Hi everyone,
I am starting to plan a new layout, it is unlikely that any wood will be harmed until August at the earliest. So far the only investment I have made in this project is a sketch pad in which I am starting to draw scale elevations of buildings, list suitable rolling stock and make notes.
I am aware that the Scottish BLT is rapidly becoming my generation's version of the GWR BLT cliché, but I reckon this is inevitable as those of us who were trainspotters as kids in the early 80's look for nostalgic prototypes, in the same way as the previous generation of modellers looked to the WR branchline for the same fix.
My thoughts at this early stage are:
Largely based upon the old Fort William station which closed in 1975.
I will add an extra siding on the "loch side" with a freight unloading platform and end loading dock. Maybe also some platform mounted fuel tanks for Mallaig style fuel deliveries.
No run round facilities - like the prototype at FW. Trains will be shunt released by the pilot - a blue class 20 with an Eastfield terrier on the bonnet.
The scenic board will be 4ft x 1ft to fit in my allocated storage space at home. This will comfortably allow 4 coach trains with a diesel loco which are less than 2 1/2 feet long in N gauge.
I will use 9mm finescale "FiNetrack" throughout the scenic section. I have contemplated building by own in copperclad, but feel this is a sensible compromise.
I may well commission professionally built base boards. I feel carpentry is my weakest area when layout building. I only have my garden as a workshop, a basic folding saw-bench to work on and basic DIY hand tools, while this is fine to knock-up a crude single board. I don't think I have the time, skill, tools or equipment to produce two boards with folding legs, which align and are level to a good enough standard.
I have done loads of reading and research, I have notes on most areas, but I have a couple of very specific questions. Please let me know if you can help.
1. In all the photos of the mixed trains synonymous with the lines around Inverness in the 80's the wagons seem to be marshalled in the same way. The oil tanks to Mallaig always appear to be at the rear of the train behind the coaches. The single freightliner flat which ran between Aberdeen and Wick always seems to be between the loco and coaches at the front of the train. Was this always the case, or are all the photos I've found just coincidentally of trains heading in the same direction?
2. Does anyone have any information about the interior or rail-facing sides of the old Fort William Station building. I have found enough good photos of the loch side and front with the arches and turret to begin making a model, but I cannot find any decent photos of the view into the building from the platforms.
Thanks
David