Upcoming O gauge sale - End of the line at Marsh Lane

[Jon Fitness]

Hi Rich, there's a loco builder on here called Jazz and his signature simply reads, "Learning by doing"

You're certainly doing that Rich, hats off to you fella! That trackwork's looking better all the while.

 

Jon F.

[Richard Mawer]

It really is a great layout that has evolved over a long period, I can remember going on a club night with a chap called Roy Jackson when his model of Gainsborough Central was under construction, many more years ago than I care to remember. I think you must have been lucky with your visit Rich as the last time I went it was absolutely heaving it was completely full of people. Anyway good to see some exposure and I do agree that their website could do with being a bit more informative.

Hi. I met Roy Jackson at about the same time, when Gainsborough Central was being built in his loft. My Grandmother lived a few doors away. He went on to build High Dyke and most recently the rather large Retford that has been is the press maybe last year - time flies.

 

I used to be taken to the Gainsborough every year by my Dad. Its shaped my modelling.

[PjKing1]

Great work on the turnouts Rich, cant wait to give it a go myself

 

Cheers

[MarshLane]

Hi Rich, there's a loco builder on here called Jazz and his signature simply reads, "Learning by doing"

You're certainly doing that Rich, hats off to you fella! That trackwork's looking better all the while.

 Jon F.

Thanks Jon - very kind of you to say.

 

Great work on the turnouts Rich, cant wait to give it a go myself

Looking forward to following your progress mate! We just need to decide what your going to model

 

Rich

[MarshLane]

Morning all,
Just a quick update - obviously Marsh Lane Depot is progressing, only two more points to build and then its about getting them down on the board, ballasting and running!

I've kept mentioning my main layout, so thought it was about time I did a quick update, so nobody is confused. This is the 'BIG' project which is going in the loft, and is moving forward. After much thought and conversation with people, I've decided against the shed for a variety of reasons, the biggest one being about security as I'm really not happy about leaving locos in there overnight, and don't want to be carrying them back and forth to the house.

So the new layout is to be called Arksey - its all in the based on the Eastern Region, and I'll develop it as a separate thread on here to keep the two separate, once there is some progress to be seen. Trackplan wise, its quite ambitious being dual level, and certainly isn't going to be a quick boards down, track layed oh we are done! It's a take it forward slowly project that will take a few years to reach fruition, but hopefully will be well worth it! I've also committed the last of my funds to locos for the layout - as it will be a late 1950s/early 1960s period - so joining my existing A2 Pacific, will be a Finescale Brass Britannia, as well as an LNER '04' 2-8-0, and an LNER 'K1', all of which will be in for delivery during 2018, so that gives me time to work on the track work etc. Although the funds have totally dried up now!!

I'll make sure a link to the new topic goes in my signature, although it's probably going to be February/March next year before I start it as I want to make sure I can show progress not all hypertheticals!

Rich

Edited December 10, 2016 by MarshLane

[Andrew P]

Morning all,

Just a quick update - obviously Marsh Lane Depot is progressing, only two more points to build and then its about getting them down on the board, ballasting and running!

 

I've kept mentioning my main layout, so thought it was about time I did a quick update, so nobody is confused. This is the 'BIG' project which is going in the loft, and is moving forward. After much thought and conversation with people, I've decided against the shed for a variety of reasons, the biggest one being about security as I'm really not happy about leaving locos in there overnight, and don't want to be carrying them back and forth to the house.

 

So the new layout is to be called Arksey - its all in the based on the Eastern Region, and I'll develop it as a separate thread on here to keep the two separate, once there is some progress to be seen. Trackplan wise, its quite ambitious being dual level, and certainly isn't going to be a quick boards down, track layed oh we are done! It's a take it forward slowly project that will take a few years to reach fruition, but hopefully will be well worth it! I've also committed the last of my funds to locos for the layout - as it will be a late 1950s/early 1960s period - so joining my existing A2 Pacific, I've committed to a Finescale Brass Britannia, as well as an LNER '04' 2-8-0, and an LNER 'K1', all of which will be in for delivery during 2018, so that gives me time to work on the track work etc. Although the funds have totally dried up now!!

 

I'll make sure a link to the new topic goes in my signature, although it's probably going to be February/March next year before I start it as I want to make sure I can show progress not all hypertheticals!

 

Rich

Hi Rich, I'm looking forward to seeing Arksey started mate, I must admit, I enjoy working on 2 different projects at the same time, as there is always something new to think about.

 

Good luck when you start.

