Hills of the North - The Last Great Project

[Clive Mortimore]

3 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

And now, standby for a bumper photo-fest ... all to do with goods yards and goods wagons.

 

 

Just the three points on the new board. Can be with motors fixed directly beneath, with card cover piece. No standing on ceremony here.

Much edited

Next - the turntable and loco yard (save the best till last!)

 

I am so glad to see I am not the only one who fits his point motors directly under Peco points. After many years struggling with Seep motors screwed to the underside of the base board life was so much simpler when powering up the points of Sheff Ex.

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

One would assume you are keeping your fingers well and truly crossed against derailments in the goods yard?

 

Mike.

[LNER4479]

2 hours ago, Enterprisingwestern said:

 

One would assume you are keeping your fingers well and truly crossed against derailments in the goods yard?

 

Mike.

To be honest, that's probably going to be the case in all sorts of areas of the layout. When complete(!), they'll be various places which are under-cover or at remote ends of sidings, etc. My maxim is no more than three foot stretch to get at something; otherwise, some alternative form of access required, even if that involves a degree of inconvenience or even part dismantling.

 

All I'll say for now is that the pictures shown were all of wagons actually being shunted, many of which are 3-links so were only being propelled by buffers pushing against each other. The only ones that derailed were some older Hornby short wheelbase coal wagons. They have never run well, even back in Gowhole days. I can live without them (only about three of them); probably not very prototypical for mid to late 1950s anyway?

 

Also, even though it's over on the far side, most of the likely derailment sites are at the 'throat' of the goods yard which is actually fairly accessible. Reliable coupling / uncoupling is much more likely to be an issue with the goods yard in operation, methinks.

[Merlin242]

18 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

Hi Mike,

 

No need to apologise for suggesting things. I am aware of the Cumbrian Railway Association and it has not escaped my notice that we might have a few things in common! There's a few ex-railwaymen involved (eg Ron Herbert) so they usually know what they're talking about.

 

Your project sounds interesting; have you posted anything about it anywhere? (apologies if I've missed it on here).

Thanks. Glad you are aware of the chat group which by chance has today been looking again at photos of bog junction . Have you seen them? Ron Herbert has been very helpful as always producing the target 85 list this week which includes  Tebay bankers which may of use to you. 

My layout started as a generic one based on a might have been ( Hincaster Junction) with the prototype added with a scale model of Windermere and the South end of Carnforth shed. I found over time the modelling of real places and actual trains even to specific days more satisfying than the generic. This is perhaps the similarity with your layout.

I am gradually recreating many of the local locomotives underlined in my combined album which is fun and allows me to recreate some of the events and special trains of the 50's and 60's. The photo below shows a might have been from 1962. 46257 was photographed at Oxenholme in the bay platform with the points set and signal pulled off for Windermere. I have posted this on some prototype forums with the story and a request for any more information. I got no new information but quite a lot of comments outing it as a model. But the fact some had a doubt was rewarding. 

 The problem I am coming across more as the stud expends and with a dozen plus Black 5's and as many 2-6-4T's that recognizing them at a distance can be a problem especially with the layout being DCC. I can win a bit more space or even quite a lot and with the layout fully operational and 90% of scenary, signals etc at a reasonable standard the urge to expand is increasing. 

Windermere and Hincaster junction is a thread on here and there is also  Windermere & Hincaster Junction  a Facebook page . Oddly that gets much more interest with around 800 followers. I know some people regard Facebook as the spawn of the devil but I have got a great deal of information from it. 

Great to see your trains are now running. That must feel great. 

[Mallard60022]

Did you say these are going to be extended to where you are taking the photo and around? In case of that oops falling off moment someone mentioned, could you do some sort of foldy up extension hatch large enough for a slim  person to get access to this area. Bit of a faff but maybe worth it....just in case? Done so that you could still do a shot like this?

P

[Enterprisingwestern]

3 hours ago, Mallard60022 said:

extension hatch large enough for a slim  person

 

Well, that rules teaboy Morty out!

 

Mike.

[LNER4479]

5 hours ago, Mallard60022 said:

Did you say these are going to be extended to where you are taking the photo and around? In case of that oops falling off moment someone mentioned, could you do some sort of foldy up extension hatch large enough for a slim  person to get access to this area. Bit of a faff but maybe worth it....just in case? Done so that you could still do a shot like this?

