JackB95 Posted July 15, 2019 Author Share Posted July 15, 2019 On 13/07/2019 at 16:23, d winpenny said: Damn I definitely need to buy more stock Rest days are there for a reason haha. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 (edited) Right, we have progress! Tradesmen were around today and in the space of 5 and a half hours, have given me this: Very impressed by the quality of the workmanship and speed of the service. The loft ladder is very easy to deploy and can be walked up/down in bare feet without any pain. The two main roof beams that run along the roofline are at a height of around 3ft. Going by the recent discovery that Everard Junction, the famous YouTube layout, is around a similar height, if not slightly lower, I'm able to, therefore, push the width out to use up as much space as possible. Obviously if I raised the height of the boards, I'd lose the width due to the pitch of the roof, so I'm not too sure what height to go for yet. The end walls will be painted white once cleaned, two Velux windows are due to be installed on the pitch to the left of the chimney breast in first photo, and extra lighting and sockets will be brought up at some point also. This is roughly what I'm dealing with: Edited September 14, 2023 by JackB95 Fixing broken pictures 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Loft is definitely a decent size and even 18x14 as a layout area is a good size 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted August 16, 2019 Author Share Posted August 16, 2019 (edited) Well LoftLadders4Less returned, and in the space of three hours, did this... Let there be (day)light! Makes a hell of a difference having some natural light up there now. The lads did a brilliant job, and anyone in the Yorkshire area wishing to have loft work done, I recommend using them 100%! The space has since been attacked by the hoover getting rid of a lot of the old soot and dust that's been settling on the chimney support. The next job is to now sort out some insulation to fit between the rafters. In the meantime, got to get my research done on the building regs to make sure I do it right :-) Cheers Edited August 16, 2019 by JackB95 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 (edited) Morning all, So yeah, it's been a while since I last posted - oops! Since my last post, I've sorted myself out a workbench, and moved the majority of my railway stock/tat upstairs so the rest of the house is less cluttered. Anyway, still no sign of a layout. I really should've sorted my baseboards out by now, and with this whole COVID-19 thing, it won't be happening any time soon - . Here's some pictures taken this morning of what I'm currently dealing with. Lots of railway memorabilia knocking around, including ex-Ffestiniog carr 113 seats. Currently drawing up plans for layouts during this current isolation climate. Oh, and I've since gained a new girlfriend who's madly in love with trains as much as me (she's real before anyone asks) so she'll be contributing stock and support. Get in. Looking forward the chimney support, complete with Eric the Network Rail man (left) and workbench (right) The Velux windows are amazing - wouldn't want my loft any other way. My Portmadoc station lamp is on the right, and will be at some point replacing the pedant lamp Decided to get out the majority of my trains the other day. Quite a nice collection coming along! There's other stuff like my full GWR sleeper rake and DRS 20s at my mate's house, and the XC Mk3SDs are on pre-order from that Liverpool model shop we all know. Also got myself a Wickes oil heater (wasn't required this morning - it's lovely and warm upstairs) The ex-Ffestiniog Railway carr 113 seats will be fitted with wheels so we can operate the trains from them. Also got plenty of other railway tat such as signs, AWS display and buttons. Photos all taken on my phone with a lovely wide angle lens for those wondering why it looks so big (that's what she said, but without the lens ) Cheers all! Stay safe out there. Edited September 14, 2023 by JackB95 Fixing broken pictures 10 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Stop making excuses get the wood ordered for delivery think of all those spares from home you could have the boards up in no time 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 11 hours ago, JackB95 said: Morning all, So yeah, it's been a while since I last posted - oops! Since my last post, I've sorted myself out a workbench, and moved the majority of my railway stock/tat upstairs so the rest of the house is less cluttered. Anyway, still no sign of a layout. I really should've sorted my baseboards out by now, and with this whole COVID-19 thing, it won't be happening any time soon - . Here's some pictures taken this morning of what I'm currently dealing with. Lots of railway memorabilia knocking around, including ex-Ffestiniog carr 113 seats. Currently drawing up plans for layouts during this current isolation climate. Oh, and I've since gained a new girlfriend who's madly in love with trains as much as me (she's real before anyone asks) so she'll be contributing stock and support. Get in. Looking forward the chimney support, complete with Eric the Network Rail man (left) and workbench (right) The Velux windows are amazing - wouldn't want my loft any other way. My Portmadoc station lamp is on the right, and will be at some point replacing the pedant lamp Decided to get out the majority of my trains the other day. Quite a nice collection coming along! There's other stuff like my full GWR sleeper rake and DRS 20s at my mate's house, and the XC Mk3SDs are on pre-order from that Liverpool model shop we all know. Also got myself a Wickes oil heater (wasn't required this morning - it's lovely and warm upstairs) The ex-Ffestiniog Railway carr 113 seats will be fitted with wheels so we can operate the trains from them. Also got plenty of other railway tat such as signs, AWS display and buttons. Photos all taken on my phone with a lovely wide angle lens for those wondering why it looks so big (that's what she said, but without the lens ) Cheers all! Stay safe out there. Looks great size room for layout build.. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 19 hours ago, d winpenny said: Stop making excuses get the wood ordered for delivery think of all those spares from home you could have the boards up in no time Some of us have to go to Manchester Airport this week. Absolutely crying hun. 10 hours ago, saxokid said: Looks great size room for layout build.. Absolutely is Neil. Keep safe mate 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 On 07/04/2020 at 09:54, JackB95 said: Some of us have to go to Manchester Airport this week. Absolutely crying hun. Absolutely is Neil. Keep safe mate Thanks JackB95 my frend Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 3, 2020 Author Share Posted May 3, 2020 I keep being pestered by colleagues and friends to get some baseboards together. And after discovering that my local Travis Perkins appears to be open, I thought I'd make an enquiry and plan how the baseboards are going be built. I've been heavily inspired by Richard from Everard Junction following his extensive YouTube series on his current layout rebuild. Using his idea as a solid basis for mine, I've come up with a modular 4x2ft board design so that if I change my mind whilst putting boards together, I can just reassemble and create something easily. The biggest uncertainty at the moment is layout height. I've already settled on the fact it'll be a low-to-floor design to maximise the size but not lowering it to the point where I'll my back 5 minutes in. If I find the layout will be too low, I'll reorganise the boards to lose a board width (2ft probably) to allow the layout to be raised up. Hoping to get the wood to precut 4x2ft 9mm softwood ply for the tops, and then strips of 4ft x 6ich 9mm hardwood to be boxed together to provide a nice strong frame. I'd rather spend a bit more time/money on a frame that's going to last a long time. The narrow 4x1ft boards by the chimney breast support will be easily removable to allow access to the workbench/other space. The idea is there'll be 18 inches of space between the support and the 3 boards bottom left so I can get access the area (most likely be a depot of some sort). Any words of advice or comments are most welcome. Stay safe out there folks. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 16 minutes ago, JackB95 said: I keep being pestered by colleagues and friends to get some baseboards together. And after discovering that my local Travis Perkins appears to be open, I thought I'd make an enquiry and plan how the baseboards are going be built. I've been heavily inspired by Richard from Everard Junction following his extensive YouTube series on his current layout rebuild. Using his idea as a solid basis for mine, I've come up with a modular 4x2ft board design so that if I change my mind whilst putting boards together, I can just reassemble and create something easily. The biggest uncertainty at the moment is layout height. I've already settled on the fact it'll be a low-to-floor design to maximise the size but not lowering it to the point where I'll my back 5 minutes in. If I find the layout will be too low, I'll reorganise the boards to lose a board width (2ft probably) to allow the layout to be raised up. Hoping to get the wood to precut 4x2ft 9mm softwood ply for the tops, and then strips of 4ft x 6ich 9mm hardwood to be boxed together to provide a nice strong frame. I'd rather spend a bit more time/money on a frame that's going to last a long time. The narrow 4x1ft boards by the chimney breast support will be easily removable to allow access to the workbench/other space. The idea is there'll be 18 inches of space between the support and the 3 boards bottom left so I can get access the area (most likely be a depot of some sort). Any words of advice or comments are most welcome. Stay safe out there folks. Looks interesting design.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham108 Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 On the subject of baseboard height, consider how you'll do all the wiring, assuming it will be underneath. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 3, 2020 Author Share Posted May 3, 2020 39 minutes ago, saxokid said: Looks interesting design.. Cheers Neil 7 minutes ago, bartram108 said: On the subject of baseboard height, consider how you'll do all the wiring, assuming it will be underneath. A very good point. One thing I'd considered a while back was to get one of those workshop roller creeper things so I can lie back and fit under the layout with ease and work comfortably. Something I certainly need to read into more and practice on one board before committing to a height. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
73c Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 Found that 900mm ( worktop height ) is a comfortable height, otherwise it'll bu**er ya back up if any lower. Could I also suggest, some form of black out blinds for the Velux, our sometimes freaky summers, could have your stock warping, track buckling and other items becoming bleached from the sun light. The Purlin ( the long timber, running lengthways ) is about the limit of where the layout can back on too, especially if your going to have a back scene. I'd also suggest some T8 florescent led tubes, good lighting with near enough no heat for late night - winter working up there. HTH 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallman28 Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 On 03/05/2020 at 15:08, JackB95 said: One thing I'd considered a while back was to get one of those workshop roller creeper things so I can lie back and fit under the layout with ease and work comfortably. Something I certainly need to read into more and practice on one board before committing to a height. Only thing I found with that is your arms can tire quite quickly holding them up all the time, yes it is better than being on your back but still not the most comfortable position, at least for me anyway 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 6, 2020 Author Share Posted May 6, 2020 Thanks very much for your suggestions chaps. Very handy information. Blackout blinds are on the list, and although the loft won't see much direct sunlight, it'll still be enough to warrent the requirement for blinds. 