LDM34046

Finished the fiddle yard off this evening. Two blocks of decking were glued to the underside of the fiddleyard to accommodate the screws. The ikea baseplates were the fitted. The legs themselves are attached with a screw thread so easily removable. They’re adjustable at the bottom again, but screwing and unscrewing. The fiddle yard is now attached to the rest of the layout with the legs taking the weight as it sits over the end of the desk.

Although it’s been a quiet week for modelling, the postman has been in overdrive as well as a few trips to the local model shop. Pleased to say I have finally got all the bullhead track and pointwork that I need for the layout along with the various electrics and point motors. Also in the new arrivals are the rather fancy adjustable ikea legs that’ll hold up the fiddle yard. Now the cork has been laid, the next step is to make headway on the trackwork, first plotting out the pieces and drilling holes for the point motors.

The humble beginnings of any model railway. The first layer has been laid. 2.5mm cork sheeting to provide a bit of sound insulation and to cover up some of the screws. It’s not perfect but it’ll be underneath a few inches of scenics anyway! Fiddle yard, although not attached has received the same treatment!

Brilliant modelling. Yes, a nice gradient gives a real sense of space. I think the cottage will sit about 1/2” above the track level, just to give a bit of interest and change in height on the layout.

Graham? Ssshh, he's onto us! My one photography gripe with Lancaster Lane was how close locomotives sat to the back of the layout and how sometimes they cast shadows on the 'sky' which rather ruined the illusion. I wanted to make sure that there was plenty of distance between the track and the back. I'm a sucker for modelling trees so I few nice clusters should help break up the open area with the small path leading up to the house. Luke

I'm sure I'll be able to source a flag bearing lineside worker, even if I modified a guard! Got to comply with 'elf and safety!'

Thank you chaps. Yes I think I've decided against having a gated crossing. With the street scene I think less is more. Plus looking on Flickr I've found quite a few locations in real life that are ungated. Either noted with a sign on a post or markings on the floor such as those seen at Weymouth Quay although slightly more modern.

Thanks Rob I think I've settled on no gates! Would make the street look too busy and detract from the trains crossing. And as you've said, there are quite a few ungated locations. I few short blasts of the whistle should be enough to allow trains to pass safely however I'm not sure how well pubs and railways mix! I didn't want too many buildings but I think the busy street end ties in nicely with the railway and then the lone cottage up the hill at the other end. Seeing all the empty space at the back of the layout it's tempting not to fill it with something but you're right, a nice sloped embankment, a few trees and foilage. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to google the layout! First time seeing it, looks like a brilliant bit of modelling. I agree, the pannier shot looks remarkably similar!

The ever familiar Peckett makes it's way over the crossing, framed perfectly by the buildings either side. I'm yet to decide whether to have the crossing gated, maybe operated by a servo. Mainline 5775 sits light engine in what will be the station halt with the cottage (high) on the hill in the background. The Peckett emerges from between the buildings as 5775 sits in the foreground. Very much looking forward to trying out lots of new photography angles and creating little cameos. Couldn't resist sizing up a few of the bullhead points. Having used medium radius points on the previous board it was satisfying to see the long gradual curves of these new points. The correct sleeper spacing also makes a huge difference to how the track appears in photos.

The busy end of the layout with the village. Bachmann Scenecraft buildings with another Fair Price Scratch-Aid kit sitting behind the pub. A small car garage will sit to the left of the pub with open doors to allow different cameos. After mocking up the original plan I've decided to widen then street to allow a bit more breathing room for people and cars. You'll also be able to get a clearer view of the trains passing over the crossing. I haven't decided what to put at the far end of the street. Originally I was going to do the distillery building however I might do that slightly further along the layout. Trying to create a believable perspective of cars driving down the road will take some thinking.

Boards are finally in their new home (minus the fiddle yard). Still need to clear some bits of the desk so it'll sit further back. Lancaster Lane can attach to the left hand far end of the board should the space allow. 1:1 Scale drawings were printed out and laid out so I can start working out where to drill holes for point motors etc. Now seeing the track plan on the boards I've decided that the design is too 'front heavy' and the track sits too close to the edge of the board. I've altered the plan by changing the furthest point from a left hand to a right hand. This will shift the whole track plan backwards about an inch and a half and will hopefully balance the space out front and back. A quick mock up of the house on the hill. A Fair Price scratch-aid kit ready to be build and clad in brick. The house will sit about an inch off the base on a small embankment with the path rising up the house.

