B. Ox (Files and Abrasives)

[CloggyDog]

While I am working from home (supporting operational colleagues on the Tube with revised schedules), I've been using the time I've saved commuting to the spare room each day instead of London, by making the Scalescenes boxfile layout. 

 

A couple of under construction pics to start with, showing the side and front openings cut away, base layer cut around where the track goes and then track in and hardstanding laid. 

 

The first structure done and temporarily in place to check clearances. 

 

And a 'capacity check' to see just how many wagons I can  put on there ;p

(9 x 10' wb vans/opens. In practise I'll operate it as a 3-2-2 inglenook, with 5 wagons in play at any time) 

 

Track is Peco Code 75 with a cut-down short radius r/h point - this was salvaged off an old layout but the tiebar had snapped. At least this way it doesn't just get binned. A simple plug-in fiddlestick with wired fishplates just gets attached to whichever of the 3 tracks needs shunting. 

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by CloggyDog

[CloggyDog]

Adding more structures - I did all the fixed low level structures first (so didn't follow the instructions sequence entirely) before adding the detachable upper level ones. 

[CloggyDog]

Aaaannndd... done! The boxfile micro is just about  there. Maybe some minor scenic additions (oil drums, pallets, litter and other detritus) and some signage. 

 

I'm leaving the hopper off the left hand building as I don't think it adds anything. I'll plug the hole in that roof once I get back to the office and print off a section of walkway to extend the  existing one over the hole.

 

Some of the structures could easily be used independently on a larger layout, once you download the file you can print off as many bits as you want.

 

A fun, fairly quick and fairly cheap project. Roughly 20 hours all told. Cost about £25 (£10 each for the kit and the assorted card, £5 to cover the yard of track, glue and the dozen S-M 10A blades blunted during the build). The boxfile itself came from the clear out when the department moved out of 55 Broadway some 18 months ago. 

 

It's well designed and straightforward to build. I'd certainly do another (just not straightaway!) 

And it all breaks down and stores neatly in the boxfile, so nice and easy to take to shows or have a quick play when I fancy some shunting.

 

I do need to sort out some dedicated stock (these are all borrowed from my Reading Signal Works micro) , a handful of vans, an open or two, maybe something longer like a tube or plate to occasionally complicate the shunt...

 

https://scalescenes.com/product/ly01-industrial-boxfile-layout/ is the link to the kit, if anyone fancies a go. 

[Stubby47]

Very neat.

 

With my first boxfile I made the rule that the lid had to close, it adds a real challenge to hide all the building break points.

 

I used a Peco loco lift as the fiddle stick, but it does need a little room to fit as it's not really intended for angled joints.

[Paul C]

Thanks for posting this. I have made a start on my own over the last few days, and your photos have encouraged me that the bashing I was intending to do (omitting the hopper, turning the enclosed conveyor into a smaller pipe conduit) will be feasible. I'm not intending to use a box file, but to include this at one end of a micro. Not quite worked out the other end yet, but it will include an (already built) Scalescenes terrace as a view blocker. 

 

Yours looks great! 

[Jerry1975]

Nicely done,  I have been tempted myself by the kit, must resist............

 

Jerry. 

[Kevin Johnson]

I do like the scale scenes boxfile kit as it makes for a great little layout. You have done a great job.

[noctilux2]

I see you’ve kept your yellow crane well hidden !

[Sun VI]

Many thanks CloggyDog, for the very clear, useful photo's.  I've been working on one of these for ages, with an hour snatched here or or there at a time.  You've given me some encouragement to get on with it.

[Chris Bergerac]

On 13/04/2020 at 20:25, Jerry1975 said:

Nicely done,  I have been tempted myself by the kit, must resist............

Jerry. 

Resistance is futile...

[jembo]

Really nicely done. I think the inlaid track looks better (not to decry the Model Rail version) and it's lovely to see some of the tiny new 00 locos in situ. That top photo is fantastic.

John

[*Desperado]

Great work. Congrats.

[Bungus the Fogeyman]

So when are we going to see a pic of you playing with this on a train a la Barbers Bridge then Al? 

 

Disgusting of Market Harborough

[CloggyDog]

1 hour ago, Bungus the Fogeyman said:

So when are we going to see a pic of you playing with this on a train a la Barbers Bridge then Al? 

 

Disgusting of Market Harborough

 

Given I've not been on a train since mid-March... 

 

It'll happen at some point. 

[Bungus the Fogeyman]

Good man Al! Look forward to seeing the results!

 

Disgusting of Market Harborough

[kevo]

Hi Cloggy  dog  you made a brilliant job with the box file  layout  . i could not help but notice your very clever use of a cut down  point . this looks a excellent way to save space  . can i ask  did you have to make any special wire  adjustments  to it  . or was it just   snip cut .  as i am currently  building a box file layout  my self i would very much like to try this idea  any tips or gidance on how you did it would be great thanks  . 

[andyram]

This looks great. I have heard about the Scalescenes kit and it is fantastic to see a finished version. Great work.

[CloggyDog]

7 hours ago, kevo said:

Hi Cloggy  dog  you made a brilliant job with the box file  layout  . i could not help but notice your very clever use of a cut down  point . this looks a excellent way to save space  . can i ask  did you have to make any special wire  adjustments  to it  . or was it just   snip cut .  as i am currently  building a box file layout  my self i would very much like to try this idea  any tips or gidance on how you did it would be great thanks  . 

 

I had a Peco elecrofrog code 75 short Rad point where the tiebar had either snapped, or one blade had come adrift, so no loss to try cutting it down. Saved about 4"

 

I haven't altered the wiring at all, the fiddlestick just plugs into whichever road I want to use via fishplates with the power leads to the controller soldered to the underside. 

[kevo]

Thanks  for reply  thats brilliant  i will have a go at  mine i have a few old points that have seen  better days .

[CloggyDog]

Here's one on another of my layouts, with the fiddlestick plugged into the diverging road. I hope you can see how the rails are cut to be square across each road.