RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 25, 2019 At least it only appears to be plain track that needs tweaking, not the more time consuming S & C. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) That was one of my 'red lines'. The track easing to to straight had to be done with the minimum disruption to the two approach ends. Had it meant messing with each end, I'd have packed up and gone home....Wait a minute, I am home... ...and there's more. A year to two ago I was talking to dear Allan Downes about changing the span on the overhead bridge of ET station. I suspect the original Peterborough layout had a slightly different track layout, but with 44.66mm double track spacing and centrally located buildings on the platform, it was clear to me that the span of the second bridge needed to be widened by around 30mm as the down steps were too close to the platform edge. Here's what I mean... It's one of those things that has bugged me and no matter what I couldn't resolve it by changing the track layout, without it looking obvious it was fudge. Allan, bless him, was only too pleased to do the work, but for one reason and another, I never got round to it and now he is no longer with us. I will have to ask others for help, as whilst I'm happy pottering around with PCB strip and a soldering iron, buildings are out of my comfort zone. Add to that the outstanding skills of Allan to produce such a building and my appreciation of his skills and I'm totally against trying to tackle it myself. The last thing I want is to wreck his work for the sake of 30mm. After all, it is at at the back of the station and apart from die hard railway modellers, it's unlikely anyone will notice. Basically it needs to be widened by 30mm, either at the building end or the ramp end, but the thought of taking a knife to it, keeps me awake at night. I have approached someone who has the skills to do the work, so fingers crossed he will be able to help. It's funny seeing the blank walls that no one will see, but like others in the OCD thread, I know they are blank so may have them finished off at the same time. Here's a close up of the footbridge. Any ideas how to widen it by 30mm and not see the change are always welcome. It can be either end but will have to match the existing structure. Maybe the only way to resolve it is to remake the whole centre section. Overall, it's been a good few days and now I can see the layout starting to take shape. I'm certain in any build you get to a critical point. If progress slows and you've yet to reach that point, it's all too easy to find fault when you are miles from the finish line and pack up. Once you get to a certain point, it's a little like reaching the top of a long climb and then you know it's going to be down hill and easier to the finish. Do you ever finish and if you do, is it time to start again? Maybe that's the wine kicking in..... Arsenal v Utd tonight in the cup. Even as a Spurs supporter I can still enjoy good football and it will be good to enjoy another glass of Merlot in front of the wood burner. Edited January 26, 2019 by gordon s 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aardvark Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 (edited) Funny how your modelling mojo comes and goes without reason. If anyone knows why, I’m all ears. I'm only the newest of beginners at this sport, but my limited experience suggests four possible scenarios for the loss of the mythical mojo: Your doing something, it goes pear-shaped, and you have no idea how to make it un-pear-shaped. Your doing something, it goes pear-shaped, but making it un-pair-shaped will involve undoing and re-doing hours/days/weeks/months of work. Your doing something, and it's all going fine, but you get bored, and start looking for something "challenging". You read a posting or magazine article, and realise that there is no way that you will ever be able to do what the author has done. Your doing something, and it's all going fine, but you've run out of some vital part and have to order more. Your doing something, and it's all going fine, but you've run out of some vital part, have to order more and the supplier is out of stock. Edit: added 5. and 6. Edited January 27, 2019 by aardvark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold teaky Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 That was one of my 'red lines'. The track easing to to straight had to be done with the minimum disruption to the two approach ends. Had it meant messing with each end, I'd have packed up and gone home....Wait a minute, I am home... ...and there's more. A year to two ago I was talking to dear Allan Downes about changing the span on the overhead bridge of ET station. I suspect the original Peterborough layout had a slightly different track layout, but with 44.66mm double track spacing and centrally located buildings on the platform, it was clear to me that the span of the second bridge needed to be widened by around 30mm as the down steps were too close to the platform edge. Here's what I mean... DSCF9562.jpg It's one of those things that has bugged me and no matter what I couldn't resolve it by changing the track layout, without it looking obvious it was fudge. Allan, bless him, was only too pleased to do the work, but for one reason and another, I never got round to it and now he is no longer with us. I will have to ask others for help, as whilst I'm happy pottering around with PCB strip and a soldering iron, buildings are out of my comfort zone. Add to that the outstanding skills of Allan to produce such a building and my appreciation of his skills and I'm totally against trying to tackle it myself. The last thing I want is to wreck his work for the sake of 30mm. After all, it is at at the back of the station and apart from die hard railway modellers, it's unlikely anyone will notice. Basically it needs to be widened by 30mm, either at the building end or the ramp end, but the thought of taking a knife to it, keeps me awake at night. I have approached someone who has the skills to do the work, so fingers crossed he will be able to help. It's funny seeing the blank walls that no one will see, but like others in the OCD thread, I know they are blank so may have them finished off at the same time. Here's a close up of the footbridge. Any ideas how to widen it by 30mm and not see the change are always welcome. It can be either end but will have to match the existing structure. Maybe the only way to resolve it is to remake the whole centre section. DSCF9565.jpg Overall, it's been a good few days and now I can see the layout starting to take shape. I'm certain in any build you get to a critical point. If progress slows and you've yet to reach that point, it's all too easy to find fault when you are miles from the finish line and pack up. Once you get to a certain point, it's a little like reaching the top of a long climb and then you know it's going to be down hill and easier to the finish. Do you ever finish and if you do, is it time to start again? Maybe that's the wine kicking in..... Arsenal v Utd tonight in the cup. Even as a Spurs supporter I can still enjoy good football and it will be good to enjoy another glass of Merlot in front of the wood burner. A couple of thoughts on widening the footbridge. Add brick pillars between the back wall of the station building and the footbridge? Something along the lines of what can be seen in this photo of the goods bridge at Worcester Shrub Hill: http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/2dc84fb066e94033ae56818094c44d04/worcester-shrub-hill-railway-station-e62ype.jpg The pillars could either be in the same brick as the station buildings or in a contrasting colour as in the photo. This assumes there is room on the platform below. Add an extra section of footbridge but without windows and just, say, vertical planking. This would work particularly well if the measurements coincided with the apex of the ridge of the platform roof below. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 Thanks Teaky. Having looked at it in detail this morning that idea could be possible. It's not without's risks, but could be done. It's not the complexity of the solution that's bothering me as it could be quite a simple fix based on your suggestion. It's just the thought of messing the whole thing up that's making me hesitate taking a razor saw/scalpel to Allan's work. I took these this morning to show a bit more detail. Close up photography can be so cruel... I should be able to separate the bridge section from the wall, in fact I'm not sure it's joined anyway. The real problem is underneath. It appears the base of the footbridge is glued to the canopy. The roof of the bridge would need one section replacing where it is cut around the roof, but I should be able to manage that....and it's out of sight behind the building.... Perhaps once the valance is removed, I could cut back across the underside of the canopy to the width of the bridge and it may well come away. That would leave the piece of canopy stuck to the bridge floor, but once out they could be slit apart with a scalpel or razor saw. The canopy is 54mm deep, so there is room for a brick support if required or perhaps a simple unsupported covered area to the start of the walkway is the answer. I should then be able to replace the gap in the canopy with another piece of card, fill any gaps and repaint. I feel a little more confident attempting this work as it will behind the centre building and the balance of the footbridge will remain untouched. Of course this is a simple job for those artists who turn out buildings by the dozen, but for those of us with 'sausage fingers' and a history of catastrophic mishaps, this is a big step.... 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 26, 2019 Gordon, it looks as though it would be quite straightforward to ease the valancing off the canopy without damaging it as it's in 2 parts and then replace it after the surgery. The only time that the extension would be visible is when you use a camera to look along the length of the station, asI doubt that you can see behind the building from the operating position. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold martin_wynne Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 (edited) Hi Gordon, There is no law that footbridge steps have to be central on a platform. The only requirement is that they must be at least 6ft (24mm) from the platform edge, as with all fixed obstructions. Looking at those columns, they may not be too far out. What are your track centres? If you have been using 50mm for 00 you could easily reduce them to 44.67mm centres for an 80ft curve, which would gain you an extra 5mm+ on the platform. You could put a newsagents cabin on the far side of the footbridge steps to explain/disguise their being off-centre. It wouldn't need to be very detailed, and you might find a kit or RTR one which would do. cheers, Martin. Edited January 26, 2019 by martin_wynne 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post gordon s Posted January 26, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 26, 2019 (edited) Well it's only taken 10 years and at 3.45pm this afternoon something ran.... Edit: Thanks Martin, I was so chuffed I missed answering your post. The track centres are already on 44.67mm so no room there. I'll put the footbridge to one side for a day or two as I would like to finish off the track on one circuit at least. What's there now are several loose pieces of track to join the boards together. There's no bus connection between the boards either. It's simply counting on the fishplates to conduct power from one board to another. Not ideal, but fine to get me round one loop. Funny thing was off camera is that the J15 suddenly stopped and the quartering on the wheels was all over the place. Of course as it hard hardly been run, one of the con rod screws had fallen out and chaos ensued. Trying to find the tiny screw could have been challenging, but thankfully it was between the rails a few inches away. Happy days... Edited January 26, 2019 by gordon s 42 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 26, 2019 What an achievement, the first train too make it all the way around the layout. Crack on Gordon and get the other circuit completed and we can watch trains passing each other. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard.h Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Lovely to see you back making progress, it seems such a long time now since I copied your method of making and painting stone walling from plastikard. Please keep it going we need your inspiration . 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 Hi Richard, I’m completely lost for words.... It’s funny how you potter around at home, really having no idea if people are reading your ramblings and suddenly you see a post and a picture that shows someone has picked up a process that you have experimented with. I cannot take the credit though as I picked up the basics from the late Dave Shakespeare of Tetley Mills fame and I’m sure if Dave is looking down on us, he will be very happy his ideas are still being used on new layouts. Now something is finally running I feel very happy knowing that ET may now become something that will give me a lot of pleasure. