Trev1073 Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Well thought it was time to put some information on RM Web about my layout project. I first visited Penzance by Rail in 1974 on a Western Region Railrover. Arrival was on the 23:45 Ex Paddington with a Western on the front (D1047 Western Lord). I remember sitting on the sea wall, in the sunshine watching Westerns shunting parcel stock whilst the 08 was busy with empty coaching stock. I was hooked and wanted to model the station, and since then I have been trying with minor distractions mainly due to space. The current layout was started in early 2008 and was a rebuild of my previous attempt which had been being built for 8 years but had only reached baseboard & track stage. The layout is housed in ½ a double garage with the fiddle yard (Truro, Plymouth and the East) being in part of the other garage. Penzance station has had to be a Mirror image but follows the overall track plan of the station. I have moved the loco depot much closer to the station and it looks nothing like Long Rock and a purely fictitious Diesel Depot & Carriage sidings have been built above the Fiddleyard. This is all contained on an upper level. A single line falls down from this level to the middle level that contains a double track oval. St Erth station is on this level and again is a good representation of the track plan in the 1960’s, including the Dairy and St Ives branch. From this level a gradient goes down to the fiddle yard (There is also another gradient up from the fiddleyard. The layout is operated to a sequence timetable based on the BR timetables of the early 1960’s (mainly steam), Mid 1960’s (Green, Maroon Diesel), Mid 1970’s (Corporate Blue) and post Privatisation. I try to keep stock to period when running a session. I do however have stock covering all regions so all sorts can turn up. Just before commencing this layout I began dabbling with DCC using a Lenz compact. I became totally hooked when the first Bachmann sound fitted loco’s arrived (Class 20 & Class 66). I wired the layout for analogue cab control but with wire suitable for DCC. Over the past 4 years I have gradually converted the majority of my stock to DCC and would not go back, although I can very easily. Currently all sections are just switched on for DCC but I can just unplug the DCC unit (Lenz) and replace it with a DC controller and the layout works fine. Scenery is not my strong point, I mainly like operation but the Middle level has had an initial start made on ground cover with the platform buildings having to be scratch-built. The Penzance station area still needs a lot of work doing. I will try to post some pictures. Hope you like it, feedback comments welcomed. Trev Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xerces Fobe2 Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Very nice certainly captures the Cornish theme. XF Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Theres a well developed layout here, a lot of interesting items, for someone who claims not to be much good at scenery you have done an admirable job. Will look forward to you focusing in on different aspects. On my follow this topic list. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hornbytrains125 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 A very nice layout, I can't wait to see more! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cary hill Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I recognised both Penzance and St.Erth immediately, so I reckon you've captured the essence of both locations which is the most important thing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theakerr Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Looks very nice Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trev1073 Posted October 18, 2013 Author Share Posted October 18, 2013 Thanks to everyone for the kind comments. I am currently operating the layout in mid 1970's mode - BR Blue. Infrastructure remains the same pretty much but stock changes. Some more pictures; First one is of the Cornish Riveria, formed of an HST in Platform 1 whilst the Cornishman is in Platform 2 hauled by a 47/4. Second shot is of a Class 25 awaiting its next turn on the old steam shed. Resident shunter is waiting by the Sea Sidings by the Sea wall for its next action - shunting parcels stock no doubt. Further shot of the Cornishman and the Cornish Riveria awaiting departure time. Meanwhile at St Erth it appears that not all the Blue Pullmans were scrapped!! Hope these have been of some interest. Some upgrades to the scenery are also taking place at St Erth and changes to the track layout outside of Penzance will allow some freight services to work to Penzance. Trevor Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSLR Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 Hi Trev,Superb model, full of Cornish character! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 real places not far from me, certainly got the feel of both locations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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