MarshLane

I thought I'd get started with the background to the shed diorama. It's nothing excessive or major, and I've tried to keep it fairly non-region specific, the reason for which I'll explain shortly. The idea is an old steam shed that has been converted for light diesel servicing, by the mid-late 1980s, this would probably be living on borrowed time! As a double-road shed, it's joined by four outside stabling roads, for locos awaiting their next workings. Although Marsh Lane Shed will be set in the Yorkshire/Humberside area when part of the main layout, my intention, to give some variety, is to set the standalone layout with more of a western theme, around the mid-late 1960s, likely somewhere close to London, but not too close, giving the ability to run some of the early diesels on cross-London transfer freights etc, western hydraulics, and hopefully the odd or occasional steam loco. Of course, sometimes the BR Blue scene will dominate, so it gives maximum interest to me. Hence why the shed building has been designed as non-region specific. Rather than start with baseboards and track, I've decided to construct the shed building first, then build the rest of the layout around it. I'm hoping to make it super detailed, so it is likely to be something that I'll keep tweaking while track laying is ongoing etc. I've been designing the shed building for about six weeks using Adobe Illustrator, and finally got it to somewhere that I'm happy with. Having never attempted anything like this before, I decided a computer's measurements and straight lines were more accurate than mine would be. So having completed the five pages of plans and drawings - they were sent off to York Modelmaking (YMM) for laser cutting out of MDF. Now I was somewhat apprehensive. It's not the cheapest way of building things, but I thought this is going to be a big enough learning curve, let's not start by letting poor carpentry get in the way. Julie at YMM was superb with her advice and comments, and the OK was finally given. About five days later, a rather large box appeared packed full of the various items and pieces. To be honest, I hadn't realised I'd included so much!! I estimate there are around 200 pieces in here! I have to say I needn't have been apprehensive. The end product is amazing. Very cleanly cut, exactly, well, better than I'd hoped for, very well packaged for transit, and overall one very happy customer who cannot recommend them highly enough! I've no other connection with them, but if you've thought about using their services and been wary, don't, go get what you want, you will not regret it. So these are the vast number of pieces. The first task is to get them all sorted in to the different types and objects, then to build the shed, which is going to take several weeks/a few months, but I'll keep the progress documented as we go. If anyone likes the build, I'm happy for others to use the same plans, or adapt them - just drop me a PM if you want the digital cut files, there's no instructions of graphical plans however! Likewise if anyone wants to know any details about whats been designed and how it will fit together, shout, and I'll do a post on it. Hope I'm not boring people....

To give a flavour of what will be running on the new layout, this is about 70% of the current loco fleet at the moment, all sat on my ballast test track.

