Scrayingham - 009

[JaymzHatstand]

This layout began in February 2009, after a good few years of wanting to have a go at 009 (ever since reading the Ddault article when it first appeared in Railway Modeller all those years ago!) It was designed to fit on a spare shelf I had managed to purloin, and also to be free-standing for exhibition purposes. It made it's first outing at the Whitby & District MRC's annual show in July 2009, and after a few operating problems for the first hour or so, performed rather nicely.

 

The basic overview of the location is thus...

 

The Sandhutton Light Railway ran on 18" gauge from Warthill (Stockton-On-Forest) to Bossal, but the proposed 1/2 mile extension to Scrayingham was never built, due to the cost of building a bridge over the River Derwent. The Owner of the line, Sir Robert Walker, died in 1932, and the whole railway was scrapped soon after, with only the single passenger carriage surviving (currently at the Lincolnshire Coast Railway, Skegness).

 

Enter the modellers license! When Sir Robert Walker died, the LNER bought the line (it did have an interchange yard at Warthill) and built the extension to Scrayingham, and took the opportunity to increase the track gauge to 2'3". Shortly after World War II, the line fell out of use and succumbed to nature. Much of the track be became overgrown, but was eventually re-discovered by an intrepid band of preservationists who are currently hard at work to re-open the line as a tourist attraction. My layout currently represents Scrayingham, as it may have been built, with only a modest passenger shelter (the line was primarily for freight).

 

Here are a few photos taken at various stages of the layouts construction (more are available on the older forum)

 

 

And now a selection of pictures from the exhibition

 

 

This is the current status of the layout, I'm currently planning an extension, but it is just planning at the moment! Eventually I hope to have two other sections to the layout, a curved section with a bridge over the river (modellers license again, as it should be a straight line from the station to the river) and a straight section between the station and curved section passing between some fields.

 

That's it so far, please feel free to comment!

 

Thanks fro reading

 

J

[37114]

I like it, am dempted into 009 myself for my next layout, will be a few years yet though! Out of interest how long is the layout?

[JaymzHatstand]

At present it is six feet long, with a three and-a-bit feet of scenic section and the rest is fiddle yard. When I eventually extend it, I intend to use further three foot sections, and go to an 'L' shape, with the fiddle yard on the shorter leg of the 'L'

 

If you do decide to have a go at 009, I'd highly recommend joining the society, which also has it's own forum and is most useful for getting specialised knowledge and advice.

 

Thanks

 

J

[flyingsignalman]

A good looking layout and one, I'm pleased to see, that doesn't look like a scaled-down SG branch (raised platforms, lots of signalling etc) but rather the low cost railway that most NG lines were.

Looking forward to seeing more of it (especially extensions!).

[peterl]

Very nice J

 

Any chance of letting me have full details to add to our list of potential layouts for our Show?

 

PM me if interested.

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

 

[JaymzHatstand]

A good looking layout and one, I'm pleased to see, that doesn't look like a scaled-down SG branch (raised platforms, lots of signalling etc) but rather the low cost railway that most NG lines were.

Looking forward to seeing more of it (especially extensions!).

 

To be fair, the layout itself was built to be low cost (it didn't completely work that way though!) but I'm glad it is garnering approval! The actual Sand Hutton line had very minimal platforms, if anything at all, mainly just areas framed off with wood, so that's the effect I've gone for. As for signalling, I do intend to have at least one on the layout eventually, but I just haven't got around to it yet (after all, HMRI wouldn't let a line open to the public without them these days would they?!)

 

Thanks for the interest

 

J

[flyingsignalman]

To be fair, the layout itself was built to be low cost (it didn't completely work that way though!) but I'm glad it is garnering approval! The actual Sand Hutton line had very minimal platforms, if anything at all, mainly just areas framed off with wood, so that's the effect I've gone for. As for signalling, I do intend to have at least one on the layout eventually, but I just haven't got around to it yet (after all, HMRI wouldn't let a line open to the public without them these days would they?!)

 

Thanks for the interest

 

J

 

 

If you are planning to run only one engine in steam (one train working, nowadays) then you could get away with no signals but you would be restricted to having one train arriving, dealing with it's train and then departing before another could arrive.

Imagining your railway is worked by train staff and ticket or electric token, allowing more than one train in the station at the same time, then you would most likely need them.

The least you could get away with would probably be a home (or arrival) signal protecting the station from the incoming single line though a starting (or departure) signal would most probably be insisted upon by the HMRI as well.

