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Davidson Parkway: WCML 1980s - 2000s OO Gauge


Patriot87003
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4 hours ago, Patriot87003 said:


Hi, I visited the Stafford show back in February and had a drive afterwards to Stafford station to take a few pictures of the layout of the platform layout, signs etc, including the lights upon the platforms. As the pictures below show, the lights are fitted across the platform instead of parallel.


Regarding fitting to the platforms ... simply drill a vertical hole through the platform surface and baseboard (same diameter drill bit as the pole of the light), then thread the wires through, then I’ve used a very small dab of PVA on the base of the light poles to secure into place. Hope this helps.

Many thanks for the info

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Another first for me ... Davidson Parkway has an 11 page feature within this months Model Rail magazine! (Issue 278). It’s the first time I’ve ever had anything published ...

 

During the visit last year, Chris Nevard also took a few video clips and he’s created a brief video clip on the YouTube Model Rail channel:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Patriot87003
Old pics included by accident!
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Just watched your latest video! I can highly recommend it! Nice you have a story to it and with the sounds of the trains. No strange music!

Can not wait for the next episode.

 

It reminds me of this layout. He has a similar style. Trains, scenery and double take to make sure it is not a 12”:1’ video!

 

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Many thanks Muddy ... and yes, I’ve been a subscriber to Minsterley on YouTube for some time, also follow his RMWeb thread ... Lovely layout and so many details and interesting videos.

 

I’ve spent some time in recent days having a running session of the DP fleet and created a longer video ... just loaded!

 


 

On 01/11/2020 at 15:56, d winpenny said:

HAAs look smart I opted for scale couplings on mine 

 

david 


Thanks David.

 

Meanwhile I’ve been plotting a new mini project for the next few weeks ... an additional storage yard under the layout, along with new shelving underneath. Some detailed planning to do and there’s a couple of different ways I could progress/stage the project.

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16 minutes ago, WolfofBadenoch said:

Over 20 mins of Class 87 footage - the best video on RMweb :)

 

The Lima bodies on Hornby chassis  - Are these the new Hornby 87 chassis or the earlier Hornby (Limby) chassis?


Thanks Wolf, glad you enjoyed!

 

Those 87’s annotated as Lima bodies upon Hornby chassis are all the ‘Limby’ style chassis. I’ve found them to be reliable, smooth, extra pickups already fitted and quite powerful. I was lucky enough to purchase quite a few of them when prices were reasonable. I can remember buying a few of those Limby 87’s brand new for as little as £35 at some shows. The only downside with the Limby chassis (besides lack of lighting) is when hauling a full length rake, some can struggle/slip on a gradient.

 

ps 87027 was a fine beast 

 

 

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12 hours ago, Patriot87003 said:


Thanks Wolf, glad you enjoyed!

 

Those 87’s annotated as Lima bodies upon Hornby chassis are all the ‘Limby’ style chassis. I’ve found them to be reliable, smooth, extra pickups already fitted and quite powerful. I was lucky enough to purchase quite a few of them when prices were reasonable. I can remember buying a few of those Limby 87’s brand new for as little as £35 at some shows. The only downside with the Limby chassis (besides lack of lighting) is when hauling a full length rake, some can struggle/slip on a gradient.

 

ps 87027 was a fine beast 

 

 

 

Thanks for the info. You even answered the question i forgot to ask re. hauling power of the Limbys.

 

I have two of the new Hornbys, and two of the Limbys (but i don't run them much), and about a dozen Lima which are all in their boxes except my favourite (87022) which i have put a bullant motor in but unfortunately i haven't managed to get it to run up any gradient and i've run out of space for any more lead!

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Hope everyone is safe and well ... 

 

The current Covid restrictions combined with some spare annual leave has allowed me to commence quite a major upgrade project to the layout that has been on the to do list for a while. It’s split into five stages;

 

- Stage 1: Relay the lower storage yard (Yard 2) entrance junction: replacing the small radius points with medium radius, also replacing the baseboard. A larger baseboard to be installed, including additional points that will form an entrance junction to a new Yard 3.

