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Steam_Julie

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Blog Entries posted by Steam_Julie

  1. Steam_Julie
    I've been filling in the gaps, by adding the missing sleepers. They are also referred to as timbers, to distinguish them from concrete ones.
     

     

     
    PS I'm sorry about the slow progress on my micro layout, this is due to being worried about being prosecuted, simply because I have 'learning disabilities'! I think I live in a police state.
     
    Julie
  2. Steam_Julie
    I have now done all the track laying on the scenic part of the layout. I can now decide where the boundary between the scenic and the fiddle yard should be.
     

     

     
    I can also enlarge the bridge box.This is the cutout in the top surface cut out to allow scenery below the track level.
     
    Julie
  3. Steam_Julie
    I've started the construction process, the initial stages was to decide where the cut should, for the shuttle track. Once this was decided the cut was made using a craft knife. I use the tougher blades, made for professionals, not the general purpose ones designed for DIY. This saves on broken blades, including the dangers of them braking during the cutting operation.
     
    It is important, to make many cuts and not to try and force the blade through, as this can lead to accidents. Because the blade is so sharp, these can be serious. Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers clear of the blade whilst cutting.
     

     
    Once the cut was made the spacer were cut, and fixed in position using carpenters white glue. The small screws don't add to the strength of the final assembly, but hold the components in place to allow the glue to set.
     

     

     
    The next level will be the base of the canal. I have never found the need to use high grade plywood, on my micro layout projects. The strength comes from the rigidity of the assembled structure.
     
    Julie
  4. Steam_Julie
    Hi
     
    I haven’t done much in the last few days, too much work to be done! Still I've finished of the wiring of the fiddleyard area. The NEC Autoswitch won't work with my controller, so I'm in the throws of returning it.
     

     
    Below are the three versions of the power bus cable clamps. The first design was difficult to replicate, the second design was easier to make in quantities, the third is basically the same as the second, turned over, with one less part, using the baseboard to replace it. This has the added advantage of making the wires run along in contact with the baseboard.
     

     

    It is my intention to connect the two baseboards together, electrically that is, with loops of flexible wire. The photograph below is the slot for one of the loops, this prevents the cable becoming damaged if the layout is placed upon a table.
     

     
    I have also had to rectify, on of the hinges, the screws had worked loose, because of the several attempts to get them in the correct position. The wood screws have been replaced with machine screws and nuts, with washers under both the screw head and the nut, to ensure strong and stable location of the hinge.
     
    Julie
     
    PS next task is to wire the scenic board. I've made a start by drilling the holes for the fixing screws and making the cable clamps.
  5. Steam_Julie
    The previous curves was too tight. I have increased the baseboard width and now I am using AnyRail version 5 to check that the curve will work before laying the track.
     

    The problem was the couplings where causing the wagon wheels to rub on the inside of the outer rail. This friction caused the running to be uneven.
     


    I have not been working on the model recently, this is because I have found myself in a very difficult situation. I've been the victim of as assault, but the police have insisted on prosecuting me.
     
    Julie
  6. Steam_Julie
    During the last session working on Clovelly Road, I realised that the curves at the back of the layout were to sharp, for the trains to negotiate without problems. These were caused by the flanges rubbing against the inside of the curves outer rail.
     
    To solve this problem it was necessary to increase the width of the baseboard. By examining the carrying case I found that this could be increased by 26mm. This has now been done.
     

    Baseboard 2

    Attached to the original baseboard

    Both baseboards together, with the corner rounded

    The underside of the combined baseboards
     
    The plywood used for baseboard 2 is slightly thicker than used for the main baseboard, thus baseboard 2 is about 1mm thicker. But the top surfaces are aligned, so this is not a problem.
     
    I have taken the opportunity of adding rubber feet to protect the table on which the layout is placed. because of of the change of baseboard size the feet are used are higher. This is required to allow the larger baseboard to clear the inside of the case wheels.
     
    Julie
  7. Steam_Julie
    Hi
     
    Since the last blog post I have made a cover to protect the scenic section, both in transit and when work is being carried out on the electrics etc. on the underside of the layout.

