1980s Norfolk Terminus - Loft Layout - New station

[south_tyne]

Pleased to read you are making progress and about your change of setting! Having spent lots of time in Norfolk and Suffolk I like following any layout set in East Anglia.

 

You have obviously put in a great deal of thought regarding the prototype traffic workings. I think it's great to do this from the outset, after all we are trying to replicate the real thing in our modelling. Lots of variety and interesting traffic flows, particularly freight. Plenty of opportunity to run my three favourite diesel classes too - the good old 47, 31 and 37.

 

Will be really interested to see how this develops 

[SHerr]

Now that the temperatures have dropped I've been back into the loft a couple of times and made a few minor changes.

 

I've re-modelled the start of the branch slightly, mainly to reflect the fact it is less of a minor route and now goes onto a double track secondary route, I have also slightly re-modelled the fiddle yard entrance again to give more sidings and length to the branch sidings. not quite fine tuned yet but gives more flexibility and also I managed to squeeze in an additional line in the fiddle yard. Also minor tweak to Grain Facility/Maltings by bringing both tracks in front of the Grain Loader

 

A few rolling stock updates as well. 

 

I've been on the lookout for a class 56 for a while and out of the blue came up 4 or 5 Large Logo examples from Hattons on eBay, one was snapped up pronto as they seem incredibly rare. One of the services for it will be the Redland train and will shortly be pre-ordering some of the next run of Cavalex PGA's, the Redlands in Anglia often split in half at March so a rake of about 12 won't be too odd.

 

I've also re-introduced to HEA hopper chassis that were barrier wagons with their bodies and resprayed into rail freight red and also repainted a couple of Hornby OTA's - one into rail freight and one into Thames Water board blue - why oh why can Hornby not see that they have never released the most common liveried OTA that will surely sell very well (Railfreight one).

 

Final pondering is about the station building, as much as I like the current building its too much of a Llandudno copy for Norfolk. I've thought about modifying, but also am considering the Faller Bonn station, it will require slightly reducing in length but will be a a real centre piece. studying photo's of the bigger Anglian stations the likes of Norwich in particular, but also Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Colchester all have a fairly OTT continental feel and I think this may be a good option.

 

Matings facility with both tracks now in from of building which gives better view of stock

 

 

47290 brings in a Summer Saturday service from Leeds

 

 

[SHerr]

As mentioned above I have been looking at the Faller Bonn Station which bears quite a resemblance to Norwich/other Great Eastern Stations, as can be seen.

 

I would probably reduce the lengths of the 2 wings immediately adjacent to the main centre hall, I need to reduce the size of the building and it actually brings the proportions in.

 

I'm sure a 'British' paint job (ie red brick and stone detailing) and some tweaks to chimneys and maybe the main hall roof will make a very realistic GE station - I won't however be attempting a domed roof!!

 

Any thoughts from anyone that's built one (or similar) as to how easy it would be to reduce?

 

 

 

 

[SHerr]

Work to remodel and extend the fiddle yard is almost complete and the turnouts back onto the main line replaced with a long straight which has put a much better alignment onto the main line. Also completed a narrow board extension which will allow a lead onto a hidden dock branch from what was the CCE siding headshunt.

 

With the remodelling I've managed to get 2 additional lines in the fiddle yard plus the 2 lines for the dock.

 

I've also got a few rolling stock projects nearing completion; a Molasses TTA from a Dapol tank body mounted on Bachmann TTA chassis; the first of 2 Campbells Soups vans - I recently got 4 unpainted bodies - 2 as Campbells soups and 1 to cut and shut into a Procor longer wheelbase wagon - chassis has been modified with correct suspension courtesy of Cambrian compensation units; finally the blue 37 has been re-numbered and is now Thornaby's 37066 'British Steel Workington' awaiting nameplates and weathering. These were more common in Anglia than would first appear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[russ p]

On 09/09/2019 at 22:52, SHerr said:

As mentioned above I have been looking at the Faller Bonn Station which bears quite a resemblance to Norwich/other Great Eastern Stations, as can be seen.

 

I would probably reduce the lengths of the 2 wings immediately adjacent to the main centre hall, I need to reduce the size of the building and it actually brings the proportions in.

 

I'm sure a 'British' paint job (ie red brick and stone detailing) and some tweaks to chimneys and maybe the main hall roof will make a very realistic GE station - I won't however be attempting a domed roof!!

 

Any thoughts from anyone that's built one (or similar) as to how easy it would be to reduce?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I rebuilt the Hornby packaged polar mainline station kit, like the faller kit it's also HO but was easier to build an additional ground floor to get the height for a train shed , see my layout three thread which unfortunately hasn't been updated for a while but does show the station 

[TheQ]

Campbell's soups wagon is appropriate for Norfolk as Campbells soup was made in Kings Lynn 1959-2007.

