do it, but I pay for it for several days. So I talked to my friend about ideas that would allow me to run Countess and her coaches(which need LGB R3 curves to run). We have been talking about building a portable layout to take to shows, so we are exploring being able to do that and leave it set up out in the weather during the summer months(most shows in the USA are during the cold/snowy winter months). I would take the layout down from the back yard before the cold and snow settle in. Going to go look at PVC materials they sell in sizes similar to wood, that would give me weather proof and light weight. Just have to see at what cost. Probably just built 4 corner modules(2 per half circle of track), and 2 straight modules to start. Just not sure I can give up Countess again(this is my second time owning one). I could live without the Merlin, cannot go ride behind him in real life. But I could, someday, go ride behind or even drive Countess. Hope everybody had a happy easter!! Mike Edited April 17, 2017 by artfull dodger 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narrow Minded Posted April 17, 2017 Share Posted April 17, 2017 Cor blimey Mike ! You're really putting yourself through the mill trying to find the right solution (and no, I'm NOT going to say "get rid of the dog" ). The best advice I can offer is to take your time, explore every possible option, and weigh up the pro's & cons of each one. I'm sure you'll find the right plan - even if it ends up being a hybrid of the ideas you go through. The best thing about LGB track is the way it can be used to quickly lay a "temporary" layout, so you can keep running while you're going through any upheaval and scratch that 'steam itch' You have my sympathy, and I'm sure the support of everyone on here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 17, 2017 Author Share Posted April 17, 2017 It was time to elevate it anyways, turned 44 this past month and it doesn't get any easier from here on out to work on and enjoy a ground level line. Doesn't help being easily frustrated and overwhelmed thanks to my disablity. Will be exploring what it would take to build a small but expandable and portable layout this week. Thanks Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 17, 2017 Author Share Posted April 17, 2017 The game is afoot Watson! New bench work is rising from the ashes of the former ground level line. Now I really need to get the 2 other steamers and those long cars sold so I can get my UK style 4 coupled engine. That way I can flip between USA logging with my Sammie and UK mining/slate with a Katie. Already have all the wagons, just need the other engine I want. Mike 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 17, 2017 Author Share Posted April 17, 2017 Another progress picture, I am going to go one more coarse higher with the bricks(if I have enough). I do not have enough track to finish the inside track plan just yet, not till next week when I have to take my wife back to Indianapolis for another checkup. I can stop at the G scale shop on my way home. Mike 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narrow Minded Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 Wow! That's amazing progress on a neat little railway! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 18, 2017 Author Share Posted April 18, 2017 Here are todays progress. I got two of my 3 buildings placed, the engine shed will need fine tuning once I get the rest of the track I need. I also wired up the lights in the depot, engine shed and switch lanterns that are intact. Powering them with a small transformer for path lights that has a photo cell, comes on at dusk and runs for 8 hours. The log cabin has solar powered lighting. Once the track is in, I will build up a small hill side to act a scenery break, it will go behind the station, right in the middle of the table. Nice I need to decide how to do the embankment along the track, then I can add pea gravel in the bottom, followed by top soil and plants. Atleast trains are running now! Mike 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artfull dodger Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 No new progress on the layout today, getting ready for a steam up this Saturday. Weather is going to be very British like, upper 40's to 50'F and showers off and on all day. Hopefully it doesn't get canceled. I will be picking up my new to me Bertie there. So first up is Countess pulling my short coaches around the loop. Ran light engine first, very skittish and touchy on the tight curves. But once I coupled the train on, I could find a nice speed and let her run for awhile. I am now sorting out the timing on my friends Earl and will do the same run with him. Here is a pic of Countess. Mike 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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