[Guest bri.s]

Sounds like a great plan ,I'm just starting planning my loft layout albeit in 00

I'll look forward to your progress on it

P.s how bigs you loft lol

 

Brian

[MarshLane]

Sounds like a great plan ,I'm just starting planning my loft layout albeit in 00

I'll look forward to your progress on it

P.s how bigs you loft lol

 

Brian

 

 

Hi Brian,

Thanks - good luck with your OO gauge ... keep us update through a thread!  Im very fortunate with the loft as it has high, wide rafters, so I've a working around of about 21ft x 11ft.  I means the curves a little tighter than I would like, but I think all should be ok.

 

Rich

[Guest bri.s]

Hi Brian,

Thanks - good luck with your OO gauge ... keep us update through a thread!  Im very fortunate with the loft as it has high, wide rafters, so I've a working around of about 21ft x 11ft.  I means the curves a little tighter than I would like, but I think all should be ok.

 

Rich

Thanks Rich

 

Once I've got enough progress I'll sort something

Mines a very similar size 22ft x10 although it's 9and a half foot wide at one end so not square or rectanglular for that matter lol

 

I'll look forward to seeing your plan it sounds very interesting with the duel levels

 

Brian

[PjKing1]

Looking forward to the new thread Rich and yours Brian, go on you know you want to

 

Cheers

[MarshLane]

Thanks Paul.

 

Well totally had enough of the computer this afternoon, so decided that this evening would be another one spent on the crossover.  Not had so much modelling time in one week for ages!  But things have moved forward a bit.  With the exception of a couple of check rails there is only one point blade left to fit, everything else (track wise) is sorted, so once the remaining blade and the check rails are in, then its add the remaining missing chairs, fit the tie bars, also solder the connections up, then I think this may get sprayed and painted, and possibly ballasted!  Seen as its mounted on card, it makes sense to do it ahead of going on the layout.  

 

Really pleased with how this has come out, which considering its only my second piece of pointwork I think is an achievement.  No loco movements yet, but a wagon freewheels over everything so smoothly, no clicks, derailments, bangs or anything.  No wheel drop around the frog either - way better that I thought I could produce!  An extra blade and check rail has been done since these pics were taken around 9.30 this evening.  Also pleased with the camera on the iPhone 7+ - the quality of the imagery seems to be really good to me.

 

Might be a case of concentrating on the wagon kits over Christmas, because I am going to need some more rail chairs etc, and as Im now hoping to get down to the Bristol show in January, it doesn't make sense to pay postage from C&L!  Hope those at Reading have had a good weekend - eager to hear what Steve at Little Loco has come up with for model No. 2!

 

Rich

 

 

 

 

 

[brossard]

Wow, you're second turnout project, that's impressive!  I'm still building single turnouts using Peco templates, but, I do intend to get to grips with Templot at some point.  I was hoping to see more of this "set" business that was mentioned a few posts ago.  I did read Martyns page on the subject and it sort of makes sense.  I was wondering how the set is done in practice though and how you avoid the need to file a rebate in the stock rail, particularly the straight rail.

 

Another question, when I bend the wing rail at the knee I can't seem to get a crisp angle, do you notch the rail?

 

Loving it.

 

John

[Tove]

 

 

 

 

So the new layout is to be called Arksey - its all in the based on the Eastern Region, and I'll develop it as a separate thread on here to keep the two separate, once there is some progress to be seen. Trackplan wise, its quite ambitious being dual level, and certainly isn't going to be a quick boards down, track layed oh we are done! It's a take it forward slowly project that will take a few years to reach fruition, but hopefully will be well worth it! I've also committed the last of my funds to locos for the layout - as it will be a late 1950s/early 1960s period - so joining my existing A2 Pacific, will be a Finescale Brass Britannia, as well as an LNER '04' 2-8-0, and an LNER 'K1', all of which will be in for delivery during 2018, so that gives me time to work on the track work etc. Although the funds have totally dried up now!!

 

I'll make sure a link to the new topic goes in my signature, although it's probably going to be February/March next year before I start it as I want to make sure I can show progress not all hypertheticals!

 

Rich

1950`s  - 1960`s era.!!

 

What happened to the plan`s for the modern image era layout?.

 

Mind you i could see the appeal of an '04' on an iron ore train in a woebegone looking state.....(not too fussed about the passenger stuff though!! )

 

Seriously though your skill`s are coming along in leap`s and bound`s from what i`ve seen with the latest point work and the brake van build.

Very nice.

