grid56104 Posted September 24, 2012 Author Share Posted September 24, 2012 While Phil Holman has shown a couple of shots of it under the Ayr Show post in Exhibitions, I will post more tomorrow as I am off work for the day. Max here are a selection of photos of my layout at its debut at the Ayr Show over the weekend. The first 3 photos show the layout from above - the first the overall arrangement, the second the scenic boards and the third a close up of the single line from the tower to the fiddle yard. Others show various points on the layout and the various locomotives that were used. Apologies for the quality of some of the pics. One of the pics show one of my operators filling the wagons from the back of the tower - a simple job as my guest DEMU/Scottish Modellers operators including Mrdblue17, Mike Bartle and Beeralston will testify!!!! They all didn't hang around too long to load much more than 1 train - don't know why!! some loading was undertaken better by some than others and some of the last photos clearly show that the tower was running low on coal stocks by the end of the weekend!! in some of the photos, you will see coal scattered around either end of the loading tower. None of that was placed - it all came from the wagons where they had been overfilled and it simply fell off - just like the real thing. a big thanks to Stephen Cunningham of Ayr who gave the invite to attend that show. Thanks also to Stephen, Mike Bartle and Rodders of Ayr MRG for the help they gave at times leading up to the show - Rodders finished painting the tower 30 minutes before the public appeared on Saturday morning, Stephen again for the loan of his class 20s and 37s and Scottish Modeller for weathering the inside of a few of the MGR's - they looked great. Thanks also to my colleagues in the Glasgow and West of Scotland MRC for their asistance in etting up, taking down and operating and Archie Brown in particuar for assistance with some parts of the layout. lastly thanks for the kind comments about the layout on RMWeb and at the show. It does make the effort worthwhile. My tic toc clock is firmly locked a way for a few months but hopefully I may get asked to exhibit the layout elsewhere so it may yet make a further appearance as I finish a few jobs that remain incomplete, enhance the layout in areas and build proper exhibition lighting. Max 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 looks absolutely outstanding great shots of the trains weaving through the landscape so realistic david Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Manxcat Posted October 1, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 1, 2012 Here are few photos which I took at the show. They are as follows. 1. A shot along the line from just inside the fiddle yard entrance. Layout lights glaring a bit unfortunately. 2. Max giving me a look that says "Is the next train ready yet"? 3. Now whatever you do don't touch this button. 4. Max with two RM Webbers. Absolute concentration on getting the flow rate of the coal just right. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d winpenny Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Looking absolutely amazing David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted August 13, 2013 Author Share Posted August 13, 2013 its been a long time since there were any postings re the layout however I am currently working on scenic items on the layout that were not complete when it made its debut last September at Ayr and that includes 4 lighting units. The layout is out twice in October - Bonnybridge on the 5th and 6th and then Cathcart (actually Pollockshaws) on the 26th and 27th so its all hands to the pumps. The layout will be in the back hall at Bonnybridge and the main hall at Pollockshaws and on both occasions, the layout will be under my club - The Glasgow and West Of Scotland MRC - banner rather than under my name. Next August the layout will be venturing over the border for the first time.as if I didn't have enough to work on, the layout should be representing my club at Model Rail Scotland 2015 at the SECC and it is my intention to add a lot of additional boards - refer to the attached pdf. Of course we still need approval from the Show Organisers. The intention is to allow some trains to be run on the double track mainline while a train is loaded at the tower and another train can use the single line and take the branch before the tower (to the single track fiddle yard) which represents the actual Maxwell Colliery original line. As the layout is set in South Ayrshire, part of the scenery will include a segment of a golf course given how many golf courses there are in the area. All the new boards, electrics and scenery will have to be complete in just 18 months. Now you know why they call me Mad Max!!!!! Max Model Rail 2015 Plan 001.pdf 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted August 25, 2013 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Max, I really enjoy this one. A question, please - what is the normal procedure for loading? Does the train of empties run all the way through the loader right to left, the power run around and then load as it is pulled left to right, or something different? The layout of the cripple track leads me to think this is correct. Your layout is great inspiration for me - I have 36 HAAs on order to run on my club's exhibition layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted August 25, 2013 Author Share Posted August 25, 2013 Max, I really enjoy this one. A question, please - what is the normal procedure for loading? Does the train of empties run all the way through the loader right to left, the power run around and then load as it is pulled left to right, or something different? Ken - the normal procedure at Renstrie (more commonly known as Ravenstruther)if the loco/s were at the tower end when they arrived which was standard for trains arriving from the south ie from the Carstairs direction (and at the now demolished Knockshinnoch), was the train was loaded as the empty hoppers were pulled through first time and then after the loco/s had run round the train, the wagons would be topped up on the way out. At Renstrie (if the train was arriving from the north ie from Mossend etc) and the train was backed through the loader, it would still be loaded initially and then topped up after the loco had run round and pushed the wagons back through a second time. I trust this is of use. Max Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 I never would have guessed that it would take two passes to load! Thanks for the information. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share Posted August 27, 2013 As it is noted in the programme of this years show which has just taken place, I can now state that the Maxwell Colliery Loading Point will be heading south of the border for the 1st time next August (2014) to attend Railex NE at North Shields. Max Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thesmudge Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 A great thread, I enjoy the updates, please keep them coming. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
