br2975 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Marc . On the sector plate for "Rosamund St" - I've used styrene sheet, about 0.100" for the base and side walls, together with two fillets fitted between the end of the sleepers and the side walls. . The side walls prevent the sector plate from warping lengthwise . I've had no problems (fingers crossed) . The sector plate holds a loco (Cl.08 / pannier / jinty ) and three 12 ton vans. . No detailed photos of the sector plate as yet, ................ Brian R . I'm considering what to use as a sector-plateI've got some thin wood somewhere....But the possibility of using card, in maybe 3 or 4 "laminations" did cross my mindWould this be sturdy enough?Has anyone used card for this sort of use before? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Marc . On the sector plate for "Rosamund St" - I've used styrene sheet, about 0.100" for the base and side walls, together with two fillets fitted between the end of the sleepers and the side walls. . The side walls prevent the sector plate from warping lengthwise . I've had no problems (fingers crossed).... Brian R . Hi Brian, I was intending to use side walls, to help prevent warping and keep the sector plate rigid I also thought about possibly using laminations of plastic-card My thinking being that the plastic might be more durable However, do we really need to build such things in the most durable manner? I've often thought we tend to over-engineer many aspects of our modelling I know there are those who swear that using plywood baseboards, with plenty of framing and bracing is the only way to build the foundations of a layout.... As I think some of us have now proven, especially where small layouts are concerned - foam insulation board is perfectly adequate.... I'm also trying to think of something I can use as a bearing for said sector-plate, which I can obtain or make "on the cheap" - any ideas for bearings anyone? Marc 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CourthsVeil Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hi Marc, I'm absolutely on your road about over-engeneering. I would not go as far as the venerable Prof and use foamcore for my layouts, but foamboard – the one-inch+ stuff – is sufficiently sturdy. (I just don't wire UNDER the board, but in grooves "upstairs". And the point motors? Servos, glued directly under the sleepers. ) I have never experienced warping – simply because I put may layouts always on a table (or an ironing board), so that they are fully supported.But why not brace a foamboard with aluminum L-section (e.g. 20 x 20 mm)? Doesn't cost toooo much. And NEVER ever warps. (But stripwood bracing facilitates attaching of stuff like backscene or points switches etc.) Back to over-engeneering: I would not support the sector plate with card (Guess how I know… ) If (!) it warps, then registering the tracks will become a real nightmare. I would recommend – again – L-section; in this case styrene (e.g. 40 x 10 mm). I got mine from the local diy dealer. Third time over-engeneering: on my current layout I have a rather short sector-thingy. It just holds a loco and a wagon. Here even a bare 9" piece of standard track does the job. Stiff enough, no support needed (see third pic below)! Simples Oh, nearly overlooked your question re. a bearing. I cut a rebate into the foamboard, into which I glue a fitting piece of (hard) wood. Before I had drilled a (slightly oversized) hole through the ply and hammered a T-nut into its underside. A 4mm bolt makes the axle, the nut the bearing. Ah, better I let the photos speak for themselves: Rebate and ply, drilled - T-nut on backside: Glued (here with wooden bracing): Finale: Hope this helps Armin 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I'm also trying to think of something I can use as a bearing for said sector-plate, which I can obtain or make "on the cheap" - any ideas for bearings anyone? I used a redundant 7mm scale 1/8" dia wagon axle and a couple of top hat bearings. . Brian R . BTW After posting earlier, I decided to rummage for and watch a DVD of South Wales industrials................ it shattered as I took it out of the case ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted February 26, 2014 Author Share Posted February 26, 2014 (edited) I used a redundant 7mm scale 1/8" dia wagon axle and a couple of top hat bearings. . Brian R . BTW After posting earlier, I decided to rummage for and watch a DVD of South Wales industrials................ it shattered as I took it out of the case ! Thanks Brian and Armin I did something similar on my first O gauge layout "Clarbeston North" By way of gluing a wooden block into the position where the bearing would be Although I used a screw, rather than a bolt for the actual bearing.... The screw worked OK, but a bolt would be far better So unless I come up with something better, or find some discarded item in a skip that I can use, I'll go for this method, I think I have got a "Lazy Susan" bearing...... somewhere But I had another project for this planned, involving a wagon turntable If I come across this bearing, or the simpler method doesn't work as well as I'd like then I'll use the Lazy Susan - I seem to recall it being a reasonable enough price And the thing with sector-plates is - they need to work well, and reliably as the rest of the layout depends on them Thanks for the tip re the wiring Armin Brian, Sorry to hear of your accident with the disc I watched my copy of the DVD again the other day It's brilliant! - You simply MUST get a replacement copy Marc Edited February 26, 2014 by marc smith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparks Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 (edited) I've also been thinking of how to make a thin and light sector plate (see http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/73735-riverside/&do=findComment&comment=1090924 and http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/73735-riverside/&do=findComment&comment=1138343). I