Anthony Ashley Posted July 10, 2013 Author Share Posted July 10, 2013 Peter, Thanks for the reply. I have already bought a quantity of cork and want to keep the price down as far as possible. With the computer systems I have been looking at I am not sure how this will go. I will start with cork and see how it goes, but thanks for th einfo. Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 LAYOUT DEVLOPMENTS Progress in actual physical development has been slow while I focus on power and automatic computer control. Part of that process has been creating the actual time table for the 3 stations to determine traffic density and therefore power requirements. I have completed this task and have shown the up line for Bangor below. I have completed the down line for Bangor and both for Penmaenmawr. It is based on a Sunday in the summer of 1960. Arr Dep UP LINE 0:10 0:20 2300 Holy - Euston 0:25 0:35 2315 Holy - Manchest 0:40 0:50 2330 Holy - Birm 2:04 2:10 0055 Holy - Euston 2:30 2:40 0120 Holy - Birming 2:45 2:55 0135 Holy - Euston 3:00 3:10 0150 Holy - Manchest 2:10 2:20 1:00 Holy - Conwy DMU (1) 8:20 8:30 0710 Holy - Manchest 8:40 8:50 0730 Holy - Euston 8:40 0840 Bangor - Chester DMU (1) 11:00 1100 Bangor - Llandud Sub (1) 11:40 11:50 1030 Holy - Llandud 13:50 13:50 1350 Bangor- Llandud ( Sub1) 14:30 1430 Bangor - Llandud DMU (2) 15:30 15:40 1440 Holy - Crewe 17:30 1730 Bangor - Llandud (Sub2) 16:40 16:50 1530 Holy - Euston 17:10 17:20 1600 Holy - Euston 17:20 17:30 1610 Holy - Birming 17:30 1730 Bangor - Llandud (Sub 2) 17:30 17:40 1620 Holy - Manchest 19:10 19:10 1910 Bangor - Liverpool DMU (1) 20:30 2030 Bangor - Pen DMU (2) 20:45 20:55 1935 Holy - Birming 21:20 21:30 2010 Holy - Liverpool 22:00 22:10 2158 Menai - Llandud DMU(1) The original copy has most of the lines colour coded with 1 colour for the up and the same for the down line. I have the exact rakes for each train. The DMUs and Suburbands are largely local trains as indicated by the time table. I am still looking for the freight working time table. The gaps are very good which is not surprising given it is base don a real timetable. All comments are welcome. Please have a say. Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 DEVELOPMENTS At the moment I am working about 110 hours per week for 2 weeks. Train development has slowed during this period. Further threads in a week or so . Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 7, 2013 Author Share Posted August 7, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL DEVELOPMENT I have been considering the power and computer system I wish to use for the layout. Progress has therefore been slow. I have MADE A TREE and only 999 or so to go. Pictures of the tree are enclosed. I have also cut some cork underlay for the goods area. Regards, Anthony Ashley 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 11, 2013 Author Share Posted August 11, 2013 WELSH DRAGON LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT At last some progress on the layout. I have commenced another tree. I am trying to create a significant tree for the layout. It is an English oak. Is stage complete with wire armature. Next no more gaps, painting and foliage. I have also finally tackled the cork base. It took about 3 hours of experimentation but have finally worked out the best means on ensuring an accurate shape, including a 45 degree edge. I am using the track laid in the exact position as a guide. Marking the width of the track, adding 3 ml for the shoulder. Cutting that oversize shape out and the cutting the cork at 45 degrees with a scapel. This provides and accurate side and good angle but is time consuming. I tried tr5acing paper and cutting the shape with a scapel but it was not accurate enough. Photos are below. Now I have the technique right progress should be mush quicker. Completed tree with a very large 1st stage oak Completed tree with a very large 1st stage oak A large section of cork has been cut but yet to be secured. Bus in foreground to give idea of scale A large section of cork has been cut but yet to be secured. Bus in foreground to give idea of scale All comments are welcome. Regards, Anthony Ashley 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 15, 2013 Author Share Posted August 15, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOP0MENT Dear All, Further work on the cork track base has seen the near completion of this task. Photos are enclosed. Over view of the layout. Progress has been made! A Britainnia and a 3MT tank in the picture. Same as above I hand cut the cork from sheets using the track bent into the right shape a as template. I then cut the base 23 ml wide using sissors and then cut a 45 degree shoulder along the edge of the base using a scapel. I attempted to cut the base using the scapel first off but it was not accurate enough. main line is 3 ml cork and goods is 1 ml. Regards, Anthony 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 16, 2013 Author Share Posted August 16, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS 2ND stage of the large oak tree is completed. Only two more stages to go with brown no more gaps and foliage. Photos below. Please provide any comment you wish on developments to date. Any questions are welcome. Regards, Anthony Ashley 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 17, 2013 Author Share Posted August 17, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT 3RD stage of my oak tree production with brown no more gaps having been applied to the tree. Next is painting and then foliage. I need to give a grey aspect to the