The Talyllyn Railway manages to cross trains at Brynglas and Quarry Siding using only flag signals though the points are worked from ground frames in cabins.

A signal box would not be needed, you could have a ground frame controlling the signals and the connection from the loop to the main line. Hand levers would control the other points. The token instrument would be assumed to be in the station office.

[JaymzHatstand]

I tend to run with more than one 'loco in steam' as it adds to operational interest, so I was planning on just having one or maybe two signals to protect the single line from the station (and act as a starter), and the yard area is worked by a ground frame/manual levers, I'm just yet to install the cosmetic versions, but it is on my 'to-do' list!

 

The following section of this post has been copied from the old RMweb thread for this layout, it was originally posted on November 30th, but I've only just got around to copying it to here!

 

Well, it's been rather a while since there was any news on here, but it seems that my trip to the NEC has stirred some inspiration somewhere, and I started having a bit of a play with some stock, N Settrack and some old Hornby gradient piers to see what I could get away with. It seems I can get a 9 inch radius semicircle from flat to high enough to clear itself workable by my locos, which is rather good for the plan I'm toying with.

 

Here a couple of photos of my trials

 

 

Now to do a bit more paper planning before I start getting too carried away! Once I've got some solid plans, I'll let you all know what's on the cards, I just thought I'd let you all know I haven't given up!

 

Feel free to speculate as to what is going on!

 

J

[Edge]

What is this wee beastie?

 

[JaymzHatstand]

I take it you mean my scratch built loco, based on a Tomix chassis, and plasticard. I haven't fully finished it yet, it needs a cab interior at each end, and glazing. The body is based on a combination of class 60, 56, and 66 locos, with early BR diesel 'speed whiskers'. I'm still in two minds as to whether or not to change the paint scheme from works grey to Deltic blue. I'm also thinking about nameplates, as I've tentatively named it 'Uhu', which is German for 'Owl' and so follows the BR practise of prototypes being named after birds (with the exception of Deltic!)

 

 

I'm also thinking about having a crack at another one, possibly a different shape though.

 

J

[Bloodnok]

I take it you mean my scratch built loco, based on a Tomix chassis, and plasticard. I haven't fully finished it yet, it needs a cab interior at each end, and glazing. The body is based on a combination of class 60, 56, and 66 locos, with early BR diesel 'speed whiskers'. I'm still in two minds as to whether or not to change the paint scheme from works grey to Deltic blue. I'm also thinking about nameplates, as I've tentatively named it 'Uhu', which is German for 'Owl' and so follows the BR practise of prototypes being named after birds (with the exception of Deltic!)

 

I'm also thinking about having a crack at another one, possibly a different shape though.

 

And here was me thinking it was inspired by this:

 

[JaymzHatstand]

And here was me thinking it was inspired by this:

 

 

Well, it may have had something to do with the initial idea! I'm still tempted to get myself the Worsley Works version to add to the stud at a later date! Thanks for the photo too, it's rather nice!

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

Finally, I've done a bit!

 

To be fair I have been moving house recently, so apparently, modelling has to take a back seat! I have been building stock, and doing little sundry bits, but nothing really worth reporting for a while, until today!

 

I've finally started to replace the point in the run-round loop which feeds the second shed road/coal siding which got damaged when fitting the point motor ages ago! It managed to get through the exhibition last year (by not using it!), but I've finally got around to ordering a new one.

 

So this morning, in the hope that the posty would bring me a present, I began a P-way occupation of the passing loop. Fishplates were cut, and the track lifted (without too much damage) and the ballast cleared in preparation for the new one to arrive. With the loop out of commission, passenger services have had to be reduced to the push-pull set only (as can be seen in the bottom photo).

 

 

So that's the progress so far, the flapping letterbox while I was track lifting (and sop excitedly ran downstairs to meet) produced only a bill, though fortunately not for me! So track laying will have to wait. Followed by re-ballasting, then testing of course!

 

I'll keep you updated!

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

Last night at work, while my mind was wandering (as it often does) and I decided to have a bit more of a planning and experimenting session. Further to the gradient tests I counducted, oh months ago, I decided to see what I can fit onto the board sizes I intend to use. The photo (which has been cleaned up in Paint Shop Pro) might be a little confusing, so I shall explain...

