Physicsman

Time to start rubbing down the fascias, especially around the arches. Then the interior of the piers. I was going to try and be clever with more woodwork here, but I've decided to follow the KISS principle and go for simplicity. I'm going to fill the spaces with polyfilla. This will guarantee a very smooth join between the fascias - which is so important when it comes to sticking-on the plasticard. Jeff

Here's a more oblique angle view... The mdf is only fixed for positioning at the mo - I will have to fine-tune that and rub it down - especially round the arch curves (they've only had a first cut, so far). Stanley knives are extremely useful!! Jeff

Rear fascia cut out and temporarily attached (as is the front one) to gauge correct positioning. Photos enclosed... Jeff

Update on progress. Rear fascia drawn out on 3mm MDF. Will start cutting it out tomorrow evening. If I feel inspired I may get the whole thing finished. Then it's a case of fitting inclined walls between the front and back walls - now that could take a while... Jeff

That's not a bad idea Andy as it provides detail at several levels: top of viaduct, road/path and canal level, with the opportunity for cameo scenes. There is about 3 feet to work with in the corner, so plenty of space around the proposed viaduct. Good stuff! Jeff

Thanks Paul. Good points there. I'm just looking for ideas at the moment and appreciate what you've said. To be honest, I'd like to have a longer river, but it does restrict the space I have to construct the hillside. So it may not be viable practically and the last thing I want to do is "toy train" the layout. Cheers, Jeff

It will be interesting to get your dimensions. Don't get me wrong - I'm more than happy with the structure I've built. As long as it looks half-decent and is functional, that's enough for me! Jeff

Mike, I'm delighted you like the river modifications - as I'm keen on the idea too. Method in the MADNESS - let's me build another viaduct! Re. the viaduct width... I thought that maybe I'd made it too wide at 30 feet, so maybe not. I appreciate the info. from you and James ... that's what this Forum is for. Best wishes, Jeff

OK folks, here's another of my plans with a redirected river crossing from left-to-right and out through another viaduct. Comments? Over-the-top? Silly? Jeff

Quite ok, Andy. Keep going - I like your "suggestions"... nothing wrong with a bit of imagination and "flights of fancy"... Jeff

Yes, Andy, a 9F with 40 wagons sounds excellent! I think I can realistically model 20 here, though there is nothing to stop a larger train "passing through", is there? There is something very pleasing about an object moving around a wide curve. Especially a slow-moving freight! I'm thinking of shifting the "river" so it flows across the bottom of the hillside and under another viaduct at bottom right (if you look at my plans). I'll draw it up and put it on the thread later so people can give their viewpoint - it's just an excuse to scratchbuild another structure!! Jeff

For anybody that's interested, I've enclosed a diagram showing the dimensions I've used for the inner fascia of the curved viaduct. These are not meant to be prototypical - they seem to produce a structure that looks half-decent! I hope! Jeff

Thanks James. I'm actually pleased with what you've written, if 22 feet was enlarged for a curved structure. I've allowed 30 feet, so that sounds reasonable. The other point is that I'm not modelling a prototype in a slavish way. My use of Ribblehead was to get a feeling for size and style - especially the arch angle, which only extends through an arc of about 160 degrees (as the curved section) above the piers. I've omitted the variable pier width, though if I was building something with 10 or more arches I'd certainly add that in. Kirkby Stephen West has been superbly modelled in-line with prototype by a few groups, including Ian Macdonald. I've taken liberties and added in a few features with the track, so as long as you guys keep me in the right "ball park" I will be happy. Cheers, Jeff

Thanks for the advice John. Ironically, my trusty old drill looks like it's dying on me - so it may be time for yet another power tool purchase! Will be good to see you giving Dent a going over. Just remember - as you say in your blog - that this is a long-term hobby that enhances sanity. Apart from a lovely woman there's nothing quite like a few hours wracking your brains to solve a problem or to construct something to be proud of. I appreciate your comments John and I think it was a great idea of yours to set up this S&C subsection. Best wishes, Jeff

Cheers Al. Just as you go back to work, I will retire! Yes, there is a smaller viaduct for the branch. I will design it a bit differently - narrower, of course (single line), 4 arches and slightly different styling. This is getting addictive! Look forward to the templates - when the viaduct is made I will have a good idea of riser height, so your templot work will come in handy... Jeff

Andy and Jam - thanks for the positive comments. I may have made the trackbed a little too wide - deliberately - but the curve that you lads "suggested" has been worth the effort!! And guess what - it's only taken 10 hours so far and I've really enjoyed myself! I need an excuse to build another one! Jeff

Hello Mike, I've made it 30 feet, which I know is overscale. Photos of single-track Ribblehead come in at about 15 feet, so I reckoned on about 25 feet for a double. I could aspect-ratio-scale the vertical and horizontals of the fascia, but with 6 foot spacing between 4' 8" tracks (total = 15'4"), I allowed another 6' or so to either side. Bit wide, but looks good to my eye (and my viaduct is freelance, I've used the prototype as guidance only). Good to hear from you. Jeff

OK, the whole fascia has been cut off the sheet and "fitted" - with one screw - to the viaduct skeleton to give an impression of what it will look like. The drawing-out and cutting-out took about 6 hours. Now to draw the rear side! Jeff

More cutting out - arches have been cut close to the true arch line - I need some sandpaper to smooth the mdf to the correct shape (and I haven't got any!). Jeff

Yarm viaduct is pretty spectacular, especially as it towers over the town. The viaduct was designed by one Thomas Grainger - he must have been a fine fellow as he has the same surname as me. 'CHARD will love him as he hailed from Edinburgh! In the meantime, I'll concentrate on S&C-related issues and not get sidelined... Jeff

Last report of the day as my concentration is starting to waver! Not good when you are using a brand-new, razor-sharp Stanley knife. So here are pics of the inside viaduct fascia and the result of 20 minutes cutting-out with the knife. Surgery will resume tomorrow - hopefully I won't kill the patient!!! Jeff

I've started to draw out the inner viaduct face onto the 3mm MDF. Bit nerve-wracking, as no matter how much you concentrate it is SO easy to make a mistake. Once drawn, I'll use a sharp craft knife to cut the fascia out. For anybody interested, I'll draw out the plan (one section) on paper when I get chance. Jeff

Hi James, Well, your "excuse" is a very good one. However, if your boys get the chance to "play trains" with you, I'm sure you will find their delight a source of inspiration!! Even if you have to do, not a 90 degree, but a 180 degree U-turn to get off Lego and back to locos!! (Wonderful stuff, Lego!!). Pete (Trisonic) in New York is a big fan of styrofoam. It is surprisingly robust, but I love messing about with wood!! (As you can tell). Best wishes, Jeff

Ah, there's method in my madness Brian...deliberately changed the cup to see if you had one too!!! (the cup has a newt perched on the nose of a dog... the caption reads "You can't teach a dog newt tricks") I lost my countersink and had to improvise - bloody screws wouldn't sit deep enough whatever I tried. But got there in the end. Bought several sheets of 3mm MDF this morning (none in B&Q, but good old Wickes saved the day - again). Will start to draw out the arch-pier outlines onto the MDF later today. Cheers, Jeff

"Skeleton" structure of main viaduct completed. Screwed and glued - drying now. Photos enclosed with cup and 30cm ruler for reference. Jeff