 

The big tower was visible for miles around with Campbells written  on it, and when it was blown up they gave the button press to a lady who hated the place.. Her father had been killed in an accident in the factory..

 

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/anniversary-of-campbells-soup-factory-in-kings-lynn-closing-1-5328290

[SHerr]

Some new arrivals this week, 7 of the delightful Cavalex Redland PGA's from Trains4U to go with one I already owned. I also have 4 or 5 Hornby PGA's that I'm looking to butcher for some of the different batches and thinking of maybe a sratchbuilt body for one of the ex Tilbury Roadstone hoppers (depending how ambitious I am feeling). 

 

The Anglian trains generally split at March so not that off to have a train with only 12-15 hoppers.

 

56084 leads the train out of the reception sidings, but almost anything hauled these in the mid 80's - 2x20, 2x25, 2x31, 37, 45, 47, 56 and possibly even the odd 58 might have jumped in on the act - hopefully I can find some evidence as I'd quite like an excuse to get one assuming I can get hold of one of the Heljan versions.

 

 

 

 

 

[SHerr]

A little bit of progress with some scenics and a couple of new arrivals. Track fixing/painting hasn't moved on much apart from some minor adjustments to make operations or visual aspects improve - I've slightly slewed the refuelling lines towards the mains for better viewing. This is mainly due to some DCC gremlins as I'm getting some occasional shorts so don't won't to glue track until I've sorted.

 

 

I've nearly completed the large bridge that acts as the scenic break to the fiddle yard. This is Will's arches, sections and parapets (of which I had a huge supply left from the station building walls). The concrete spans are just plasticard facing, as with all my brick structures these are a base coat of Railmatch concrete and then various shades dry brushed over a number of nights - gets extremely tedious but generally results look pretty good. After a trip to Norfolk a few months back I collected quite a lot of info about structures etc and there are quite a lot bridges with arch approaches and either concrete or steel main spans in the areas around Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge. All generally Blue brick although a few differ.

 

 

 

 

 

New arrivals - Mickleover Model Group class 37 026 purchased in their Black Friday offer, name and numbers removed (they came off nice and cleanly) and currently with temporary transfer number whilst I research the right loco a bit more. I had bought Coal Sector 37049 to respray blue but the price was good on 026 and a lot less hassle so 049 will be sold on.

 

 

Also the new Bachmann DCC sound class 03 (Christmas present to myself), a lovely loco and decent price really considering how much faff I suspect retro fitting sound to a standard model would be. Seen here heading onto the new short scenic section onto the dock brach with a short rake of chemical tanks.

 

 

Finally also started work on some signals for the station area using the ones at Norwich as main inspiration. Main structure isn't quite authentic but hopefully a reasonable representation, I've used leftovers from the Ratio Truss gantry for the main legs and some bits scratch built with Plastruct channels etc and Ratio signal pack - the GER 4 post structures look a little daunting at present and could be quite flimsy and or fiddly but will maybe have a go in the future!

 

One question for the signalling experts out there - all trains are signalled to run 'right road' on a main aspect but would have a shunt move to either main line - am I correct with 2 shunt signals on the gantry or would there be just one? Norwich appears to have 1 but then an alfa numeric box.

 

 

 

Norwich station signals that are the inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

[SHerr]

As mentioned above, I have been looking at using the Faller Bonn Station as the basis of a new station building.

 

Well Santa duly delivered so some initial developments.

 

Bits all got out to see what's what, and basically as I was hoping. In places it has a fairly 'British' feel and compares favourably with Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester amongst others. There are as I always thought some bits that look 'too foreign' and will need to be modified but hopefully into normal levels of modelling.

 

 The end units are pretty much perfect and won't be altered in any way, the middle section I am fairly happy with although will likely do something different with the roof and I am slightly undecided about the main glazed section.

 

The bit that definitely needs some work are the 'inner wings', the bottom section is fine but the first floor just looks wrong in terms of height and window style. Also as mentioned above these sections need shortening as they are too long for my needs.

 

After part building the outer sections I had a trial fit up to get first impressions and size the reductions, initial feelings are all positive. Most pieces will need to be built as a flat facade and then painted before main assembly as I am going for red brick and stone - again I think this will help massively with 'anglicising'.

 

Initial fit up.. end wings on far left and right will stay as is.

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction of middle units by 2 window bays, fairly straightforward to cut and the overlay brickwork just fits back in nicely. As you can see the top sections don't really look right.