 

- Stage 2: Build new baseboards and 8 storage lines (Yard 3) under the main running lines (below the street scene); 7 of the lines to be min 3.2m long.
 

- Stage 3: Under the new baseboard installed during Stage 2, install two long shelves (for storing scenic supplies, kits etc)

 

- Stage 4: Build a connecting line to link Yard 2 and 3. 
 

- Stage 5: Install additional short lines linking to Yard 3 to store loco’s.

 

The project will create more storage lines (there’s a few new rakes I have in mind for the future!) ... will improve the reliability of Yard 2 (I’ve never been fully happy with the reliability of short radius points, not helped with not the best supporting timber). Following completion of Stage 4, this will also provide a reversible loop ... allowing any ‘push-pull’ stock to be able to ‘haul’ itself up the incline to the main layout, also providing an option to ‘turn’ full length trains.

 

Stage 0 is complete ... plenty of planning and moving the old ad-hoc shelving units out of the way!

 

3F1B58E9-50DE-4E6A-8C63-D984C8A1A6DB.jpeg.6c8e103fc131d086fd0179d302188759.jpeg

The old ad-hoc storage under the street scene before being moved out of the way 
 

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Plenty of planning ... Peco templates, lining paper, railway curves and Tracksetta templates ...


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Timber ordered and arrived ... other supplies also been arriving ...


Stage 1 is currently in progress and going very well so far;

 

FF2AB3FF-B45F-4750-9122-6010554A5C7C.jpeg.024826155725311498a7067919018138.jpeg

The old baseboard and track was removed, then first new baseboard constructed, then design transferred from the lining paper to the board; geometry and clearances checked again ... and again!

 

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Plenty more preparations ... lots of Electrofrog points being prepared!

 

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First batch of points installed and connected. These will form the access lines to Yard 3. I had originally planned to use the surface point motors, but changed to use the traditional PL10 with the PL12X bases. These should be more accessible for maintenance going forward. The tube is for the dehumidifier ... currently temporarily moved out of the way! I chose to progress most of the track laying for board 1 on the floor for ease of access. Knee pads have come in useful ... so far so good.

 

 

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Stage 1 continued ...

 

66FE33A1-9FF8-46D9-A139-8748D8D85859.jpeg.c3b1d8cdd5fb290a405efc776c271550.jpeg

The first board was ‘lifted’ today and screwed into position ... plenty of time taken with use of G Clamps and two levels to make sure the boards were level and joints all smooth, as this board will link Yard’s 2 and 3 to the incline line. The Mark 2 carriage was used to test the geometry and clearances, also shows a decent amount of headroom to the boards and wiring above.

 

Still quite a few more tasks to progress before Stage 1 is complete, including laying the link lines to Yard 2, lots of wires to join up and control panel to upgrade. I’ll be using the Gaugemaster relays to switch frog polarity, also to link with tri-color LED’s to show the lay of the points.

 

Meanwhile ... having followed the progress of the Accurascale PTA wagons, I had an impulse purchase of two packs! This will help recreate the scene from the formation guide of Hardendale to Ravenscraig limestone workings powered by AC loco’s. I’ve used a bit of modellers licence as the WCML layout is kinda set loosely around Stafford - Crewe - Warrington area ... so Hardendale Quarry has moved south by a few miles!

 

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3703A681-046C-426C-9D95-C35BFC184DED.jpeg.3424c8e694b787797a007effe409d541.jpeg
 

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Hi All,

 

Stage 1 of the winter project to relay the junction to Yard 2, create a new Yard 3 and new shelving has been completed. Very pleased with the results so far ...

 

Following the previous update, I joined the connecting tracks together and laid the remaining points to Yard 2 and completed the wiring to the point motors. I’ve used the standard PECO PL10’s fitted to the surface using PL12 adaptor bases. I’ve chosen this method due to it being a fiddle/storage yard, ease of access as well.