hadn't thought of adding angle girder sides and/or making it out of Plasticard though - problem solved! Thanks guys! Edited February 26, 2014 by sparks 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted February 27, 2014 Author Share Posted February 27, 2014 Actually, yesterday eveningI came across an offcut of scrap hardboard, and glued a piece of track to thatSo I'll use this as my sector-plateI know hardboard will warp, so I'll glue and pin something along the sides of itand hopefully, it will stay flat & rigidAlso glued a small piece of wood into place, to fix the bearing into....Not a lot of "photogenic" progress - but I'll post some updates laterCheers again, and good luck with making your sector-plate SparksMarc 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Actually, yesterday evening............... ............. the sector plate at Rosamund Street worked fine, it was the Bachy 03 that shrugged its' shoulders ! . Transpired it was the granite setts standing proud - not a problem with the Hornby 08s. . Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted February 27, 2014 Author Share Posted February 27, 2014 ............. the sector plate at Rosamund Street worked fine, it was the Bachy 03 that shrugged its' shoulders ! . Transpired it was the granite setts standing proud - not a problem with the Hornby 08s. . Brian R Hello Brian, Hmmm, a slight difference in wheel flange depth, or profile between the 08 and 03 then? Are you able to "tweak" the granite setts, with a file or scalpel blade? Would be a shame not to run your 03 shunter on Rosamund Street... BTW. My reasoning for using the hardboard, was that if I use it shiny-side-down, resting on some narrow strips of plastic card I thought there shouldn't be too much resistance or juddering when sliding the sector-plate We shall see..... Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 A little bit more track laid at the weekendNot much, as I haven't had much modelling timeI used a piece of hardboard for the sector-plateIt seems to work well so far - must brace the sides though,to ensure I prevent warping.....So far, I've just used a screw and large metal washer as a bearingand it seems fine. Using the hardboard Shiny-side-down seems to have done the trickre making the sector plate action smooth.....All 3 points now in place, with wire-in-tube actuation in situMarc 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted March 3, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 3, 2014 Pull your finger out Marc! Where are the photos? Looking forward to seeing this develop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alant Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Hi Marc, Just found this one. I really like the plan and will watch with interest as it develops. Alan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
65243 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Watching ... and hoping to learn. No pressure Marc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 4, 2014 Author Share Posted March 4, 2014 (edited) Hi Marc, Just found this one. I really like the plan and will watch with interest as it develops. Alan. Hi Alan, Glad you like the plan As I think I mentioned earlier It's a basic concept I've had in my mind quite a while now.... I've long pondered designs which you can exhibit as a micro layout, but which could easily slot into a larger scheme for use at home... EDIT: I also like the idea of a layout which could be exhibited, or run in slightly different forms e.g. A micro with a couple of small cassettes for a 1 day small exhibition or a micro with additional "add-on" sections for added operating interest, which could be exhibited at larger shows (where maybe you have helpers) Edited March 4, 2014 by marc smith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 Quick update,Most of the track is now down, with a bit of the ballasting doneBut I've not laid the line into the engine shed -I've been wondering whether to add an ash pit on this road.....Been pondering for several daysand still undecidedBTW. Much of the trackwork will not really need much in the way of ballastas it will be buried in ash, coal dust, and lumps of coal... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 Again, not much time for modelling for me latelyBut I've now laid the track, and I've been weathering the railIt's a little out of sequence, re my usual order of buildingin that I usually lay the track, wire it all up and then spray / weather the railsbefore finally ballasting, before a final bit of track weatheringAnyhow, as I've already mentioned, much of the track will be covered in ash, coal-dust and sludgeHere are a couple of pics of the aforementioned sector-plateThere will be an "add-on" extension to both the sector-plate and rear running line fiddlewhich will be mainly for exhibition use...The sector-plate will also get some strengthening, by way of edging strips (material as of yet undecided)Marc 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) Here are a couple of pics of the now weathered trackBTW. I did install the inspection / ash pitIf you look carefully, it's just in front of the loco shedIf I think it looks out of place, I can always fill it in....The strip of wood at the back is not attached to the layoutIt's just sat there......EDIT: I haven't yet laid the disused track I mentioned in an earlier post,in the right foreground - it was starting to look a bit overcrowdedIf, nearer completion, I decide to definitely include it, I'll lay it thenMy other thoughts are that I might well build the overbridge to include an extra portalas if there was once a line in situ..... Edited March 25, 2014 by marc smith 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 I included 2 photos, as I haven't decided which of the 2 brick-built lineside buildings to includeIt doesn't look very different in these photos,but the slightly larger one does look a tad too big IMOIf I decide on the smaller of the 2, I'll treat that in the same manner,i.e. the aged / distressed whitewash paint.