     
    I have also installed a over-centre catch to keep the two half’s in position when the layout is being carried and being packed ready for transport.


    I have also built some stubby feet, this is to allow the layout, in operation mode to be placed on a table, say the kitchen table, which allows the layout to be worked on, without needing the full legs to be installed. These legs have felt pads on the legs to prevent damage to the table top.

     
    These feet also means that the layout parts sit, in them same relationship to each other as when on the floor mounted feet. Where the layout board was cut into two, they don't sit properly when directly placed on a flat surface of a table or my workmate. This allows the track to be properly fettled!
    The ability to fold the layout also has made storage, at home, much easier as it can now fit onto the available shelves.
     
    I will really be progressing the scenery soon!
     
    Julie
  8. Steam_Julie
    Following a complaint from a Mr M Oxley received at Waterloo, the area manager and civil engineer where requested to look into the situation. They reported back that the complainant did have a valid complaint. In recognition of this they sent him a letter offering him a free 1st ticket to a destination of his choice. He took up the offer and the railway issued him a period return to London Waterloo.
     
    The lengthening by 15 feet and the raising of the platform height by 9 inches was sanctioned and have now been carried out. During the rebuilding there was a temporary platform constructed using scaffolding poles and planks constructed the other side of the bridge. This didn’t provide any shelter and was as a result unpopular with passenger.
     

     
    Photograph of the platform removed from the foundtions
     

     
    Photograph of the start of the extension works
     

     
    photograph of the extension complete
     
    Some people think that when they have not got it completely right, that it's back to square one automatically. This is usually not the case, there is usually a way to correct the situation. In the case of the platform at Clovelly Road, I misunderstood the diagrams which show the minimum dimensions for platforms. I took my dimensions from the 2mm Association website. I took the height as from ground level, but when I revisited the website and look again the dimension was measured from the rail head.
     

     

     
    I have also taken the opportunity to reduced the length of the platform base, so that it does not overhang the edge of the baseboard. Before I finish the platform off, it is my intention to add the baseboard edge. This will have several functions to protect the scenery from damage during transport and to provide a clean edge to the layout when being operated.
     
    I have stripped the platform to it's foundations. I have then re-built with it's upper surface which is 2mm higher than the original one. I have taken the opportunity to extend the length of the platform. When I built the model I reduced the length of the platform, so that the platform to appear overpowering. I went slightly too far, in that the locomotive has the stop completely under the bridge, to allow the coaches to be alongside the platform.
     

     
    I also had not put the step, which in the days before BR introduced the Mk1's was usual practice. This now makes the gap smaller, when combined with the raised platform surface. It will still be larger than for many main line companies stations. The prototype used steps which lived on the platform to make alighting easier and the doors were locked between stations, to both prevent the unwary from stepping into space and also to prevent passengers from opening doors when the train was not at a platform. It was not unusual for passenger, on this or other light railways to remain on board during shunting operations of mixed trains.
     
    Now the platform is looking better, it's time to add the waiting shelter and a fence to stop passengers falling of the back of the platform. Unlike mainline companies the company used they used 4 bar fencing similar to fences used by farmers to prevent livestock leaving the fields to wander on the railway. This was done to keep costs down and allow local workers to be able to carry out repairs without the need for special materials.
     
    Julie
  9. Steam_Julie
    Hi
     
    Since the last posting, I have given the underside of the layout a first coat of paint, See photograph below. PS I have missed a few small patches.
     

     
    I have taken earlier comments to heart, and I have reduced the height of the fixed backscene. This will be increased by using net curtain, which will be dyed sky blue.
     
    I have also reduced the height of the frame, as I have decided that it was originally over engineered. Both of the above will make the layout lighter to carry, and easier to stow when travelling on trains. I don't have a car, or access to one.
     

     
    I have also listened to what MikeOxon said about putting the controller on a shelf, being a bad idea. I have take Lisa's idea and I am building a pocket which will clip on the fiddleyard facia. I need to be able to operate the controller single handed, and since the layout is so small there is no other space for the controller.
     