puffmeister_general Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Max, I had totally missed this thread and only conducted a search of this today. I was blown away with the layout at Bonnybridge today and even more glad I was able to see the layout built from scratch on your thread. Fantastic!!! Just sorry I'm missing the Cathcart show and would have loved to have seen it again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRDBLUE17 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Hi Max, Hope Bonnybridge went well for you this weekend. Its a shame I couldn't get along as I wanted to hear those 56's scream as they set off down the branch, hope they all behaved for you. All the best Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Very nice layout you have!!! wil follow this now... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 Max, I had totally missed this thread and only conducted a search of this today. I was blown away with the layout at Bonnybridge today and even more glad I was able to see the layout built from scratch on your thread. Fantastic!!! Just sorry I'm missing the Cathcart show and would have loved to have seen it again. Puffmeister - thank you very much for your comments. They are greatly appreciated. I know the layouts not child friendly (although a few did watch the trains running through the countryside disappearing in and out of the cuttings) but I do enjoy operating it (as do my fellow club members although they thought at times a plane was landing giving the noise the class 56s were making). Pity you can't make Cathcart. Keep an eye on progress about to commence on the extension for Model Rail 2015. Max Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 Hi Max, Hope Bonnybridge went well for you this weekend. Its a shame I couldn't get along as I wanted to hear those 56's scream as they set off down the branch, hope they all behaved for you. All the best Mark Mark - sorry you could not make it but family must come first. My club members were sure a jet was landing everytime a 56 came down the line. 56127 was stalling all over the place - need to look at those contacts - and was dispatched quickly back to Ayr Depot!! Despite setting up the 2 37s at the same settings they were playing push-pull with each other and I decided to run them individually. The 2 class 56s I tried on Sunday morning failed as they buffer locked on the curves due to the 3 link couplings and were also seperated!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Legend Posted October 8, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 8, 2013 I was at Bonnybridge and would just like to say great layout! I watched a 56 hauled MGR being loaded. Initially I thought the cups behind the fascia were coffee and that the guy loading had some caffeine addiction until the penny dropped! Nice to see something different being modelled. I hope ome of the sheep in the front field escaped from the marauding hands of wee visitors! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 Now that the Bonnybridge Show has gone (and thanks to all those that made positive comments re the layout at the show), the boards etc are back in store until the last weekend in the month when they will re-appear at the Cathcart Show (at Pollockshaws Burgh Hall) in Glasgow. While we had no major problems at the show some minor damage to the last fiddle yard board took place as we took the boards out the van - refer attached photo. However, as I was on holiday yesterday, the damage has been repaired. I have attached some pics of the layout from the show. In the interim, I now need to make a serious start to the new boards for the extension for Model Rail 2015. More to follow. Max 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 I was at Bonnybridge and would just like to say great layout! I watched a 56 hauled MGR being loaded. Initially I thought the cups behind the fascia were coffee and that the guy loading had some caffeine addiction until the penny dropped! Nice to see something different being modelled. I hope ome of the sheep in the front field escaped from the marauding hands of wee visitors! Legend - thank you for your comments. They are appreciated and spur me on for the next boards. Max Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 13, 2013 Author Share Posted October 13, 2013 Given the work I have set myself for the extension to the layout for February 2015, I have now got 5 base frames build for the main boards - refer attached picture. I have attached photos of the lining paper template and the proposed track layout of the main boards. The various hidden sidings etc will be built last - refer previous posting with total layout proposal. The 5 base frames built will commence from the board that currently has the farm buildings - these can be seen on previous picture postings. Anyone who hasn't seen the layout please come along to the Cathcart Model Railway Show at Pollockshaws Burgh Hall the last weekend of the month. Mad Max 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted October 28, 2013 Author Share Posted October 28, 2013 Cathcart is over and all boards are back in store as work must progress rapidly on the various extension boards planned for the SECC in 2015. As usual damage occured after show - the current end board was not secured properly in the van (down entirely to myself) and as it was on its end it fell over. While there was not much damage, a 'horse' lost its life, and my pride an joy (the telegraph poles and wires) suffered the worst so superglue to the ready as soon as. I was pleased with the comments re the layout some of which are noted under the Cathcart Show Topic The only outing at present next year is Railex NE at the end of August. Max Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted November 2, 2013 Author Share Posted November 2, 2013 the base frames for the 4 straight extension boards and 2 corner boards are now build - just the split board that connects to the main fiddle yard to construct (and all additional fiddle yards etc) - and today I started on the 1st extension board in terms of end pieces, the mid supports and the track bed plywood.Pictures attached. only 15 months to they all have to be complete! Max 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRDBLUE17 Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Hi Max, You seem to be cracking on well already with the major construction. Nice solid looking frames on them. Will enjoy watching your progress with this over the winter months and even better watching the 56's in 2015 screaming down the branch! All the best Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted November 3, 2013 Author Share Posted November 3, 2013 I started on the 1st extension board in terms of end pieces, the mid supports and the track bed plywood. Max more work today on 1st extension board inclding finishing mid supports, fitting ply track bed, some cork underlay, outside edge plywood and connecting up 2nd board to establish end piece to match 1st board etc. Max 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Pix Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Hi Max Making good progress keep up the good work. All the best .... Jez Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grid56104 Posted November 10, 2013 Author Share Posted November 10, 2013 another weekend of working on extension boards. 2 now complete to basic standard ie end pieces, sides, track plywood base and relevant supports off base frame. The second board is the one that will have the junction off to the 'original maxwell colliery' - refer previous post re proposed plan of all extension boards. Next board is a corner board and will have a viaduct so that will be fun to arrange timber for that!! Another update in a couple of weeks. photos should the 2 new boards together, the proposed track arrangement at proposed junction and complete 2nd board. Max 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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