RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted August 15, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 15, 2017 (edited) Having seen Paul's (Howl03) City Goods at the end of last year I've been inspired to do something similar ever since... Perfect for a flat and gives enough scope to model and operate on a smaller budget. My preference to create a diorama of a Sussex SR/BR Early country branch however is proving difficult as City Goods works so well being naturally enclosed in an industrial environment! I'm still coming to terms that it won't accomodate Hornby's H-Class push-pull set, but nevermind! Anyway, early plans have therefore shifted to loosely recreating Freshfield Halt (below) from the early days of the Bluebell Railway; effectively a make shift halt which I plan to make from a wooden Scenecraft platform (#44-0010) and ramp (#44-0011). The line will 'continue' at the end of the halt but with a makeshift buffer (replicating the period when the Bluebell weren't permitted to operate to Horsted Keynes). Operationally it won't be big enough for a entire carriage but perhaps breakvan rides, etc which would be realistic. The 'fiddle yard' will be hidden by a single or double-track bridge (Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes was made for double-track but only a single track was ever laid). As a challenge to my modelling skills I'd look to add a Dapol (#4L-003-005) SR lattice signal (home starter) infront of the bridge... I'm looking for suggestions with what to do for the second line as ideally I'd like a reason to shunt; my first thought was an overgrown siding or something added upon closure? Not sure how either would have worked on the prototype, especially considering how remote it was? Any comments or suggestions welcome! Next step is to venture to B&Q... Edited November 26, 2017 by jafcreasey 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CourthsVeil Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Love this, looking for more! Armin PS: I'm unable to see a reason to shunt there... So would not add a second line. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyram Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 It sounds like an interesting project. I look forward to seeing this develop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry1975 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Hi, I'm currently building a halt station myself for my modular layout so will be watching this with interest. Jerry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Looks interesting, good luck and looking forward to updates. Steve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted September 7, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 7, 2017 (edited) Love this, looking for more! Armin PS: I'm unable to see a reason to shunt there... So would not add a second line. Thank you, Armin! I've been desperately trying to find something to support my plan (as I'm relucantly in agreement with you) but may have now found something on the Felbridge & District History Group website... There were two official halts, Rowfant Station (1855) and Grange Road Station (1860). However, at the insistence of Earl de La Warrs agent, a siding was also constructed near Imberhorne Farm for loading and/or unloading produce or for passengers to alight. The formation of the Southern Railway in 1923, had little effect on the line, but when the transition to British Rail took place in 1948, the Company decided to demolish the Imberhorne Siding on the grounds it was rarely used. However, Mr Edward Blount, having consulted his deeds, forced British Rail to reinstate the siding and emphasised the point by ordering fifty tons of basic slag to be delivered to his farm by rail. Four years later, British Rail obtained Parliamentary Authority for its closure. The line itself was finally closed in 1966 under the Beeching Plan and the rails, sleepers etc, removed. The route was subsequently purchased by the West Sussex County Council, and became known as the Worth Way for use by walkers, cyclists and equestrian traffic. Unfortunately I'm unable to locate a track plan therefore more research needed for the moment! This branch ran from Three Bridges to East Grinstead and so geographically relevant. Edited December 3, 2017 by jafcreasey Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted September 7, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 7, 2017 Hi, I'm currently building a halt station myself for my modular layout so will be watching this with interest. Jerry. Thank you, Jerry! I've been following your thread and am looking forward to seeing your plans for the final box file. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted September 13, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 13, 2017 Things are coming together, if a little slow! B&Q failed with the storage box but have since purchased a Whitefurze Allstore Container (27L) from Amazon, along with a made-to-measure Deluxe baseboard from Model Scenery Supplies (£78.00) - alas I don't have the space or tools, let alone skills, to attempt myself! A track plan for the siding at Imberhorne has been located and while it can be scaled-down would probably mean too much in too smaller space; most likely I'll revert to replicating City Goods with a siding off the mainline housing the wooden platform. A single line I know would be more probable, but unfortunately it's unlikely to keep my interest as my next project won't be for a long while! Whilst waiting for the baseboard, other purchases have included the Scenecraft Shillingstone platelayers hut (#44-169) and a Dapol 10t Tool Van, allocated to Horsted Keynes. Attention is now turning to track choice (Peco 75 with electrofrog the forerunner) and choice of DCC controller... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Regularity Posted September 24, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 24, 2017 Anyway, early plans have therefore shifted to loosely recreating Freshfield Halt (below) from the early days of the Bluebell Railway; Next step is to venture to B&Q. For a prototype that small, I wondered if you were planning to simply buy the timber required to make a 1:1 model... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted October 10, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted October 10, 2017 For a prototype that small, I wondered if you were planning to simply buy the timber required to make a 1:1 model... ...probably would be cheaper, Regularity! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted October 28, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted October 28, 2017 (edited) The Model Scenery Supplies baseboard duly arrived and fits snugly in the container; note the small lips on each end acting as handles (iPhone pictures attached). This was a topic of conversation on Paul's (Howl03) City Goods but as I don't intend to have backboards in the scenic half this was something I thought worthwhile adding! Bachmann's E4 Class No 32494 (35-079) is seen with the Tool Van mentioned previous to demonstrate the space available. The bridge (and divide) will sit just beyond the E4, concealing the smallest of 'fiddle yards'. The intention was to have a double-track bridge but this will be changed to a single-track - although prototypical, the added space will likely reveal too much of the fiddle yard beyond, detracting from the scenic half. Track-work and scenery will be aided by a fellow RMweb member over the coming weeks and months, more of which to follow... Although the 'layout' will be set in the early 1960's to mirror the Bluebell Railway's early days, it's intention is to be pretty timeless. Edited December 16, 2020 by jafcreasey 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Looking super so far. Followed! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 Have I seen that this has made it's way to Chris Nevard to work on? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted November 5, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 5, 2017 Have I seen that this has made it's way to Chris Nevard to work on? Indeed it has, Chris; very eagle-eyed... It was a project I intended to hone my skills on, but having done the research, I still don't understand the electrical side of things; as well, the cost of tools to get the finish wanted is such an expense to be used just once on such a small layout. Some (if not most) will see it as a 'cop out' but ultimately I get more enjoyment from operating and look forward to having a go at some rolling stock kits instead! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 Indeed it has, Chris; very eagle-eyed... It was a project I intended to hone my skills on, but having done the research, I still don't understand the electrical side of things; as well, the cost of tools to get the finish wanted is such an expense to be used just once on such a small layout. Some (if not most) will see it as a 'cop out' but ultimately I get more enjoyment from operating and look forward to having a go at some rolling stock kits instead! Don't see it as a cop out at all. We all have different aspects of modelling that we prefer - kit building for me - so if operating is your thing then I don't blame you. Can't wait to see it, Chris is a master at what he does. P.S. I don't understand the electrical stuff either - I'm toying with DCC and it boggles my mind! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted November 5, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 5, 2017 Don't see it as a cop out at all. We all have different aspects of modelling that we prefer - kit building for me - so if operating is your thing then I don't blame you. Can't wait to see it, Chris is a master at what he does. P.S. I don't understand the electrical stuff either - I'm toying with DCC and it boggles my mind! Appreciate it, Chris! I went to WYCRAIL yesterday and saw Brew St and Fountain Colliery for the first time - both so impressive and were given the best layout award. Can only echo your sentiment re DCC; add an electrofrog point to the mix and Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted November 26, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 26, 2017 (edited) A photographic journey of progress, courtesy of Chris Nevard on social media...https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbb_Hk1g0Oy/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bbd75IKgUOq/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbeVGiygmr1/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbgsXyjAXA7/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbgtbYMgVFO/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbhIUKzgSz2/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbjoOncAo5o/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bbmxei1AptM/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bbm0uBQgiz6/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbnOcyxgxX6/?taken-by=nevardmediahttps://www.facebook.com/chrisnevard/posts/1705118859538859 Chris has in my view captured the early days of preservation perfectly (no need for health and safety considerations!), along with the remoteness of the halt originally intended. It was suggested by Chris (and my Dad, admittedly) that the entire baseboard be scenic thus increasing photo opportunities, which has worked well. Scope for a little shunting, even if there's no (second) destination... The layout's being collected next week therefore further updates to follow... Edited November 27, 2017 by jafcreasey 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 Really enjoyed following the progress of this via social media. Looks amazing and I'm very envious! Enjoy!!! And 'Bluebell' will look right at home on it! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted December 2, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 2, 2017 (edited) With the layout now finished, a selection of images by Chris Nevard taken prior to collection... https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI2UYCgLUN/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI2cbtAMxu/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI2pTBAnP1/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI23MRAD0-/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI2i2VgS2r/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.instagram.com/p/BcMmeZPAKkG/?taken-by=nevardmedia https://www.facebook.com/chrisnevard/posts/1720588127991932 https://www.facebook.com/chrisnevard/posts/1719534978097247 Edited December 2, 2017 by jafcreasey Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johna Posted December 3, 2017 Share Posted December 3, 2017 Good looking layout. One question. How do you operate the point? By hand etc. Cheers Johna Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted December 3, 2017 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 3, 2017 Good looking layout. One question. How do you operate the point? By hand etc. Thanks, Johna. Yes, manually operated however Chris has made an allowance for a point motor should I wish to change in the future. The intention was to use two Cobalt-S Levers for both the point and signal but when we changed the layout to be all scenic there was no room to accommodate (unless on a separate control panel, which defeated the object of being self contained). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie586 Posted December 3, 2017 Share Posted December 3, 2017 Very impressive looking layout. I agree that will make some really good background as photos for your stock. I also really like the idea of the plastic storage box, I'm now trying to work out how many of them I can fit under the bed... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted August 25, 2020 Share Posted August 25, 2020 Any progress or developments on this? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold greatcoleswoodhalt Posted September 19, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 19, 2020 (edited) On 25/08/2020 at 19:47, 1722 said: Any progress or developments on this? Whilst there's scope to extend, the layout itself has remained the same - stock has increased tenfold however! The most recent arrivals include USA Class No 30064, B4 Class No 30096 and A1X Class No 32655 (the first two primarily due to @Graham_Muz and his Canute Road Quay). I've slowly been adding images to my Gallery page. Eventually I'd like a seperate station diorama, having purchased the recent release of Bluebell Railway buildings, but that won't be for a while unfortunately... Edited December 16, 2020 by jafcreasey 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 18 hours ago, jafcreasey said: Whilst there's scope to extend, the layout itself has remained the same - stock has increased tenfold however! The most recent arrivals include USA Class 'Yankee Tank' No 30064, B4 Class No 30096 and A1X Class No 32655 (the first two primarily due to @Graham_Muz and his Canute Road Quay). I've slowly been adding images to my Gallery page. Eventually I'd like a seperate station diorama, having purchased the recent release of Bluebell Railway buildings, but that won't be for a while unfortunately... Excellent. Glad there are plans for something else. I enjoy browsing your website/instagram page when time allows. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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