Strathmuir 4mm 1988 Scottish Region

[87023Velocity]

Hi,

 

Quite a few years ago, myself and Chris exhibited a 4mm layout based on Scotrail operations(circa 1988) which was called Strathmuir - its first show was Wigan 2000!. The layout is a through station with a handful of sidings which are used for local ballast operations and occasional timber traffic. Stock which can be seen operating through the station varies from Strathclyde liveried DMU's, Push-Pull formations, freight, engineers and parcels traffic.

The layout was exhibited at various shows including Wakefield, BRM Doncaster and also appeared in the 2001 December issue of the BRM. During late 2004 we decided that we would extend the layout and convert it to a continuous operating format rather than end to end. Its last show in end to end format was December 2004 at Wigan.Work was started during 2005 but due to a loss of club rooms in 2006 the layout went into storage in temporary clubrooms followed by both our garages. Back in 2012 I relayed the track which had been removed for the extension and tested all the points etc and considering it had been out of use for nearly 8 years, apart from dirty track, all worked well.

As I had decided to build Dallam in N gauge , Strathmuir was once again boxed and stored in a corner of my garage. Approximately 8 weeks prior to Dallam's debut at Wigan, I sort of suggested to Chris that with a little bit of work and tidying up, we could maybe get Strathmuir ready for Wigan 2017!

The bulk of work required on the layout is 2 more light units (to go with the 4 used on Dallam) and fiddle yard boards followed by tidying the scenic and I had not been happy with the sigals. The fiddle yards use cassettes which are still in the loft of my garage fortunately. The stock will need a good looking at, it was all mainly Lima 26's and 37's, 47's. Some of the 47's were replaced with Heljan versions when the correct type became available in 2003. A lot more freight stock has been built over the past 6 years not necessarily for Strathmuir but will certainly add plenty of variation.

Here are a couple of pictures from 2012, excuse the poor lighting as I did not have any layout lighting available at the time. Also the resolution is not great. The track is SMP with copperclad points operated by Seep Point motors. The signals are by Eckon, these will be getting replaced.

 

 

 

This was started for Strathmuir quite a while ago, still need to finish the weathering....

 

 

So hopefully with some work on the scenics and signalling, we should be able to get it ready alongside working on Dallam. No pressure then, that 7mm Dapol 08 would look good alongside my 7mm class 56........ maybe not! Only 10 months to go.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

Edited January 22, 2020 by 87023Velocity

[Lowlander]

Hi

 

Really looking forward to seeing this develop. It has loads of potential.

 

Stephen

[springs branch]

Why do I let you talk me into these things!!!

[87023Velocity]

Hi

Really looking forward to seeing this develop. It has loads of potential.

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

 

Thanks, it will be good to have it fully operational again with some new stock to operate too.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[sammyboy]

This layout looks good, and that grubby 08 shunter is great as well. Would like to see more...

 

Sam

[87023Velocity]

Why do I let you talk me into these things!!!

Ha Ha, it will be fine!

 

Been looking at the stock today and the first thing planned is to make a DBSO from the Hornby MK2e. I do have a DBSO using the Dapol MK2d but its showing its age, paint worn etc. It was actually done around 1996/97. I know Bachmann are producing a DBSO but I enjoy modelling so will convert the Hornby coach. Plus not sure when the Bachmann one is due.

 

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[Marcyg]

I've still got the article from when this appeared in a magazine!

[87023Velocity]

Well its started, finding old projects which I had forgotten about. Looking through some of the boxes in the loft I found a class 104 conversion which I started around 2009/10 I think. This was not to run on Strathmuir but for a small North West based layout and the 104 would be a Newton Heath or Chester based set. Like lots of projects other things got in the way and took priority and the layout was never started either. Looking through Flickr and a small number of class 104 units could still be found operating in Scotland in 1988.

So here is how far the conversion got, basically sprayed and awaiting transfers, glazing etc. I had only planned on doing a 2 -car unit but all the ones in Scotland were operated as 3-car units. Fortunately I have the centre car somewhere. A new motor bogie will be fitted to replace the very old Ringfield Motor. This particular model was given to me  for Christmas aged 8 years old as a Blue/Grey Class 110 Calder unit so it would be quite nice to have it running on the layout.