Thread Index This posting will be updated as work on the layout progresses. Proposed trackplans can be found on Post 39, slight change - revised track plan on Post 257, on page 11. Building Construction Post 4 - Build work starts on the shed building. (May 2016) Post 78 - First test construction of the building sides and roof trusses. Post 104 - First track laid within the shed building Post 170 - Shed building constructed Post 181 - First loco arrives on shed, together with some diesel era night shots (Post 182, 243) Post 217 - Shed roof detail and test fitting of the pits (October 2016) Post 253 - Shed pits fitted, lights fitted and powered Post 744 - General Update as of April 2017 Layout Construction Post 165 - Construction of traverser and first board underway Post 290 - Layout Control Panel cover design Post 302 - Design of an MDF mounting frame to attach servos to underside of baseboard Post 624 - Update and Production version of MDF mounting frame for servos Rolling Stock Post 3 - Overview of locomotive fleet. Post 33 - New Wagon Purchases (May 2016) Post 160 - Heljan Parcel Vans (August 2016) Post 218 - Heljan Mk1 BG Royal Mail (October 2016) Post 627 - Renumber the first Dapol 08 to 08210 'Tuxford' Tyne & Wear Metrocar Post 747 - Metrocar Cab End 3D Previews Wagon Building Post 363 - Parkside Dundas LNER 20-ton Goods Brake Van Kit (see also Post 689) Post 417 - LNER Brake Van ... The Build Continues! Michael Edge NER Electric No. ES1 Brass Kit Post 723 - Kit construction starts (Pictures on Post 727) Post 752 - Solebars, inner buffer beams and cross-spacers fitted. Post 775 - Solebars resoldered after mistake. General update I've reorganised this section of the listing, so that hopefully it makes more sense and is easier to follow: Peckett 0-4-0ST IronWorks No. 1 (Post 198) GWR 1400 Class 0-4-2T No. 1420 [Aug 2016] (Post 161) LNER A2 Pacific No. 60532 Blue Peter [Jun 2016] (Post 64, 76) BR Class 08 No. 08227 (Post 3) BR Class 20 No. 20096 BR Class 20 No. 20107 BR Class 25 No. 25047 [sep 2016] (Post 212) BR Class 31 No. 31199 [Oct 2016] (Post 303) BR Class 37 No. 37043 BR Class 37 No. 37052 BR Class 40 No. 40107 (Post 3) BR Class 47 No. D1577 BR Class 47 No. 47406 Rail Riders [Oct 2016] (Post 303) BR Class 47 No. 47636 Sir John de Graeme [sep 2016] (Post 188) BR Class 58 No. 58039 Rugeley Power Station [sep 2016] (Post 198) BR Class 60 No. 60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster [Apr 2017] (Post 743) BR Class 60 No. 60021 Pen-y-Ghent [Aug 2016] (Post 160 - loco repainted April 2017 to 60006) BR Class 60 No. 60064 Back Tor (August 2016) (Post 160) Trackwork Although i'll keep this thread up to date with progress on the trackwork as it progresses, there is a separate thread that I started to ask those better informed than me about queries I had with track building and the like, which can be found here. Work on building the first point for the new track layout starts on Post 260, and almost completed on Post 280 Layout Images Marsh Lane Depot: September 2016: Initial views and night shots (182, 198) October 2018: Depot rebuilding and trackwork. (921) Exhibition Images Gauge O Guild - Doncaster Exhibition (June 2016) - Further images of mine also here. Gauge O Guild - Telford 2016 Guildex (Sep 2016) - Blog of news from the Guildex, as well as layout pictures and video. Gainsborough Model Railway - O Gauge (Dec 2016) - ECML in 7mm. Bristol 7mm Exhibition (January 2017) - Images Other threads How realistic are your models challenge - See Posts 4259, 4329. OHL Construction - Just discussion at present, may turn into a scratch building thread! Background history on LMS coaches in the Doncaster Test Train during the early 1980s Index last updated 10th April 2017

Things change over time so for the current progress, see Post 921 (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/111328-marsh-lane-moving-forward-slowly/?p=3320736) onwards As this is my 100th post on rmWeb, I thought it really should mark the start of a topic on my new O gauge layout, so if anyone is interested, welcome aboard! Now, as with most things that I seem to do, this one isn't simple, despite first impressions! It's actually a four phase plan, in an attempt to keep things manageable. I am fortunate to have a loft space available to me, that has held a less than complete OO gauge layout for nigh on 15 years. The advent of Heljan O gauge in ready-to-run format (yes I know some things have their faults and inaccuracies, but it works for me) actually made me realise that maybe 7mm would be possible. It wasn't the LNER Pacific's that i'd always envisaged, I do love A1s-A4s, not to mention 04s and WDs, but as a kid growing up in the 1980s in South Humberside, with the freight epicentre of Barnetby only 20 minutes from home, it did rekindle an interest in the BR blue/sectorisation period, which is where I am today! The whole journey started with a visit to Blackpool and a look at Tower Models - note to self, leave credit card at home in the future - as I walked in wondering about O gauge, and walked out with a Large Logo-liveried Heljan 37 under my arm!! I converted to O about 5 years ago, and have concentrated on building the loco fleet, which is mostly, repainted, modified, weathered Heljan locos from the 20, 31, 37, 40, 47 and 60 classes, you may have guessed that puts me in the BR blue era, generally the early-late 1980s .. Although with a couple of exceptions. I'm not one who has the skills for kit-building rolling stock, although I'm going to attempt a PRMRP BDA wagon shortly, with the aim of building a rake and then maybe progressing onto a JLTRT loco kit, but let's take things steady for now! For the past couple of years the locos have pottered up and down a 13' x 1.8' layout (well, ballasted test plank really), but having now decided to make a real effort, the loft space gives me a 21' x 11' area to really do something. The plan is to create a locomotive depot, and local five-siding Speedlink yard, supposedly on the edge of a fictional steelworks in the Yorkshire/Humberside border area. I've always had a fascination with steel traffic having been brought up close to Scunthorpe Steelworks. However, I'm conscious that such a large layout (which breaks my normal rule of less is more, but the aim is to make it look busy) can become too overwhelming and affect the interest level, especially as it is a long term project. Hence the four phases ... My plan is to work on the depot area first, and to make the boards removable from the main layout, so they can be brought down to work on, or setup outside, maybe even form an exhibition layout the future, should anyone be interested. Phase one will be mainly a one board diorama type layout, an opportunity to try and get some realistic images of the locos and stock etc, a bit like the Swindon 'A' shop idea. Phase two will expand this out into a working standalone layout, with the two or three main boards, being kind of modular, to allow them to be slotted into the loft layout for storage and normal operation there. Again, my idea is to allow the shed to be run and operated outside on sunny days, or over the winter downstairs should the loft be too cold! And should anyone fancy it at an exhibition, it will be self contained, with a dedicated traverser. Phase three, moves the loft side of things on with work on laying the main lines and sidings, while Phase four (if it ever happens!) would extend the standalone layout by a couple of boards to create additional interest and some different photographic opportunities. Inspiration for the whole thing comes from several layouts on rmWeb that has spurred me into doing things in recent years. Namely the Gauge 1, Worcester Road Shed) which is simply outstanding, the O Gauge Black Notley the OO gauge Waverley West and a long-time favourite Pengwynn Crossing So that's the master plan - no timescale or timeframes, it's all as and when, and it's not likely to move at a fast rate, but it's a major milestone for me. Having relied on Peco track and Marcway points previously, I have taken the decision this time to bite the bullet and have a go at building my own track ... I'm expecting a number of derailments! I've also never seriously attempted scratch building structures or creating proper scenery before, so that's two new area's this will attempt, and another reason for splitting the project down into small initial chunks. I'll get a track plan for Phase 1/2 and Phase 3 posted shortly. The first is already done, the latter is still be tweaked and sorted in Templot, for which I owe a huge amount of thanks to Martin Wynne for all is help, support, kindness and general assistance when I've 'c*cked it up' somewhere, or tried (and failed) to achieve the impossible For those still reading, who haven't nodded off, realised they should be somewhere else, or simply got bored of my ramblings ... Thanks for staying and welcome along for the ride. I'd like to think this could become a good two-way forum with comments and ideas, criticisms as well if they're constructive, and some friendly banter and probably sarcasm on my part! Any questions, please feel free to ask! rmWeb has been a source of inspiration to me over recent months and I'm hoping I can provide something back into the community. As they stay, stand clear of the doors....... Rich