 

304C08C5-CB8A-47E6-9066-7F27D5D55E9D.jpeg.c961f546f01152b0ac09256bcb26e4f4.jpeg

 

29C82397-7482-422E-83F5-0CE0D4F1E805.jpeg.c0fd2585c6b4aa1e011f5086d8e8a854.jpeg

 

I’ve also used the useful Gaugemaster GM500 relay switches for frog polarity and to light LED’s upon the control panel to show the lay of the points. I’ve not yet wired the LED’s as I need to replace the Yard 2 control panel. The switches work well although I did have one problem initially: as I’m using a diode matrix, after connecting two point motors in succession, I found that the motors ‘threw’ ok but the relays became unreliable.

 

I then found a thread on here that had a similar issue ... but overcome it by bypassing the two resistors. I tried this method and it’s worked so far! The pink/black bypass wires can be seen below.

 

A3E0CCDC-61E6-4413-B5DC-40D9CB904B94.jpeg.38824660e33b58ccc7399b9b576b359a.jpeg

 

I’ve also received a few early Christmas pressie arrivals! Following the arrival of the PTA wagons, a large logo Class 47 and a rake of Hornby Mark 2F’s have also arrived.

 

I’ve created a layout update video that covers the arrivals, future plans and recent progress in a bit more detail ...

 

 

Wish you and your families a safe, healthy and Merry Christmas and hopefully a better 2021 ahead.

 

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Formidable! How long is the linking route between the two levels? I’ve often wondered about the viability of this approach when you have space, avoiding some of the pitfalls of helices. 

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On 24/12/2020 at 14:08, njee20 said:

Formidable! How long is the linking route between the two levels? I’ve often wondered about the viability of this approach when you have space, avoiding some of the pitfalls of helices. 


Many thanks! The link line between the two levels (between Yard 1 and 2) is approx 11 or 12m long and approx 225mm difference in height between the two levels (gradient approx 1 in 50 or 2%).

 

During the planning of the current project to create Yard 3, I did consider creating a new link line between the levels and considered the option of a helix, however I’ve settled for a return loop between Yard 2 and 3 and using the existing link line.

 

Charlie of Chadwick on YouTube has recently created a helix for his layout that’s worth a watch if you’re considering a helix. The main challenge I had was getting the link line low enough by the time it reached the lowered section under the river. I had to trim a bit of framework and realign some wiring ... but pleased with the result. Remember to measure twice, cut once! Good luck with whichever option you choose.

 

 

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Stages 2 and 3 of the winter project are progressing well so far; to create a new storage ‘Yard 3’ and to create new shelving underneath.


33ED6663-56F0-4AD7-AFA0-3CDBB7E4CA65.jpeg.37a8003915f6e5e0330cfa13b6408b48.jpeg

With the track plan finalised on lining paper, first step of construction was to install new battens to the wall (to support the yard 3 baseboard and two shelves).

 


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The baseboard and two shelves were then constructed (shelves to be installed last after the wiring is completed)

 


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The track plan was then transferred onto the baseboard ... then electrofrog points prepared

 


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The track was then installed onto the new board ... lots of dropper wires prepared ... point motors added after this picture was taken (note: the turnout on the right will lead to a few additional short storage lines for loco’s)

 


1CBD9A4A-8155-4F6A-AC16-0816FB245A41.jpeg.30eb2a3e85f72aef7a1f43d5c0a0853e.jpeg

The board was lifted and secured into position ... (additional LED strip lighting also installed)

 


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A new board was constructed to join the main Yard 3 board to the board containing the points on the access lines ...

 


2E78FA11-BDFB-4EBD-A9ED-5248A6D4EBAD.jpeg.c5b3dad14a2ed3d59f5dcc393fbf1f59.jpeg

Finally ... another new smaller triangle shaped board created to fill the remaining gap and remaining tracks laid and joined.