 

 

 

Also Santa brought me a Walthers Cornerstone Half relief warehouse building for the dock branch. This came with a huge amount of additional windows etc and these are a good size for the upper section so I am playing around with a couple of styles. A bit more thought and research needed yet.

 

 

 

[SHerr]

I forgot to ask a bit of advice at the end of my last post. The sides of each unit are formed of a thicker plastic ‘backing with things like window mouldings etc, you then glue on facing brickwork and cornel details etc.

 

some of the main walls have bowed slightly during gluing - I used Plastic weld and not sure if I’ve used too much but am wondering what the best way of straightening them is.

 

i could probably force them closed when glueing all 4 sides together holding with elastic bands but suspect the joints will be weak and may fail in the future. I’ve read elsewhere gently heating with a hairdryer? Any help greatly appreciated.

[russ p]

Have you seen my layout thread?  I'm doing very similar to you but earlier. 

I used the triang Hornby pola mainline station kit with a scratch built lower floor to create the terminus building 

You layout looks excellent. 

I virtually completed mine then destroyed it and started again but about four times bigger 

[SHerr]

36 minutes ago, russ p said:

Have you seen my layout thread?  I'm doing very similar to you but earlier. 

I used the triang Hornby pola mainline station kit with a scratch built lower floor to create the terminus building 

You layout looks excellent. 

I virtually completed mine then destroyed it and started again but about four times bigger 

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I have looked at yours a few times, quite a few similarities in terms of location and operations.

 

i think you probably have the same problem as me in that before you finish you rip it all up! Only you got a lot further on than I did.

[russ p]

2 hours ago, SHerr said:

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I have looked at yours a few times, quite a few similarities in terms of location and operations.

 

i think you probably have the same problem as me in that before you finish you rip it all up! Only you got a lot further on than I did.

 

Cheers,  I'm hoping not to start the current one again, mind I don't think I'd ever get a bigger room than the current location 

[SHerr]

A bit more progress.

 

I've settled on the arrangement for the upper floor, keeping most of the frame and taking out some of the verticals to place windows from the Walthers warehouse. Slaters plasticard sheet added between the windows. Comparison with the unmodified side shows the big difference in giving a British feel.

 

 

 

 

 

Individual parts have then been painted - Railmatch concrete and Humbrol brick red. That was a serious test of patience!! needs a bit more touching up but not too bad. I did realise that the side pieces will both be hidden inside other parts hence why they still look a bit messy!

 

 

Also the warped sides/ends have been straightened by placing in hot water and gently bending back, then pressing whilst they cool. 

[SHerr]

Managed tonight to get the first unit glued, I'm really happy with results/look so far especially when compared to the Norwich photos up threat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still a lot of details, cornerstones etc to add and paint touch up.

 

The inner unit when offered up has a gap of about 0.5mm caused by the base which seems nothing but will have to be modified as shows up too much.

 

 

[SHerr]

A while since I posted an update on the station building but I have now completed the main structural units and fitted up roof's where possible etc without gluing.

 

The painting in places certainly tested the patience but well worth the effort in my mind and you certainly get the British/GER feel I was looking for.

 

First dry fit up on the layout tonight and I'm very happy with the results. 

 

There's still quite a bit of detail to fit - you get a lot of stuff with this kit!

 

The canopy on the front is what comes with the kit - I am undecided whether to use this and modify it with Dapol fascia that I have plenty of or whether to try and scrathbuild a Portico. Favouring the canopy at the moment but will have a ponder.

 

I'm also not quite decided on the main hall roof, whether to stick with what comes with the kit or try to build a taller/grander roof. I certainly don't feel brave enough to go for a Norwichesque dome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[blueeighties]

Very nice work. May I ask where the pressurised tankers came from, kit, scratchbuilt?

[SHerr]

13 hours ago, blueeighties said:

Very nice work. May I ask where the pressurised tankers came from, kit, scratchbuilt?

 

Many Thanks for the comments,

 

The smaller (Liquid Chlorine) tanks are Bachmann chassis, modified Dapol/Airfix bodies (very slightly too short and barrel slightly too small) -  plasticard base/plastruct ribbing. There’s a description back on page 3. The larger LPG tank at the rear is Bachmann tank with scratchbuilt hatch and bund. Transfers are Railtech orange stripes.

 

Both are fairly easy mods to get a half decent job (I’m nowhere near the intricate skills of some on here)

 

I was lucky enough to get a really cheap job lot (about 6) Bachmann tanks a few years ago that someone had made a horrific attempt at weathering and had damaged walkways but as they were to be stripped back or tanks not used they were a great find.