Keep it coming mate...

 

 

Brian.

[HealeyMills]

Hi Rich,

 

Wow your track building is seriously impressive.  You are making it look so easy... and I'm sure it is not.

 

Have you thought about staining the timbers prior to assembly at all?

 

Cheers

Lee

Edited December 11, 2016 by HealeyMills

[Andrew P]

That really is some very serious Track Building Rich, I can cope with Copper Clad but not with the chairs like that, I take my hat off to you young Sir. well done.

[MarshLane]

Wow, you're second turnout project, that's impressive!  I'm still building single turnouts using Peco templates, but, I do intend to get to grips with Templot at some point.  I was hoping to see more of this "set" business that was mentioned a few posts ago.  I did read Martyns page on the subject and it sort of makes sense.  I was wondering how the set is done in practice though and how you avoid the need to file a rebate in the stock rail, particularly the straight rail.

 

Another question, when I bend the wing rail at the knee I can't seem to get a crisp angle, do you notch the rail?

 

Loving it.

 

John

Hi John,

Thanks! Templot is fantastic and a pig at the same time! Lots to get your head round, but I find its one of those pieces of software that you struggle with, then the penny drops, the fog clears and everything makes sense! My advice is when you do try it, don't give you thinking this is too complicated, keep going - oh and join Martin's Templot club website (it's free!) and anytime you hit a snag post on the beginners page, because somebody, usually Martin will help.

 

As for the set and wing rails,I'll post some pics this afternoon. I'm using the method that somebody told me on here - mark the rail side for the 'kink' be that the wing bend of start/end if the set, the position it over two pieces if off cut rail laid on their side, with your mark center between the two. Use the blade of a screwdriver against the side of the rail and gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer. It's trial and error, sometimes you hit it too hard, other times not hard enough! But I'm finding two gentle taps work well, then check against the template. If it's not enough, go back and tap again! But I'll try and put some step-by-step pics up this afternoon.

 

Rich

[MarshLane]

1950`s - 1960`s era.!! What happened to the plan`s for the modern image era layout?.

 

Mind you i could see the appeal of an '04' on an iron ore train in a woebegone looking state.....(not too fussed about the passenger stuff though!! ). Seriously though your skill`s are coming along in leap`s and bound`s from what i`ve seen with the latest point work and the brake van build. Very nice.

Keep it coming mate...

 

Brian.

 

Hi Brian,

Oh the modern image will stay, that is going to be the purpose for Marsh Lane, and I'm hoping to sort the Light Rail vehicles out after Christmas. Plans are all drawn. Been over them several times, bogies sorted, DCC sorted and motors sorted!

 

I've always enjoyed the 1950s/60s period, there is far more variety in rolling stock, more variety in loco types, more variety in the different goods trains, but I swayed towards the 1980s because of the availability and cost of locos. Couldn't afford things previously, and when I started RTR O Gauge was the Bachmann 08 and Heljan 37, and nothing else. I thought well I can't afford to have kits built and don't have the skill to build them myself, so go for what you can do - and I knew I wanted to be O gauge.

 

Now I'm a bit older, bit more money to spend, the RTR market is changing, I'm proving to myself that I can build kits - admittedly plastic ones, but I think the recent comments about Connseiour brass kits has made me think I could try one. So doing what I've always wanted to do is becoming viable. The big turning point was the Hattons A3 and A4 announcement. Also I've acquired the two green 47s and the green 37, with the intention of repainting them, but the weathering on one is just so nice I can't do it! They do look good around the A2 as well lol!

 

Plus I have an interest in trams (although typical for me I come into things late, just when the 7mm tram modelling scene is declining!) and the 1950s, with a slight stretch of timelines, allows both to feature on the layout.

 

So it all seemed to make sense - but the blue stuff will stay! It's not going anywhere! A couple of locos might get sold over the next 12 months, but nothing much! Marsh Lane will stay in the 1980s!

 

Hi Rich,

Wow your track building is seriously impressive. You are making it look so easy... and I'm sure it is not.

Have you thought about staining the timbers prior to assembly at all?

Cheers

Lee

 

Thanks Lee. To be honest it's not as difficult as I thought, and made a lot easier thanks to the kind help and advice of the guys on here. I don't think I've got all the different types of chairs right, and think I'm still using too many side chairs, but it's coming - practice makes perfect as they say!

 

Yes I have thought of staining, but the whole thing will get painted and weathered, which pretty much covers the staining so I decided against that.