Here is a picture of Class 104 Set 457 at Edinburgh Waverley as an example. Looking at the sets, 458 will be the better one to go for as it has a DMBS,DMCL & TSL which says chopping bodies up.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/101242744@N07/25285384036/in/photolist-EwocKb-bngQXj-qKGqZs-ndpvQE-qUAyZw-5r8pyd-7BtzwH-bAZ9ai-7mEvY8-dGVkud-y8WZeu-qKGACA-9Uds7r-cfV97Y-cYsSRm-qYHdbD-aBLgux-bAZ9mK-cEbqN3-cYt39u-apmZ7N-4kAp69-drLVQ9-9Dhtbr-9DhvyT-bAakgF-evqu1i-cR12us-q1754R-91oWqU-9vFd4E-CHDaeq-dvhWrK-dxDmsr-8HuvBc-9vCuqZ-dRchGP-a2nfKe-evXj54-7BxqXQ-dnyVXB-o1FFmv-e8MGTM-7aAY7g-9vtQ3s-9siR2E-cZ6tJC-apkTNK-cYtmFm-7BtxUp

 

And here is the unit so far.

 

Also we had 2 3-car class 101's both re-sprayed into Strathclyde Orange/Black but looking through Flickr shows there was also quite a few in standard Blue/Grey so one of these might also get added to the DMU roster if I happen to come across a suitable cheap Lima/Hornby class 101.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

Edited November 13, 2016 by 87023Velocity

[springs branch]

Remember we have the 108 as well mate.

[vulcan product fan]

Hi great looking layout i really like the view of the station area in post 1 will keep an eye on this great stock work pal

[87023Velocity]

Remember we have the 108 as well mate.

I had forgot about the 107. There were the odd class 120 DMUs still knocking about aswell but that might be pushing it - could build a DC kit.

 

Another item of stock to add to the roster is the Breakdown Crane. Mine is modelled on 96713 which was based at Springs Branch and later Crewe. 96714 was based at Haymarket I think. Will need to check on tool/staff vans on Departmentals.com

as they may differ from the ones used at Wigan TMD.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[Grimleygrid]

Another cracking layout Simon, and a great period to model too. I am seriously impressed by the number of projects that you can have on the go at one time. I struggle to cope with just one!

 

That crane is the bees knees......Any plans to make another one? If so could you make two!

[Waverley West]

Fantastic crane there, Simon. I'm looking forward to watching this thread develop.

 

Cheers

Dave

[87023Velocity]

Another cracking layout Simon, and a great period to model too. I am seriously impressed by the number of projects that you can have on the go at one time. I struggle to cope with just one!

 

That crane is the bees knees......Any plans to make another one? If so could you make two!

  

Hi Alex, thanks, to be fair though the layout has been in store for 12 years so just needs a tidy up as mentioned and the additional light units. I would like another crane but maybe a 75Ton fixed jib type but that would need scratchbuilding again or if its possible to heavily modify the Hornby example but not sure.

 

 

 

Fantastic crane there, Simon. I'm looking forward to watching this thread develop.

 

Cheers

Dave

Thanks Dave, looking forward to myself and Chris getting back operating Strathmuir at a show again and thanks about comments regards the crane.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[class"66"]

Very nice!!!!

ile follow this now  

[cornish trains jez]

Nice layout Simon. Looking forward to seeing it progress and also your modelling projects.

 

Best regards,

 

Jeremy

[Grimleygrid]

  

Hi Alex, thanks, to be fair though the layout has been in store for 12 years so just needs a tidy up as mentioned and the additional light units. I would like another crane but maybe a 75Ton fixed jib type but that would need scratchbuilding again or if its possible to heavily modify the Hornby example but not sure.

 

 

 

Thanks Dave, looking forward to myself and Chris getting back operating Strathmuir at a show again and thanks about comments regards the crane.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

 

Hi Simon, it still looks very good for being in storage for 12 years!

 

Apologies in advance, but is the fixed jib crane that you are talking about the same as Toton's old Cowans Sheldon fixed jib version? Sorry my knowledge of cranes is next to nothing!

[87023Velocity]

Hi Simon, it still looks very good for being in storage for 12 years!

 

Apologies in advance, but is the fixed jib crane that you are talking about the same as Toton's old Cowans Sheldon fixed jib version? Sorry my knowledge of cranes is next to nothing!

