West Highland Line V4, a 1980's West Highland Line layout

[young37215]

21 hours ago, ISW said:

Rob,

 

Sounds like a great idea. Would like to do something similar myself 'in due course', so I'll be watching with interest.

 

Ian

 

Easier said than done I suspect! To minimise the costs and complexity of installing lighting I have in mind fitting out a single coach, most likely the brake coach which has more storage space, with pick ups, stay alive and conductive wheels to power an ESU lighting bar. In turn this would then feed the other coaches in the fixed rake where in theory these would only need LED strip fitting and connecting wires to the previous vehicle. It does not sound difficult but having spent an hour reaming out a single wheel axle on a PRA wagon (don't ask why), I shudder to think about wiring a rake of coaches. For now it is a nice thought and something that I will get around to at some stage.

 

Whilst dreaming of coach lighting I took a few pictures of various locations where I have already installed lighting. In the case of Ardlui it is incomplete, I have LEDs on order to do the platform lamps and signal box. The difference between the daylight and night time perspectives are most pronouced.

 

 

 

 

   

[ISW]

1 hour ago, young37215 said:

To minimise the costs and complexity of installing lighting I have in mind fitting out a single coach, most likely the brake coach which has more storage space, with pick ups, stay alive and conductive wheels to power an ESU lighting bar. In turn this would then feed the other coaches in the fixed rake where in theory these would only need LED strip fitting and connecting wires to the previous vehicle.

Rob,

 

That's an interesting way to fit lighting, one I had not considered. However, having fitted 'jumper cables' between a pair of DMU coaches (to increase the number of pickups) I know how hard that can be. 

 

Myself, I favour the approach of equipping each coach individually. In theory (?) it should make installation increasingly easy as I'll simply be repeating the same process. The first few might be harder, but I'm sure I'd soon learn the necessary tricks / shortcuts. It also means I'll still be able to mix-n-match coaches afterwards.

 

As to cost, the LED strip is cheap (I still have a 5m length that cost less than £10) and the necessary electronic components (diodes, resistors, capacitors, ...) are not expensive, particularly in bulk packs. I'm 'hopeful' that a small veroboard can be used to assemble the components, one that'll fit inside a typical Mk1 toilet. I've seen a few YouTube videos that explain the circuit, so I really should 'get my finger out' and try to build one! Unfortunately, I'm rather busy building my station building at present.

 

Ian

[Module00]

Your layout look great, I love it ! 

[young37215]

6 hours ago, ISW said:

Rob,

 

That's an interesting way to fit lighting, one I had not considered. However, having fitted 'jumper cables' between a pair of DMU coaches (to increase the number of pickups) I know how hard that can be. 

 

Myself, I favour the approach of equipping each coach individually. In theory (?) it should make installation increasingly easy as I'll simply be repeating the same process. The first few might be harder, but I'm sure I'd soon learn the necessary tricks / shortcuts. It also means I'll still be able to mix-n-match coaches afterwards.

 

As to cost, the LED strip is cheap (I still have a 5m length that cost less than £10) and the necessary electronic components (diodes, resistors, capacitors, ...) are not expensive, particularly in bulk packs. I'm 'hopeful' that a small veroboard can be used to assemble the components, one that'll fit inside a typical Mk1 toilet. I've seen a few YouTube videos that explain the circuit, so I really should 'get my finger out' and try to build one! Unfortunately, I'm rather busy building my station building at present.

 

Ian

 

On the basis that I have 6 rakes of coaches, the cost of fully fitting out each coach in addition to the time and work involved is significant hence why I favour having one coach fully fitted out for lighting and the rest of a rake taking their power from it. This requires 2 small, single cable, male/female plugs to fit on each coach end so that coaches can be attached/detached as required. Wire/cable running between 2 coaches is prototypical and I live in hope of finding a plug that gets close to mimicing the connectors on the end of coaches. If I can then adding LED strip to each 'unfitted' coach should be simple and cheap to achieve.

 

In between fiddling with lighting and extending the scenery to the south of the viaduct, plenty of running is taking place. As the day draws to a close 37011 is seen at Ardlui with the empty Alcan hoppers returning south to Blyth for a refill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ISW]

3 hours ago, young37215 said:

This requires 2 small, single cable, male/female plugs to fit on each coach end so that coaches can be attached/detached as required. Wire/cable running between 2 coaches is prototypical and I live in hope of finding a plug that gets close to mimicing the connectors on the end of coaches.

Rob,

 

There is a solution using small (2mm dia) neodymium magnets soldered to the end of wires. I have previously managed this, but it's not as 'robust' as I'd like. The solder connection creates a weak point with the rest of the wire and because the wire is very thin it can break there.