 

That really is some very serious Track Building Rich, I can cope with Copper Clad but not with the chairs like that, I take my hat off to you young Sir. well done.

Thanks Andy. Other than the patience of threading chairs on and those "oh bu66er it" moments when you realize they are on the wrong side, I wouldn't think it's much different to copper call to be honest. But many thanks for your very kind words.

 

Rich

Edited December 11, 2016 by MarshLane

[3 link]

Hi Rich,

 

Wow you are certainly getting to grips with your p/way, I agree it is so satisfying when you first run a wagon over the turnouts and it all flows smoothly.

 

That will be some trek if your coming all the way down from Lincolnshire to the Bristol exhibition, but if you haven't been before you will be in for a treat. I only usually go to two shows a year now, Telford and Bristol and the long drive down to Bristol is definitely worth it. If I were you I would contact C&L before hand and get them to bring what you want to the show, as they do not always bring everything.

 

I noticed in the last photo you have put up that the check rail seems quite a distance away from the running rail, it might just be the angle and also the wing rail does not look to run along side the vee. Please do not take this as criticism, it could even be my eyes nowadays. One thing I would do is to cut the insulation gaps up by the vee's as you go, then you can just slide on the fishplates as you go see photos below, also you can have your check rails as long as you like, see also below : )

 

 

 

 

ATB,

 

Martyn.

[3 link]

Thanks Brian,

The gauges are from Debs of this parish.  Im waiting on her getting the shims back in stock, but am devising other means in the short-term!  As for where the time goes, I have no idea - I am convinced that the EU remove 20 minutes from each day as we go through the year!  Im sure it was only March a fortnight ago.  Of course, with Brexit, when we do split apart ... my theory could go out the window - or alternatively we get all those 20 minutes back!!! 

 

Rich

Hi Rich,

 

Me again, I do not know if you have now got the shims from Debs?, if not just use the gauges to space the check/wing rails as below, sorry if your doing it this way already I'm not trying to teach Granny and all that...

 

 

And remember to remove the gauges before switching on the DCC, don't ask. : )

 

ATB,

 

Martyn.

[MarshLane]

Hi Rich,

Wow you are certainly getting to grips with your p/way, I agree it is so satisfying when you first run a wagon over the turnouts and it all flows smoothly.

That will be some trek if your coming all the way down from Lincolnshire to the Bristol exhibition, but if you haven't been before you will be in for a treat. I only usually go to two shows a year now, Telford and Bristol and the long drive down to Bristol is definitely worth it. If I were you I would contact C&L before hand and get them to bring what you want to the show, as they do not always bring everything.

I noticed in the last photo you have put up that the check rail seems quite a distance away from the running rail, it might just be the angle and also the wing rail does not look to run along side the vee. Please do not take this as criticism, it could even be my eyes nowadays. One thing I would do is to cut the insulation gaps up by the vee's as you go, then you can just slide on the fishplates as you go see photos below, also you can have your check rails as long as you like, see also below : )

ATB,

Martyn.

Martyn,

It certainly is! Cannot wait to run a loco over it! Good point about speaking to C&L before hand, I'll make sure I do that. Thanks.

 

As for the check rail, yes your partly right - I think part of it is the telephoto nature of the camera lens as its not as far away as it looks, but it could be closer. Which chairs do you use for sitting your check rails on? No critisim inferred at all, I welcome comments and feedback, it's how we all improve, so thanks for taking the time to mention it. I knew there was something I forgot to do, that was the rail cuts. Must make sure I do those in the future - meantime it will be out with the Dremel.

 

I have also noticed that I need to learn a bit more about sleeper pushing in Templot, as I'm not sure I've got it right on this one. I think the sleepers around the check rails etc, are not quite right. Time for more photos ... I keep taking pictures of track work whenever I travel by train these days!

 

Cheers

Rich

[MarshLane]

Hi Rich,

Me again, I do not know if you have now got the shims from Debs?, if not just use the gauges to space the check/wing rails as below, sorry if your doing it this way already I'm not trying to teach Granny and all that...

RenderedContent-29E95C02-EEBE-405D-902B-EE1E1CB640A4.JPG

And remember to remove the gauges before switching on the DCC, don't ask. : )

ATB,

Martyn.

Hi Martyn,

I think I've checked with the gauges on a couple of the check rails, but not all I'll do that. The shims I'm still waiting on - but have come up with an idea for creating a 'vee' jig (anyone know where I can find out the actual angle of the different sizes?) - but in the mean time I think I've come up with a way of making a suitable shim that will work short-term.