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Nice one Gordon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denbridge Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Well it's only taken 10 years and at 3.45pm this afternoon something ran.... https://youtu.be/31gGySm9ccg Edit: Thanks Martin, I was so chuffed I missed answering your post. The track centres are already on 44.67mm so no room there. I'll put the footbridge to one side for a day or two as I would like to finish off the track on one circuit at least. What's there now are several loose pieces of track to join the boards together. There's no bus connection between the boards either. It's simply counting on the fishplates to conduct power from one board to another. Not ideal, but fine to get me round one loop. Funny thing was off camera is that the J15 suddenly stopped and the quartering on the wheels was all over the place. Of course as it hard hardly been run, one of the con rod screws had fallen out and chaos ensued. Trying to find the tiny screw could have been challenging, but thankfully it was between the rails a few inches away. Happy days... its a wonderful feeling when the first train runs, isnt it. I imagine it must be doubly so after all of your rebuilds. Congratulations Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 Fill a glass (or two), sit back and watch some of your locos stretch their legs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foulounoux Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Gordon The fact it's taken 10years is actually an inspiration to those of us still struggling to even get beyond the first rung Knowing that perseverance pays off in the end is such an encouragement So thank you Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trustytrev Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 (edited) Hello Gordon, I think a nice glass or two of Shiraz is in order to celebrate you latest achievements. You deserve a few glasses of red too. Cheers. trustytrev. Edited January 28, 2019 by trustytrev Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Barry O Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 26, 2019 Wooppppiiiiidddddoooo! Well done Gordon. A bit more testing to do..the other track could go all the way round then..Bingo! Brilliant ..keep going! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullie Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Running the first train is always a great moment, well done to have finally got here. And don't even think of taking it up! Martyn Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium great northern Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 26, 2019 The station buildings are based on Spalding, and the track through the station was indeed dead straight. I decided to go down there and take photos for Allan to work from on Whit Sunday 2000, and to avoid strange looks from passers by as I put my home made eight foot ruler up against walls and windows, I also decided to go very early in the morning. I was recovering from radiotherapy at the time, so wasn't pleased when I opened the curtains at about 0500 and saw pouring rain. Anyway, I still went, measured and photographed the surviving buildings, and then drove to Sleaford to do the same with the island platform building there, as it was very similar to what had been at Spalding. The far building was a best guess, as I could find no useful photos of the real thing at all, and it was long gone by this time. All info and photos duly sent to Allan, who built the lot in about three weeks. As you say, he didn't believe in modelling bits that weren't going to be seen. So, they sat in my loft for about nine years before you bought them. I'm well pleased that they are getting a new lease of life. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Congratulations Gordon. I hope this isn't going to affect your golf game 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 Hi Gilbert, lovely to hear from you again and I'm so pleased that Peterborough North has turned out so well for you! Great to hear the back story regards the buildings. It's funny but after all this time I may have found the answer. I was certain on your original layout there were two sets of double tracks and try as hard as I could with numerous drawings initially and then Templot, I couldn't seem to get the footbridge across far enough with that set up. This may be the answer.....After much searching of the web, I finally tracked down a pic of your first layout.... The buildings aren't in the pic, but unless I'm mistaken, it appears there is only one set of double tracks and then a wide platform with a bay end and finally a single track to the last platform.... ......which of course would put the down steps more central and explains why I couldn't shoe horn another pair of tracks in.... Mystery solved! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium skipepsi Posted January 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 27, 2019 I am not sure how long ago I suggested getting one circuit completed to be able to complete the whole layout. Passing trains should be the next target as suggested above. Congratulations Gordon. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted January 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 27, 2019 About 60 years ago, my parents had bought a magazine that included an article about model railways. One of its tenets was to get things running as soon as possible, so avoiding boredom and loss of interest. I have never forgotten that, but equally marvel at Gordon keeping his mojo going - with gaps here and there - for so many years. Well done, Sir! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kazmierczak Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 Watching the video I was waiting for: a) a derailment b) the train to come to an abrupt halt Neither happened; as smooth as silk. Well done Gordon; you must be right "chuffed". 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post gordon s Posted January 27, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 27, 2019 (edited) ....you wait ten years for the first one and then two come along.... Thanks for all your best wishes and huge appreciation to all those who have stayed the course over all these years.... It's not until you actually run trains, do you find all those odd bits of track that are poorly aligned or where a the approach into a turnout is not 100% and wheels catch the end of the point blade. One of the beauties of solder construction is that it only takes a few minutes to tweak things a fraction of a mm and all is well. Whatever you don't do though is attack the pointwork before checking B2B's of the piece of errant stock....:-) Most of my stock has been boxed up for years and whilst it was test run all those years ago, a lot of the loco's I've unboxed this morning seemed very reluctant to go. I will spend a lot of time on them once I'm happy with the track and electrics, so don't be surprised if you hear little about running for the next few months. There is much to do to make sure everything is 100% before painting and ballasting and that's going to be a huge job before the scenics start. The loud crash towards the end of the video is me kicking a spirit level that I had carelessly left on the floor, so much to do on the tidy front as well..... I think I'll just watch trains for a while now before Spurs do battle. Talk about the walking wounded..... Edited January 27, 2019 by gordon s 23 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now