Thanks Paul, Will investigate both. Might have been fiddly and frustrating, but the final effect, especially when weathered is definitely worth it! Looks superb. Rich

Hi Paul, Looking good. Very impressed with the detail on the point ridding there - very much an aspiration I have. I know this is EM and I'm in O, but what make of ridding, cranks and stools did you go with in the end? Rich

Yes I know what you mean. I'm no expert by any means and still make stilly mistakes, but if your getting frustrated and stuck, ping me a PM with the box file and what your trying to do and I'll help if I can, I've loads of forum entries bookmarked etc, so might be able to point you in the right direction! Rich

Hi Rod, It's been a while since I popped in, but wow, you are getting on well! Layout and stock looks great mate. I'm expecting far more modelling time over the coming months, so will try and keep up to date and occasionally chipping in a bit more often. How did your grass/fur settle in the end? Rich

Hehe! Apologies if I've confused you Rich! I did wonder after I'd hit post if I'd had got carried away and too technical! As for the interlocking, well that could stay manual or go digital too. I have a mate of mine trying to CAD design a lever frame similar to the Westinghouse miniature lever frames, that will have digital interlocking for levers as well as the actual points/signals, so again, with simple rules (if A allow B, else permit C etc) you could make it as easy or as complicated as you like! But I'll stop hijacking your thread and shut up now! Rich