 

As for the DCC ... Yes I can guess!

 

Rich

[MarshLane]

Wow, you're second turnout project, that's impressive!  I'm still building single turnouts using Peco templates, but, I do intend to get to grips with Templot at some point.  I was hoping to see more of this "set" business that was mentioned a few posts ago.  I did read Martyns page on the subject and it sort of makes sense.  I was wondering how the set is done in practice though and how you avoid the need to file a rebate in the stock rail, particularly the straight rail.

 

Another question, when I bend the wing rail at the knee I can't seem to get a crisp angle, do you notch the rail?

 

Loving it.

 

John

 

 

Hi John,

These are not as clear as I had hoped they might be, but should give you an idea.  Somebody (apologies to the guy concerned, I cannot remember who now!) on rmWeb suggested doing the rail bends this way, and I have to say I found it very easy, but there's no sure fire way of getting it right first time every time.

 

However, mark up the piece of rail that you want to bend, whether its wing rails or check rails, position it on the template, and I use a black whiteboard marker (as it rubs off) to mark where the 'kink' should come.  Then position the rail on its side - remember to check that its the right way up before marking, I learnt my lesson with that one! Remember that when you tap/hit/clout (delete as applicable!) the rail will bend towards you.  Then position it between two off cuts of rail again, both on their sides, with your mark roughly centre between the two rails.  The wider the gap between the, the shallower the angle.

 

 

Then use a screwdriver with a blade (i.e. not a Philips) and position it on the mark you've made.  Once your happy gently hit it.  I generally just let a hammer fall under its own weight onto the screw driver and repeat as necessary.

 

 

You should then end up with a 'bent' rail.  If you've gone to hard, just gently bend it back again, not hard enough - another tap required!

 

 

Then repeat the whole thing for any other bends that you need.  Somebody may have a better more precise way (if so, please tell me!) but thats the way I do it, then after each tap refer back to the template and see how it looks to your eye.

 

As for the set query. Im flying a bit blind, and Minty Jinty or one of the other longer serving tracklayers might be able to answer better, but to me, the set appears to go hand-in-hand with the blade of the point where its filed down:

 

 

Admittedly on the example above, I've not got the blade filed correctly, as it filed too short - but I only realised this about 20 minutes ago!  I think once the tie-blades are on, this will be ok, as its only access to a single engineers siding!  But you can see the set above. My understanding is that the set should start where the blade starts (at the bottom) and finishes, where the running rail and the blade part company.  As for putting the set in, I've been following the same procedure as adding the 'kinks' to check rails - just tap very gently!

 

Hope that helps. Any queries, shout!

 

Rich

Edited December 11, 2016 by MarshLane

[MarshLane]

As people may have guessed from the above posts, I've finished the pointwork off today.  Just a few missing chairs to add, soldering wires etc.. to do.  This has been a huge learning experience, but I'm heading into the next point with a lot more knowledge.   Only two more to do, and thats all the point work for Marsh Lane Depot.

 

 

 

I've also done a little bit of work on Marsh Lane shed building.  The roof has now been temporarily fitted and the internal roof rafters added.

 

 

 

 

 

Next task with the shed, is to cover the roof with slates. Im thinking that the slate roof printed sheets from Kirtley Model Buildings might be an option? All thoughts welcome however.  The barge boards and soffits also need fitting to the ends/sides of the roof to stop light bleed.

 

Thats all for today!

 

Rich

[brossard]

The crossover is a thing of beauty to be sure.  Thanks for the tips on rail bending, will give that a try next time. 

 

Thanks for the picture on set, it tells me that I need to be very careful with blade filing.

 

Another question, that's the curved stock rail.  What happens with a straight one?

 

I'm just in the process of making a turnout, so I can put this advice into practice.

 

John

[3 link]

Hi Rich,

 

Regarding the chairs I use for the check rails, well they are just standard 2 bolt GWR chairs. Say the check rail is 5 sleepers in length, I thread on 3 chairs, one on both ends and the other one in the middle, I then shave off the bolts on the side of the chairs nearest the running rails. Once this is done then shave off the 2 bolt heads on on the chairs on the running rail ( the ones each side of where the middle chair on the check rail is sited ) then slide the chaired check rail chairs just under the running rail. This gets the check rail prototypically closer, then once fixed just cut some chairs in half and glue where the gaps are, in this case 5 gaps. I hope you can decode my explanation, it is so much easier to show than explain on here.

 

ATB,

 

Martyn.