Flying Fox 34F

Thank you to everyone for the likes and thank you to Glover for his information. I was aware of the curved shed building at Enniskillen. I have thought it might be better than a straight shed. In fact it would add interest to the scene and allow some additional scenic work in front of the loco yard. As for making a curved roof. The way to proceed would be to construct the roof like the prototype. I can feel a plan developing. I've also noticed that the shed at Enniskillen must be a later build than the one at Foyle Road. The stonework at Enniskillen is more regular in appearance and the doorway arches are built out of brick. Foyle Road shed is all stone and apart from the arches and some lintels appears to have been much rougher in appearance. I've spent the weekend research the local history of the station and turned up some curious facts. When the line opened the station was much further back, in fact closer to the loco shed. (Have a look on an old map). The line was then extended to terminate at the location of the Wooden bridge across the river. This was then replaced by the Carlisle bridge, (Craigavon bridge), which cut across the south end of the platform. Following the advice of checking out the shirt making industry, I discovered one photo that shows two Coasters tied up alongside the station. This is after the Carlisle bridge was opened. It all adds to the mix. Finally, I managed to complete the outline of the second board this morning. I even managed to draw in the running lines and pointwork. Hopefully tomorrow, I'll manage to fit in the turntable, loco shed and Goods yard. Only two years left! Paul 4475

Evening all, I've been messing about with the lining paper and point templates. The first baseboard has been marked out, as has parts of the track plan. So far everything fits. The first picture shows the the early stages of drawing out the plan. I'm fortunate to have a large dining table. The second picture shows the 1/6th scale plan with board joins. The point templates in position at the top and the CAD diagram of the front of the loco shed. The latter is based on Enniskillen shed. More details to follow Paul 4475

Glover, Thanks for the information. I had just Googled Derry, but I'll have a look under Shirt making, too. I've been busy examining photos around the Foyle Road area for inspiration. It is all having an influence on the way the layout will look. Paul 4475

Thanks Rob, The bridges are deliberate. I like to see locomotives sat on a bridge. Must be an influence of living where I do. After the diet exercise, the bridges will need adjusting, but they'll be there. I've been researching the Foyle Road area. I now know that the big flat block behind the Signal box can be the now demolished Hamilton Shirt factory and I found a photo of the inside of the train shed with a Q class 4-4-0, sat at the blocks. Next job is to try out the plan at full size. I've created a 2" to the Foot plan to scale up on a double width sheet of lining paper. This is marked with 1 foot squares and is ten foot long. The point templates are printed and I know the footprint of the Signalbox, platform, turntable and Loco shed. I'll try it altogether on Friday morning. There may be photos? Paul 4475 p.s. Hello to Barry O

My parents used to make wine and I used to help. It is true, that courtesy of the Supermarkets, the price is lower now. I stick to what my In-laws make though, due to an allergy to sulphites. As for Maiden Lane and that diet I mentioned. The actual scene is now 9' 3" from 10' 0". There is potential to get down to 9' 0", but that would be it. The widest part is 2' 6", and I suspect it will stay that way, otherwise, the Goods Yard would loose a siding. Add on the Fiddle Yard, and remembering that I have set everything on a curve, the overall footprint is 12' 7" x 4' 0". I know from reading the book that Mr Rice prefers his Cameo's without joints in the scenic area, but he also refers to Frecclesham as a 14' 0" long cameo in 0 gauge, (page 65). In S scale that would be 9' 6". That'll do for me. As for progress, the next stage is to draw up the boards full size onto scrap corrogated cardboard to double check space in the back of the car and also in the spare bedroom. Still find a storage spot as well, the garage is the last resort. Paul 4475

Thank you all the comments. Glover, I have details of Victoria Road as well as Foyle Road. I discarded the Craigavon bridge as I thought it would complicate the scene. Also, I've been messing around with the topography to justify the underbridge, seen on the mock up. I was pondering making one of the sidings next to the station, dual gauge. It would tie the theme together better. As for the Full size comments, I've just randomly calculated how large the enlarged wine glass would be. The mock up is 1/8th full size. So to construct Maiden Lane, I need a wine glass that is 4 feet tall and 16 inch in diameter. Sounds good to me. I wonder if John Lewis have any!! By the way, I don't make the wine, but I'm grateful for the donations I receive from my In-laws. Off to print point templates, tear up a large cardboard box. Don't forget the wine. Paul 4475

Robin, I was very concerned when the idea of it featuring in Show and Tell was raised, but It was unfounded. Ironically, the reaction has been very positive. Perhaps it's the novelty of seeing something hand made. Though, the rest of class expects to have regular updates! You are quite correct. The mock up was the result of a wet Sunday afternoon and a small glass of home made wine. Now I'm considering a full size version. I can to figure where to store it around the house and also to see if it definitely fits in the car. Wish me luck! Paul 4475

