Minories on the Western Region

[turtlebah]

Nick,

 

I am building a small 6 x 1 terminus to keep my hand in whilst attempting a house move. I installed SEEP motors to try them out,they are just about ok but knowing now what I do I wouldn't use them again.

 

I thought it was my wiring at fault but I now believe one or two of the point motors weren't working very well. Having installed lots of Cobalts on a friends layout and found them vey user friendly that is the way I will go when I get a chance to start on a larger layout again.

 

John

 

Agreed John. I think there is a place for SEEP motors and they are very cost effective. I just don't think they work well with single or double slips. Being a bit of a novice with electrics I like the plug and play nature of the Cobalts - i'm not exactly handy with a soldering iron you see.

[turtlebah]

My experience has been that for smaller layouts, point motors seem to be overkill. I am thinking of going for wire-in-tube next time as it is both cheaper and more reliable.

 

I'm also a bit of a sucker for the realism of slow action over seeps. I guess i wouldn't bother the motors at all on a smaller layout, but having said there would always be the need for a polarity changing switch for DCC.

[turtlebah]

More general ramblings of a first time modeller:

 

Finally all the track is laid, point motors fixed and wiring completed. Sometimes i'm flabbergasted that i have even got this far, but that quickly subsides with the disappointment that the layout still looks bare and not even close to resembling an urban terminus. The daily internal battles we face when modelling i guess.

 

For now, and more by luck than judgement, everything works like a dream (just about). I can't believe how long it's taken Bristol Broad Street to get to the point where i can actually run an engine on it. Everything takes so much longer than I think it will, which i guess is partly due to the fact this is my first project.

 

I have encountered a few issues and conundrums over the last couple of weeks, which i've rambled about below:

 

BLOODY Bachmann DECODERS

After receiving a lovely, weathered modified Bachmann hall from The Model Centre last week, i fitted a Bachmann 8 pin decoder. After no jerky running on DC as soon as the decoder was installed the running was awful. It constantly jerks, especially at low speed, so much so that the tender constantly vibrates against the pin and rod connecting it making the most awful din. I've tried, as suggested, playing around the with CV 54 and 55 values, but to no avail. The recommended values for a hall don't make a difference. I've resorted to ordering a Lenz decoder to see if that makes a difference - can't say i'm totally convinced by these Bachmann decoders, although they seem to work fine in my DMUs and pannier tanks.

 

PLATFORMS, PLATFORMS AND MORE PLATFORMS

With the electrics now complete i can finally concentrate on the scenery with the first objective being to get the platforms in place, which i thought i would do before ballasting, although i'm now not sure this is the best way round to do things. I was planning on using Scalescenes platform sheets for the sides and tops with peco platform edges and thick card card tops for support.

 

RETAINING WALLS

I'm also on the look out for some good retaining walls, something along the lines of Bath Sydney Gardens. Some nice stonework that i can grime up, but it's difficult to find something that's easy enough to work with, but allows some scope for creativity.

 

TRACK CLEANING

The main reason a couple of engines didn't run smoothly over the track was because it's got so dirty during the build process. What are the best methods for giving it a good clean. My dad always used methylated spirits and a rag, but i'm sure the world has moved on since then. And what about cleaning the wheels of engines - is it worth buying a specialist piece of kit to get the job done?

 

 

Now for a couple of token photos of progress, but any thoughts on the above are always welcome. What a huge learning process this all is!

 

 

A view down the platforms from the station throat - from left to right you have; warehouse siding, platform 1 (for fast services), platform 2 (local services), platform 3 (local services), pilot engine and loco stable is on the right.

 

The station throat from a different angle, a 9F and hall are waiting in the warehouse siding, whilst a pannier tank sits in what will be platform 1.

 

9F in front of the signal box sitting in the warehouse siding

 

General ramblings over...I must say that despite the daily frustrations with something not working or going to plan all this model railwaying is great fun.

[Karhedron]

TRACK CLEANING

The main reason a couple of engines didn't run smoothly over the track was because it's got so dirty during the build process. What are the best methods for giving it a good clean?

Firstly I would avoid anything like track rubbers. They tend to deposit rubber dust when used which makes cleaning harder in the long run. Also the abrasives they contain can scratch the rail surfaces which allows more dirt to accumulate in the long run.

