MrB Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Welcome to a new beginning, We are currently planning and constructing a DCC controlled layout. The idea/plan is to create a modern image layout with a scenic area on a top level and train storage on a level below which is accessed by two helix. What we are hoping to achieve is the maximum length trains possible on the storage tracks to allow a prototypical lengths of train. Above is the view of the first helix, the top left will be the top level which will be the start of the scenic part. Above is the view of the location of the second helix, this will operate (clock wise) in the opposite direction to the first . Above is two of the long storage loops, further shorter sidings may yet be added here. Above shows the start of the storage sidings, the track is configured with the helix two on the left and the storage loops on the right of the photo. The shorter storage sidings will come from the left most point and the 2nd helix will be a mirror image of this end. This is a link showing the partial completed helix in operation with a single Colas 37 and a GWR 150 class 47 testing. Regards MrB 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 Looks interesting do you have a track plan you can post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 Looks interesting do you have a track plan you can post Hello, This is the current track plan for the lower level, it's very much subject to change. Regards Roy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Is there a particular reason it looks like a Victorian gentlemen's handlebar moustache? Sorry couldn't resist Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nile_Griffith Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 had looked into building a couple of helix's myself a short while ago. Could I ask where you bought yours from or how you went about construction. Many thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 had looked into building a couple of helix's myself a short while ago. Could I ask where you bought yours from or how you went about construction. Many thanks. They are the 1200mm helix kits from Model Railway Solutions. Easy to build and straight forward too, only thing is you need a fair amount of track if you are going as high as these ones go. Regards Roy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nile_Griffith Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 They are the 1200mm helix kits from Model Railway Solutions. Easy to build and straight forward too, only thing is you need a fair amount of track if you are going as high as these ones go. Regards Roy Thanks for that shall certainly look into it!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hi everyone, I have been continuing construction on the Parkway layout which is not particularly based on anywhere particular but will be designed to run my substantial amount of stock from both era 8 and era 9 periods. My favourite stock is my collection of Large Logo class 37s which currently stands at 27 and at the other end of the scale, I have just completed re-spraying 37175 and 37219 in Colas livery!! I have just replaced my Lenz system with the ECoS Command Control so hopefully a new learning curve is in the near future. On the old Parkway layout, all signals and points were analogue controlled but intend to have full digital control on the new layout. I will be re-using Peco point motors for the lower deck fiddle yard but Tortoise motors for the upper deck scenic area. You may wonder why the by-pass system has been employed for the layout - it was to ensure maximisation of scenic area in a 20 foot by 6 foot area. Both Roy and myself will keep updating you all with progress so any comments will be more than welcome. John 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
86902 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Nice work with the spirals, I have the 1100mm sets from MRS and they are a joy to build up, with mine being second and third radius, take it yours are 3rd and fourth radius? Kind regards Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike W2 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Just a thought, will the loco's be able to handle full size trains going up the helix? I've tested a Bachmann 40 (original batch) with 16 coaches and a Bachmann 66 with 20 coaches but that was on the flat. thanks Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hi Mike Must be honest - keeping my fingers crossed that the 1 in 50 can be handled by what is probably my longest train - 16 x EWS HTAs. The set that will be my biggest concern is my 20 x loaded OTAs!! Just have to shorten the rake if they are a problem. HTAs, HHAs and Intermodal sets are all reasonably light really so hope my locos are up for the challenge. Quite a multitude of different locos - Hornby 56s and 60s, Bachmann and a few Vitrain 37s, Heljan, Vitrain and Bachmann 47s so I am sure it will be a struggle for some of them!! I will start to post some photos of my rolling stock as the layout progresses for those interested as a good few re-numbers, re-sprays and most weathered. Even have a full set of Virgin 57/3s, all 16 of them!! How sad is that?? Regards John 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Hi everyone A bit more progress on Helix 1 upper level bypass. Have made the corner piece to bypass the helix and run around to the scenic section (when built). Crossovers will ensure Up lines and Down Lines are linked for alternative running choice. I have also added one or two photographs of some of my stock which will be running on Parkway when the layout is completed. The layout that some of the photos are taken on is Parkway 1 which has now been dismantled due some warping on the board! I used Sundaela on the first layout but 9mm birch ply is being used on the rebuild. The locomotives are re-sprays by either Cairnroadworks (Andi Walshaw) or myself - something I have only recently started to do. I am currently working on DBS red 60001. Any comments or advice will be welcome. John 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdw7300 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Hi There. Track work is looking good. Loving the 37 collection! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 John, I've recently had issues with my bach 70 getting stuck on grad less than 1in 50 with 10 hhas on. Initial thoughts were ballasting out the 70 which is a bit light. However, decided to see if could make the wagons more free rolling and the answer was yes. Good clean of bogie sides where pin point enters and then adding a spot of electrolube and the 70 now storms up the hill with no issues. I was surprised the difference made! Have also just purchased a reamer to try improve things further on some other wagons. On otas I would recommend fixing the articulation solid as removes a lot drag. I've found that can traverse even 2nd rad curves with fixed wheel sets. I've also cut couplings off the articulated wheel sets and gone frame mounted with big improvement. Just some thoughts if you have any issues on the helix. M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Hi Sam and John Glad you like the 37 collection - I currently have 68 of them with 20+ in Large Logo!! Great advice John and much appreciated. Not enough track laid yet to give the Helixs a run other than test with light engine. See we don't live too far from each other. I will take your advice and let you know how it works out when I get a run. Thanks to you both John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Another follower here!! Realy like your smart collection of "37"s..... cheers neil.