[SHerr]

Station building is getting closer, I've now completed most of the main structure apart from a few windows at one end and painting a few bits of stonework and steps and the rest of the chimneys, gutters and roof lights.

 

I have almost completed the front canopy using the glazed platform section from the Faller kit but then adding a fascia using Dapol canopy parts.

 

I have also modified the steps at the ends as I didn't like the end wall on the front facade. I've used a leftover step section from the kit and chopped it in half to add a curved return on the front, this was a bit fiddly as both sets of steps were not quite the same height/tread. A bit of filing and thin plasticard strip to fill out seems to have done the trick.

 

I've had 2 goes at the roof, firstly Humbrol slate grey which was far too green, then Humbrol no 77 that was suggested on a number of forums. I am still not really happy as it now looks too blue, but will try washing in some lighter shades and some muck/staining and see what happens as its easy enough to paint over again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also a quick distraction from the station, I purchased Hornby's 31 105 from the recent Doncaster show for conversion to 31 418. This loco stayed in un-refurbished state through until about 1987/early 88 so spot on for my timeframe and I have now renumbered, added ETH sockets (Bachmann from spares box) and head code disks (Heljan from a 26 years ago). Its a really simple conversion but I had got one of the DCR Green 31's to respray but this is a far easier option so will probably sell the green one on.

 

I may try again with the ETH sockets as they look a bit big but will leave for now.

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2020 by SHerr

[SHerr]

Well the station building is pretty much finished and I now need to get on with finishing the canopy which will need a few modifications. 

 

Finally got the roof to my satisfaction with a medium grey and then airbrush weathered with rail match roof dirt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[russ p]

That is stunning mate, how many platforms are you having? 

[Joseph_Pestell]

On 06/02/2020 at 20:33, SHerr said:

A while since I posted an update on the station building but I have now completed the main structural units and fitted up roof's where possible etc without gluing.

 

The painting in places certainly tested the patience but well worth the effort in my mind and you certainly get the British/GER feel I was looking for.

 

First dry fit up on the layout tonight and I'm very happy with the results. 

 

There's still quite a bit of detail to fit - you get a lot of stuff with this kit!

 

The canopy on the front is what comes with the kit - I am undecided whether to use this and modify it with Dapol fascia that I have plenty of or whether to try and scrathbuild a Portico. Favouring the canopy at the moment but will have a ponder.

 

I'm also not quite decided on the main hall roof, whether to stick with what comes with the kit or try to build a taller/grander roof. I certainly don't feel brave enough to go for a Norwichesque dome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am surprised how well that German building looks in this context.

 

I think that it would look even better if you get rid of the steps and bring roadways up to the level of the doorways.

[SHerr]

4 hours ago, Joseph_Pestell said:

 

I am surprised how well that German building looks in this context.

 

I think that it would look even better if you get rid of the steps and bring roadways up to the level of the doorways.

Thanks, I spent a fair while researching both GER stations and the kits available, I think it helps that the GERs architecture on its major stations is often described as having a continental style.

 

If you look at a lot of the HO kits available and look at the details about 75% can be discarded immediately but the other 25% are remarkably similar once you look past brick colour and some of the finer finishes. As long as you can modify these some really good stuff is available. 
 

You also have the benefit of some much larger buildings than are ever available from British 00 suppliers - some of the Walthers Cornerstone are really good and large.

 

Good point about the steps as well, I think I will look at that.

[SHerr]

I've been undertaking a few bits and pieces during lockdown, although I've realised that I forgot to panic buy Plasticweld!

 

After completion of the station building I have started to finish the Walthers Cornerstone half relief warehouse (Plant No4) that I got at Christmas. It is going to sit on the very short scenic cameo that is the start of the dock branch. I have also got a Skytrex resin warehouse that I have had for years but never got round to building it. 

 

The Walthers kit comes with an additional pretty large facade which significantly adds to the adaptability. After some playing around I have come up with an arrangement of buildings that allows a feeling of the railway creeping between buildings and have also added a corrugated link bridge to help the scenic break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have also started on some of the station forecourt, I quite liked the suggestion above of raising the surface in front to get rid of the steps, but when I offered board up to try I realised that it really highlighted the HO size and the main building started to look quite underscale so I have kept with the steps. I've started to loose fit up the paving, nothing glued yet though.

 

 

 

I will get onto the canopy again shortly, I've made a start modifying it but really all needs laying out of a bit table and I'm still recovering from 'is that bloody thing still there' from the station!

 

[russ p]

Coming on a treat,  looking at your buildings seems we have a few common ones on our layouts