P

Yep. Middle of the three left hand roads will curve round (to the left). I've already thought of making a folding flap arrangement so as I can get Central station out ... just in case the crazy idea to take it to a show ever comes off(!)

[Clive Mortimore]

4 hours ago, Enterprisingwestern said:

 

Well, that rules teaboy Morty out!

 

Mike.

Oi, I might not want to get in the small gap.

[Gibbo675]

8 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Oi, I might not want to get in the small gap.

Hi Clive,

 

I've had a look at your avatar photograph and I think that if you took that silly hat off you might fit.

 

Gibbo.

[Clive Mortimore]

2 hours ago, Gibbo675 said:

Hi Clive,

 

I've had a look at your avatar photograph and I think that if you took that silly hat off you might fit.

 

Gibbo.

Hi Gibbo

 

After Mike's remark about my shapely body (round is a shape) I thought I would find an insult in Spanish for him, they were all too rude. I might have to reactivate my search?

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by Clive Mortimore

[Gibbo675]

1 hour ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hi Gibbo

 

After Mike's remark about my shapely body (round is a shape) I thought I would find an insult in Spanish for him, they were all too rude. I might have to reactivate my search?

 

Hi Clive,

 

What a ridiculous photograph, I can't believe that anyone would take a man seriously that has a picture of a blue class 25 on his wall.

 

Gibbo.

[Enterprisingwestern]

2 hours ago, Gibbo675 said:

Hi Clive,

 

What a ridiculous photograph, I can't believe that anyone would take a man seriously that has a picture of a blue class 25 on his wall.

 

Gibbo.

 

Rat on the wall, rat on the head?

 

Mike.

[manna]

G'Day Folks

 

Anti shrapnel device, innit.

 

manna 

[LNER4479]

Now then me hearties, don't get TOO excited just yet, but ...

 

We've broken out of the top of Shap bank!

As you can perhaps tell, this is distinctly temporary just for the time being, although this first piece of wood (a salvaged piece of 9mm ply on a 3 foot radius curve) will probably end up being here for keeps in due course as it fits lovely.

 

Having this piece in position for a bit is good for weighing up access options. This is one of the highest points of the layout and I can duck under here without too much problem; however, I intend it to be some form of lifting flap or door in the fullness of time. Complicating things a little is the fact that there are two more layers below this also curving round in the area so the mechanics of any door / flap is going to be quite complicated.

 

Otherwise, for now, this is just a temporary fiddle yard set up (using one of the Shap fiddle yard boards) so as we can run trains up and down the Shap bank scene to and from Central station. This will thus give a Y-shaped end to end layout for the time-being, Central to Garsdale (S&C) or Shap (WCML)

 

More soon.

 

[LNER4479]

Well, I'm hoping you'll enjoy what comes next. I certainly did!

 

There you go - bare boards awaiting track don't stay bare long round these parts. The double track formation is continued from the top of Shap bank, round the curve ....

 

... into a simple piece of trackwork to make use of three roads of the temporarily positioned Shap fiddle yard board.

 

You can never have enough Duettes! Some simple, temporary wiring to get us up and running.

 

Time to dig out some stock!

 

46206 'Princess Marie Louise' has the honour of hauling the first train and here draws forward to take charge of a shortened 'Royal Scot' rake - max length of this nearest road is nine coaches, so that's the limit for now.

 

This should put it into perspective if you still haven't quite got your bearings. The loco is at the absolute summit, 150mm above 'ground zero'.

 

And now on to a view you might recognise as we glide down the bank.

 

Even at a reduced 9-coach formation, it still looks appropriate for the scene.

 

Now at 'Grand Junction', joining on to the rest of the railway.

 

And on to Bog Junction. Another Shap favourite can be seen here, Tebay's Fowler 4MT tank No. 42424. Any trains requiring banking up Shap will have the banker attached here, an extra litte bit of operational interest for the Bog Junction operator.

 

And now the brakes go on as we approach destination ...

 

... past the 'work in progress' at the loco stabling sidings.

 

Journey's end.

 

 

But there's a problem! As can be seen, a train like this is too long for the platform and is past the intended pointwork for any shunting to be done. But we've been here before and there is a plan for the longer term so no worries really.

 

For now, we can just reflect on a successful first run.

 

Edited August 6, 2023 by LNER4479

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, LNER4479 said:

Well, I'm hoping you'll enjoy what comes next. I certainly did!

 

There you go - bare boards awaiting track don't stay bare long round these parts. The double track formation is continued from the top of Shap bank, round the curve ....

