The Nth Degree

Following on from the points post above, where do you start and stop building the point section? Do you build it so it's the 2mm equivalent of a set-track point, or can you include a decent length of straight on all entrances/exits? Also, when building track, is it best to build in scale 60ft lengths or just nick the track at 60ft intervals (for sound effects)? An obscure question (I think) but, what are the electrical losses across track joins? Actually, how do you join track sections?

Kris, as always, thanks. Interestingly, on Nigel Lawton's site a chap has made 2mm scale tram chassis' from perspex. A really interesting (and non-solder) way to produce them. With my non-existent soldering skills I may look in to this method.

Thanks for the insight, links and suggestions chaps. I hadn't considered PCB as a chassis tub, I thought I'd had to origami a sheet of brass. Thinking logically, I'd better sort my gearbox and ratios and find a motor. My thinking is to work backwards by finding the bits then designing the chassis around them rather than producing a scale proto chassis and scouring the universe to find bits that fit. I'm waiting for one more book to arrive (hopefully tomorrow) then I can start tech drawings. One question though; how do you join PCB pieces? Solder? Glue? Cheers, Steve

Ah, this is handy, I'll have loads of questions! I'll start with this: I'm planning to build 3 scratch-built 0-6-0 Fox Walker steam locos. I've got some photos to work with and they are all very similar designs (http://www.steampicturelibrary.com/dmcs_search.html?find=fox+walker) so a common chassis would work for two of them, with the third being slightly larger. The question is how do I go about building a chassis for each of them? Is there a standard width of the axle box part or, is there an off-the-shelf 0-6-0 chassis? Where can I get wheels and motions from? Is there a common way of electrical pickup or are there options? How do you isolate the supply from the chassis? What about motors and gearboxes - is there a source of tiny motors and gearboxes (the engines only averaged 16mph over the branch I have in mind). Well, this should set you off nicely! Cheers in advance, Steve

Thanks Jerry, and don't worry, I won't ask anything loco specific, it's the method and technical details I'm interested in at this stage so I can start to transfer drawings into plans, etc. However, I'll save the questions for a PM as I don't want to hijack this thread on your lovely layout. I'll send you a note later this week. Thanks again. Steve

This is a beautiful layout. I stumbled across it on Youtube a few weeks ago but had no idea you were an RMWebber! The movie is lovely and the soundtrack is superb - well done. I'm thinking of scratch building three 0-6-0 steam locos, and I know you're a model builder from another of your threads, so would love to pick your brains about the topic at some point. Kimberly is gorgeous, by the way!

After initially planning something involving the CRE and a D800, I've been put off rather dramatically by finding out that just this one train is about 6 feet in length - in N gauge! That would require a minimum of 18' of track just to bring it in and out of the station. Plan shelved. New plan devised. After researching the CRE I came across a video showing Cardigan station and thought it would make an interesting model for steamers, being a green diesel man myself. However, after a bit of thought I've decided to give it a go. I really like the station layout - it's got everything, and in a compact space too. I just means I've got to get into steam irons. I guess, if all else fails I could just imagine that it survived Beeching's axe and now runs DMUs. The scale will be 2mm and will be modelled in its first few weeks of operation (1886). Unfortunately, that means scratch building locos and carriages, but hopefully I can get away with most of the wagons. The whole station, sidings and a good amount of scenery can be built in 12' length. We are moving next month so no modelling work can realistically start before then. I've bought a good selection of books and mags with relevant articles to read for research. I'm reasonably confident about modelling the buildings and architectural structures but I have no idea about how to model engines and coaches. A membership to the 2mm Assoc would come in handy perhaps? Steve

Superb! I tried SketchUp too and gave up (without reading the manual). I should revisit with results like yours! Glad I was able to contribute - in a very small way... Do post pics of the delivery! Regards, Steve

Thanks for your reply Kris - do you fold with the pliers?

Does this offer still stand? What do you supply? How much? I'd be very interested...

That seems so scarily simple. How do you 'fold' straight - what do you use? Actually, have you got a list of tools needed for wagon construction, bearing in mind I'd like to build some box wagons and flats too? Great work on the How To!

Absolutely wonderful. You've captured period London suburbs so well, I actually feel quite at home. I live in a north London suburb, on the Northern Line and used to work in Soho - I also work in the design industry. I'll watch this with pleasure.

Love the weathering on the carmine & cream coaches - it looks perfect. What did you use?