 

 

To complete Stage 2 of the project, next steps will be to construct a control panel for the new yard, also join the dropper wires and complete the wiring to the isolating sections and point motors. Following this, I can then install the shelves.

 

Very pleased with the progress so far ... this yard will provide me with storage for 7 full length trains, a storage line of 5 carriages long, also an access line to a few new loco sidings and will lead to connect with Yard 2.

Edited by Patriot87003
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fyi Rachel @Mini Wistaston junction as I saw you're about to undertake such a similar exercise with your OO gauge layout, this layout is well worth looking at in more detail with you looking to replicate Crewe station ... the station on this layout is pretty impressive as is all the OLE etc etc ...

 

Kat@johnsonstreetIEMD

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On 08/03/2021 at 15:01, 9C85 said:

Your layout popped up on my YouTube feed yesterday.  

 

Absolutely fantastic work. 

 

Enjoy!

 

Many thanks for the compliment ... and it reminds me it’s been a while since I’ve recorded a new video!

 

I’ve been progressing the wiring for the new Yard 3 in recent weeks, creating a control panel, 2 x diode matrix, dropper wires, relays for the frogs and point motors.


9A3CF7A9-A525-4A47-9E49-6B1E49A6BC6E.jpeg.500b083fbd4487f0cae3d1df0b869e71.jpeg
The new control panel for Yard 3 in position ...

 


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One of the diode matrix ...

 


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Meanwhile, one of the new Heljan Class 25’s arrived, lovely model and smooth runner ...

 

 

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The 25 in action during running in with the domino marker lights lit up ...

 

 

 

 

Edited by Patriot87003
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Plenty more progress to report with the winter project; The two diode matrix for Yard 3 have been wired along with the point motors, as have the the LED’s to show direction the points lay. A 7 road set of sidings for loco’s that branch off Yard 3 have also been added and wired.

 

I may record a video for YouTube to show the progress in more detail in the next few days. In the meantime a few pics below ...


The control panel for Yard 3 below with the LED’s showing position of the points. All the switches to the isolating sections are now wired and tested, along with the push button switches for the point motors.

6E4270C2-AAC8-4EA7-9DAA-7AD9A8465EA4.jpeg.84ca36ae4567556b0184fafa6703782d.jpeg


The small baseboard for the new loco sidings was built and installed ...
3654C04A-3206-4B05-8370-0418EA6A7BEE.jpeg.5a115992be6d25f03ff6f39313d02935.jpeg

... track for the 7 road sidings was laid branching off Yard 3, dropper wires connected or linked to the control panel isolating switches. Buffers or perhaps a small sheet of timber to be installed to prevent accidental ‘Staples Corner’ incidents!

861FC783-EEDD-4B83-97E4-285C18608020.jpeg.f08c6df38c2d4b6d047bd217d381f7f7.jpeg

Next stage of the project is to replace the control panel for Yard 2 and rewire, add the points to the B end of Yard 2, then build the connection line to Yard 3. I’ve decided to leave installing the shelving underneath Yard 3 until last so that I can have good access to the wiring.

 

Edited by Patriot87003
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On 23/03/2021 at 19:54, cravensdmufan said:

Great progress there Mark.  Your control panel looks excellent, a really professional job.  Looking forward to the video.

 

All the best.  Vivian.

 

On 23/03/2021 at 21:10, DBC90024 said:

The word to describe this layout is just wow ... nothing more needs saying ...


Many thanks for the kind comments. I’m pleased with how the new yard has progressed and the control panel for it; I’ve also included a short test track and carried out some testing ... so far so good!

 

As promised, I’ve put together a brief layout update video to summarise the recent progress, also to show the new Heljan Class 25 running-in.

 

 

I took a few extra photos of the construction of the control panel so I may put together a separate video to show that at some stage if there’s interest.

 

Next actions for the project are to relay the B end of Yard 2 and to install a new ladder junction, replace the control panel for Yard 2, then construct the board that will have the link line between Yards 2 and 3. This will have two hinges drop-down sections so should be fun to build! 

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