martin.a.ball Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) Index(to be completed - I saw somebody else do this and it seamed a good idea)Track (Track Plan to be added) Traverser Left Hand Traverser Rolling Stock Minerva Peckett Minerva Peckett out the box Pecketts on Parade Thread Reference Photos LMS Banana Van Reference Photo Banana Van build MR 10T Van Hickleton PO wagon Pounsberry PO wagon GW Toad 16T GWR 4 wheel coaches Reference Material Track Plan Ideas Peterton (10ft x 2ft) Couplings O Gauge Auto Couplings Wagon Building Chaz Harrison's side by side build of Parkside, Slaters, JLTRT Chaz Harrison's Slaters Build Tips Small Layouts Bury, Thorn & Sons Cwm Bach Edited December 11, 2017 by martin.a.ball 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 Hi Folks Long time lurker, first time I've started a thread so be gentle. I've decided to start a project in 7mm. A friend of mine has a garden railway and I like the size and weight of the locos and stock. It would be nice to have some of my own stock to take to the running sessions and a short shunting plank to occupy myself at home. Available space is down one side of a 10ft x 6ft garden shed, so something quite short and narrow. Period will be late steam / early diesel using small industrial locos. Lots to learn and I really am a complete novice when it comes to 7mm, 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gismorail Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to the 'Darkside 'Martin.... It seems that a lot of people are being drawn into 7mm mainly because of the new realises that are coming onto the market as RTR which can only be good for the hobby. I hope you can find much enjoyment and fun from your project and you have chosen a good scale to start with 7mm has a presence of it's own each item of stock is an item in it's own right more so than other scales. You get going the DCC route? , it would make sense if you are just starting out and the sound projects do make the locomotives come alive and it's easy in 7mm. First and foremost make sure your baseboards are well supported and strong, a good foundation saves a lot of tears later on.... You will get loads of help & encouragement from fellow modellers on here and don't be afraid to ask if you get stuck on something as I'm sure you have seen, so get stuck in and enjoy yourself.... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jintyman Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to 7mm Martin. As Gismorail says, you are at the start, so a few choices to make as to what system you will use to run your trains, and lots of help from all directions on here! Jinty 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
66C Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Hi Martin The only regret you will have moving to 7mm scale is that life is too short! Here is an example of a compact layout designed for a friend to fit inside a 10ft long shed: The track design was done in Templot and the tapered shape is so that the shed door can open! If you have not already done so, consider joining the O Gauge Guild. They are generally a friendly, helpful bunch of people. Have a look at the Guild's website - there is a members' forum that is great for getting and sharing ideas and projects, an archive of all the past issues of the Guild magazine and something that may interest you - an online version of the Guild publication "Small Layouts Vol 1". I think that can be accessed by non-members - it's under the Publications tab on the home page. Regards. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
railwayrod Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) Hello Martin. May I add my good wishes for your venture into "THE" scale. As I have said many times before on other threads you will not regret it. There is so much help available on RMweb so just ask and someone will provide you with the answer or make very useful suggestions. I started in 0 gauge about 6 years ago and cannot imagine modelling in anything smaller. My layout Ramchester has received much praise and when I needed help it has always been given. Long may it continue to do so. Rod Edited January 25, 2017 by railwayrod 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to the 'Darkside 'Martin.... Hi Gismo. I've dabbled in 4mm without finishing anything and may continue to dabble in both scales. One reason for starting a thread was to give me a bit more incentive to do some modelling. There is something different about 7mm, the size and detail does make it appealing. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 You get going the DCC route? , it would make sense if you are just starting out and the sound projects do make the locomotives come alive and it's easy in 7mm. As Gismorail says, you are at the start, so a few choices to make as to what system you will use to run your trains, and lots of help from all directions on here! Hi Jinty - I've followed Talyllyn Junction for a while now, lots of useful tips. I'm coming from a DC background and have an Ontrack O gauge controller with walkabout by chance. DCC is probably yes although I've plenty of research to do. There are a lot of small locomotives with sound that are tempting. Martin 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Martin, Welcome to 0 gauge; you will not regret your decision. The mass of the models is very appealing and whenever I look at a 4mm scale layout now my eye seems to think it's 3mm scale. Do you have experience of building your own points in 4mm scale? If so, building them in 0 gauge will give you more flexibility in planning and most likely enable you to save space with shorter points, as well as saving money. Most of the smaller RTR 0 gauge locos will traverse 36" radius curves, but 48" to 54" can be very effective on light or industrial railway settings. Regards, Chris 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir douglas Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 welcome to O gauge Martin, since joining the guild 2 years ago, ive found the best thing for me are the cheap secondhand stock and parts at the guild shows, but having experienced and knowldgable people to get advice from is invaluable 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 HI Martin and let me join the others in welcoming you to the Dark Side, I've been here before in 2009 / 11 and now I'm back, a BLT is possible, my Trebudoc was only 9ft, (see link below) and that worked well, or you can go for a Yard, and that's an excuse to go for one of the 08's and maybe one of Paul Chetters Sound files Pauliebaby on here / Soundsloco, and a Jintyman Speaker. Either way, ENJOY and welcome. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
south_tyne Posted January 22, 2017 Share Posted January 22, 2017 Hi Martin The only regret you will have moving to 7mm scale is that life is too short! Here is an example of a compact layout designed for a friend to fit inside a 10ft long shed: Peterton drawing.jpg The track design was done in Templot and the tapered shape is so that the shed door can open! If you have not already done so, consider joining the O Gauge Guild. They are generally a friendly, helpful bunch of people. Have a look at the Guild's website - there is a members' forum that is great for getting and sharing ideas and projects, an archive of all the past issues of the Guild magazine and something that may interest you - an online version of the Guild publication "Small Layouts Vol 1". I think that can be accessed by non-members - it's under the Publications tab on the home page. Regards. That's a fantastic plan... position of the points ans baseboard joints will be critical but love the plan. As another (similar idea) try getting hold of a copy of the December 1996 Railway Modeller for 'Ivydale (All Hallows) - 16mm scale standard gauge layout in 12' by 2' and is a wonderful depiction of a light railway terminus. I'm sure something similar could be replicated in 7mm scale in around 10'. It's my favourite layout of all time!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 If you have not already done so, consider joining the O Gauge Guild. They are generally a friendly, helpful bunch of people. Have a look at the Guild's website - there is a members' forum that is great for getting and sharing ideas and projects, an archive of all the past issues of the Guild magazine and something that may interest you - an online version of the Guild publication "Small Layouts Vol 1". I think that can be accessed by non-members - it's under the Publications tab on the home page. Hi Bill Thanks for the track plan, very much what I had in mind, although if possible I want to try and get the run around loop on the scenic section. I've previously had a look round the Gauge O Guild web site and you are right the Gauge O Guild - Small Layouts Volume 1 is free to access and also full of good ideas. Regards Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 My layout Ramchester has received much praise and when I needed help it has always been given. Hi Rod. Thanks for the welcome I've added Ramchester to my list to follow. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Do you have experience of building your own points in 4mm scale? If so, building them in 0 gauge will give you more flexibility in planning and most likely enable you to save space with shorter points, as well as saving money. Most of the smaller RTR 0 gauge locos will traverse 36" radius curves, but 48" to 54" can be very effective on light or industrial railway settings. @Chris - Cwm Bach was one of the first 7mm threads I started to follow a year or so ago and one of the reason I started to consider what might fit into 10ft. No, I've not built points before but I read a lot about the benefits and seen your approach using peco components and handplot. I have a couple of peco points to play with as a start and if I needed to I might consider building something to fit the situation. I think you'll approve of my first 7mm purchase, but I need to figure out how to post photos to RM Web first. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 since joining the guild 2 years ago, ive found the best thing for me are the cheap secondhand stock and parts at the guild shows, but having experienced and knowldgable people to get advice from is invaluable @Deffors - I made it to the Reading show just before Xmas and picked a few bits to get started. Telford, Bristol and Reading appear to be the 3 shows in the south that I've seen people recommending. Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 @Chris - Cwm Bach was one of the first 7mm threads I started to follow a year or so ago and one of the reason I started to consider what might fit into 10ft. No, I've not built points before but I read a lot about the benefits and seen your approach using peco components and handplot. I have a couple of peco points to play with as a start and if I needed to I might consider building something to fit the situation. I think you'll approve of my first 7mm purchase, but I need to figure out how to post photos to RM Web first. Martin Martin, To post photos, first ensure the size of each file you wish to load is smaller than 1MB. Then when you are in the editor press the "Reply with attachments" button, which will then invite you to browse your directories and select the photos you want to load up. Thank you for th compliment about Cwm Bach. My new project is Tonfanau Camp and the RMWeb forum starts here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/111369-tonfanau-camp-it-aint-half-wet-mum/ I shall follow your progress with interest. Regards, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted January 24, 2017 Author Share Posted January 24, 2017 HI Martin and let me join the others in welcoming you to the Dark Side, I've been here before in 2009 / 11 and now I'm back, a BLT is possible, my Trebudoc was only 9ft, (see link below) and that worked well, or you can go for a Yard, and that's an excuse to go for one of the 08's and maybe one of Paul Chetters Sound files Pauliebaby on here / Soundsloco, and a Jintyman Speaker. @Andy - As a prolific poster on rmweb you'll not be surprised that I've come across you work down the shed. I remember seeing St Buduc in the the Railway Modeller a few years ago and I've read through Trebudoc and a number of others since then. Currently I'm keeping a close eye on Beale Street as I think our needs are very similar, somewhere to push some wagons up and down with a small industrial loco. Martin 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Focalplane Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Welcome to the family, Martin! You will find you are in good company. Will follow with interest! Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted March 9, 2017 Author Share Posted March 9, 2017 (edited) Every shunting plank needs a cute shunting locomotive. I know the Dapol Class 08 is very popular right now but my choice is the Peckett E Class by Minerva. The reason why was a chance meeting with Chris Klein at the Eurotrack exhibition in 2016 where he had a bag full of Pecketts prior to their launch. He reckoned they would make a great start in O Gauge and the idea wouldn't go away so I'm now the proud owner of this. The Pecketts on Parade thread has some great examples of other people's work and I'm looking to finish this one in BR condition near the end of steam. Does anyone have any references for photos for Peckett's in that era? Edited March 9, 2017 by martin.a.ball 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 Every shunting plank needs a cute shunting locomotive. I know the Dapol Class 08 is very popular right now but my choice is the Peckett E Class by Minerva. The reason why was a chance meeting with Chris Klein at the Eurotrack exhibition in 2016 where he had a bag full of Pecketts prior to their launch. He reckoned they would make a great start in O Gauge and the idea wouldn't go away so I'm now the proud owner of this. 20170309_194446.jpg The Pecketts on Parade thread has some great examples of other people's work and I'm looking to finish this one in BR condition near the end of steam. Does anyone have any references for photos for Peckett's in that era? Here a few photos of the Peckett Es wandering around Swansea. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 As a guest operator at a friend's garden railway, one of the reason's I wanted to get into 7mm was to be able to bring my own stock to running sessions. So at the most recent event the Peckett got to stretch its legs with a few wagons in tow, picked up from second hand stalls at various shows. The following picture shows the entirety of my 7mm collection but we all have to start somewhere. The Peckett still requires number, shed plate, etc... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Focalplane Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 Martin The photo shows up as a "no entry" road sign! Would love to see what you describe. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted May 17, 2017 Author Share Posted May 17, 2017 (edited) @Paul. I'm at a loss with google photos. The images look ok to me and a few others, but not for all. I'll try posting a few more but if it continues I'll go back to uploading images. Edited May 17, 2017 by martin.a.ball Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin.a.ball Posted May 17, 2017 Author Share Posted May 17, 2017 (edited) Good friend of mine with the garden railway gifted me a traverser. It was used on his first layout, 20 plus years ago, and since then has languished in his garage.Not quite sure how this fits in the plan yet. Edited May 17, 2017 by martin.a.ball 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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