 

Ideally you want something that is tougher than the dirt but softer than the metal of the rails while having a coarse texture. I find bits of scrap MDF to be the best rail cleaners. Dampen them with IPA (not the beer kind ) to shift any particularly sticky or stubborn residues and rub firmly down the length of the tracks. Simple, effective and causes a minimum of mess.

 

Don't spray IPA directly onto the track as it can attack paints and plastics. Apply it to the MDF and then use that to rub the rails.

Edited July 5, 2017 by Karhedron

[turtlebah]

Firstly I would avoid anything like track rubbers. They tend to deposit rubber dust when used which makes cleaning harder in the long run. Also the abrasives they contain can scratch the rail surfaces which allows more dirt to accumulate in the long run.

 

Ideally you want something that is tougher than the dirt but softer than the metal of the rails while having a coarse texture. I find bits of scrap MDF to be the best rail cleaners. Dampen them with IPA (not the beer kind ) to shift any particularly sticky or stubborn residues and rub firmly down the length of the tracks. Simple, effective and causes a minimum of mess.

 

Don't spray IPA directly onto the track as it can attack paints and plastics. Apply it to the MDF and then use that to rub the rails.

 

Thanks Karhedron,

 

I can't say that it would have remotely crossed my mind to use MDF and IPA. Guess i'll give it a bash.

 

I might even have a cheeky IPA (of the beer variety) whilst doing it.

[John Rich]

Coming along very nicely.

[mjcampbell]

The best track cleaner I've found is a fibreglass stick bundle. However these days I never use it... I use graphite instead.

 

Get a soft fat pencil, or better still a graphite stick (any art store) and rub it over the rails. Then run your trains a while, which spread it around, and coat their wheels (make sure both track and loco wheels are clean first). The graphite acts as a conductor increasing the contact between rail and wheel, and displacing any dirt, making for super smooth running. I've used it on 009 and O14 layouts and not cleaned track for a couple of years - including several exhibitions! Just an occasional rub with the graphite stick. Loco wheels need far less cleaning too. A lot of people ask how I get 009 to run so smoothly and slowly

 

As a bonus the rail head takes on a "steely" appearance rather than the golden Nickel-Silver, at one exhibition someone asked if I used steel rail. 

 

The obvious down-side is it can also act as a lubricant. I've no issues with lack of performance, but if you ran long trains or steep gradients it might be a concern.

Edited July 6, 2017 by mjcampbell

[turtlebah]

Hi Everyone,

 

It's been a while since the last update. A combination of work and holidays has meant modelling days have been at premium this past couple of months. Luckily i managed to find a few days off work to get stuck in to Bristol - Broad Street once again.

 

Scenery underway

After an order of foam modelling sheets arrived in the post i decided to have a crack at the embankment and retaining wall section of the scenery. With this being my first attempt at building a model railway i wasn't quite sure how to approach it, but decided in the end to using foam modelling sheets and plaster of paris cloth rolls. I must say, i'm pretty pleased with the results thus far - i find the foam sheets really easy to work with (if a little messy).

 

(A pannier waits in the goods siding with a small works train)

 

I'm planning on using Slater's Plastikard to cover the embankment walls. Originally i'd build a Metcalfe red brick retaining wall, but it doesn't really fit the layout. Inspired by Bradfield - Gloucester Sq (one of my all time favourite layouts) i decided i'd have a crack at my own.

 

Bodge Job Goods Shed

The other little side project i've been working on is the warehouse goods shed. Although the layout is predominantly a busy passenger station there is a single goods siding and warehouse depot to serve a nearby factory (which you'll be able to see in the background behind the platforms).

 

(Metcalfe goods shed bodge)

 

Seeing as this is a busy city terminus I thought it warranted a longer goods shed so i combined two Metclafe models, but built a new roof using Slater's Plastikard. It needs painting and weathering, but overall i'm pleased with how the model looks.

 

What's next

Really hoping to take the plunge and get some ballasting done this weekend. I've chosen a brown ballast, but recently purchased an air brush so it's going to get plenty of sleeper grime to colour it. Seems like a terminus deserves some very dirty track and ballast, which will also add to the air of Bristol - Broad Street being a neglected station (it would have almost certainly been on Dr Beeching's closure list).

 

With this being my first project i really struggle with knowing what order to do things in so end up flitting between different tasks. I've still got two point motors to install on the station platform boards! Not looking forward to doing that.

 

Hopefully i'll be able to post some ballast pictures this weekend.