 

... into a simple piece of trackwork to make use of three roads of the temporarily positioned Shap fiddle yard board.

 

You can never have enough Duettes! Some simple, temporary wiring to get us up and running.

Time to dig out some stock!

 

46206 'Princess Marie Louise' has the honour of hauling the first train and here draws forward to take charge of a shortened 'Royal Scot' rake - max length of this nearest road is nine coaches, so that's the limit for now.

 

This should put it into perspective if you still haven't quite got your bearings. The loco is at the absolute summit, 150mm above 'ground zero'.

 

And now on to a view you might recognise as we glide down the bank.

 

Even at a reduced 9-coach formation, it still looks appropriate for the scene.

 

Now at 'Grand Junction', joining on to the rest of the railway.

 

And on to Bog Junction. Another Shap favourite can be seen here, Tebay's Fowler 4MT tank No. 42424. Any trains requiring banking up Shap will have the banker attached here, an extra litte bit of operational interest for the Bog Junction operator.

 

And now the brakes go on as we approach destination ...

 

... past the 'work in progress' at the loco stabling sidings.

 

Journey's end.

 

But there's a problem! As can be seen, a train like this is too long for the platform and is past the intended pointwork for any shunting to be done. But we've been here before and there is a plan for the longer term so no worries really.

 

For now, we can just reflect on a successful first run.

 

Great stuff Graham,

 

Is that the little Ivatt 2-6-2T in one of the pictures? I hope it's behaving itself.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[LNER4479]

3 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Is that the little Ivatt 2-6-2T in one of the pictures? I hope it's behaving itself.

 

 

'Tis indeed Tony. It just needs a coupling bar on the back - and I've splashed out on some Gibson wheels for the pony trucks so I'll fit those at the same time.

[Enterprisingwestern]

12 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

But there's a problem! As can be seen, a train like this is too long for the platform and is past the intended pointwork for any shunting to be done. But we've been here before and there is a plan for the longer term so no worries really.

 

You need a bigger congregation, these small chapels are a slight restriction!

 

Mike.

[Chamby]

16 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

Well, I'm hoping you'll enjoy what comes next. I certainly did!

 

There you go - bare boards awaiting track don't stay bare long round these parts. The double track formation is continued from the top of Shap bank, round the curve ....

 

... into a simple piece of trackwork to make use of three roads of the temporarily positioned Shap fiddle yard board.

 

You can never have enough Duettes! Some simple, temporary wiring to get us up and running.

Time to dig out some stock!

 

46206 'Princess Marie Louise' has the honour of hauling the first train and here draws forward to take charge of a shortened 'Royal Scot' rake - max length of this nearest road is nine coaches, so that's the limit for now.

 

This should put it into perspective if you still haven't quite got your bearings. The loco is at the absolute summit, 150mm above 'ground zero'.

 

And now on to a view you might recognise as we glide down the bank.

 

Even at a reduced 9-coach formation, it still looks appropriate for the scene.

 

Now at 'Grand Junction', joining on to the rest of the railway.

 

And on to Bog Junction. Another Shap favourite can be seen here, Tebay's Fowler 4MT tank No. 42424. Any trains requiring banking up Shap will have the banker attached here, an extra litte bit of operational interest for the Bog Junction operator.

 

And now the brakes go on as we approach destination ...

 

... past the 'work in progress' at the loco stabling sidings.

 

Journey's end.

 

But there's a problem! As can be seen, a train like this is too long for the platform and is past the intended pointwork for any shunting to be done. But we've been here before and there is a plan for the longer term so no worries really.

 

For now, we can just reflect on a successful first run.

 

 

I think have disproved the ‘30 foot rule’ for the optimum length of a model railway!  Nice one.

[TerryD1471]

On 15/01/2021 at 15:14, Merlin242 said:

Thanks. Glad you are aware of the chat group which by chance has today been looking again at photos of bog junction . Have you seen them? Ron Herbert has been very helpful as always producing the target 85 list this week which includes  Tebay bankers which may of use to you. 

My layout started as a generic one based on a might have been ( Hincaster Junction) with the prototype added with a scale model of Windermere and the South end of Carnforth shed. I found over time the modelling of real places and actual trains even to specific days more satisfying than the generic. This is perhaps the similarity with your layout.