 

The station feeds onto the bottom of the photo, and the main line progresses over the set of points and continues in the long arc (15inch radius) until it straightens out and crosses the river (represshented by the dased lines) on an as yet undesigned bridge, possibly a girder one. The line that branches off the main line, begins to descend (at the marked gradient post) and curves round on a 9 inch radius curve until it passes under the main line and ont a warf next to the river. The set of points at the bottom of the gradient will have a small cassette so a train can use it as a headshunt before running onto the viewing side of the layout again.

 

 

Hopefully that has explained what can be seen above, how long it'll be befor I start building it, I don't know, but now I know it'll fit, I can start actually planning the boards!

 

If anyone has any advice, questions, or anything else they'd like to pass on, I'd be most interested and grateful to hear (or rather read) your thoughts

 

Thanks

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

Well, I've been meaning to alter the fiddle yard arrangement on Scrayingham for over a year, and I've finally got around to starting! Not sure if I've mentioned it in the past, but I'm going for a traverser as opposed to a fan of sidings, this way I don't have to worry about overhangs or long stock not agreeing with reverse curves (i.e. the Sandhutton coach!)

 

I have cut the wood and assembled the frame, but not fitted the top surfaces or drawer runners as yet. I'm waiting for the pattern makers dowels to arrive before I make the connecting end of the board inaccessible for drilling! Below are a couple of photos of the current state of affairs. The track and scenery is still on the original fiddle yard board, and this is soon to be lifted and changed to a scenic section so there is a bit more of a run between fiddle yard and station.

 

 

The observant amongst you may also notice that the platform shelter is not present in the photos, and a Will's Crossing Keepers Cottage has appeared. The cottage is going to become the ticket office/refreshment room, and the shelter will be moved up the platform (I just forgot to bring it downstairs for the photos!). I also intend to pave the platform as I've never been fully satisfied with the gravelled look I have at present.

 

 

While watching something no doubt thrilling on telly the other week, I also made a start on a ground frame to represent the control mechanism for the run-round loop points, this is now in need of painting and levers fitting. Also I've built a Parkside DM48 Festiniog 2 Balcony Brake Van, which will be finished as Van 7 as seen here http://www.festipedi...g.uk/wiki/Van_7 and will eventually joined by the single balcony version and an open bogie waggon to make the 'Greasers Express' as seen on the link above. I'm quite pleased with my rendition of the green used on the FR, being a mix of Railmatch 314 Southern Stock Green with a dash of 61 LMS Freight Grey.

 

 

So that's where Scrayingham is at present, hopefully there'll be a bit more progress over the coming weeks than there has been recently, but I keep getting sidetracked with other projects, must stay focussed!

 

As ever, any comments/suggestions/questions are welcomed!

 

Cheers

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

I have finally got around to sorting out my new fiddle yard. In fairness I have been distracted by my other layout, but have now at last made some progress!

 

As stated previously the old fiddle yard served a purpose, but was not brilliantly reliable, the insulfrog small radius points being a particular problem so a new system was devised. I had considered a casette storage sysetm, but decided that they could be problematic to store and I had viisions of me tipping one up and stock rolling out of the end, as I'd no doubt forget to fit a stopper at the 'dead' end! So a traverser was the order of the day giving me an extra storage road than my original fiddle yard and no points to contend with!

 

As you will see from the photos, track alignment and current provision are dealt with using brass rod and tube sections, ensuring perfect alignment on every road. The tops of the tube sections had to be filed down slightly in order to not be higher than the rail head, but all has been checked and various items of stock will pass over without problems (so far!). Next on the agenda is the new control panel for the station which will hopefully make it a lot more user friendly and also incorprates section switches to place less emphasis on the point blades carrying current.

 

 

 

 

 

Fingers crossed that this bit of progress will spur on some more!

 

Cheers

 

J

[Kenton]

Good to see progress on this and a smart looking traverser. I like the neat sleepers and connectors it looks like that will align consistently for the future.  I tried a sector plate with an in-built turntable at the other end to turn and run round but it is a constant trouble area. I am considering going back to a traverser like this. I always find alignment of the tracks to be the most difficult in OO9/N.

Edited February 7, 2012 by Kenton

[Beardybloke]

It's a very professional-looking traverser - exactly the sort of thing that I originally wanted for the previous incarnation of my layout. If I ever want one again, I'll have to remember the alignment method too. I know exactly the feeling you mean about cassettes and tipping stock out of the ends, too...

 

Nice to see some progress on Scrayingham, looking forward to seeing some more!

[JaymzHatstand]

Just a quick update to say that the first train has run from the fiddle yard to the corner board without incident!

