Physicsman

Don't tempt me!! But, as they say..."In for a penny, in for a pound". So a second, smaller curved structure should be easy - shouldn't it!!!!???? Oh, dear! Jeff

OK... as suggested by Will, Al, 'CHARD and the increasingly numerous Mongol hordes... here's the modification with a curved viaduct around a track of nominal radius 135cm (4ft 6ins in old money). Just gives the general idea - and I like it very much. A lot better than the previous plan. Thanks lads!! Jeff

That's excellent, many thanks. I'm buiding up a knowledge-base from yourself and one or two others, which is really helpful. Better than any book you could buy! I'm quite happy with the joinery, boards and electrics, but I've usually used RTP buidings. I've already got an inkling of an idea for a small layout to be built at a parallel time with Kirkby Luneside that'll let me have a play with constructing buildings. So your input is great. Cheers, Jeff

Jason, this may seem a really simple question, but to a "building non-scratchbuider" (soon to be initiated!!), how do you make the windows... is it thin strips of Plasticard onto clear acetate? Your last set of buildings is very effective and the brick colour is spot-on. Jeff

Thanks Alan, your words and encouragement are much appreciated. I'll try to answer all the points you've raised... I've definitely decided to give the curved viaduct the thumbs up. My only concern was with the facings. I think I'll try DAS and have a go at scribing it. Great things is, if I muck up the brickwork, I can repeat the process and try again. I think it might become 6 arches with an overall length of about 90cm. Haven't planned in detail yet. And yes, plenty of S&C prototypes to look at! Baseboards are cut to shape, but I need to acquire the track, sit it in place, mark it out, work out where the baseboard risers need to go and ... Limiting factor here is when I order the track - probably in about 5 weeks time. Then the real fun will start! I've a trip planned right at the start of August - drive and park at Kirkby Stephen West, up to Carlisle, down to Leeds, and maybe beyond. Should be good. I have posted a comment on your own thread. Your layout is looking very nice indeed! Best wishes, Jeff

Come on Jason, I bet all you did in Malaga was dream of all the ballasting that awaited you when you got back to Blighty! Seriously, the time you are putting in is reaping dividends. Good stuff! Best wishes, Jeff

On second thoughts, I might just widen the "stream" into a miniature "river" and increase the straight (branchline) viaduct a bit - AS WELL... Oh dear, visions of grandeur! Jeff

Hi Al - plug all you like! The Stockton viaduct is an impressive bit of work and, since you've clearly got insider knowledge, I will "pick your brains" and discuss what's needed. I think I've now convinced myself that curved is the way to go - so the trackplan can be modified. Can't be too big a viaduct though, as it bridges the same "stream" as the 3-arch branchline. Hi Chard - I will PM you about your efforts... Cheers, Jeff

I once tried buiding a structure (no, not the cork one you've seen!) using polyfilla on an MDF frame. It didn't look very good when I scribed it. However, as for Dave Shakespeare (he of Tetley's Mills fame), I would consider using DAS - if I can get a decent supply. I'm not worried about building the curved structure - will be tricky - but it's the covering - plasticard, clay etc etc that worries me. Jeff

Thanks 'CHARD. The more I think about it, the more I want to do it, though I know it'll be a bit tricky. But - who cares!! Jeff

I'd considered a curved viaduct a few times - and rejected the idea every time. Must admit it would look impressive - and I fancy yet another challenge. So - watch this space!!!! Jeff

Jam, thanks. I've got a lot of backscene to produce and the corners could be interesting. I will have to come up with a workable scheme in the near future. Part of the fun though, isn't it - always challenges to consider. Jeff

Hi Al, Interesting you asked that, as that's what Iain Rice always suggests. I may try and bend 2mm or 3mm MDF onto a framework fixed on the wall. Never tried it before, but worth a go. Jeff

Evening Jam, I build my hillsides using MDF/ply and wood formers that I construct (since I like playing with wood) to carry the hillside and leave space behind (in this case, for the fiddle yard). The frame is then covered with plaster bandage/modroc and the usual scenics added... Here are a couple of pics from my existing layout (its days are numbered...the skip awaits!). Jeff

Thanks for the info Mike. My woodworking is adequate for the job, but I'm sure my photographs conceal a lot of not-quite-so-good-joinery!! I've been clambering around on top of the frame today, and it felt rigid, so as long as it works......!!! Cheers, Jeff

Thanks very much Will. No problems - I would rather people discuss ideas on this thread because I'm no expert and I'm certainly likely to miss things. The straight bit on the extreme left is hardly visible in reality as it leads into the hillside. And there is a staight viaduct planned - at the moment...don't tempt me, I'm fighting the urge to build a curved one (the urge has been winning for a month or so!!). I've attached a pic showing the approximate position of the hill... Please keep commenting. MUCH APPRECIATED!! Jeff

Baseboard tops cut. Baseboards to sit on risers and a fair amount of the boards will be cut away to allow "open board" advantage. Here's a few more more photos... Jeff

Hi Al, Would love to see you to discuss progress - and you can have a tour of the "bunker". I'm busy 'til the end of next week with school-related stuff, but after 6th July I will be clear! So choose a date and text it through - and we can progress. Btw, if you want to demo your Templot skills... Jeff

Cheers 'Chard! I think I'll be frothing at the mouth...and getting frustrated that I have to wait a while longer before I order the bulk of the track. Jeff

I've been asked what was the rationale behind the seemingly odd collection of baseboard shapes on the previous diagram... I could say it was because I enjoy using my new jigsaw to cut the plywood - but that's not true. In fact, I've tried to ensure that all the major turnout "connurbations" are in the middle of a board section. The fiddle yard in particular! Of course, positions of the main section may be displaced a little when I fit the SMP rather than the Peco, though the fiddle yard (still Peco) should be ok. Hope that clarifies things. Jeff

Plan enclosed showing the baseboard sections, as cut. May help to explain the photos!! Jeff

Well, I've actually done something today! I've cut 4 of the baseboard sections. These are shown sat on the subframe, though the boards will eventually be 25cm above the frame on risers. Not very exciting but at least it's progress!! Jeff

This post sums up my attitude, too, Neal. I may do a bit of detailing on them but for the moment I have plenty of other priorities to worry about and these signals are more than adequate. Well done Dapol. Jeff

Thanks Andy. Much appreciated. Jeff

One of these days I will have to subscribe to "Andy's Weathering Company" and be the beneficiary of your expertise. Having said that, when I get this new layout up and running I might buy a couple of cheap locos and have a go myself. Jeff