3ft seems reasonable. As I've said previously, I'm going to experiment before I commit as to check what works best for me. On the subject of baseboards, a mysterious thing has occurred... 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold lezz01 Posted May 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 6, 2020 I would go with LED light panels rather than tubes. I have tubes in my railway room and my workshop and I have decided to change them for the LED panels. Mainly because of the noise issue, both my tube lights buzz something terrible and they get very hot after a while. Plus you can't smash them and then have to hoover the broken glass off of the layout/workbench. Not only that but if you go with RGB LEDs, (yes I know they're a bit more money but hey), you can change the lighting with the push of a button to simulate the change of light throughout a running session. Regards Lez. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Thanks for the note Lez - I'll bear that in mind. Well it's been a rather productive day. The hot weather has helped to the point where I've been enjoying working outside, but I've also got rather hot and bothered and so it's slowed me down a bit. Still, managed to build the first three boards, get them upstairs and clamp some temp legs on just so I could get a feel for how things are going to turn out. I'm rather pleased with how they've turned out. They're far from perfect, and obviously as they're fixed temporarily they're not sitting perfectly. However, I think it's fair to say that the height will be 2ft. It's enough for me to get under to service the electrics etc, it's a nice height to work at if sitting, and also it's probably as high as I'll be able to go before the purlin gets in the way. It's already kinda in the way but it's ok if the boards are 2ft off the ground. 2 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted May 8, 2020 Share Posted May 8, 2020 20 hours ago, JackB95 said: Thanks for the note Lez - I'll bear that in mind. Well it's been a rather productive day. The hot weather has helped to the point where I've been enjoying working outside, but I've also got rather hot and bothered and so it's slowed me down a bit. Still, managed to build the first three boards, get them upstairs and clamp some temp legs on just so I could get a feel for how things are going to turn out. I'm rather pleased with how they've turned out. They're far from perfect, and obviously as they're fixed temporarily they're not sitting perfectly. However, I think it's fair to say that the height will be 2ft. It's enough for me to get under to service the electrics etc, it's a nice height to work at if sitting, and also it's probably as high as I'll be able to go before the purlin gets in the way. It's already kinda in the way but it's ok if the boards are 2ft off the ground. Done nice job on those boards ... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 9, 2020 Author Share Posted May 9, 2020 Bit more progress today. Cleared the floor of trains and crap that'd accumulated over the past few months. All the trains were put in their boxes and stored under the workbench safely. Layed out boards one by one as I sanded them down using my mouse sander. They're not in their final positions yet (that'll be decided once the legs are on), but I'm starting to get a feel for the layout. One board's had legs clamped on for the time being, complete with an ex-LM class 153 for scale. The legs are 24"x3" ply screwed together at right angles. They'll have adjustable feet installed on the bottom so the layout is properly level throughout. Photos taken with my wide angle lens to show the room better (hence why the loft hatch changes shape in each photo). Cheers! 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackB95 Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 Built some more legs today, got them fitted to the layout, and also built board number 9. I'm satisfied with the height of the layout. It fits nicely, nothing is cramped, and I'm easily able to access everything, stood up or sat down. The yellow tape is the outside edge of where two more boards will go. One will be fixed whilst the other nearest the workbench will be hinged to provide easy access. Waiting for the paint brushes to arrive, where all the boards will get a final sanding and varnishing before being screwed together. Whilst I've lost space compared to my original plans, I was willing to play around to ensure everything fitted better in the space I had. And yes, that bluey grey cushion by the extension cable is an ICE headrest from first class ;-) 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 21 hours ago, JackB95 said: Built some more legs today, got them fitted to the layout, and also built board number 9. I'm satisfied with the height of the layout. It fits nicely, nothing is cramped, and I'm easily able to access everything, stood up or sat down. The yellow tape is the outside edge of where two more boards will go. One will be fixed whilst the other nearest the workbench will be hinged to provide easy access. Waiting for the paint brushes to arrive, where all the boards will get a final sanding and varnishing before being screwed together. Whilst I've lost space compared to my original plans, I was willing to play around to ensure everything fitted better in the space I had. And yes, that bluey grey cushion by the extension cable is an ICE headrest from first class ;-) Looks great now JackB 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CazRail Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Impressive work, mate! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1722 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Great space, Jack. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it! 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 Looking forward to another update now Jack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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