Morning, First, Thank you to Captain Kernow and Indomitable026 for the likes. Second, here is the initial plan from I started with last November. This is the small scale mock up of Maiden Lane. This came out rather well. However, the need to keep the spare bedroom available for it's primary use, mean't that I struggled to find a suitable storage location. I also discovered that it wouldn't fit in the car. The plan was sidelined, but not filed away. The rethink began, after reading Mr Rice's latest literary creation and the fact that my Daughter took the mock up to school for her Show and Tell session. So diet has begun. Paul 4475

Andrew, The motto makes perfect sense. The only competition I'm taking part in, is with myself! My mind is creative to the point of total chaos on occasions. If I beat bouts of procrastination and have some thing to show for it in two years time, I'll be a very happy chappy. The good side of being on here is the encouragement to carry on Paul 4475

Time to throw my hat into the ring. Layout name, Maiden Lane Concept, Small City Terminus with Loco Depot, Goods Yard and access to the Docks Company represented, Great Northern Railway, Ireland Standards, S scale Size, The design currently occupies a space of 13' x 4'. It has been placed on a diet. The concept is based around Foyle Road station of the GNRI, but compressed to fit across a 9' x 9' room. For transport it needs to fit in the car, but leave space for Wife, Daughter and an overnight bag. I put my entry in a couple of weeks ago, but the basic idea has been occupying my mind for at least the last 18 months, whilst the desire to recreate the GNRI has been hanging around for at least 6 years. I have made several attempts to model a locomotive, first in 4mm, then 2mm, (there is an abandoned thread on here in that section) and now S. This has been the most successful. I'll post details in the near future. Hopefully, this competition will keep me focused long enough to achieve a working model railway. Not had one of my own for 30 years. Paul 4475

I know that feeling all too well!!!!!! Looks like you don't need to take too much off. Paul 4475

Dear All, Here is some photo's I took of East Lynn & Nunstanton on Saturday As you can see, everyone was concentrating intently. Paul 4475

Dear All, Visited the show at Doncaster yesterday. Glad to see East Lynn and Nunstanton. Made my day. Last saw it at Spalding when Trevor retired it the last time. Trevor mentioned that this was the last outing though. Trowland only from now on. Here's to future open days, (hopefully). Finally, thanks to Jim and Trevor for getting my track order to me. Time to construct my test bed layout. Paul 4475 p.s. Trowland will be at Ally Pally. Enjoy the M&GN

Martyn, I have spent the New Year reading through this layout thread and it is fascinating to see how the layout developed. In fact it is a prime example of less is more. Considering how far you got with the factory development, it made everything rather cluttered, whereas now, that big grey brooding sky backscene creates an illusion of space. I also like the way you adapt models to suit your needs. Now off to read Rickett Street. Paul 4475

Red Leader shouldn't be that surprised really. I'm sure he'll find out what delayed his train. I had a look and know of 5 reasons, but I can tell no more. Paul 4475 p.s. I've been on delayed trains in Switzerland and don't even mention the TGV's in the South of France

t Guilty as Charged. I'm definitely a Fruit and Nut Case!!!!! Paul 4475

You ought to see the inside of a Brake Van, when transporting a p/way gang and the driver slams the brakes on unexpectedly. Men, shovels, tea cans all at one end! Happy days on the NVR twenty years ago. Paul 4475

Have a great weekend at Warley. Sad not to be with you Paul 4475

Some great shots there. Especially at Lincoln and Hitchin. I wish I could pin down some of the country side locations Paul 4475

Will it be 10000 or 10001? Paul 4475

I wish Hornby would bring out a D16 with the original footplate as per 62613. That would allow all sorts of combinations of boiler to be fitted. The model would be very versatile then. As for the Ivatt 4's. A staple diet of the M&GN at the west end of the route. After that line closed a few moved to Grantham, but we're not well received. They had a habit of the brakes coming on if the boiler pressure dropped to low. A major issue if the thing wasn't steaming to well. I know of one Fireman who fell out with his driver and threw the shovel on the fire in disgust! Ironically, I still like them. Paul 4475

Phil, Thanks for the tip off. I've had a look and suggested three groups in Grantham, that may be of assistance. I would consider it myself, but as I have no idea how big the layout is, it would be unwise to make rash offers. The better half might not be impressed either. Mind you, with all those promised models on the way who knows. Paul 4475

Derek, The railway still runs on tea. Paul 4475

You are correct. The Transformer that went bang is sat in the compound at the top of the wall north of the road. (Station side) For Red Leaders benefit. The retaining walls between the two bridges is concrete with a rough gravel render on the footpath side of the road. Most of it has now fallen off, but it would be more intact back then Paul 4475