Willow Parkway - Somewhere in South West England

[GEOEng03]

Hi,

 

Welcome to my layout.  After an initial large scale attempt in the garage and a quick dabble with Kato N Gauge I have decided to concentrate on a much smaller layout and keep the size of rolling stock to 2/3 car DMU and 4 car loco hauled with the occasional Voyager etc... Layout is 3.6 long (Area 1) across the back wall x 2.5m (Area 2) along side wall and 1.6m (Area 3) along other side wall.  I may introduce a ramp up and off at the back from the station area - haven't decided yet.

 

Aim is to break it into three distinct areas each as above.

 

Area 1 - station

Area 2 - DMU and Diesel Storage / maintenance area with mainline run through

Area 3 - unknown Yet (....)

 

My view is that going too big and I get bored.  So while I would have loved a tail chaser with full length express, this will give me more enjoyment, focusing in on the detail a bit.

 

A couple of general pictures.

 

IMG_20150922_124708088 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

IMG_20150922_124741239_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

IMG_20150922_124749685 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

I love both modern image (northern areas) and Network Southeast, which is a problem really, so by limiting the size of the layout and because I also cannot make my mind up, I intend in having stock from both and running in period.  How I justify 3rd rail with northern stock, I'll never know, but modellers licence hey :-)

 

I have made a start already, baseboards are chipboard with pine legs.  I am using cork as underlay and underneath will be storage and for the dogs to keep me company.  I have started to spray and construct the platforms for the station area.

 

Track will be Peco Code 75 and I will use a collection of Concrete and Steel track. I have the Code 60 3rd rail runners as well and intend on installing these.  Must say that I like the Code 75 over 100 as it is much easier to bend and keeps shape well.  Control will be DCC and I have the ECoS 50200 system which I would like to use for all points and signal control ultimately. I also plan on installing sound in locos since I intend on limiting what I buy! or so I say!

 

Picture that will be the Station area.  Platform 1 to 4 will take 4/5 car trains, while Platform 5 will take 3/4 car trains. 

 

IMG_20150922_124753561_HDR by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

Imagine a DRS 57309 hauling a Charter set into the station. 

 

IMG_20150922_125500667 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

What could be a busy terminus with Charters and DMUs

 

IMG_20150922_125620493 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

The excellent Realtrack Class 143 DMU. 

 

IMG_20150922_125547514 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

Baseboards have been up a few weeks and I started building the station area over the weekend.  Slow Progress, but looking forward to getting on with it now.  TBH I always put off doing modelling such as cutting and building platforms and I have quite enjoyed building these so far.  The Metcalfe retaining wall will ultimately be replaced by scratch built one, once I can decide what I would like.

 

I would like to purchase the new S-stock and can't see how I could incorporate it, perhaps an elevated section behind the station running behind the retaining wall?  Which could double as a branchline when running northern stock.

 

Thanks for looking.

 

Edited November 8, 2019 by GEOEng03
Title Name Change

[GEOEng03]

Hi all,

 

A bit more progress tonight on the layout.  Not much, but I have built one platform (P4/5) fully, pending a full paint and started the next one (P2/3).  Think it has gone well since it was my first attempt.  Subway has been installed as well.  It's a bit messy at joins, but will use model putty and then sand.  Plan is to use a fine sandpaper which I will then paint accordingly. 

 

IMG_20150922_203906804 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

IMG_20150922_204212356 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

Quick picture showing plasticard structure I've used

 

IMG_20150922_203927629 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

I have tinkered with what to do with point access to platforms.  I am thinking about using Y points at entrance to platforms with normal medium radius points to service platform 1 from the main and to split into what will become Platform 1 (station entrance).  Not sure whether I will keep this arrangement before they are fixed, but using the Peco templates is a good way to see what it will look like.

 

IMG_20150922_205131131 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

IMG_20150922_205137551 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

I have checked the available space and the paltforms comfortably sit two 2-car DMU's, and that there may be more room for a 5-car.

 

IMG_20150922_204212356 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

Since taking over some of this room, I seem to be doing more real modelling than previous layouts (I know its just a start).

Cheets

[class"66"]

Looking realy good so far!!

[Mike Storey]

Have you sketched a track plan yet, or are you still winging it? You might want to use AnyRail (the best, simple track software IMHO) to draw it out, before you buy any more points. (Many people prefer Templot, which is excellent but takes a while to master.) The throat you seem to be embarking on does not look very workable to me, in the space available and for reliability and operating interest. But perhaps you have your reasons.

 

Anyway, best of luck! I admire your decision to field two completely separate eras and locations - it's your layout so why not! The platforms look good, especially their width, which is much more prototypical than many have done.