bark. Pictures below. For those of you who have not seen the back scenes I recommend going to the first page of the blog to see and overview of the walls and a plan of the layout. I appreciate any comments and criticisms. I am still trying to get a plan of the old Conwy station. I have tried most avenues but failed to date. Does any one have a plan of this station. Regards, Anthony Ashley 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted August 17, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 17, 2013 As ever, completely stunned by the sheer size of this project! The cork underlay looks good, just be careful of the transition between the 3mm & 1mm sheets, especially if on a curve - very easy to build in a derailment spot. Liking the trees, and the bus does give a sense of scale to everything. At this rate you'll be finished by next Christmas ! Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 17, 2013 Author Share Posted August 17, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT Dear Stu, Thanks fir the comments. I plan to sand back the 3 ml cork to level it off with the 1 ml. Hopefully no derailments. Photos of my grand oak tree in summer foliage. Usual bus underneath to provide scale. I shall not be making too many trees this size. Next is to glue down the cork underlay. Any comments provided are appreciated. The reference to a plan for Conwy station is for the actual station building. I have the track plan and general building layout. Regards, Anthony Ashley 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted August 20, 2013 Author Share Posted August 20, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL LATOUT DEVELOPMENTS Dear All, I have completed 300 ml of the medieval town wall at Conwy. Only another 5 metres to go. Photos are below. 3MT with front of wall in the background 3MT with front of wall in the background 3MT with front of wall in the background 3MT with front of wall in the background Britainnia, 3 MT rear of wall and walkway Wall walk way in detail. Next job is to determine the uncoupling locations on the plan. All comments are most welcome. I look forward to reading any reply as it helps in inspiring further development. Regards, Anthony Ashley 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgiesimon Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 This is an amazing project and am very impressed, lots of green eyed monster here as well!! The walling looks great. Best wishes Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL - LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS Dear All, A busy month with work and trying to tie down the electronic aspects of the layout. I have probably decided on the following: ECoS Train Controller 50200 ECoS Boosters TC Gold Computer system Mixture of LTD and ECoS Track detection systems ECoS Switch Pilot servo for point operation on main lines ECoS Servos for point motors on main lines Uncoupling using D & G unclouplers with home made solenoids. Modratec system for point operation in goods areas I am unsure what circuit breakers to use. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Photos showing the cork underlay are below. Looking over Conwy toward Chester. Cork has been secured. I have started weathering some of the track. Conwy goods yard in the foreground Part of the town wall and Castle towers in the background Castle towers appear to loom over the layout. I still have to apply plasticard to give a stone finish to the towers. 4 more to cut. Any comments re recommended circuit breakers manufacturers would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Anthony Ashley 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artizen Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I saw you with a cardboard tube but those towers look suspiciously like 90mm stormwater pipe!!!! Looking good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted September 1, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 1, 2013 Hopefully, these on-site photos will be of some assistance : 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 Stu and Ian, Thanks for the comments. Stu the photos are fantastic and will assist greatly in scaling some of the tops of the walls. I have many , many photos of the walls but very few with people on the battlements to give an indication of scale. For instance the ramparts on the main towers I had guessed as follows. Height to top of the gap 4 feet between the battlements, height of the top of the battlements an additional 10 feet. From your photos this looks about right. As you can see I have started the castle with 4 of the 8 towers. Much more work to go with applying the same pattern of stone work as the section of town wall already completed. Your photos give excellent detail on some areas of battlements I have little knowledge. Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted September 1, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 1, 2013 Anthony, You are more than welcome. Each tower was similar at the top, there was a ring of floor, then each opening had a step up of about 18", about half the width of the main wall, with a 3ft high thinner wall. I also have some photos of the tubular bridge 'castle', if they would be of any help. Stu 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 Dear Stu, Any photos of the Tubular bridge castles would be excellent. Thank you very much. My tower battlements are slightly simplified, but I may do more detail on the next. The one I have done most on to scale is 3 and a half feet between the battlement s where you have 3 feet (Close). I did not know about the 18 inch step so the lower wall running around the tower is the same width as the tall battlements. I have made the top of that wall 4 feet. From your diagram this should be 4 and a half feet ( in N gauge a difference of 1 ml). The highest part of the battlement in my model in scale is 14 feet from the floor of the tower (ie top of the triangular section of the battlement). Your diagram would indicate the top of the battlement is about ten and 2/3 feet from the floor level (I am 7 mls too high if my calculations are correct. What do you think in terms of these calculations. Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted September 1, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 1, 2013 I think you've got them about right as you've done them. I think my 8ft measurement is a bit short (I'm guestimating from memory) - if you look at my 3rd picture, there is a man stood on the upper battlements of the tower - his head is level with the top of the arrow slot, which would suggest the wall above it (to the sloped part) is a bit more than 2ft - probably about 3ft-4ft. So adding the sloped part would be very nearly 14ft, as you have it. Further pictures - these are of the West Bridge Tower, from the lower part of the castle, rather than a tower. In this picture, of the top of the tunnels, you can see a track rail welded near to each edge of the roof, plus a slight difference in the ribbing. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 Stu, Thanks for the feed back. I shall be happy with my current dimensions, which were a matter of guess work from dodgey photos. Amazing how use of a single person to determine heights can be fairly accurate. Regards, Anthony 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 WELSH DRAGION RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT I have sorted all of the electronic components I think I need for the layout after focussing on this aspect for 2 months. Have done a little scenic and track work. Cork has been primed. Only the enamel top coats to go. The creek line has had poly filler added to create a bank for the edge of the creek. I have created the base for the portcullis on the Conwy end of the tubular bridge and the portcullis itself. Still need to put plasticard on the portcullis, but I have created the surface to cover it. Photos are below. Britainnia going through the Conwy Portcullis View from the other bank. The foundations are completed Aerial shot from the castle walls if they were there! Creek line Regards, Anthony Ashley 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 12, 2013 Author Share Posted September 12, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS Having spent the last two months sorting out the electronic components for the layout, I think I have now sorted my plan. Here is a list of the manufacturers and components I believe I require to make the layout work as proposed. I am thinking of converting the hidden turntables into permanent fiddle yards. If I use turntables I shall be forever moving them consistent with the time table, unless I motorise and computerise them. As they are 8 feet by 4 feet I think this would be difficult. Any comment son this subject are welcome. Components include: ECoS II Train controller ECoS 4 amp boosters Computer system TC Gold (RR Co) LDT Detectors (RM-GB-8-N-F) ESU Switch Pilot Servos ESU Servos or perhaps a cheaper brand PSX Circuit Breakers or perhaps MERG Signalling - yet to be decided I don't think there is anything else at the moment Any comments are appreciated in terms of compatibility of these components. Regards, Anthony Ashley Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Ashley Posted September 16, 2013 Author Share Posted September 16, 2013 WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS I have been focussing on some scenery development. The portcullis at the Conwy end of the tubular bridge has progressed. The aluminium L girders supporting the bridge have been cut to fit the cladding and between the portcullis tower. I have rebated them into the base boards on the ends for greater stability. The first part of the castle walls has been constructed out of 2 pieces of 9 ml and a 8 ml and 4 ml ply sandwiched together. I have cut groves on the corner tower to redate the wall. I need to add plasticard to the wall. More photos below. All comments are welcome. Regards, Anthony Ashley . 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted September 16, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 16, 2013 Hi Anthony, I think the castle needs to be a lot closer to the bridge. Photos 1 & 2 on Post #169 shows the view from the castle looking at the bridge & tower - there is virtually no gap between the two. I accept you've not yet added the small round turrets on the bridge, but your lastest photos (post #173, pics 1 & 2) show quite a large gap. I also think the castle is too far from the edge of the bank, there is very little room between the suspension bridge tower and the castle rock & walls. Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgiesimon Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have just been looking on google earth, possibly a good way to position the castle in relation to the bridge etc? Rather odd as it has linked to a 3D version of both the castle and the bridge but still has them in the correct places. I love watching this thread, like others, I am mega envious of your railway room!!! Best wishes Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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