    Next I will start on the scenery, honest gov!
     
    Julie
  10. Steam_Julie
    Construction of Clovelly Road continues. I decided that I wished to have a bridge, or sheep creep to use it's correct name, passing under the track. The baseboard is only 22mm deep from the top surface to the botton, thus between the two pieces od ply there is only 15mm to play with.

    Shows the position of the sheep creep.

    Shows the detail of how the bridge box is constructed.

    Shows the extra block installed to make the layout surface firmer, i.e. flatter and less lickley to move.
     
    Julie
     
    PS Edit to correct spelling error
  11. Steam_Julie
    Today I started to wire Clovelly Road. The Red wires is South and the Black is North.
     
    The initial tests were carried out with a DC controller and an unclipped locomotive. The connection to the controller was achieved using a temporary connection. This will be replaced with a permanent connection later.
     
    The point is permanently wired, so that contact between the closure rails and the running rails is not critical.

    Photograph of the overall wiring

    Photograph of a track connection underside

    Photograph of a track connection track side

    The temporary layout connection
     
    Julie
  12. Steam_Julie
    The brake van, photographed attempting to traverse the original fiddleyard curves was too long, Both to negotiate the curve without causing too much friction and too long when compared with the length of the prototype.
     

    The length has been reduced by 10mm, that relates to 5'. It is still slightly too long, but it now looks the part. The planned curve has a radius of 125 mm radius which translates to 62' 6” radius. This although tight, was larger than the tightest radius on the Clovelly Tramway.
     
    The name 'cut and shut' describes the process used to achieve the rebuild. Two cuts are made in this case 10mm apart. The two ends of the chassis were then joined together. Due to the type of plastic used the join was effected using a super glue which is designed to be slightly flexible. Normal super glue is very brittle and tends to shatter when a shock loading is applied.
     

    The guards compartment was then glued into position. The new parts were then painted black to blend in and then couplings were then glued into position.
     
    I am currently using standard N gauge couplings, but it is my long term intention to use DG couplings. The advantages are that they can auto couple, have remote uncoupling and the ability to negotiate tight curve easily. They also have better coupling operations on curves with a radius greater than 200mm radius.
     
    Julie
     
    EDITed to correct a spelling error in 1st paragraph
  13. Steam_Julie
    A major part of the problems that I have had, re getting trains to negotiate the curves to enter the fiddleyard, was because of problems with the flexibility of the couplings. The photograph below shows two 5 plank wagons on the main curve, through the goods yard entry points.
     

     
    The second photograph shows the same two wagons going around the much sharper curves into the fiddleyard.
     

     
    When carrying out the cut and shut modification of the guards van, I successfully reduced the overhang of the couplings with respect to the wheelbase and the overall length of the chassis. But in the process the couplings have reduced flexibility. Thus the brake van still derails when the sharpest part of the curve is reached.
     
    The Peco brake van chassis has a slightly shorter wheelbase and the same flexibility of the 2 wagons in the photograph. Thus it will hopefully negotiate the fiddleyard curve without derailing. The proof of the pudding will of course be in the eating!
     
    Julie
     
    PS This is the second posting today, this has occurred because I was unable to get to sleep.
  14. Steam_Julie
    Below are photographs of the Sheep shed and it's relationship with the track, and thus the trains, and the sky support.They are taken from a variety of angles.
     

     

     

     

     
    The next stage is to add the sky support between the end panels, which straddles the track.
     
    Julie
     
    PS I've added a view of the sheep barn and the creep too.
     

  15. Steam_Julie
    The shuttle is designed to add more movement to the small scenic area, so that hopefully it will keep he view better entertained.
     
    Starting from the layout plan, the front of the layout is the top of the plan. The passenger shuttle line enteres the scene, RHS at the side of the layout box, but on the LHS the track enters about 1/3 along the back of the scenic section.
     

     
    The first image shows the slot for he train with a blue background behind. The train can enter the scenic area, but the entrance is too obvious.
     