[David Todd]

Have you sketched a track plan yet, or are you still winging it? You might want to use AnyRail (the best, simple track software IMHO) to draw it out, before you buy any more points. (Many people prefer Templot, which is excellent but takes a while to master.) The throat you seem to be embarking on does not look very workable to me, in the space available and for reliability and operating interest. But perhaps you have your reasons.

 

Anyway, best of luck! I admire your decision to field two completely separate eras and locations - it's your layout so why not! The platforms look good, especially their width, which is much more prototypical than many have done.

 

Just a thought.   

 

Agree with Mike, using  "Anyrail"    You are given, 50 pieces of track, Free to play with, or you can purchase the full version, for £35ish.

 

Here is one of many utube videos.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNGT-3YIjBE

 

 

before, maybe moving on to Templot. depends, what you are happy working with.

[GEOEng03]

Hi Gents,

 

Thanks for the helpful comments.  I wanted to make a start on the station area to keep things ticking over, but I am aware that the curve needs urgent attention.  The good news is, that I can grab another foot at the end of the station, so effectively shift it away from the curve, this should give me some wriggle room, but maybe having 5no. platforms is a step too far and reducing platforms to 3/4 will give me better point choice.

 

I will download Anyrail later on and give it a go, see what I can play with.  I brought a small selection of points for using initially (2 Y, 3no medium radius left and righty concrete and for some reason 2 double slips - really want to use these as well, so Anyrail hopefully will allow me to incorporate into station. If not, the depot area later may get used.

 

With regards to Platforms Mike.  I wanted to make them wider, like you I see many layouts where they are smaller than this.  I went for 7cm wide which is some 5.3m wide, which I though was about right (haven't actually measured a station platform, but sat at Doncaster just now on my way through and they look twice as wide (approx. 10m).  I wanted to make sure that around the subway and furniture there was sensible room for accessing.  I really do like NSE and was stuck for choosing, so by limiting myself to 4 car max and only buying certain engines (150,153,156, 158, 170 and 220), I limit my spend (He says!!!).  I have only brought about 5 NSE EMU and DMU's and may push for a 50 as well. 

 

The issue I'll have is when I start to develop the freight area in the centre.  I think 5 coal hoppers will be quite long with a 66 on the front!!!  I may limit this area to just the occasional DMU and locos on there own.  The Joys...

 

Hi David, Thanks for the videos.  I shall watch these tonight with a cuppa. 

 

Cheers

Bryn

[stivesnick]

Hi

 

With regard to platform widths, current standards would have a minimum width of 4m for an island platform. However there is also a minimum clear width for obstructions, so you ideally have 2m each side of the subway. Of course many older stations would not meet current standards but it is unlikely that they would have gone much below 1.5m clear at the subway location.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Nick

[Mike Storey]

Bryn

 

Doncaster's centre platforms are much wider because they also include bay platforms, so your width is fine. Even if you don't plan it using software, can I strongly recommend that you think about how your trains are going to move once you have built it. For example, will you want one train to be leaving when another one is arriving? If so, what you were about to do, will not allow that to happen. Also, when a Class 50 or similar, brings a train in, how will it leave? Where will the next loco come from? How will it get there? And so on. If you run freight trains, where will they go and how will they get back again? Many layouts have faced a similar problem once built and become a great disappointment to their builders. They tend to rip them up and either start yet again or find another hobby. Try not to go there.

 

BUT. don't call them engines - they are multiple units, apart from the class 50, which is a locomotive (the engine is the big silvery thing inside it, to make it go) - or you will upset the children. 

[martin_wynne]

before, maybe moving on to Templot. depends, what you are happy working with.

 

Templot is not suitable or intended for Peco track (or any other ready-made track) -- use AnyRail instead.

 

Templot is for designing handbuilt track only.

 

Martin.

[Mike Storey]

Templot is not suitable or intended for Peco track (or any other ready-made track) -- use AnyRail instead.

 

Templot is for designing handbuilt track only.

 

Martin.

 

Thanks for clarifying that Martin. I am never sure whether to leave mention of your system out in these discussions, given how much you have contributed to this hobby. I have always seen Templot as the next stage to aspire to in layout design! 

[GEOEng03]

Hi all,

 

Wanted to provide a visual update of proposed changes to the layout - taking on-board everyone's comments, which were fantastic and made me realise what I could actually achieve. So, I have changed where the station will be.  It will still be a terminating station, but is now tucked away in the inner corner.  This frees up space to allow for a loop to be installed and the trains to circle as is. Picture below shows where the new station will be.

 

IMG_20150924_212229946 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

Plan is to build an elevated station entrance and some form of parking built area in the bottom corner.  #

 

The construction of the loop may cause some issue though as the width of the baseboards is 750mm along this length (2.5ft).  I am not sure that the radius of this curve will be big enough, so need to investigation what can be done here.  But I may be able to pinch a few extra inches!!!

