LBSC123 Posted July 2, 2021 Share Posted July 2, 2021 (edited) Following a moment of indiscretion I find myself in the possession of a Heljan Southern Era ‘Taw’ and a couple of Peco coaches to suit. What follows is a collection of ramblings which will hopefully at some point turn into an 009 layout. Since returning to the hobby just over a year ago, I have built two layouts, and learnt a lot doing so. I am not entirely happy with either of these, largely due to compromises I made during the course of construction which I later came to regret. Unfortunately these are ‘baked in’ to both layouts, and one can’t easily solve these without starting again. Largely, I think this is because I built both layouts in a bit of a fit of excitement during the first and second lockdowns. Ahead of this layout I thought it would be useful (for myself and possibly others) to establish a key set of criteria from which I could design a layout from. Key principles: -I enjoy watching a train proceed through a settling/landscape, so continuous run is a must -It needs to fit onto my table top, so dimensions are 5ft x2.5ft, maximum -Needs a degree of operational interest, not just a continuous loop, such as the ability to shunt (a) siding(s) or pass trains in a loop, without looking too cluttered. -Hands free operation is a must, so that means automatic couplings to enable shunt movements -Curved back scenes, no corners in the sky -Viewing angle needs to be managed, and so lighting gantry needs to be thought about during construction -Not relying on point blades for frog polarity/continuity -Passive provision for DCC -Scenery is my favourite bit of construction, so something that enables me to try out and hone a variety of techniques -Scratch building is not (yet?) my forte and so any areas of this need to be achievable to avoid demoralisation and the project stalling -I am not a sucker for modelling the prototype (I’m not sure I’ve got the space either!) but the layout needs to take clear reference points from the actual practice on the L&B, such as: signalling, station track plans ( and SR era rationalisation of these) buidings and scenery. This would enable the less knowledgeable to reasonably conclude that it might *actually* be a station on the L&B. That’s it for now. I’ve got a wealth of material to be getting through in the books below. I’m not too sure how quickly things might progress but comments and thoughts appreciated all the same! Edited July 2, 2021 by LBSC123 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBSC123 Posted July 12, 2021 Author Share Posted July 12, 2021 I’ve been mulling this over more over the last few days. A few wagons and a station building have arrived which will help start to set the scene nicely. my current line of thinking is ‘less is more’ and so I am considering an imaginary station which had similar rationalisation of its facilities as Brattain Fleming in 1932, where the passing loop was removed leaving just a siding. There are a number of lovely Village names along the line ‘Loxhore’ has a nice ring to it. Regarding baseboards, following in the footsteps of @NHY 581, I see IKEA sell a Lack table with dimensions of 118x78, which could prove suitable. First, I need to see what curves the Manning Wardle will tackle… More soon. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold NHY 581 Posted July 12, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 12, 2021 What a splendid choice of foundation....... Rob 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mick Bonwick Posted July 12, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 12, 2021 Oh no! Another thread that I will have to follow! If this one progresses in a similar fashion to its predecessors, Will, there will be much to admire. I don't agree with your observation that scratch buildoing is not (yet) your forte. Just look back at that sailing barge. Anticipation is rife. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBSC123 Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 On 12/07/2021 at 20:12, Mick Bonwick said: Oh no! Another thread that I will have to follow! If this one progresses in a similar fashion to its predecessors, Will, there will be much to admire. I don't agree with your observation that scratch buildoing is not (yet) your forte. Just look back at that sailing barge. Anticipation is rife. Thanks for the kind words @Mick Bonwick. I can do some kit building and as you mention did a lot of work above and beyond what the kit contained on the Barge. However, as it stands, cutting holes for windows, doors and other things associated with buildings are a bit out of my comfort zone. I intend to partially rectify this on this coming layout, but by not relying on the techniques for the station building I reduce the urgency of tackling such a task. It's always good to acknowledge what you do/don't like doing and try and do more of the former and less of the latter! PS expect a lot of trees on this layout.... 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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