     
    Click on the simulation, to re-run it!
     
    The image below shows a second copy of part of the backscene image behind. Whilst the slot is shouts out less, it is still visiable.
     

     
    Some trees are added to hide the RHS edge of the stage opening. This has the effect of making it a little less obvious, but it is still visiable to viewers of the layout.
     

     
    By lighting the space between the second backscene and the back of the main onecarefully the scenic entrance can be made to complety disappear, and the train can now enter the scene as if it is appearing from behind a stand of trees and bushes.
     

     
    The simulation below, shows how the shuttle can enter and leave the scene without drawing attention to how this is acheived.
     

     
    The possibility of further action, by making a barge on the canal also move, was examined in the Ruston Quays blog, click on the link below for more information, dated 4th may 2016.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/102137-ruston-quays/page-6
     
    Julie
  16. Steam_Julie
    Since the last entry I have proceeded with the simuation of the layouts operation.
     
    looking at the sequence of the incline opeeration, in the first posting, I have noticed that there is a slight error, in that the operation from the yard loop to the hidden loop should have a brake van at the back of the train. This sequence will be modified to rectify this.
     
    The simulation has now been split into two parts so it can be downloaded! Click on the link below to see the shunting simulation.
     

     
    To start the simulation of the shunting operations, click on the link below.
     

     
    Click on the above image to view part 1 of the Goods Train Simulation.
     

     
    Click on the above image to view part 2 of the Goods Train Simulation.
     
    I could not upload the goods train and shunting sequence to rmweb, because the file is too large. I will have to examine it and re-edit it before it cn be uploaded.
     
    I have also had he thought that, the siding at the back and the loop, could be replaced with a cassette and two disconnected sidings.
     

     
    The spare stock siding is to allow for changes to be made in the incline operation. Explosives for quarrying operations were conveyed in covered wagons and water was moved up the incline, to supply the stationary engines, locomotives and houses associated with the railway. At the highest part of the railway, water supplies were very limited, especially in the height of summer.
     
    The DMU or Push Pull reversal sidings will have to be extended, as currently they are too short, to allow the train to go completely off scene.
     
    Julie
  17. Steam_Julie
    I have now soldered the connections from the socket on the back edge of baseboard 2 to the power bus and linked the new track which links the scenic section to the fiddleyard, see photograph below.
     
    Before power was connected the wiring was checked out using the buzzer feature of my multimeter, to make sure that no shorts exist between North – black and South – red.
     

     
    I have now solved the problem of getting the guards van around the fiddleyard curve without it derailing. The solution was to improve the flexibility of the coupling. The previous chassis was produced by doing a cut and shut on the original Farish chassis. I have now replaced it with a 15 foot Peco chassis, which has been reduced in length using cut and shut to 10 foot length.
     
    The first photograph shows the train approaching the fiddleyard curve and the second shows the train about to leave it.
     

     

     
    Julie
  18. Steam_Julie
    Back from exotic holiday location, Alderney, and rearing to go again, with my modelling projects.
     
    Looking at the layout with fresh eyes, having not seen it for about 2 weeks, I noticed that there was a problem with sleeper spacing on the first section of track I layed.

    The bottom of the track, with the glue scaped off.
     
    There is rarely an unsolvable problems with models, they can be overcome by applying some ingenuity and a little skill. I carefully lifted the track using a scalpel scrapped off the contact adhesive residue. Then I re glued the track into position carefully making sure that the spacing was correct. I added two extra sleepers to make the spacing even.
     
    Incidentally whilst on Alderney, I travelled on a train formed of 2 1938 ex Bakerloo coaches pulled and then pushed by an 0-6-0 diesel locomotive from Mornington Cresent station, which is located in Bryne on the North of the island.
     
    Julie
  20. Steam_Julie
    I've been scratch building a sheep barn, which is designed to be placed next to the sheep creep. Partly because the barn and the creep make up a micro scene, but also to act as view blocker.
     
    I've made a conscious decision to make all the buildings be unique and have 3D roofs and walls.
     