Hi Alex,

 

No need for apologies, yes the fixed jib as per Toton, Motherwell had one aswell - it would be nice to have, maybe a long term project. Just been looking through Departmentals.com and all the tool vans for the Haymarket Breakdown Train are pictured which is good news, just need 3 Mk1 BSK's with BR1 bogies.

975483 Tool & Generator Van

http://www.departmentals.com/photo/975483

 

975457 Tool Van coupled to crane 96714

http://www.departmentals.com/photo/975457

 

975456 Staff and Tool Coach

http://www.departmentals.com/photo/975456-2

 

Just thinking I could probably have different running numbers on the crane, 1 each side, that should work.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[Grimleygrid]

That would certainly make a nice train to model, good luck with it.

 

Nice idea to have different numbers on each side.

[87023Velocity]

That would certainly make a nice train to model, good luck with it.

 

Nice idea to have different numbers on each side.

Thanks Alex.

 

Just to confuse things further I stumbled across this Bachmann 37/7 as 37706 Conidae at £55 as it was a non runner. Long story short is it works now with no cost involved. In 1988 I don't believe a 37/7 had ventured to Scotland, however in 1989 37707 & 37708 were both transfered to Eastfield from Immingham and both saw quite a bit of passenger work which is good if your a tractor fan.

So not sure what to do, renumber (either 707 or708 with cant rail grill strapping added), detail and weather in this format and move time frame to 88-90?

 

 

Or pick a replacement body and swap them out. Hmmmmmm

 

Cheer

 

Simon

[87023Velocity]

Managed to call in S and J models in Northwich for a browse this morning. Picked up 5 Hornby OTAs which at first I was going to use to replace the Cambrian kit versions we have on Dallam. However after placing them alongside each other I think the Cambrian versions will now be retained.

Here is the Hornby version alongside the Cambrian one.

The Hornby ones will be resprayed into Railfreight red and weathered accordingly.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[MRDBLUE17]

Hi Simon,

 

I've run a mixed rake of OTA's on Rannoch with Bachmann and Hornby models mixed in with several Cambrian kits and it gives a nice bit of variety with the different types.

 

Thanks

Mark

[87023Velocity]

I have a couple of Lima class 47's which had been left in the loft as newer replacements had become available. One was part way through being finished but only with a small bit of detailing. I had a second look at them and then hatched a plan. Here is the progress so far..

The handrails on the front are from the first time round. Work so far has included removing the cab handrails, roof fan mouldings, boiler equipment mouldings and the windscreen and cabside windows have had the moulded surrounds removed. The curved bufferbeam has also been removed, a suitable straight replacement will be fitted.

Also the moulded gap between the battery boxes has been cut away aswell as the moulded infill above the battery boxes.

Replacement Ultrascale wheelsets will also be fitted. Not decided on lighting yet. The moulded pipework on the bogies has also been removed on the relevant side.

Hopefully once done they should look ok on the layout working a few short trains.

 

A few more arrivals for respraying for Strathmuir, Vitrains 37426, 47401. Not decided 100% what these will be but got a couple of ideas.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[87023Velocity]

After a few busy weeks with work and family commitments for both myself and Chris, we managed to get 2 boards set up tonight so we could look at what needs doing. The layout was wired as standard cab control with probes and studs for point control. We decided tonight that we will change the layout over to DCC operation, the points will stay as DC control but with centre biased on-off-on toggle switches instead of the prob/stud set up.

Once this was all decided, a small amount of stock was placed on the layout.

 

08243 ticks over outside the p-way cabin, the XR3i must belong to one of the p-way gang, maybe the area manager.

Eastern visitor 37706 Conidae takes the Haymarket 75 ton crane up the branch to help clear some derailed wagons.

On the mainline a class 107 DMU slows for Strathmuir station.

It must be peak hour as staight behind is a Class 101/107 formation.

 

37706 heads up the branch again later this time with the p-way 15 ton crane and a couple of Salmon wagons.

 

So got quite a bit to do with both layout and stock and only 9 months to go!

 

Cheers

 

Simon

[springs branch]

Why do I fall for it everything!

Still looks good though mate, 9 months easy look how quick Dallam was done!!!