 

However, the magnet solution is neat, small, easy to couple/uncouple, and fairly prototypical.

 

Ian

[young37215]

Yesterday was spent casting more rock and attempting to position the polystyrene for the area from the viaduct up to Arrochar.   

 

As the working day on the WHL draws to a close, 37026 and ETHEL bring the up sleeper into Crianlarich where 37014 is waiting with the booked connection of the last Glasgow to Oban train of the day. Change at Crianlarich for Tyndrum Lower, Dalmally, Taynuilt, Connell Ferry and Oban.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[young37215]

A little mundane and modest in the grand scheme of things but I finally completed the wing wall extensions on the viaduct. They are nothing complicated but did take time to blend in with the existing brickwork which I had changed considerably from the original factory finish. Next time I am airbrushing I will blow some more sleeper grime onto the brickwork to tone it down a little but otherwise the task is complete.

 

Small pieces of brickwork to extend the viaduct walls were cut to shape and filed to fit before gluing in place.

Coping stones were cut and glued in place.

Gaps between brickwork were filled with Deluxe Materials plastic putty

Several coats of thinned Railmatch concrete were painted onto the brickwork and the walkways were treated with thinned sleeper grime

The remaining gaps between baseboard and the wing walls will be filled with Sculptamold and covered in scenic material as part of the scenic extension up to Arrochar. 

[young37215]

 

All work and no play does'nt do it for me. At Crianlarich 37026 awaits departure as 37014 heads to Oban. 20085 on engineering duties sits in a siding awaiting for the station to clear.

 

 

 

 

[young37215]

Late on parade this morning, I seem to sleep in on these dark and damp mornings and so does the dog. A volunteering day yesterday so no work on the layout. From a day or two back the last southbound freight of the day in 1983, the 1520 Corpach to Mossend is seen at Garelochead with 37264 in charge.

 

 

 

 

[Legend]

Very evocative pictures and layout . Always a delight to see 

[meanach]

Wow ! Garelochhead has come on a long way since I last saw it ! That last photo really looks the part. 

[young37215]

5 hours ago, Legend said:

Very evocative pictures and layout . Always a delight to see 

 

Kind words; thank you. I have previously commented that I use the thread as a diary and a helpful way of 'dumping the baggage' that can go with building a layout. It is always nice to receive positive feedback which helps sustain my motivation levels. Todays pictures show 37026 continuing its southbound journey as it arrives at Ardlui.

 

 

 

 

 

[young37215]

 

In theory another filthy day day dawns, I say 'dawns' in theory because its 7.45 and still dark. Looks like another day spent inside and out of the wet, roll on the spring.

 

37026 departs Ardlui and heads south. 

 

 

 

 

[mallaig1983]

It is indeed yet another filthy day Rob but at least you have the ability to escape to sunny Scotland. And you’ve  sent postcards too 😀

[young37215]

 

 

I am currently working on the 2M or so of scenery that leads up from the viaduct into Arrochar. I want to create the impression of the line being cut into the mountainside which requires a number of rock molds, some of which are cut into 2 pieces of about a third and two thirds. These will be placed either side of the track with the smaller pieces of rock on the lower side so that the height difference emphasises the slope of the mountainside. Rough cut polystyrene will be filled with plaster cloth and Sculptamold to complete the landscape and once painted as usual, dressed with various shades of Woodland Scenics coarse turf. 

 

Initial plotting of where best to position the rock, the piece of plywood seperating the scenery from Mallaig Junction fiddle yard will be removed once the scenery is glued in place.

 

 

Rocks are moved in an effort to create the impression sought

 

 

 

The likely final arrangement

 

[young37215]

 

The last pictures for a few days as we are off on holiday for a break. 37026 continues south with the sleeper and crosses the viaduct heading towards Arrochar.

 

 

 

 

[jwphillips]

Absolutely stunning work Rob. This is a serious benchmark. Interested in the use of tank wagons on the WHL. Clearly TTA prominent but wondering if anyone aware of the use of Class B tank wagons into the 1980s? Revolution's forthcoming Class B in N looks very tempting but struggling to find photographic evidence of same

[young37215]

11 hours ago, jwphillips said:

Absolutely stunning work Rob. This is a serious benchmark. Interested in the use of tank wagons on the WHL. Clearly TTA prominent but wondering if anyone aware of the use of Class B tank wagons into the 1980s? Revolution's forthcoming Class B in N looks very tempting but struggling to find photographic evidence of same

 

Thanks for the kind words. I can not offer you anything significant on Class B' tankers I am afraid. I have spent a fair amount of time looking at pictures on Flickr and the like but only recall seeing TTA/TTV on the WHL in my 1980's time period. The only picture I recall with Class B tanks is from 1980.

