Anthony Ashley

Hi Anthony,

 

I think the castle needs to be a lot closer to the bridge.

Photos 1 & 2 on Post #169 shows the view from the castle looking at the bridge & tower - there is virtually no gap between the two. I accept you've not yet added the small round turrets on the bridge, but your lastest photos (post #173, pics 1 & 2) show quite a large gap.

 

I also think the castle is too far from the edge of the bank, there is very little room between the suspension bridge tower and the castle rock & walls.

 

Stu

Dear Stu,

I agree the castle has not been permanently positioned and as I get closer to finishing it I shall ensure correct placement. I have a one and a half metre by one metre satellite photo of the bridge castle and surrounds and shall use this to good effect. From the satellite photo there appears to be a fairly large area between the castle wall and the foot bridge. The supporting cables are anchored on the castle wall. How far do you think this distance is? I was thinking of adding a slight extension to give more room in this area. Interested in your comments.

Regards,

Anthony

WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS

I have been focussing on some scenery development. The portcullis at the Conwy end of the tubular bridge has progressed. The aluminium L girders supporting the bridge have been cut to fit the cladding and between the portcullis tower. I have rebated them into the base boards on the ends for greater stability. The first part of the castle walls has been constructed out of 2 pieces of 9 ml and a 8 ml and 4 ml ply sandwiched together. I have cut groves on the corner tower to redate the wall. I need to add plasticard to the wall.

More photos below.

All comments are welcome.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

.

WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS

Having spent the last two months sorting out the electronic components for the layout, I think I have now sorted my plan. Here is a list of the manufacturers  and components I believe I require to make the layout work as proposed. I am thinking of converting the hidden turntables into permanent fiddle yards. If I use turntables I shall be forever moving them consistent with the time table, unless I motorise and computerise them. As they are 8 feet by 4 feet I think this would be difficult. Any comment son this subject are welcome.

Components include:

ECoS II Train controller

ECoS 4 amp boosters

Computer system TC Gold (RR Co)

LDT Detectors (RM-GB-8-N-F)

ESU Switch Pilot Servos

ESU Servos or perhaps a cheaper brand

PSX Circuit Breakers or perhaps MERG

Signalling - yet to be decided

I don't think there is anything else at the moment

Any comments are appreciated in terms of compatibility of these components.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGION RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT

I have sorted all of the electronic components I think I need for the layout after focussing on this aspect for 2 months. 

Have done a little scenic and track work. Cork has been primed. Only the enamel top coats to go. The creek line has had poly filler added to create a bank for the edge of the creek. I have created the base for the portcullis on the Conwy end of the tubular bridge and the portcullis itself. Still need to put plasticard on the portcullis, but I have created the surface to cover it.

Photos are below.

Britainnia going through the Conwy Portcullis

View from the other bank. The foundations are completed 

Aerial shot from the castle walls if they were there!

Creek line

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

Stu,

Thanks for the feed back. I shall be happy with my current dimensions, which were a matter of guess work from dodgey photos. Amazing how use of a single person to determine heights can be fairly accurate.

Regards,

Anthony

Dear Stu,

Any photos of the Tubular bridge castles would be excellent. Thank you very much. 

My tower battlements are slightly simplified, but I may do more detail on the next. The one I have done most on to scale is 3 and a half feet between the battlement s where you have 3 feet (Close). I did not know about the 18 inch step so the lower wall running around the tower is the same width as the tall battlements. I have made the top of that wall 4 feet. From your diagram this should be 4 and a half feet ( in N gauge a difference of 1 ml). The highest part of the battlement in my model in scale is 14 feet from the floor of the tower (ie top of the triangular section of the battlement). Your diagram would indicate the top of the battlement is about ten and 2/3 feet from the floor level (I am 7 mls too high if my calculations are correct. 

What do you think in terms of these calculations.   

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

Stu and Ian,

Thanks for the comments.

Stu the photos are fantastic and will assist greatly in scaling some of the tops of the walls. I have many , many photos of the walls but very few with people on the battlements to give an indication of scale. For instance the ramparts on the main towers I had guessed as follows. Height to top of the gap 4 feet between the battlements, height of the top of the battlements an additional 10 feet. From your photos this looks about right. As you can see I have started the castle with 4 of the 8 towers. Much more work to go with applying the same pattern of stone work as the section of town wall already completed.

Your photos give excellent detail on some areas of battlements I have little knowledge.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAIL - LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS

Dear All,

A busy month with work and trying to tie down the electronic aspects of the layout.