 

Luv, Turtlebah

Edited August 30, 2017 by turtlebah

[Andrew P]

Back awhile (Post #53) you mentioned bad running in the Bachmann Locos with the Bachmann Chip, I've experienced the same, and now only use Gaugemaster DCC 27, 8/21 Pin for almost everything I can.

 

All the best.

BTW the Plan looks very good.

Edited August 30, 2017 by Andrew P

[turtlebah]

Back awhile (Post #53) you mentioned bad running in the Bachmann Locos with the Bachmann Chip, I've experienced the same, and now only use Gaugemaster DCC 27, 8/21 Pin for almost everything I can.

 

All the best.

BTW the Plan looks very good.

 

It's very frustrating. I've now replaced any remaining Bachmann decoders with Lenz, which seem to work fine. I've recently purchased a Bachmann Standard Class 4 so maybe i'll try a Gaugemaster in that and see how it runs. It seems that the match between loco and decoder is a bit of a dark art!

[turtlebah]

Hi All,

 

By pure chance my first week back at work from annual leave has been much less full on than expected and so I've managed to get down to some modelling in the evenings.

 

Embankments Completed

The focus was on completing the structures for the grassy embankments last night. The layout finally feels like it's coming together, but i'm anxious to get the platforms and ballast down so it really starts looking like a railway.

 

I find the trouble with railway modelling is resisting the urge to purchase new stock. Unfortunately the urge got the better of me last week so the completed embankment structure pictures are graced with a couple of new additions to Bristol - Broad Street courtesy of The Model Centre. I do find their weathered locomotives wonderful. I'm fascinated with the design of the BR standard class locomotives, hence the reason why I picked Bristol as a location. Looking at the shed allocations for Bristol It seemed to offer the perfect mix of Western meets Standard Class (and the odd Bullied thrown in).

 

(BR Standard Class 4 pulls into the goods siding with a short parcels train from Bath whilst waiting for a platform in the station to become available. In the loco siding a BR Class 3 tank awaits instruction on its next duty (probably shunting the parcels train).

 

 

(Showing the finished embankment structures)

 

My Slater's Plastikard is waiting for me at the post office so i should be able to make a start on getting those embankments covered in a combination of brick and stone over the weekend.

 

 

[turtlebah]

A short update this evening:

 

Ballasting complete (and dry) on the station throat section - it's needs a good going over with the airbrush tomorrow though.

 

I've also decided to rename the station as Bristol - Park Street. Park street is located slightly further to the west of the city near Brandon Hill Park, which i think is a more realistic setting given the grass banks on the station approach. The area historically lacked a station and would have made an excellent location for an urban terminus given its proximity to Bristol University and the old city centre. Broad Street (the original name) would have still been an intermediary station after Temple Meads Junction.

 

56xx #6639 leaves Bristol - Park St with a local stopping service for Weston-super-Mare.

 

#6639 navigating the station throat pointwork

[Clive Mortimore]

I will admit to taking my eye off this thread. Wow, it is looking very promising. Keep up the good work.

[turtlebah]

I will admit to taking my eye off this thread. Wow, it is looking very promising. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Clive. As I've mentioned before somewhere in this thread your work on Sheffield Exchange, particaurly the track plan, was a great inspiration for Bristol - Park Street.

 

Progress has been slow, I'd never have imagined everything thus far would take as long as it has, especially when modelling for the first time.

Edited September 23, 2017 by turtlebah

[turtlebah]

This morning i managed to install the Dapol signals for the goods siding and platform 1. The double bracket starter for platforms 2 & 3 i'm going to have to kit bash from a couple of Ratio round post junction bracket signals until Dapol finally release their motorised version (if they ever do!).

 

A BR Standard Class 4 waits for the all clear to depart with a semi fast service to Bath Green Park via Mangotsfield.

[turtlebah]

A busy day in the modelling room yesterday means that Birstol - Park Street is progressing nicely.

 

Platforms are pretty much complete and work has started on the retaining walls and embankment. I've used a light GWR stone wash as the base for the walls before finishing with a sooty, heavily thinned coast before finally adding some dust and bits of foliage.

 

(A Hall class waits in Platform 2 after arriving with a semi-fast service from Exeter, whilst a BR Standard Class 4 waits to depart from Platform 3 with the 2.38pm stopping service to Bath - Green Park.

