Alcanman Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 (edited) Having built several small layouts over the past few years, I have been looking for something a bit different for my latest project. When Revolution Trains announced their MMA/JNA modern open box wagons, I started thinking about the possibility of modelling a modern aggregates terminal. However, these are usually large facilities with long block trains arriving with loads from stone quarries. For a small layout , I simply imagined that a few wagons could be cut from a block train and dropped off at a small aggregates terminal. Searches led to this CEMEX/DB Cargo ‘pop up’ terminal at Warrington. https://www.agg-net.com/news/new-pop-up-rail-depot-in-warrington I also found this promotional video of a recently opened aggregates railhead at Ashville Aggregates in the London area, served by GBRf. JNA open box wagons with GBRf and VTG branding can be seen in the video. This also inspired the layout name which I changed to ‘Ashtown Aggregates’. The layout plan includes 2 sidings similar to the those seen in the Warrington photo, where MMA/JNA and MBA wagons will be unloaded. To add operating interest, there is a siding with a hopper unloading shed where JGAs can be unloaded. This can be accessed via a run around loop. The scenic portion of the layout measures 6ft x 15ins plus 3ft fiddle yard. Edited October 10, 2019 by Alcanman 13 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 11, 2019 Author Share Posted October 11, 2019 A couple of Revolution Trains DB MMA wagons recently arrived. They are very expensive but the detailing is quite superb. I'll have to start saving up for more, luckily I don't need a lot for a small layout. I do envy those who have the funds to order them by the dozen! 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 16, 2019 Author Share Posted October 16, 2019 (edited) Work on the layout has now begun and good progress made. Track cut and glued in place. The main structures are also in place but not glued down as yet. Next task will be wiring the layout. Edited October 16, 2019 by Alcanman 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 Wiring completed today. With a small layout you can have trains running after a few days work. 47727 departs with empty hoppers. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 Nice modelling and pictures too cheers neil.. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share Posted October 23, 2019 A little more progress at Ashtown Aggregates. The road overbridge has been built using Wills vari-girder and dressed stone. It has been painted and will be weathered later. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share Posted October 23, 2019 More progress today. The last of the warehouse/background buildings has been finished. The rather drab structures have been broken up by the addition of a storage silo similar to the one at Ashville Aggregates. Seems there are no 66s available so a 67 is deputising! 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxokid Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 On 23/10/2019 at 18:30, Alcanman said: More progress today. The last of the warehouse/background buildings has been finished. The rather drab structures have been broken up by the addition of a storage silo similar to the one at Ashville Aggregates. Seems there are no 66s available so a 67 is deputising! Coming along treat now... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 Nice one. i loved the video with the bloke that owns Asheville aggregates - he just received 22 “ carriages “ Still you can’t doubt his enthusiasm 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted October 26, 2019 Author Share Posted October 26, 2019 11 hours ago, rob D2 said: Nice one. i loved the video with the bloke that owns Asheville aggregates - he just received 22 “ carriages “ Still you can’t doubt his enthusiasm Yes, I noticed his mention of 'carriages' too. Certainly gave me some inspiration for the layout and good to see new railheads like that opening today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 26, 2019 Share Posted October 26, 2019 3 hours ago, Alcanman said: Yes, I noticed his mention of 'carriages' too. Certainly gave me some inspiration for the layout and good to see new railheads like that opening today. That looks like Thorney mill , near colnbrook - reopened used to be bardon I think 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 Track painted and ballasted. Like others I'm waiting in eager anticipation for the the Hattons 66s to be released. Poor old 66209 needs some time off for overdue maintenance! 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 7, 2019 Author Share Posted November 7, 2019 A couple of brand new Revolution DB MMA box wagons at Ashtown. They will have to be weathered but I'm a little apprehensive due to the cost of these wagons. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 10, 2019 Author Share Posted November 10, 2019 Quite a lot of progress on the layout this week. The road bridge has been weathered, a short line of seamoss trees and bushes fill in the gap between the warehouses and the bridge and static grass and tufts also added. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 14, 2019 Author Share Posted November 14, 2019 66209 departing with empty JGA hoppers. 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 17, 2019 Author Share Posted November 17, 2019 Komatsu excavator about to unload MBA 'monster' boxes. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 These monsters seem to be in vogue now, I guess as the driver can see into the wagon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 Yes, that excavator has a high cab platform and ,of course, a grab bucket. In the US they employ a rather unusual method of unloading aggregates with an excavator. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 Busy scene at Ashtown Aggregates. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 19, 2019 Author Share Posted November 19, 2019 Colas 47727 'Rebecca' arrives with a couple of MBAs for unloading. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 21, 2019 Author Share Posted November 21, 2019 Added more 'greenery' at the right hand end of the layout. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold chuffinghell Posted November 21, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 21, 2019 Great layout! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 22, 2019 Author Share Posted November 22, 2019 66209 arrives at Ashtown Aggregates with loaded JGA hoppers. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 28, 2019 Author Share Posted November 28, 2019 I finally plucked up the courage to weather the very expensive Revolution MMA wagons. The Tarmac JGAs also have been lightly weathered. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcanman Posted November 29, 2019 Author Share Posted November 29, 2019 The Komatsu excavator has also been weathered. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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