I am gradually recreating many of the local locomotives underlined in my combined album which is fun and allows me to recreate some of the events and special trains of the 50's and 60's. The photo below shows a might have been from 1962. 46257 was photographed at Oxenholme in the bay platform with the points set and signal pulled off for Windermere. I have posted this on some prototype forums with the story and a request for any more information. I got no new information but quite a lot of comments outing it as a model. But the fact some had a doubt was rewarding. 

 The problem I am coming across more as the stud expends and with a dozen plus Black 5's and as many 2-6-4T's that recognizing them at a distance can be a problem especially with the layout being DCC. I can win a bit more space or even quite a lot and with the layout fully operational and 90% of scenary, signals etc at a reasonable standard the urge to expand is increasing. 

Windermere and Hincaster junction is a thread on here and there is also  Windermere & Hincaster Junction  a Facebook page . Oddly that gets much more interest with around 800 followers. I know some people regard Facebook as the spawn of the devil but I have got a great deal of information from it. 

Great to see your trains are now running. That must feel great. 

I quite agree with the comments about choosing a prototype to model. Back in the day at Wolverhampton MRC, we initially chose fictional "generic" Yorkshire(ish) locations to justify ER and LMR stock (Fordley Park and Leighford for those with long memories), but in due course the decision was taken to build Stoke Summit and then Charwelton. These latter two were particularly satisfying not only operationally but also in terms of public appreciation at exhibitions. They also had the merit that photo evidence told you where everything was supposed to be on the model. No brain exercise required!

It also informed my decision to build my own model based on Hest Bank (qv).

 

It is therefore a pleasure to see what Graham is doing with his grand scheme and I look forward to reading more.

 

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by TerryD1471
Cock-up

[LNER4479]

While we're in the mood ...

 

Next down the bank is the Perth-Euston Express (c.1960). A relative flyweight for one of Stanier's magnificent machines.

 

The man himself, in fact, exiting the moorland section.

 

Through Bog Junction. Apart from lamps, 46256 is still fresh 'out of the box'; she (he!) will get the detail added in due course.

 

Meanwhile, at Central, the return loco for the Royal Scot has detached the front two coaches and is waiting in platform 1, leaving the arrival crossover free for the Perth express to access Platform 3. Pleasingly, this train snaked through here at walking pace without any problems.

 

You know where I'm going next ...

 

Two Stanier pacifics at the buffer stops - irresistible!

 

The Royal Scot now reassembled, it's just nicely clear of the trailing crossover formed from the two single slips in front (left) so, with a bit of messing, it is possible to work with a train like this in the interim.

 

And she's away, heading for the fell country.

 

Unfortunately, this particular loco is a real 'dud' on the incline so the Fowler 2-6-4T is brought into play.

 

Job done, back down the bank to its berth at Bog Junc.

 

Right - must get some work done!

 

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by LNER4479

[Barry O]

but.... that is testing which must be done as an integral part of "work"!

 

Baz

[St Enodoc]

3 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

While we're in the mood ...

 

Next down the bank is the Perth-Euston Express (c.1960). A relative flyweight for one of Stanier's magnificent machines.

 

The man himself, in fact, exiting the moorland section.

 

Through Bog Junction. Apart from lamps, 46256 is still fresh 'out of the box'; she (he!) will get the detail added in due course.

 

Meanwhile, at Central, the return loco for the Royal Scot has detached the front two coaches and is waiting in platform 1, leaving the arrival crossover free for the Perth express to access Platform 3. Pleasingly, this train snaked through here at walking pace without any problems.

 

You know where I'm going next ...

 

Two Stanier pacifics at the buffer stops - irresistible!

 

The Royal Scot now reassembled, it's just nicely clear of the trailing crossover formed from the two single slips in front (left) so, with a bit of messing, it is possible to work with a train like this in the interim.

 

And she's away, heading the the fell country.

 

Unfortunately, this particular loco is a real 'dud' on the incline so the Fowler 2-6-4T is brought into play.

 

Job done, back down the bank to its berth at Bog Junc.

 

Right - must get some work done!

 

 

Ooh goody, I was hoping to see the blue 'un. For me, there is no finer livery combination than a blue loco with red and cream coaches.

[Tony Teague]

14 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

Ooh goody, I was hoping to see the blue 'un. For me, there is no finer livery combination than a blue loco with red and cream coaches.

 

....but best seen in black & white I feel.....

[LNER4479]

12 minutes ago, Tony Teague said:

 

....but best seen in black & white I feel.....

Maybe ... maybe not?