 

(A busy scene at Park Street early in the morning - The Class 4 waits in the loco stable siding before taking on it's next duty. A Class 101 DMU waits in Platform 3 with a local service to Portishead via Bedminster. A 56xx has just finished shunting a suburban set into platform 2 ready for departure Weston-Super-Mare. The Hall is still waiting with the semi-fast service to Exeter.)

 

(The DMU awaiting departure as the 56xx concludes shunting duties).

[Harlequin]

Hi Nick,

 

I very much admire what you're doing but the joggle from platform 3 through the double slip to get onto the Up line niggled me.

 

So I sketched something out, which I hope is a little bit smoother and simpler. Basically: Give platform 3 it's own connection to Up, just have one crossover from platforms 2&3 to the Up line and by angling the points more diagonally the platforms can be a bit longer.

 

Sorry I wasn't around to contribute earlier.

 

Edit: I originally posted a variation on the above plan that moved the goods line connection and added some reverse spurs but on reflection I realise it would have been rubbish to operate so I have deleted it.

 

Edited October 11, 2017 by Harlequin

[turtlebah]

Hi Nick,

 

I very much admire what you're doing but the joggle from platform 3 through the double slip to get onto the Up line niggled me.

 

So I sketched something out, which I hope is a little bit smoother and simpler. Basically: Give platform 3 it's own connection to Up, just have one crossover from platforms 2&3 to the Up line and by angling the points more diagonally the platforms can be a bit longer.

Bristol Park St sketch 1b.png

 

Sorry I wasn't around to contribute earlier.

 

Edit: I originally posted a variation on the above plan that moved the goods line connection and added some reverse spurs but on reflection I realise it would have been rubbish to operate so I have deleted it.

 

Hi Phil - Thanks for contributing. To be honest i kind of wish you were around earlier as i really like the first plan. It reminds me of Birmingham Moor Street approach.

 

Sadly I'm too far down the road now to go back and make any fundamental changes to track layout, which i am quite happy with. Given that this is very much an Urban terminus with only 1 van freight service a day the lack of pathing from the warehouse siding on to both lines isn't such an issue. The train would be formed in platform 1 during a lull in commuter services before departure.

 

I'm sure at some point there will be a bigger, better and more accurate version 2 of Bristol Park Street so i'll certainly keep the plans on file.

[turtlebah]

The retaining wall is coming along - needs a lick of paint etc.

 

 

(3MT waits in the warehouse siding before assembling the empty vans in platform 1 for the daily goods back to Avonmouth Docks)

[Banger Blue]

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_09_2017/post-31245-0-87698400-1506124907.jpg

 

I do like that Signal Box, very nice, can I ask who makes it please?

Edited November 20, 2017 by Banger Blue

[turtlebah]

I do like that Signal Box, very nice, can I ask who makes it please?

 

Hi Banger Blue,

 

It's this one...

 

http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/43349/44-011X-Bachmann-Scenecraft-GWR-Type-7-Signal-Box---Truro

 

Based on Truro and a very nice starting model to add modifications to.

[OnTheBranchline]

Any updates?

[westerner]

Agree with OntheBranchline an update photos would be good.

[turtlebah]

Any updates?

 

Unfortunately due to an entire house renovation which started in November this project has ended up in storage. On the upside, the renovation works have included a new dedicated railway room!

 

With this being my first attempt at building a model railway of my own i think it's safe to say that there are many things i would do differently second time round. With that in mind, I've decided to rectify those mistakes and start a fresh.

 

The setting will be the same, an urban terminus set on the western region. Baseboards are currently on order and the railway room will be finished in a couple of weeks so watch this space and thanks for all the advice, comments and encouragement thus far - RM web really is a wonderful community and resource.

 

Looking forward to cracking on with version 2!

 

xxx

[danstercivicman]

Unfortunately due to an entire house renovation which started in November this project has ended up in storage. On the upside, the renovation works have included a new dedicated railway room!

 

With this being my first attempt at building a model railway of my own i think it's safe to say that there are many things i would do differently second time round. With that in mind, I've decided to rectify those mistakes and start a fresh.

 

The setting will be the same, an urban terminus set on the western region. Baseboards are currently on order and the railway room will be finished in a couple of weeks so watch this space and thanks for all the advice, comments and encouragement thus far - RM web really is a wonderful community and resource.

 

Looking forward to cracking on with version 2!

 

xxx

Looking forward to it