I have probably decided on the following:

ECoS Train Controller 50200

ECoS Boosters

TC Gold Computer system

Mixture of LTD and ECoS Track detection systems

ECoS Switch Pilot servo for point operation on main lines

ECoS Servos for point motors on main lines

Uncoupling using D & G unclouplers with home made solenoids.

Modratec system for point operation in goods areas

I am unsure what circuit breakers to use. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Photos showing the cork underlay are below.

Looking over Conwy toward Chester. Cork has been secured. I have started weathering some of the track.

Conwy goods yard in the foreground

Part of the town wall and Castle towers in the background

Castle towers appear to loom over the layout. I still have to apply plasticard to give a stone finish to the towers. 4 more to cut.

Any comments re recommended circuit breakers manufacturers would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAIL LATOUT DEVELOPMENTS

Dear All,

I have completed 300 ml of the medieval town wall at Conwy. Only another 5 metres to go. Photos are below.

3MT with front of wall in the background

3MT with front of wall in the background

3MT with front of wall in the background

3MT with front of wall in the background

Britainnia, 3 MT rear of wall and walkway

Wall walk way in detail.

Next job is to determine the uncoupling locations on the plan.

All comments are most welcome. I look forward to reading any reply as it helps in inspiring further development.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT

Dear Stu,

Thanks fir the comments. I plan to sand back the 3 ml cork to level it off with the 1 ml. Hopefully no derailments.

Photos of my grand oak tree in summer foliage. Usual bus underneath to provide scale. I shall not be making too many trees this size.

Next is to glue down the cork underlay.

Any comments provided are appreciated. The reference to a plan for Conwy station is for the actual station building. I have the track plan and general building layout.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT

3RD stage of my oak tree production with brown no more gaps having been applied to the tree. Next is painting and then foliage. I need to give a grey aspect to the bark. Pictures below.

For those of you who have not seen the back scenes I recommend going to the first page of the blog to see and overview of the walls and a plan of the layout.

I appreciate any comments and criticisms. I am still trying to get a plan of the old Conwy station. I have tried most avenues but failed to date. Does any one have a plan of this station.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAILWAY LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS

2ND stage of the large oak tree is completed. Only two more stages to go with brown no more gaps and foliage.

Photos below.

Please provide any comment you wish on developments to date. Any questions are welcome.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAIL LAYOUT DEVELOP0MENT

Dear All,

Further work on the cork track base has seen the near completion of this task.

Photos are enclosed.

Over view of the layout. Progress has been made!

A Britainnia and a 3MT tank in the picture.

Same as above

I hand cut the cork from sheets using the track bent into the right shape a as template. I then cut the base 23 ml wide using sissors and then cut a 45 degree shoulder along the edge of the base using a scapel. I attempted to cut the base using the scapel first off but it was not accurate enough. main line is 3 ml cork and goods is 1 ml.

Regards,

Anthony

WELSH DRAGON LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT

At last some progress on the layout. I have commenced another tree. I am trying to create a significant tree for the layout. It is an English oak. Is stage complete with wire armature. Next no more gaps, painting and foliage.

I have also finally tackled the cork base. It took about 3 hours of experimentation but have finally worked out the best means on ensuring an accurate shape, including a 45 degree edge. I am using the track laid in the exact position as a guide. Marking the width of the track, adding 3 ml for the shoulder. Cutting that oversize shape out and the cutting the cork at 45 degrees with a scapel. This provides and accurate side and good angle but is time consuming. I tried tr5acing paper and cutting the shape with a scapel but it was not accurate enough. Photos are below. Now I have the technique right progress should be mush quicker.

Completed tree with a very large 1st stage oak

Completed tree with a very large 1st stage oak

A large section of cork has been cut but yet to be secured. Bus in foreground to give idea of scale

A large section of cork has been cut but yet to be secured. Bus in foreground to give idea of scale

All comments are welcome.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

WELSH DRAGON RAIL DEVELOPMENT

I have been considering the power and computer system I wish to use for the layout. Progress has therefore been slow. I have MADE A TREE and only 999 or so to go. Pictures of the tree are enclosed. I have also cut some cork underlay for the goods area.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

DEVELOPMENTS

At the moment I am working about 110 hours per week for 2 weeks. Train development has slowed during this period. Further threads in a week or so .

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

LAYOUT DEVLOPMENTS

Progress in actual physical development has been slow while I focus on power and automatic computer control. Part of that process has been creating the actual time table for the 3 stations to determine traffic density and therefore power requirements. I have completed this task and have shown the up line for Bangor below. I have completed the down line for Bangor and both for Penmaenmawr. It is based on a Sunday in the summer of 1960.

