Two Bridges Up Sidings - 80's/90's exhibition layout

[Big And]

It was suggested to me that I should start a thread for my layout on RMWeb, so here goes. 

 

Layout name - Two Bridges Up Sidings.

Era – 1980 – 2000 depending on stock being used.

Type - Continuous Loop Exhibition layout, scenic at the front with fiddle yard behind.

4.4m long, 2.5m deep, track is at 1120mm above floor.  

 

The intention of the layout is to offer a way to run and exhibit the rolling stock that my farther has been collecting, detailing, building and weathering over many years.  The requirements of the layout therefore were to be able to run the stock fleet which was southern region and consisted of freight trains of up to 10 coach lengths plus loco.  Much of my design time was spent trying to maximise a fiddle yard plan that would give some roads of 11-12 coach lengths whilst allowing the layout to be set up in the available space.  The project had to be both simple enough for a first-time layout builder but meet enough of the design wish list that the end result was keep me motivated. 

 

“Two Bridges Up Sidings” is 4mm OO, set in a fictious location is the Southern Region.  The layout has a double track main line at the front of the scenic section and yard reception siding and loco stabling sidings behind.  The idea is that off stage to the left (around the corner and under the bridge) is a junction with another line and a station.  Off stage to the right (past the second bridge) is a goods yard.  I wanted to avoiding modelling a large station or yard which would have required unsatisfactory compromises as the intention was to be able to run lengthy trains. 

 

This would be a location that was good for photographing and filming trains thus promoting the stock.  As such it can be said that the operating potential of the layout is minimal due to its simplicity, however this simplicity should mean that keeping a frequent running service for viewers to enjoy should be easy.  For a spectator it should take about 10 minutes to see all 15 trains run. 

 

The details of the layout should suit a period from approx. 1980-2000, and only the selection of stock being run should close in on a narrower era. 

 

Here are some photos of the layout for you to enjoy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 13, 2022 by Big And
Photo re upload

[MarshLane]

Nicely done!  Shouts Southern Region the moment you look at it, look forward to following along.

 

Rich

[d winpenny]

Superb pictures so far look forward to seeing more 

[KDG]

Hi BigAnd.

 

Very nice, I particularly like the photo of the tarmac hoppers with the 60 in the background.

 

Right up my street.

 

Is this privately owned or a club layout?

[porkie]

Hell fire, what a superb layout.

Great choice of era to model too.

Keep the updates coming 

 

Phil 

[pitbull1845]

Love the look of this layout, just watching the trains go by is never a bad thing.. As Porkie says, great era too..

[Big And]

Thanks for the positive comments.  Here are some more photos starting with an overall view of the scenic section and framing.  At this rate of uploading I will need another photo running session soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 13, 2022 by Big And
Photo re upload

[Big And]

On 05/05/2019 at 08:51, KDG said:

Hi BigAnd.

 

Very nice, I particularly like the photo of the tarmac hoppers with the 60 in the background.

 

Right up my street.

 

Is this privately owned or a club layout?

Hi Andy,

 

The layout is privately owned.  thanks for the comments - hope you enjoy the second set of photos.  

 

Andy

[KDG]

1 hour ago, Big And said:

Hi Andy,

 

The layout is privately owned.  thanks for the comments - hope you enjoy the second set of photos.  

 

Andy

Yes thanks, I did very much.

[Mike Storey]

Notwithstanding the superb EMU's, locos and rolling stock, the main line, 3rd rail trackwork and associated equipment boxes, drain covers etc etc, are superbly observed, as is the undergrowth.

 

Lovely to see another 3rd rail layout on the stage. Thank you.

 

[EWS FAN]

Great looking layout.

[Melangoose]

Great layout, looks like you have a nice collection of stock.

[saxokid]

7 hours ago, Big And said:

Thanks for the positive comments.  Here are some more photos starting with an overall view of the scenic section and framing.  At this rate of uploading I will need another photo running session soon!

 

Very impressive!!!

Another follower here now...

 

thanks neil.

[sb67]

Echo everyone else's comments BigAnd, great looking layout, have you got a track plan? Your stock looks great as well, I recon you need a few more photo running sessions  

Hope I get to see it a an exhibition sometime.

Steve.

[ess1uk]

Great photography 

[Big And]

So here is a track plan as Steve has requested.  The scenic section is intentionally simply both for reasons of frequent train movements at exhibition and for ease of construction.  The up line and down line are both physically and electrically (the layout is analogue) separate in case of faults, each being run off a Gaugemaster 100M.  Each direction has 6 fiddle yard sidings between 5 and 12 coach lengths.  The signal for each direction uses an infrared detection and a timer to return through the colour sequence.  The timing is just long enough so that the operator has to check the aspect upon approach - I find this quite an enjoyable part of the operation.  The operator also has a switch with an override to hold at red should they wish to hold a train in the scenic section.  

 

The yard is again physically separate but electrically piggybacks on the up line and uses a Gaugemaster model W.  The yard has space for 4 trains of 11 coach lengths plus the loco stables.  The idea is to load with 3 trains and then in turn move one to the empty space.  Occasional swap of locos completes the operational potential.  

 

Mike noted the undergrowth - I was aiming for early autumn colours so most of the trees are green but yellow and red tones are used and one tree has already dropped all of its leaves.  

 

Thanks again for the positive response - I shall look forward to looking up your own layouts and rolling stock posts.  

 

Andy

[sb67]

Thanks for that Andy, I think the simplicity of the scenic section adds to it, I like the two sidings as well, a good place to display some stock.

Steve.

[Big And]

We had a running session recently and have a whole bunch of new photos and videos to share.  Please find a few here for your enjoyment.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 13, 2022 by Big And
Photo re upload

[rob D2]

Looks good ! 

Woking comes to mind 

[saxokid]

More nice pictures here..

[Big And]

Thank you.  Here are some more photos.

Edited August 13, 2022 by Big And

[MarshLane]

Great images again.  Have you done any work on the GatEx Mk2s or just renumbered them?  Im assuming they are the Airfix variety?

 

Rich

[Big And]

Hi Rich,

 

The Gatwick Express mk2s are Lima and have a variety of modifications.  They have laser cut flush glazing inserts, some toilet windows infilled, jumper cables in recesses on the outer ends of the sets, buffers removed in the middle of the sets.  Underframe has some details removed and some boxes added and the interiors are reworked with luggage racks added and some seating removed.  

 

I have included some photos of them on the nearer line for a better view.  

 

The GLV is converted from Hornby/Triange mk1 with the sides cut and shut to give the correct layout, with white metal bogies, underframe equipment and a brass sheet for the cab end.  

Edited August 13, 2022 by Big And
Photo re upload

[Big And]

Having been out with the club layout last weekend for exhibiting, I wanted to check how much space Two Bridges Up Sidings and associated kit would take up when being transported.  This is what happened! - 

 

[MarshLane]

On 11/06/2019 at 21:06, Big And said:

Hi Rich,

 

The Gatwick Express mk2s are Lima and have a variety of modifications.  They have laser cut flush glazing inserts, some toilet windows infilled, jumper cables in recesses on the outer ends of the sets, buffers removed in the middle of the sets.  Underframe has some details removed and some boxes added and the interiors are reworked with luggage racks added and some seating removed.  

 

I have included some photos of them on the nearer line for a better view.  

 

The GLV is converted from Hornby/Triange mk1 with the sides cut and shut to give the correct layout, with white metal bogies, underframe equipment and a brass sheet for the cab end.  

 

Thanks Andy,

You've done a superb job - both with the GatEx vehicles and the layout!  Brilliant....

 

Rich