DCC Modern Image

[Matthew2h1]

Hi Guys

My name is Matthew Jackson (Matt for short) and i am renewing my post so that fresh ideas can come to mind. I have built to baseboards 1)1600mm X 600mm 2) 800mm X 500mm and join together to form an L shape layout. It will also be a DCC operated layout witch I have only recently got for my christmas. My one small PROBLEM is that i have minimal ideas on what the track plan is going to be. I would PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE like for any of you like minded modern image layout builders to help me with ideas, hints and tips you may have picked up from building your ones. I dont know whether it should be a carrige works with a small disel depot or a freight yard with a reasonably big disel depot. All ideas would be much appreciated. My fleet of locos and rolling stock stand small but proud with a ViTrains Class 37 in Departmental (I think) and a Bachman Class 20 in BR Blue

 

Thanks Matt

 

P.S All ideas will be much appriciated

[skipepsi]

I would suggest more details would be helpful have you got a lot of locos other stock and track, how long do you intend keeping the layout money and time available for developement. If time is available but money is short then suggestioms would probably favour less track and more scenery for example.

[Pete the Elaner]

Hi Matt,

 

'Reasonably big diesel depot'? The dimensions you give do not sound very big to me, but don't take that as a critcism, you can use it to your advantage.

 

If you want to make something which looks reasonable, don't try to squeeze on too much. Since you are modelling something fairly modern, try to keep trackwork simple. Slips & 3-way points may sound tempting but they have become uncommon.

 

Try to build carefully to the highest standards you can, otherwise you may want to be starting again too quickly. You'll find it far more satisfying to build a small layout to a high standard than a large one to a lesser standard.

 

Railways were built to serve their community. Non-railway buildings help to give the layout a purpose & are just as important as the track & trains.

 

If you've not got too much stock, I would try to aim for consistency: All locos lit/unlit, all/none with sound etc.

 

As for the name - I worked for years on my last layout before it got a name. I eventually decided where it would be based, then looked on a map.

My current layout was easier... I am building a ficticious station on a line which in reality no longer carries passengers....so it named itself.

 

Most importantly, observe the prototype as closely as possible. Take as many pics of trackwork, platforms, buildings etc as possible because you never know what may come in useful.

[craw607]

Hi Matt

Here is a sketch of layout that I'm in the process of doing.

May or may not give you some ideas.

 

 

John

[Matthew2h1]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies. Right more details. I only have two DCC locos at the moment but am collecting over time and by the time that this is finished (Planning to spend alot of time detailing and making it look up to speck) my collection would have increased. My rolling stock is small to but all the same am collecting over time. I have a set of 3 Hornby Vee Tank Wagons which are weathered and am hoping to get another set or two to make a nice train. I have 1 good detailed carrige in green livery not quite sure what. That is what rolling stock i have that will suit the modern image idea. I am hoping to have as much stock movement on the layout as can fit but dont want it to look to overcrouded (If you know what I mean). I do have a set of low relief buildings that i have only partly constructed which also i hope to include somewhere in the backscene. Also I have found out about the amazing world of plasticard and so am willing to try my best and create some good railside accesories or a disel depot. Well for track i do have quite abit alot of flexi track that i will use for straights so can do my own lenght and turns so am not so restriced by setrack. All of the points will have point motors posibly operated by the Horndy DCC unit I have wich will be loads of fun to wire up. I would like a majority of trackwork and scenery to do have gone a collected some static grass to have a play with. Anymore details needed just give us a yell and ill reply. Keep the replies coming in

Thanks Matt

[Matthew2h1]

Hi Guys

 

Just some pics

 

1st my loco fleet on my boxfile diorama (Not finished yet)

 

2nd one is my baseboards just covered in clutter (Sorry will clean up and take another)

 

3rd my Vee Tanks Wagons

 

Thanks

[Pete the Elaner]

The 37 is in Railfreight metals & I believe that it is a cement tank. Any chance of re-sectoring the loco?

20's stayed in rail blue longer than most locos, so that will look at home almost anywhere.

Also, how about a cement terminal. I've never seen one myself so tracking one down to take some photos & maybe observe operation may be worthwhile.