rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi, Thought I'd just give my little layout an airing. It's basically a 5' plank designed along the lines of both the 'half station' and 'half marshalling yard' idea.Trains arrive and propel into the off scene yard, or arrive and run round before heading off elsewhere. It's designed to be fairly ambigious in location, but probably WR or MR , nominally 1990-2000 ish. Their may well be a passenger shuttle to the station but the emphasis will be on freight, with a few specific flows and lots of engineers movements. It's probably about 60 % done now, due to having been made redundant last year ! The sceneic section you see here will have a 3' fiddle yard one end and 2 ' headshunt at the other. It currently has neither fiddle yard built or backscenes as I am always in a rush to do the bits I like.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
18B Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Very nicely done, especially like the ballasting and scatter coverage, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold CovDriver Posted October 16, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 16, 2012 I'm liking this it's right up my street can you give us anymore details such as which track your using code 75 or 100 etc. I'll be watching this with great interest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Cheers, It's good old code 100, Insulfrog points as no short wheelbase locos. Points operated by rod in tube. Prodigy DCC in use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNCF stephen Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I think the ballasting really sets it off. What type did you use? Did you spray it with sleeper grime? You have a real knack for the little features that add so much realism to a layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi, Ballast is fine grade woodland scenics medium grey. Correct that it's sprayed with an aerosol tin of sleeper grime. Its a bit dark really, but I got frustrated with trying to get it look right. Black pastel used down the middle of the track to simulate that oily line you get and where the locos sit for a bit , also using gloss varnish on those bits. It's far from finished - the bridge looks like a 5 year old painting of a 'bridge', it needs more brick bits and reinforcements and one of the next tasks is security fence for the low relief factory. Then it's going to need a massive dose of 'character' somehow... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I'm very impressed rob D2. Just goes to show that good ol' Code 100 scrubs up well in the right hands! Have been contemplating using Code 100 myself - and the Insulfrog variety too - as my Bachmann City faultlessly crossed a set of them arranged as a crossover, prior to purchase, at Hattons. I think the fact that there are pick ups on all wheels, including the tender, makes it suitable for use with insulfrogs, the loco in this format becoming akin to long wheel based locos like the type you're using. As the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as the saying goes, it makes sense to stick with what you know works best. I just wish I could say the same for my 'OO-SF' points: the Bachmann doesn't like to go across them without a fight! I suspect, as do others here who have far greater knowledge of such matters, that at least one of the wheel sets are 'out of gauge'. Just wish the factory quality control was better. Anyway, the fact that Code 100 track and points can be made to look this good fills me with optimism. Btw, sorry to read that you were made redundant. I assume from your avatar that you are in the airline industry, and as a member of PPRuNe, I'm well aware of the upheaval the industry has gone through in the last couple of years, so may I extend my sincerest sympathies. May I wish you all the very best for the future. Jonte. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Thanks Jonte, It's been a testing year - I have managed to fly on a freelance basis so all was not totally lost. Yes, the industry is stuffed in Europe - I've got alot of friends coming off *5 month* summer contracts now with nothing lined up - dire !! As for the points I've got to say nothing stutters on them - Bachmann diesels and Hornby as well. I did make sure every bit of rail is insulated and has it's own supply as well as that mod to the points to bond the stockrails so we are not relying on point blade contact. TBH the thought of getting into switches for electrofrogs filled me with fear, I really wanted finescale track but my impatience won out. I did also contemplate using hex frog juicers but that is a fairly expensive solution. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Thanks Jonte, It's been a testing year - I have managed to fly on a freelance basis so all was not totally lost. Yes, the industry is stuffed in Europe - I've got alot of friends coming off *5 month* summer contracts now with nothing lined up - dire !! As for the points I've got to say nothing stutters on them - Bachmann diesels and Hornby as well. I did make sure every bit of rail is insulated and has it's own supply as well as that mod to the points to bond the stockrails so we are not relying on point blade contact. TBH the thought of getting into switches for electrofrogs filled me with fear, I really wanted finescale track but my impatience won out. I did also contemplate using hex frog juicers but that is a fairly expensive solution. Glad you seem in good spirits, rob D2 and that you've had an option with regard to freelancing. Not ideal, I'm sure, but until things improve I think it's more a case of being thankful for small mercies. Here's hoping things change sooner rather than later. Interesting you've made mention about the 'mods to bond the stockrails' as, like you, I don't fancy trusting to switch blade against stockrail for directing current. In fact, without having one to hand, I've been zooming into a variety of images of insulfrogs to see if bonding to switchrail and stockrail (as per electrofrogs with which I'm more familiar) can be achieved without compromising matters i.e. without creating short circuits, and I must admit the images don't really help. Am I right in thinking a wire soldered between each switch blade (the stationary part) and its adjacent stockrail is all that is required? Perhaps if you've a minute or two, and you don't mind, would you briefly describe how you did it? Nothing fancy; just a couple of pointers in the right direction would be a great help. Unlike you, however, I don't mind wiring up electrofrogs and even prefer to use the manual method of using a SPDT switch, simply because I like flicking switches. Bit sad really but it keeps me amused! Regards, Jonte. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Spot on jonte, that's all that's required. The later peco points had gaps already in place with this in mind, the earlier needed sine of the plastic web cut away. Tiny bit of wire , solder both ends to track . Normally melt a bit of sleeper ! Remove what's left of plastic sheath, weather and hide in ballast. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi, One final set of 'snaps' as the layout is now. This hopefully shows how I hope to use the ambigiouty of year/location........the sidings in 1991 with a borrowed Parcels 47 on a set of newish Clams (parkside/Hornby) and then.......in 1999 with an EWS 60 on MFAs.You'll probably notice i don't mind having a go at weathering things like MFAs but don't have the guts for locos just yet... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi, One final set of 'snaps' as the layout is now. This hopefully shows how I hope to use the ambigiouty of year/location........the sidings in 1991 with a borrowed Parcels 47 on a set of newish Clams (parkside/Hornby) and then.......in 1999 with an EWS 60 on MFAs.You'll probably notice i don't mind having a go at weathering things like MFAs but don't have the guts for locos just yet... Thanks, rob D2. Perhaps I'm getting the hang of all this techno stuff at long last.......... The photos are excellent and show the track to good effect. Together with the great job you've done with the rolling stock, I'm sure you're more than up to the job with the locos. I can understand your apprehension though. However, I've got the Right Track CD of Tim Shackleton weathering different types of locos (Diesel and Steam) and it would appear that even when paint (enamel) is liberally sprayed on, no harm is done to the mechanisms or the wheels which still draw current. I was quite surprised. Perhaps you should just draw a deep breath and dive in. Best of British whatever you decide, and thanks again for the input. Jonte. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
uglykidjoe Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Only just noticed this...I like it particularly the track plan, more pics please Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 Hi Steve, I will take some more pics soon...... I've got alot of station furniture to paint NSE Red, the bridge to complete and another foamboard low relief warehouse to hack about before then , so it looks like it's progressing.... Bogged down in revision for my simulator check at present though... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allegheny1600 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Hi Rob, Very nicely done, Sir! Then it's going to need a massive dose of 'character' somehow... Well, I think it's already got a good deal of 'character' anyway - you make this period on 'BR' look most interesting and with lots of 'character', how do you do it!?! As for the Hex frog juicers - yes! They're expensive but they do make wiring electrofrogs sooo very easy (even for an electrical numptie like me!!!). Just a note for future use, perhaps? Good luck with finding some employment. John E. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 Thanks John, the hex juicers would deffo be my choice if I used live frogs next time. The character and weathering will take time I think. This early 90s period is a time when I had no interest in railways - I didn't re discover it until the EWS takeover, so I'm filling the gaps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allegheny1600 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 ^^^ He, he! Snap!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimleygrid Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Very nice layout RobD2, lovely scenic work. Always enjoy seeing 60s! I look forward to seeing more photos. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hi, A minor update , things done : 1/ shunter's C reg escort de glossed, toned down 2/bridge continues to have bricks added to make less toylike.Although the infernal peco bridge sides keep setting 'wonky' 3/final part of factory, low relief factory partly built. Here is the factory. Not quite sure what it makes ? Is it furniture ? Is it paper ? Is it booze ? Dunno.Either way the scenic break conveyor is a bit off theme, but makes a good, er, scenic break. View across the sidings - showing the warehouse just plonked in the space behind the platform to gauge the area. I'm not sure what to put here - I was hoping to pretend the station forecourt is beyond the bridge so I don't get involved in building a station building/loads of road vehicles to be swapped over . Could it be modern flats ? or an office building ? or a supermarket in low relief ?(may look too much like the factory ) any ideas ? Timewarp 1986 ! Unusually the weekly fertliser train has recessed in the yard.I have enough stock to make this of pallet vans/OCAs or cargowaggons (albeit the wrong type).One of my banger blue 47s will be made into the 1991 version of 47146, which was photed on this train at Akeman street, Head on to a 31 under the conveyor. Cheers, Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcampbell Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 This is nice, simple but enough to entertain you I'm sure! How about rising ground (right-to-left) behind the platform toward the bridge? It will help make the layout look less flat. A retaining wall behind the platform perhaps? Yes, Supermarkets often occupy old goods yards and industrial sites next to stations, or perhaps a DIY store or similar. You mention the bridge, the girders need to sit on the brickwork - with a concrete surface to spread the load. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 hmm, yes, could do with looking less flat. Those are good ideas. I'm not sure if I could get away with a retaining wall, because the height of the embankment on which the factory is sited is 2cm all the way, it would have to get taller quick to get a reatining wall out of it. The bridge is an on ongoing problem, hopefully when i have added all the 'brick' additions it will look like the gireders are actually lying on it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
uglykidjoe Posted October 29, 2012 Share Posted October 29, 2012 You could try to use the modern Scalescenes concrete bridge with some of its retaining walls behind the platform to fill the gap? http://scalescenes.com/products/R012-Concrete-bridge Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted October 29, 2012 Author Share Posted October 29, 2012 Hi, Possibly. I did have a look at that as all the brick paper is from scalescenes - it would mean ditching the brick bridge, and thats had alot of time and some cash pumped into it. At the moment I'm favouring actually making a station forecourt, or a modern brick store like toys r us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
uglykidjoe Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Hi, Possibly. I did have a look at that as all the brick paper is from scalescenes - it would mean ditching the brick bridge, and thats had alot of time and some cash pumped into it. At the moment I'm favouring actually making a station forecourt, or a modern brick store like toys r us. Good call...looking good, right up my street and looking forwards to see this develop. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonte Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Like the new avatar, rob D2. I see you've grown a moustache. Jonte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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