 

IMG_20150924_211732179 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

Below is another picture showing the area of loop that I am proposing.

IMG_20150924_211714511 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

Close up of proposed new station area and how the loop section could look in this area.

IMG_20150924_211600397 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

On a rolling stock acquirement front, I have recently purchased the Connex 205 Thumper to go with the recently released NSE 205, a Class 466 in NSE, Class 423 in NSE and a Colas 56 with sound.  There is a Shanks 66 sound on the way as well. So a varied bag.  I must say that I am mightily impressed with the Thumper and think it is possibly one of my favourite OO Models.  Looks fantastic. 

Anyway hoping to get my head around the station entrance pointwork over the next few days and finish the platforms.

Cheers

Bryn

Edited September 25, 2015 by GEOEng03

[GEOEng03]

Update on progress. I've just had the easiest conversation with the wife. Thought it would be met with a 'no'. But allowed to create a full loop rather than end to end layout. As long as we can get the kitchen done. Double win I think!

 

Should give bags of practicality and at least it's before I start!

[class"66"]

More nice work here!!

Im following this...

[GEOEng03]

So I now have an issue on where to take the layout now I can extend it into a full loop.  I still like the idea of not being too keen on the amount of detail I do for the size.  The possible size of layout in a loop would be 3.2m (10ft) x 2.4m (7.5ft) roughly.  It would be 0.6m (2ft) wide as well with some corners added for room. 

My thoughts are to have a through station with a couple of terminating platforms.  I was thinking that 4 main through lines and at least 1 terminating short platform, with the station still above ground to add depth to the layout.  The one thing I think is needed is depth!!!

Please ignore the bad attempt at planning a layout, but this is currently very roughly how I see what I would like to do…

111 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

I may flip it all around by 180 degrees to allow the scenic section to be seen within the living room, hiding the station at the back.  Looking at the dims I have, then a 6 car train should fit the platform easily.  Is this too much!  I would dearly love to have a HST in there and being a purist and greedy, I would love all 8/9 cars as well!!! J

I would look to have a DMU/EMU sidings for 2-4 car units (probably 2 lines, maybe three) and enough sidings to hold 5-8 wagons for freight within the main storage/sidings area.  The biggest issue that I have is I don’t want too much in there, but I want it all!

I am going to sit down and have a play later with Anyrail (I’d already had a play when I had had my first attempt (see below – even though defunct now). 

Attempt 1 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

Suggestions are always welcome, there are far too many good ideas on this forum and some very very clever people!

Cheers

Bryn

[GEOEng03]

Thought that I'd provide a better picture of what I intend to be the main station area.  Probably quite simplistic, but allows for stopping and passing through trains.

 

1111111 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

 

I'll have a play with the roundy bits later and start to think about a Diesel/Electric/DMU/EMU area.

[Mike Storey]

I think you might need to move house.

[GEOEng03]

HELP!!!

 

Been thinking recently that I need to concentrate on either NSE or Modern Image. Clearly my budget cannot expand to both and I need to decide quite quickly which it is!  I really like both.  Modern image because of what is currently running and the fact that I live in the northern area, I quite fancy modelling that.  But I love the majestic era of NSE, colourful, but a great time for rail. There is lots of scope for both. 

 

I really am struggling on what I should do.  Has anyone else ever had the dilemma and what have you done.  

 

Recent developments on the layout have been slow in terms of building but I have been busy acquiring the electronics to run the thing.  I was recently at the Wigan Finescale show helping out Pennine Models on there stand. I spent some time looking at layouts (The World's End and Liverpool Lime Street to name 2 that amazed me) and I came across a great trader called MegaPoints (loolee.org).  Now being the clumsy pillock that I am, I decided that his system will take a large strain out of wiring the layout up for control and his system works out quite well when you are talking double figures for the number of points that may be installed.  Now I know that we are all different, but after seeing him demonstrate the system and how simple it is, I was hooked and duely purchased it, after seeing it on several of the layouts present at the show.  I will keep the thread updated as we progress, but I have now acquired this along with plentiful servos and cabling, plus a Fusion 800 power system, which will have many other uses. We are all meant to enjoy this hobby and I think by buying this, I will do just that.

 

I have also recently plumped for Vanguard in BR Blue (Class 50).  Lovely loco that looks amazing (see I just love BR Blue and the Sectorisation years!).  I'm 36, so have memories of Intercity fondly.  There have been a few Midland mainline buys as well, justification in that I love the livery and these can run alongside NSE (probably at the end of life and as a stock movement perhaps). 