    There is a 2mm gap between the sheep barn and the sky support, to allow the flexible backscene to fit between.
     

     
    The passenger trains is photographed next to the sheep barn, to check the proportions are correct.
     

     
    I have opened out the distance between the closure rails to make the catch point look more realistic whilst still allowing the N Gauge wheelsets negotiate it.
     

     
    Julie
  21. Steam_Julie
    Hi
     
    The images below was printed off using a cheap inkjet printer, and thus has virticle lines, which are caused because of the multi pass nature of the printing process. This is a sample area of the proposed backscene.
     

     
    I think I have got the colours not quites right, I think the image is slightly too yellow. What do you think?
     
    When I am happy with the colours, I will have it printed by a professional print company. They will print the whole images which measures about 1000 mm by 120 mm on a single sheet, and the image will not have the virticle print lines.
     
    Julie
  22. Steam_Julie
    I've been examining all the available photos of Cromford Transfer Wharf and then I have also visited the site, as it is today. The photos looking down the Sheep's Pasture Incline, show a double track bridge, under the road.
     

     
    Visiting the site today, there is a stone built, single track, bridge under the A6. It looks more like a tunnel, but in technical terms it is a covered way. A tunnel is by definition tunnelled i.e. dug out and a covered way a trench is dug, and then a support structure is built and then the trench is filled in again!
     
    This was constructed when the road was widened! The above information was supplied by Derbyshire Museum Service. If i have been more confident, about my research results, would have come to the above conclusion myself, weeks ago. But they say that hindsight is the only exact science!
     
    The catch pit, did as it said on tin, it was a pit designed to catch runaway wagons going up or down the incline plane. There were points on the up line they were catch points, on the down line they were operated by a pointsman. they were sprung towards the catch pit, and only set to the down line, Cromford Whalf when the pointsman pulled the lever.
     
    Incidentally the Crich site, of the National Tramway Museum, when a working quarry, was linked to the main line network by an rope worked incline plane too.
     
    Julie
  23. Steam_Julie
    After looking around for toolboxes, I have bought one very similar to the one used in the Toolbox Layout blog, it might even be the same design? A link to which is shown below.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/111658-a-model-railway-in-a-toolbox/
     
    I need to take the layout, to the model railway club, using public transport, and hence the toolbox format being so useful.The available layout space is 520mm (Length) x 220mm (Height) x 180mm (Width). As show from my planning this should be large enough for an interesting layout, scenic section. The fiddleyard, i.e. the hidden sidings will be extra and will be constructed as a folding unit, to be carried in some sort of bag.
     

     
    The photo below shows the boxes, in the bottom of the toolbox. The space above is the space available for the scenic section of the Holloway Goods layout.
     

     
    The intention is to use these sandwich boxes to hold some stock, small modelling tools, current models and modelling materials, to know where they are and so that they don't get damaged in transit. I'm in two minds whether or not to provide some form of fixing to stop them moving about in transit? That a question for future consideration.
     

     
    Julie
  24. Steam_Julie
    In model railways we need to put the railway in context. This is done by using scenery and a backscene. Clovelly Road is designed to fit into a small case for transport. Therefor there will be a permenent backscene & in front of this a flexible backscene which is higher.
     
    This initial part of the backscene behind the road bridge is glued in position using wood glue. The gap between the bridge and the support is to allow for the thickness of the flexible backscene.
     

     

     

     

     
    Julie
  25. Steam_Julie
    Hi
     
    Now I am back home, I have made a first stab at composing the backscene, using the photographs I took on location at Trefeglwvs near Caresws in Mid Wales. the image below is much lower resolution than the one that will used on the layout, but should give an impression of what it might look like.
     

     
    I must be born in mind that the foreground will be mostly hidden by the hedges trees and buildings on the modelled area of the layout.
     
    I took all of the photographs at the highest resolution that my camera is capable of. I will require to play around with the colours, because the photographs were taken on a dull day in October, and the layout will be modelled in high summer. BUT with photoshop this transformation is possible.
     
    Julie
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