Hi Rich, This could get confusing!!! I had a quick look at the blog pieces when I first discovered this thread, but to be honest, I've never quiet got to grips with the blog section on rmWeb. Navigating around it never seems easy! Thanks. I'm no electronics expert, and I'm sure there's probably a better way, but my test system, uses a PIC controller to interface between the DCC and the block instruments. Currently I've wired up six cheap accessory decoders to the PIC inputs just to prove the concept - each one simulating a different part (call attention, train entering section, train out of section, local passenger, indicator line clear, and indicator line blocked) of the run. In production though, i know that the physical decoders can be removed, and just assign a number of 'virtual decoders', with the PIC having a network connection onto the DCC bus so it can 'listen' to what's going on. At the end of the day, a switch responds to the actions of a user. The PIC is either responding to the same actions of the user (tapping the bell plunger, or setting the line dial) or its responding to messages on the DCC bus when it hears specific decoder IDs. The computer system (I'm using TrainController) can set any decoder ID on or off, whether it exists or not, it will put the message out on the bus, and if it doesn't exist, nothing reacts or happens. However, we can get the PIC to listen to all messages on the bus. When it hears one of the 'virtual' addresses, it is programmed to react. Ring the bell, change the indicator etc. It could for example detect when a track occupation decoder becomes occupied (like a train joining your constant round and round circuit) and play an audio file (buzzer or bell) or switch on LEDs on the diagram. The options are limited only by the user and the memory space in the PIC - and there's so many to choose from, memory options don't limit us. The same happens in return, user taps the bell plunger, the PIC can count the taps, and any gaps, then send an appropriate message on the DCC bus to a nominated 'virtual' address, which the computer can be programmed to react to. Sounds more complicated than it is! In essence let's say we reserve address 901-949 for inbound to the computer, and 951-999 for outbound from the computer. Train is ready to leave the station. User taps, the bell plunger once for Call Attention and waits. After a set time out - 2 seconds say, the PIC detects no further bells, so sends a DCC message to decoder 903 to set it on. Computer software sees that 901 is set, and thinks ah, I'm being offered a train, responds by setting 903 to off, and 953 to on, and set a flag to remind me I'm about to be offered something. That flag could be set to time out after 60 seconds if call attention was being used to pick-up the phone for example. PIC detects 953 has gone 'on', rings the block bell once and sets 953 off. User taps out 3-1 local passenger, PIC counts the taps, and says right that corresponds to decoder 907 (for example) which is set to on. The computer sees 907 go on, it's expecting something already because of our earlier flag, and checks to see if the route is clear. If so, it returns by setting 951 to on, and resets 907. When the PIC sees 951 set to on, it knows the computer has set its block instrument to line clear, and does the same. Only now, it could also set a physical accessory decoder to ON, powering a switch to allow the starter to be cleared. If the decoder is OFF, no power the starter cannot be cleared. The process continues through train entering section, TOS etc.. The magic is once the PIC has been programmed it can be replicated as many times as possible, different virtual decoders can be used for each box. There may well be easier ways, but that's what I got to work, and using TrainController and things calls flagmen, it's all doable. And I think, very realistic, and exciting. Of course, I'm planning to put this onto a one-man operated layout, but for multiple operators as in your case, the computer could just be replaced by another PIC unit. So operator, really is talking to operator, and the bells and block instruments are connected to the PIC. I love the idea of the realism and getting it working right. In some respects, DCC really enables new things, and makes others easier. You could get the PIC to trigger an audio recording on the platform when the signal clears, to example - 'this train is now ready to depart' etc.. Lots of opportunity. The advantage with TrainController is that because the signals are operated using DCC decoders (whether by handset, computer or an analog switch connected direct to the decoder) it knows the state of everything, and one of the modes is automatic driving, but stopping at red signals. So my theory is the whole thing can be taken a stage further. Once all the above has gone through, and starter cleared, the computer can trigger a journey from A to B, where it will control the train speed at all times, but if it encounters a signal at the next box down the line, it will bring the train to gradual stand. When the operator clears the signal, it will gradually resume its journey. The ability to put in variables, such as different stopping patterns, freights running to the platform end signal, but passenger traffic stopping in the middle of the platform, just add to the realism and variety for me. I've probably given you a major headache now and will be responsible for several hours in a darkened room! If you do consider it, my advice would be go down the simple decoder road first it's a lot cheaper - at least for the first four or five locos. Not all have to be sound fitted to start with, and the decoders aren't wasted when you upgrade them - they can be fitted to coaches with just the lighting contacts used to turn coach lights on/off, or make the tail lamp flash. Just a thought. At the moment no, I'm about to start a thread on here for my new layout, so I'll include some of this on there in the not too distant future, along with some pictures. If you ever decide to have a play with any of the above, let me know, I'll happily help - and like I say, it could be done with two PIC microprocessors (which are very cheap) without even the need for a computer! I'm using the Digitrax DCC system btw, but I think the bus messages are an NMRA standard across most popular manufacturers. Rich

Hi, Templot can be wonderful, superb, incredible, frustrating, down right odd, and infuriating lol! But it's a great piece of software and a credit to Martin who made it - God knows how it does what it does. It's a steep learning curve, but spending time reading the Templot Club forum is highly recommended, and if you get stuck, post your box file and somebody will help. Martin has been great with me at explaining tight curves, single slips that are inner or outer and even making trackwork work correctly where I couldnt! I essence, stick with it, once the penny drops, you'll think ... Ahhhh! That's simple! Rich