 

I have purchased my first Sound Chip as well for the Class 205!  Now I have no idea whether i am going left or right with era!!!

 

I am sure you will all chuckle at this and we have all been there!!!

 

I plan on working on the layout this weekend, so hopefully will have some pictures for you.  I have already being making my points DCC Friendly with the soldering iron, so time will tell if that works!

 

Quick question.  I have soldered to the track underside, but wondered if soldering to the fishplates would be better.

 

Cheers

Bryn

[Zomboid]

Only you can determine what you want to do ultimately.

You can probably be sufficiently generic with the scenery (with some care) that you can run trains from today and the sectorisation era without either looking out of place, so it really boils down to rolling stock.

And who doesn't like an excuse to buy/build trains?

So that's what I'd do.

[woodenhead]

To be honest modern is more difficult to keep up with as liveries are constantly changing especially with Northern and TPE coming round for renewal of franchise so you'll need to still plump for a year and stick to it.

 

You've also plumped for two very different regions as well as eras which gives very little crossover.

 

If money is the driver here then I would look at what you have invested in and pick the majority as your chosen era.

 

Southern region is currently quite popular in terms of traction and coaching though NSE is less so, if you keep your railway modest then you will probably be able to find most of what you are looking for in a model. If you modelled the end of BR blue/NSE then there is lots to buy but if you look at the end of NSE beginning of privatisation you might find the early privatised liveries harder to come by.

[spiket4]

Only you can make that choice. I went for NSE because thats what i used to see as a teenager. I like the mix of Blue/grey, NSE, railfreight.

[woodenhead]

Yep, Spike you are quite correct and if my post was hinting at sticking with NSE then that was wrong as the decision should co down to which will give you the most pleasure to look at on your railway.

 

I think I was looking at it from the financial point of what's already been laid out for and future availability to build a reasonable stock base.

[GEOEng03]

Hi Guys

 

Thanks for the responses.  All very useful.  I have had a serious think about this and have decided that NSE it is. Just seem to like the history of that and I feel there is more variety of locos to have from the Sector days. 

 

So, I fitted the Legomanbiffo sound chip to my Connex 205 this am.  I purchased the bass reflex speaker to fit inside with the chip. It unfortunately took a bit of hacking of the plastic seating but it fits within that area now.  Although the speaker fills the loco and is probably a bit unsightly.  But without hacking away large parts of the model underneath (which I am sure still wouldn't hide it), there is not much that can be done.  Perhaps a minor tint of the window.  I have also fitted some passengers to the unit - although the scalpel broke slicing through the end of my finger and nail while doing this!  Must've been applying too much pressure, painful lesson learned!  

 

20151010_162706 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

The unit is a bit disappointing with only a small speaker hole in the base (about the size of a 5p piece).  I think lowering some of the windows may be a good way of increasing the volume from the speaker.  Now I chose a base reflex speaker on the recommendation of Neil as he says this best represents the sound for a Thumper and I loved the HST twin sound with these speakers.  I will take a video later once I have fixed a bit more track down.

 

Oh the Blu-tac is temporary while I assess how the speaker sits.

Edited October 10, 2015 by GEOEng03

[class"66"]

More nice work here

 

 

 

cheers neil..

[GEOEng03]

Hi all,

Brief update on progress.

I have started to tinker with the track in the main station area.   At this moment it will be a 4 line station with turnouts at either side converting 2 tracks in to 4.

Quick view of the northbound approach and the point work that I envisage in this area.

20151011_224502 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

20151011_224147 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

Quick view of the southbound approach.

20151011_224156 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

I have decide that to add a bit of relief to the layout, I will have a branch line that runs off behind the station.  This is using the Scale Scenes 3% incline set.  It is intended that this will have a crossover on the southbound approach.  I will use a double track crossover to allow trains to pass to the northbound line here and similar on the decline (once boards are built) for southbound trains.

I have decided to have a switch in what will become Platform 4 to allow access to a DMU/EMU/Diesel storage/maintenance area.  This will re-join on the yet to be built ‘other’ boards.

20151011_224452 by Bryn Jones, on Flickr

A quick view looking southbound through the station area.  Platform 1 is on the left etc…

That’s it for now.  I aim to finish wiring points up this week for DCC working and to pin the track down/finish the platform areas. 

I had run the Connex thumper briefly with sound and hopefully once the track is pinned down a bit more, that should allow me to start considering other aspects.  I am quite happy with how the station and approach will look and want to keep the point work as simple as possible.  The use of double slips, should allow me to switch between main tracks as well as feed the incline area as well.  I just have to hope that they are a reliable solution!

Cheers

Bryn

 

[class"66"]

Realy coming along well now Bryn...