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Hi Everyone Some further models and, as before, a mixture of my own re-sprays and Cairnroadworks re-sprays by Andi Walshaw. Hope you like them John 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Hi everyone Having a bit of challenge tying in helix 2 at the moment, but will post some photographs when completed. Once this is satisfactory, intention is to lay the low level fiddle yard and test all track prior to building the scenic section. I am also part way through re-spraying a Hornby mainline liveried class 60 into DB Schenker red 60001. I have just re-liveried and weathered a class 56 into Metals sector 56060 "The Cardiff Rod Mill" but, after re-fitting the cab inserts I cannot get the lights to work either on Analogue or with DCC decoder fitted - Any ideas anybody? I have tried to improve the connection to lights by soldering wire between connector springs and chassis face plates but still no go!! Meanwhile, I have attached some photographs taken on the old Parkway layout prior to dismantling it. There are Virgin Thunderbirds 57312 "The Hood" in original Virgin livery and 57307 "Lady Penelope" in DRS Cable Thieves livery. Also, 60066 in the attractive Drax Biomass livery and 70801 in Colas Rail Freight Livery - note the retro fitted side fan fitted. Hope you enjoy John 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted March 8, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 8, 2015 We had issues with 66 and 21 hha on a mostly straight gradient of 1in 50 on Springfield jn. We've eased the slope to 1in60 and it's definitely better. Drag on the curves will be an issue. Cleaning the axle points and bogie mouldings is essential with Bachmann as they use abs plastic which is not self - lubricating such as nylon and poly based plastics. 70's are no go on these heavy trains as they are far lighter than a 66. Hornnby 60s will breeze up the hill with those loads but to be prototypically correct, the HTAs need a buffer fitted wagon on each end to represent a Liverpool bulk terminal set. Cheers, Mick 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Hi Mick Thanks very much for the information, much appreciated. Having a two level layout is all new to me and looking forward to actually giving some of my locos a run! Luckily, only have a couple of 70s - Colas and Freightliner but have a large collection of class 60s. My longest train will be 16 HTAs and probably the same with an intermodal. The heaviest train will no doubt be the loaded OTAs and, from your comments, unlikely to haul them all up the Helix. By the way Mick - love your layout! John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted April 22, 2015 Author Share Posted April 22, 2015 All, Please find a short video update on the progress with Parkway. https://youtu.be/NiVJaRXqofU Regards Mr B 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Hi Everyone As you saw on the previous post by Roy, we managed to get a loco running across the Helix to Helix and Helix to main tracks yesterday. Found a couple of issues regarding insulation on points when thought no need when running into an insulfrog diamond crossing!! Wrong on that one but, after cutting a space on points where required, had a trouble free run today and locos ran beautifully across the diamond crossing without any hesitation. Meanwhile, I have been busy on other bits and pieces ready for hitching up the electrics. Managed to procure a full real of 8 core alarm cable on Ebay and have used it to make short tails from 10 Tortoise point motors to 3 amp choc blocks. Will save having to solder underneath the layout when it comes to installation. I have yet to connect up my new ECoS Control unit and the ESU Switchpilots and their extensions so some fun to come yet!! I had some locos that I was working on that I have now completed - Four of them were re-numbers and one was a resparay which did have a bit of a disaster at one stage when the applied final matt coat bubbled up on one side only!! Anyway, managed to fix it thank goodness. I have attached some images for those who are interested. there are two Thornaby Trainload Metals locos - 37506 "British Steel Skinningrove" and 37511 "Stockton Haulage" which I have also weathered. Also attached a Motherwell 37/0 in the guise of 37239 "Coal Merchants Association of Scotland" - only weathered around chassis. I have also just renumbered the Heljan 47 as Ripple Lane's 47223 "British Petroleum" (Attached) The final image is of a Hornby class 60 which I have re-sprayed, weathered and fitted Shawplan Laserglaze to - it is finished in DB Schenker livery as 60001. Please feel free to make any comments or observations. John 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Hi Everyone Just thought I would add a wee update on how Parkway is coming on. I have added three photographs of the Helix crossovers and bypasses to Up and Down main lines and showing the work completed on the upper level lift out section across the shed entrance. I have also now completed the wiring up - as per photograph - of 12 Tortoise Point Motors using some 8 core alarm cable that I managed to get on Ebay for a third of the price found in B & Q!! The other two photos show the first of my ESU Switchpilots + Extension wired up for coding and bench testing with the ECoS 50200 (screen shot of the four points is last hotograph). The ECoS is absolutely brilliant and have also input 20 of my locos into the system as well. You can split the locos into three sections so may use one for my small steam collection and the other two to split the two main eras I have a collection for. Next task is to hitch the controller up to the internet and download some British locomotive photos to the system, also need to update the latest firmware for the unit. It is certainly a big learning curve but far more intuitive than the Lenz system I have. Parkway Mark 1 was analogue for all the points and signals so this is a new start for me with everything going to be DCC controlled this time - probably why the layout build is taking longer than I thought!! Please feel free to make any comments or observations Thanks and regards to all John 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 More nice weathering on those 37s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCClark Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Thanks class 66 - must admit that I have more than a little liking for class 37s, especially in large logo! I am currently re- sparing a Vitrains 37/0 and Bachmann 37/0 into Mortherwell based Large Logo machines. I intend to have one as 37108 and the other as 37310 so will post photos on completion. John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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