Springburn Road

[Alcanman]

For my latest small layout, I wanted to try something different by incorporating an element of through running, in addition to shunting a few sidings. - A bit of a tall order considering I have only a total space of 9 feet x 15 inches to work with.

 

Eventually, I managed to come up with a track plan which gave a scenic area of 4ft 6ins with short fiddle yards at either end of the layout to accommodate through running.

 

Of necessity,  this would mean running short trains consisting of a loco plus 2 or 3 wagons. Having once again chosen1980s BR Speedlink in the Glasgow area for a theme of the layout, I envisaged  short  trip freights to and from Mossend yard.

 

To add shunting interest,there is a distribution warehouse with 2 sidings which will receive  VBA/VDA/ and VGA vans and a single siding with an unloading area which will receive OBA/OCA and OTA timber wagons.  Other types of wagons can be seen on through trip workings.

 

With a simple track plan and only 2 points, it didn’t take long to cut and fix the track, then wire and test the layout.

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by Alcanman
error

[Alcanman]

Made good progress on the layout last week, with track hand painted using Humbrol enamels.

 

Also, the road bridge at the left hand end of the layout built using Wills vari-girder and dressed stone.

 

Ballasting will be my next task.

[RobinofLoxley]

Just as a matter of interest why did you decide not to link the two sections together for example by having a slip in place of the warehouse turnout then a turnout connecting to it on the through line?

[Alcanman]

1 hour ago, RobinofLoxley said:

Just as a matter of interest why did you decide not to link the two sections together for example by having a slip in place of the warehouse turnout then a turnout connecting to it on the through line?

The track plan was based on a small exhibition layout called' Werrington Road'. I modified the track plan and added a point to add operational interest. The original only had one point!

 

I liked the simplicity of the track plan and didn't see any advantage in linking the two sections. Basically, one loco propels wagons and shunts the warehouse. 

 

The other track is operated normally with the loco leading from the left and then shunting the front siding. Trains departing from the right hand end of the layout simply run by.  

[Alcanman]

Ballasting now finished and the distribution warehouse received a coat of blue paint.

[Alcanman]

With the fiddle yards at either end of the layout being only 27ins, this is about the longest train I can manage .

 

The OBA will be dropped off at the front siding for unloading and the 2 TTAs will continue on to Paisley Hawkhead.

[Alcanman]

The warehouse has been 'bedded in' after being lightly weathered and a few weeds have already begun to appear.

[Alcanman]

Added another low relief warehouse and a line of sea-moss trees to fill the gap between the road over bridge.