Arr Dep UP LINE

0:10 0:20 2300 Holy - Euston

0:25 0:35 2315 Holy - Manchest

0:40 0:50 2330 Holy - Birm

2:04 2:10 0055 Holy - Euston

2:30 2:40 0120 Holy - Birming

2:45 2:55 0135 Holy - Euston

3:00 3:10 0150 Holy - Manchest

2:10 2:20 1:00 Holy - Conwy DMU (1)

8:20 8:30 0710 Holy - Manchest

8:40 8:50 0730 Holy - Euston

8:40 0840 Bangor - Chester DMU (1)

11:00 1100 Bangor - Llandud Sub (1)

11:40 11:50 1030 Holy - Llandud

13:50 13:50 1350 Bangor- Llandud ( Sub1)

14:30 1430 Bangor - Llandud DMU (2)

15:30 15:40 1440 Holy - Crewe

17:30 1730 Bangor - Llandud (Sub2)

16:40 16:50 1530 Holy - Euston

17:10 17:20 1600 Holy - Euston

17:20 17:30 1610 Holy - Birming

17:30 1730 Bangor - Llandud (Sub 2)

17:30 17:40 1620 Holy - Manchest

19:10 19:10 1910 Bangor - Liverpool DMU (1)

20:30 2030 Bangor - Pen DMU (2)

20:45 20:55 1935 Holy - Birming

21:20 21:30 2010 Holy - Liverpool

22:00 22:10 2158 Menai - Llandud DMU(1)

The original copy has most of the lines colour coded with 1 colour for the up and the same for the down line. I have the exact rakes for each train. The DMUs and Suburbands are largely local trains as indicated by the time table. I am still looking for the freight working time table.

The gaps are very good which is not surprising given it is base don a real timetable.

All comments are welcome. Please have a say.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

Peter,

Thanks for the reply. I have already bought a quantity of cork and want to keep the price down as far as possible. With the computer systems I have been looking at I am not sure how this will go. I will start with cork and see how it goes, but thanks for th einfo.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

Peter,

Thankyou for your comment in regard to trackrite. I think I prefer cork in terms of irts durability. I have heard reports that foam can deteriorate. I am hgappy to listen to further dbate on the subject.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

Southern Boy,

Thanks for your popsitive comments. My aim is to construct a layout which will operate in a strategic sense bwteen 3 stations using computer automation while allowing operators to move particular locos in a tactical sense either with passenger movement or freight shunting and transport. I expect to be able to have up to 15 operators at one time.

Thank you for your interest.

Hello Anthony,

 

I've just come across your thread and am very impressed with not only the size and scope of your layout, but the speed of progress too. I particularly like the fact you plan to model a wide expanse of associated scenery and buildings, definitely a 'trains in the landscape' layout, something I particularly enjoy.

 

I was just looking at the pictures of your layout room with it's three large garage doors - and was thinking how pleasant it must be in good weather to be able to work with those doors thrown wide open.

 

Anyway - I'll look forward to future updates.

LAYOUT DEVELOPMENTS

Have spent most of the weekend marking up the town of Conwy, settling and marking the exact location of the track and trying to sort out the power requirements for the layout. A friend and I am going to wire up some LEDs and test a set of 3 in series with power consumption of .01 amp. I need to see if this will be adequate to light one N gauge coach in a realistic manner for the 60s. I hope so.

I also need to redraw the power districts and sub districts. I have determined that if I can power up to 14 passenger rakes, all with lights for a power district, I believe I can make the up and down main lines 1 power district each. Again it all depends on the light power consumption given the length of the rakes.

The track has been blue tacked down onto the board. I have marked the track edges and will now trace the plan onto tracing paper. This will then be marked onto the cork. I shall be using 3 ml cork for the main line and 1 ml cork for the goods areas.

All comments are welcome.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

POWER CONSUMPTION

The above calculations are based on a power usage of .010 amp per LED but 3 in series is still .010amp.

All comments are welcome.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

POWER ISSUES AND CALCULATIONS

At one stage I thought I was going to have a power usage of 2.25 amps for a 16 coach N gauge rake. This would clearly severely limit the number of rakes on the layout at any one time.