Rome wasn’t built in a day but I’m glad that baseboards are! Sat down this evening and assembled the Tim Horn boards ready for the next project. Still need to add in the cross members however I’m going to leave them until I know where the point motors are going! Saves a lot of leg work later on. Metal alignment dowels are also in place along with retaining bolts. I might add an additional bolt in the centre or add some latch catches on either side to create a stronger join between the fiddle yard. Some IKEA adjustable legs might also be a good idea to help support the weight as the fiddle yard will be hanging off the end of the desk. A small lip was also integrated into the fiddle to stop any rolling stock rolling off the edge. Always one of my biggest fears when exhibiting! The finished boards, currently drying overnight. Peckett for scale! 😲 Started to dawn on me how much bigger this project is but I’m excited to get modelling. Will be nice to give locos a good run from one end of the board to the other. Work hours permitting, off to the model shop at the weekend to pick up the last bits of track and scenic items.

A rare video from Lancaster Lane. A special delivery for the local merchant in the form of his new Austin Somerset in Buckingham Green!

A few felines have made their way onto Lancaster Lane. Testing the eyesight for painting!

It's proving very frustrating! The cosmetic benefits of bullhead are endless but trying to actually get hold of any, plus trying to get updates on orders are proving a nightmare! As with all aspects of modelling, there's no real rush. I'm just keen to get stuck in on this new project!

Not really sure what else I could use. I don’t particularly want to go down the hand built route and I’ve heard working with the pre-made C&L can be a pain although I might look into it again. DCC Concepts has their legacy track but I could only find that available in packs of 25 lengths.

Lots of online retailers stock the track however my local store seems to be the only place that’ll order single lengths of flexi-track so I can collect them. Online retailers will only sell a minimum of 25 lengths due to the delicate nature of the track.

An update as everything seems quiet. Currently in the process of starting a new job so time has been a bit limited as of late. As for the new layout I’m STILL waiting on Peco for the order of bullhead trackwork. Currently just waiting for the remaining one point and a few lengths of flexi-track! It’s seems they’re still struggling with demand post-covid. Boards are waiting to be assembled, buildings ready to be built, electrics and point motors arriving this week. Once the track finally arrives I’ll be ready to hit the ground running!

Happy Platinum Jubilee Weekend! 💜🇬🇧👑 The nation has been painted purple this weekend and Lancaster Lane has been struck by with Jubilee fever. A rather patriotic workman has laid his hands on the resident Peckett in the local paint shop! The foreman won't be happy with the spilt blue paint on the running plate. Rumours amongst the yard is it's only a temporary paint scheme, but of course, the rivet counters aren't happy!

I commend you Andy on how well you've blended the layout to the back scene. You always seem to nail it on each of your layouts. The scenic work looks excellent. Luke

Thank you Rob, you’re a fountain of knowledge! I’ll give that a go tomorrow. I did think the issue lied with my application rather than the product Thank you!

Excellent weathering Rob. Can I ask what varnish you use to seal the weathering powders? I’ve used Humbrol Spray but it leaves a white tint and the models look ‘dusty’

A brilliant model. I’ve had mine sat in the box for two months as I still need to sort out a decoder and stay-alive for it. Initial impressions are incredible. The level of detail is second to none. I look forward to seeing your photos and weathering!

A few purchases yesterday with the new layout in mind. Oh, how very 1950’s. Need a few more vehicles outside my love of Series 1 Land Rovers and got an absolute bargain on these two. A lovely Bachmann private wagon was also found on one stall for a crisp £3. Complete with metal wheels and NEM socket. Another one to add to the seemingly growing weathering list!

Home and settled after a busy weekend at the Pratts Bottom Model Railway Exhibition. Only a small show but very well organised and well attended. Pleased to report that Lancaster Lane performed flawlessly without a single issue. After the issues at the Gravesend show and the subsequent electrical gremlins that followed for three months it was a real treat to operate hassle free. Both Peckett’s proved to be real crowd pleasers with their smooth running. A great conversation starter for DCC with the stay-alive chips. A busy show meant I was only able to grab a few pictures of the layout during quieter times. One of my favourite views from the operators view point. Watching the locomotives creep through the cutting through a small gap in the trees. Some great conversations and lots of interest in how the layout came about. A few more provisional dates means that Lancaster Lane should be kept busy for the rest of the year at local shows!