 

 

 

 

I have also tried different bits of stock, being both pulled and propelled, and so far there hasnt been a single problem. No doubt one the track is ballasted and painted something will develop some sort of objection to it though!

 

Cheers

 

J

[Beardybloke]

Excellent - it's always nice to see the first train on a new layout or board! I'm not far off that stage myself - managed to get the first loco movements on the station board of Hafod Las... at least on the right hand side before the station throat, which was when I discovered that I hadn't connected the common feed to all of the switches and only about 1/6th of the track was powered

 

Looks like you're having more success than me!

[JaymzHatstand]

I've (finally) got the station board all wired up, and thanks to the advice and help from a couple of members of NGRM, the point frogs now work electrically too so there souldn't be much in the way of dead spots! The track now needs a good thorough clean (if I can find my track rubber, and rail-zip) and then I can have a right good 'testing' session!

 

Once I've got some proper tests done, I'll get some photos posted, and also make a start on the senics, I don't want to bury everything only to find it's not working properly!

 

Cheers

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

Yesterday I joined the station board up to the rest of the layout and had a bit of a running session. I have decided I need to be able to isolate the fiddle yard so will be adding some electrics for that, and theres a bit of a sag where the fiddle yard and curve boards meet which is a bit of a bind with some couplings coming undone over it. This should be pretty easy to solve (famous last words!)

 

Anyhow, here's a photo of the layout looking from the headshunt of the station 'up' the line.

 

 

I also made a video of it in action, Harlech Castle (still undergoing 'winter' maintainance arrives with a works train, runs round then LNER N16 No14 leaves the shed area while the freight is shunted into the goods shed. No. 14 then leaves to collect a train from the carriage sidings (which are elsewhere!)

 

http://youtu.be/snMzSQzm8ZA

 

So now I should be able to make a start on some scenic work. First job is to paint the rails of the newer track, and hide the new wiring in the same manner.

 

Cheers

 

J

[Beardybloke]

Looks very good, J!

 

Why the need for the big hand in the sky - dirty rails or wheels? (I know that I had that problem when I tested the first side of mine the other week)

 

Looking forward to seeing the scenics progress - it's the bit that I'm not really looking forward to as I've never actually got that far on a layout before...

[JaymzHatstand]

Since finding out that I've got an exhibition in just under a month (Whitby & District MRC at Goathland Parish Hall 21st & 22nd July), I thought I'd best get cracking, the main thing to get done on the layout itself is scenery (although I can guarantee something electrical will fail once it's all done!) Fortunately I've had the ballast done for a while, so that's one less job to do, although it does need a bit of weathering.

 

I've made the main formers for the scenery on the extension board, and once I have a tunnel mouth fitted I can start landscaping!

 

In the accompanying photos you'll see my Chris Veitch FR 104/106 being used for gauging and clearance tests as it's my longes passenger vehicle and will hopefully be in service by the exhibition.

 

 

This shot shows roughly where the tunnel entrance will be, with the carriage half in and half out-ish!

 

 

As can be seen there are a few more formers/supports to fit to the viewing side (right hand side in the picture) before the 'ground' can be laid.

 

 

I aslo intend to have a retaining wall to stop landslips where the trackbed has been cut through the hill along the inside of the curve, not unlike those which can be seen on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Grosmont and Goathland.

 

I'll try to update this fairly regularly now as I should be making a bit more progress with the exhibition approaching fairly quickly!

 

Hopefully I'll see some of you there!

 

Cheers

 

J

[JaymzHatstand]

I've made a start on the landscaping on both the extension and station boards, using a combinaiton of newsparer glued to the formers and then paper mache over the top which seems to be creating a fairly strong shell (but I will put down a fair few layers to be on the safe side!). The larger sections will have support underneath them from rolled up newspaper packing.

 

 

In order to form the cutting against the higher side of the hill I have made a retaining wall using thick card, with slaters embossed plastic sheet mounted on it. I have done the same for the tunnel mouth, which has had a layer of filler spread and scribed around the opening to represent the voussoirs and keystone, which hopefully, when painted will not be noticable as Squadron Green Stuff!

 

 

The staiton board is starting to gain a bit of undulating land as well, raised behing the staion (on the viewing side, then falling towards the end of the board. Hopefully this will add a bit more visual interest, and once populated with a couple of small trees make it seem less like looking at a baseboard with some track and buildings stuck on!

 

 

All comments as ever are welcome!

Cheers

J