 

 

[GordonC]

26 minutes ago, young37215 said:

 

Thanks for the kind words. I can not offer you anything significant on Class B' tankers I am afraid. I have spent a fair amount of time looking at pictures on Flickr and the like but only recall seeing TTA/TTV on the WHL in my 1980's time period. The only picture I recall with Class B tanks is from 1980.

 

 

 

They're not Class B tanks are they?

 

are they not TUA Caustic Soda / China Clay tanks like Revolution are producing

https://rainbowrailways.co.uk/product-category/revolution-trains/revolution-wagons/tua-tanks/

[03060]

16 hours ago, jwphillips said:

Absolutely stunning work Rob. This is a serious benchmark. Interested in the use of tank wagons on the WHL. Clearly TTA prominent but wondering if anyone aware of the use of Class B tank wagons into the 1980s? Revolution's forthcoming Class B in N looks very tempting but struggling to find photographic evidence of same

 

Try looking at 'Grumpy Old Boiler's' Scotland album on flickr, p.1 has 3 1978 photos taken at Mallaig in 1978 which has a couple of interesting tanks in them; one is numbered 44281 but I'm not sure of it's classification. Daredn't post a link as all of Jonathan's photos come with a very strong warning !!!

 

I've also seen a late 70s photo of a short tank train on the Oban line with 3 'interesting' tanks but can't find it again just now, will try and post it later. Still not sure if they match the Revolution Class B tanks though.

 

Regards,

Ian.

[young37215]

 

The original question that prompted discussion about Class B tank wagons was 'did any run on the WHL in the 1980's'? The answer appears to be no, all of the pictures found so far date from the late 1970's. 

 

At a guess, the 1978 Mallaig pictures referred to by 03060 (hyperlinks to publicly available information do not breach copyright law hence why they are permitted on RMWeb). My knowledge of the various types on tanker is minimal, with that caveat it appears to me that 2 TTV's bookend an older and what appears slightly smaller tank wagon which might be Class B. 

 

 

 

1978 Oban, a single TTV and 2 smaller tank wagons, again potentially Class B.

 

 

[thegreenhowards]

1 hour ago, young37215 said:

 

The original question that prompted discussion about Class B tank wagons was 'did any run on the WHL in the 1980's'? The answer appears to be no, all of the pictures found so far date from the late 1970's. 

 

At a guess, the 1978 Mallaig pictures referred to by 03060 (hyperlinks to publicly available information do not breach copyright law hence why they are permitted on RMWeb). My knowledge of the various types on tanker is minimal, with that caveat it appears to me that 2 TTV's bookend an older and what appears slightly smaller tank wagon which might be Class B. 

 

 

 

1978 Oban, a single TTV and 2 smaller tank wagons, again potentially Class B.

 

 

It’s interesting that those trains seem to have the tankers behind the engine with a barrier wagon. Whereas the 37 era photos seem to have the tankers on the back with no barrier. Does anyone know when this practice changed?

[GordonC]

40 minutes ago, thegreenhowards said:

It’s interesting that those trains seem to have the tankers behind the engine with a barrier wagon. Whereas the 37 era photos seem to have the tankers on the back with no barrier. Does anyone know when this practice changed?

 

Would it depend on whether it was a northbound or southbound working?

 

[03060]

Whilst still looking for the 'other' Oban line tank photo that I know of (hmmm, a b&w image by somebody?) I looked a bit closer at this Ted Arisaig photo which whilst not relevant to the current tank theme being discussed it does relate to 2 previously mentioned themes, namely the Northbound sheeted wagonloads that head 'to' Corpach, rather than from, which I think Rob has already told us is baled wood pulp under the sheets of these OBA wagons (OAA wagons also being used for this traffic) but also this gives us another interesting take on the great Class 20 headcode disc debate (note the left hand one ! LoL.)

 

 

Photo by Ted Arisaig.  (Thanks Rob for the comments regarding the posting of photos and copyright rules.)

 

Regards,

Ian.

[03060]

One that does fit into @young37215 's WHL v.4 timeframe and is possibly showing a Class B type tanker is this 1982 photo by Chris, the lead grey tank being an exESSO TT(V,G or A?) with a black tanker behind it which has many similarities to the Revolution model except for the monoblock (?) type tank base.

 

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by 03060
Correction.