If I am able to power the LEDs in series as suggested my power bill for a 16 rake train drops to .25 (loco with sound)+.016 (3 LEDs per coach with 16 coaches) Total for the rake=.41

I have determined that on average the rake length is 10 coaches. Power consumption is therefore .25+.01 =.35

For the 5 amp booster I can therefore run approx 14 locos per power district. This is probably sufficient power to run one power district on the up an done on the down line. However given the size of the layout and therefore the distance of the wire run, 1 power district per main line would require a length of wire 96 feet. I an using 2.5m2 cross section or 13 gauge wire. I understand the maximum advisable run for 13 gauge wire is about 50 feet, hence the need to divide the main up line into 2 power districts and similarly with the down line.

Can anyone confirm if these calculations are accurate.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

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WELSH DRAGON RAIL DEVELOPMENTS

The last couple of weeks have been spent on the computer trying to determine how I will power and control the layout. I have a NCE Power Pro 5 amp radio controlled controller.

My aim is to have the layout fully automated using JMRI or a similar computer system, while allowing handset control of locos or points at the desire of the operator. I have discovered this is indeed an optionGiven the size of the layout in N gauge and its relative complexity I was concerned that the computer system would not allow sufficient detail on the track plan to allow reasonable operation. I have determined that any number of computer screens can comprise the track plan for the layout. This clearly solves the scale issue despite the complexity of the track and points in Bangor.

I have worked out the power usage for an N gauge layout out as follows.

I have conducted further research and believe I can get away with 3 LEDs per coach drawing .01amp per LED for N gauge. A blog indicated that half the power results in a very slight dimunition in light, which will probably give me a more realistic light for the 1960s anyway, so I consider .01 amp per LED to be reasonable if not a slight compromise.

The above loco rakes then change to the following calculations:

(full power) Loco with sound and 8 coaches with 3 LED per coach-49 amp (loco o.25+.24 for lights=.49 amp)

(full power) Loco with sound and 10 coaches with 3 LED per coach-49 amp (loco o.25+.3 for lights=.55 amp)

(full power)Loco with sound and 16 coaches with lights with 3 LEDs each- .48 amp (loco o.25+ .48 for lights=.73 amp)

Operating goods loco with sound and brake tail and interior light - .27 amp

I am after any comments as to whether you think these figures are reasonable, an over estimation or an under estimation.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley

CC,

Tremendous photos and many thanks again. I have very closely examined the 6G Llandudno Junction Shed web site. In fact I have a record of every loco class and vehicle immediately behind the tender on the Holyhead-Chester line from that site. I will use this information to determine the ratio of locos by class on the line and buy locos accordingly to get the ratios for the layout correct. In addition I need to know the goods or passenger vehicle which was used immediately behind the tender. I have found the great majority of passenger trains had either a brake second or a full brake behind the tender. The purpose of this research was to permanently attach either the brake second or full brake permanently behind the tender and install a speaker and sound decoder in that passenger vehicle. I will do the same for the goods rakes which generally seem to have a fitted van or full brake in most cases.

The list below is my summary for Princess Royal from this data base:

YEAR NUMBER LOCATION PASS/FR/PAR NAME

37- 46220 Mostyn Pass Coronation (Stream lined)

59 May 546209 Holyhead Pass Princess Beatrice

60- 46211 Llandudno Junc Pass BK2 Queen Maud

60s 46225 Bangor Pass BK2 Duchess of Gloucester

60s 46222 Colwyn Bay Pass Irish Ml Queen Mary

60s? 46224 Bangor Pass BK2 Queen Alexandra

61- 46200 Prestatyn Pass BK2 (8+) Princess Royal

61 Jan 46204 Llandudno Junc Par- Horse & Carriage Princess Louise

62 Jul 46200 Llandudno Junc Princess Royal

63 Apr 46225 Bangor Pass BK2 Duchess of Gloucester

Some of the figures I have determined regarding numbers of locos are as follows:

Princess Royal - 11

Coronation - 30

Britainnia - 64

Royal Scot - 68

Jubilee- 47

Black 5 - 207

The whole data base lists about 40 loco types and includes many 100s of entries. It includes the Flying Scotsman and Blue Peter (LNER IMPORTS) amongst many others, giving me an excuse to run these 2 locos as holiday rakes!

If you go to the Llandudno 6G web site I have a thread there as well, although it is not as comprehensive as this thread. It is down the bottom of the thread lists under Anthony Ashley.

I have tried to get time table for freight traffic in the 60s but to date had little success. I am still looking of anyone can assist.

The photos of the locos and rakes are great and appreciated.

If everyone can add comments I would really enjoy reading them.

Regards,

Anthony Ashley