John, That's very kind of you - I certainly will! Rich

Hi Rich, I've just spent a very enjoyable hour reading through your topic from the start - I'm not only impressed with what you have achieved, but thrilled with the way you've organised and arranged it. I'm the same as you, I prefer the signalling side to driving, and for me that is the enjoyable side of modelling. While I joined the 'office mob' on the big railway, I did learn signalling on one of the bigger heritage lines, and always loved my time in the box. I'm just about to start building my own layout, on similar methods. Not as involved as yours, and in O gauge, but with DCC control, I have worked out how I can get the computer to control the operation of the trains, observe the state of the signals, and allow the operators to (in the main) be purely signallers. The yard and depot will be under local control, but that's it. The main lines and fiddle yard will be kind of automatic, running to a timetable. I've also managed to get the DCC software talking to two genuine, fully working block bells that came out of a box at Derby, so the correct bell codes, and line clear indicator will need to be sent before anything leaves the fiddle yard. Likewise, the starter can't clear unless, the line clear indicator has been received from the computer, all exciting stuff I hope! Having found it, I'm now watching and following your thread with much interest! Oh and I agree btw ... I might be in my 30s, but the original Buckingham was inspiration for so many reasons - one modelling mag did a pull out supplement on it a few years back ... I lost count of the number of times I went through it! Rich

I've been lingering on and off this topic for about 12 months and only realized today, I'd never commented! Absolutely superb start, love the flowing track work. I'm about to start work on my own layout - first in many years, and have decided to take the plunge to hand built point work, the curves just flow so much better and have a greater realism. Seeing the work you've done on your fiddle yard track just shows me that I'm right in the line of thinking (excuse the pun), and the time playing with Templot was worth it! Now I just hope I can make a decent job, having never attempted it before! Any tips or advisory comments? I look forward to seeing Leeds City progress - well done so far. Rich

The detail on that shop is superb. Very worthy addition! I take it, when complete, this is going to be out on the exhibition circuit? Love to see it operating. Rich

Hello Dave, Thanks for the reply ... Ice lost the thread a little though ... Do you mean the class 17/23 in O, OO or N? Can appreciate its a difficult task, as well as being horrendously expensive! Rich

Always liked the layout of Rowley at Beamish, goods shed, coal drops, coal merchants, plenty of space ... Ideal setting for a small layout ... Some day maybe! Oops, sorry about that! Hehe! Been wanting to sort a layout out for a few years now, but time and space have prevented it - been concentrating on creating the loco fleet to go with. But time has come to make a start, so Marsh Lane Sidings will be rising from the woodwork shortly I hope!! Feel free to use the name tho .. I haven't trademarked it ... Yet :-) ... But it wouldn't be the first time that there were similar places with the same name on different parts of the network! Rich

Thanks for the quick response. If expressions of interest are wanted for the 7mm Scunthorpe Hunslet Bo-Bo (caught the auto-correct this time!') then I'm definitely interested! Also for the Normanby Park 'Half' version as well. Cheers Rich

Hello Mike, The Scunthorpe bo-bo you refer to earlier on this thread, is that a 7mm kit? I'm not an industrial modeler, but living in Scunthorpe all my life, and with my father working on the steelworks, it would be a must have! Rich Edit: to correct the auto-correct!

Hi Andy, Just spent an enjoyable 40 minutes reading through this thread and love the idea of what you've done with the layout. Looks good with plenty of interest away from the trains as well. I'm more an O gauge man myself, but congratulations on a superb layout. For what it's worth, given your goods yard thoughts, have you thought about going with no.6 and making the space between the siding and platform road cobbled like that in the Rowley station yard at Beamish (GWR style naturally?) Rich

When I see images like this ... My hand goes for my wallet .. must resist ... Not my period or location ... Must resist .... Lol! They do look good Steve Rich

Hello Dave, Sorry if I've missed a post on here, but any further news on the O gauge models, specifically the Baby Deltic? Rich

@MGRHopper .... It would ... But I've been hoping for the first two for ages!!! Rich

Yes, have to agree. If model two ends up being the Class 24 - I'm also in . Quite a fan of the Sulzer Type 2s ... Steve - I'm hoping it's just that you've been busy, or alternatively that you cannot say anymore at this point, which is all fair enough ... But I note you haven't posted since my tongue-in-cheek reply on Wednesday or Thursday, really hope no offence was taken - nothing insinuated it was just my sarcastic sense of humour! Rich

Excellent, that will allow me time to find favour with the bank manager .... Talking of which .... No, No no no no no no no no! Your not allowed to stop mid-sentence like that! Especially not when you just get to the most exciting thing ... ... I'm sitting here on the edge of my seat! Bloody hell! You must be on good terms for them to come to you .... Mind demands a hearing and its me that's got to travel!!!! Good luck with it all, it sounds great, and I'll be talking to you about a '15' shortly! Now about that sentence that you were so rudely interrupted on ..... Rich