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr2 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Coming along nicely Marc - your lack of modelling time certainly doesn't show - you've almost got a complete layout & I'm STILL thinking about starting mine...!! I like the door in the front of the bigger building - you could put a hand rail alongside the track there to stop someone stumbling out & onto the track. For some reason that's a detail I always like! Yes, weird isn't it?! keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 Coming along nicely Marc - your lack of modelling time certainly doesn't show - you've almost got a complete layout & I'm STILL thinking about starting mine...!! I like the door in the front of the bigger building - you could put a hand rail alongside the track there to stop someone stumbling out & onto the track. For some reason that's a detail I always like! Yes, weird isn't it?! keith Thanks Keith, I really think I should have finished this one by now.... After all, I did manage to build 4 layouts in 2 years a while back! The brick building at the rear will probably be set back from the running line, so it may not need a hand-rail, but I'll look at it again when it's all in place Still not sure whether to put the slightly larger one there, or the smaller building But you're right - I like the door in the one building too Perhaps I'll put one there, if I do use the smaller building I'm also pondering whether to build an old workmens halt at the rear of the layout too If you've seen those B&R DVD's, you'll have seen a couple of examples of halts and as Brian R mentioned, the "Paddy Trains" which taxi'ed the workers around I'd quite like to include a small workmen's halt built rather roughly, of sleeper edging, back-filled with rubble & ash It would be very shabby, unkempt and overgrown, of course 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted March 25, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 25, 2014 Good to see that you've made some progress Marc! Looks like this will be a great scene ! The smaller building looks a little best, better not to dominate anything too much. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 Good to see that you've made some progress Marc! Looks like this will be a great scene ! The smaller building looks a little best, better not to dominate anything too much. Thanks Mr Mudmagnet Yes, I think the smaller brick building looks best but sometimes you have to wait until more of the scenery is in place before making a final decision.... I was pleased with the distressed white paint on the wall of the larger building so I'll treat the smaller building the same way, when I get 5 minutes.... As you say, it's important not to dominate smaller scenes too much The visible section of this little layout is only 3 feet, after all.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne 37901 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Some nice progress being made there Marc. I like your idea with the sector plate set in the foam board, what's your plan for providing power to the track on it and how have you provided a pivot for it on the foam board? Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRIAN T Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi matey I don't know where I have been for the last 3 months ,but have totally missed all this,I can't remember you mentioning this during our harmonica forays, but I have to say it's all looking really good ,can,t wait to see it in the flesh when it's finished,if it's any thing like your previous masterpieces. it's great to read all the expert encouragement from Al,Brian R,Wayne etc,where would we be without their knowledge and observation. I,m glad your not modelling snow ,I'm going to attempt the effect with my latest Canadian B C mini layout quite soon. Meanwhile ,the whitewashed brick building looks really convincing, unusually for you I see you laying the track on a flat base,slightly different to Hendre , Now book marked ,see you soon BrianT. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 (edited) Some nice progress being made there Marc. I like your idea with the sector plate set in the foam board, what's your plan for providing power to the track on it and how have you provided a pivot for it on the foam board? Cheers Hi Wayne, And thanks - glad you like the project Usually, with my foam board layouts, I just wire everything up and when satisfied it all works properly, I cut slots in the foam board surface.... I then tuck the wires into these slots, and the wiring is almost completely hidden already! Where needed, I mix a bit of DAS with PVA, and "massage" it into any surface grooves just to hide the wiring fully EDIT: This also has the benefit of not having your wiring trailing underneath where it might snag when transporting to a show Re the power for the sector-plate I'm still undecided - I may well use aluminium angle to strengthen the sides of the plate and simply solder jumper wires to / from that to the track and the power feed.... If I don't use aluminium angle, I'll probably just solder jumper-wires to the rails I figured the best place would be somewhere near the pivot end of the sector-plate as there is less physical movement at that end.... Thought I had mentioned it to you Brian T? Apologies if I hadn't - really glad you like it And I've been dreaming up & doodling plans for a micro set in the snow since last at your place, when you were talking about your plan It sounded so good to me, I've been wanting to build a UK version..... I pictured 1970's, and some kids in flares & snorkel jackets, making a snowman, at the end of a Roath or Splott terraced house and a little stabling / fuelling point in the background..... With Brotherhood of Man Slade on the transistor radio Cheers all Edited March 26, 2014 by marc smith 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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