MatthewEWS

Hey all, I will provide a more in-depth update soon but just after some opinions regarding wagon sheds. Basing the layout on Westbury, I had a go at designing a laser cut shed to represent what’s there in real life, however I’m not sure whether the Gaugemaster kit looks better. What do we all think? The Laser Cut version definitely needs increasing in size and I like that it’s a unique feature, but I also like how the Gaugemaster kit fills the scene. Any wise words? Matt

Jealous! Hoping mine aren’t too far away from being shipped

Any update on when the Warwells are shipping? Is it still April?

It was a comment on someone looking for a Class 56 for sale - but either way, totally understand it’s not a simple process, just trying to plan for my wallets sake! 🤣

Interesting as this seems to contradict what Cav said in a Facebook comment on Friday - ‘due into stock with retailers early December’. Would be good to confirm Either way

Hi all, After some advice for my modern image wagon works depot. All the points are to be fitted with hand levers rather than dummy motors, in a small yard environment, would you expect to see other items of equipment around them such as heaters, relay boxes, wiring etc or would it just be a lever? total novice when it comes to this sort of stuff but want to make it as realistic as possible!

Back in the UK now slightly later than planned (thanks Air Traffic Control) but arrived back to 3 new arrivals for the layout 2x Weathered MTA wagons and a DB MXA Lobster wagon which will all add some variety to the layout and the stock I already have Back to work on Friday, so the plans I have before then are: - Finish Track Laying - Fit Manual Point Control system as outlined above - Begin working on the scenic break bridge More updates soon!

I know this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but here goes! Two aims for the Wagon Repair Layout are: - Demonstrate what can be achieved in a small space (fits under a single bed) - Demonstrate what can be achieved on a low budget So as for aim #2, no point motors for me, instead I found an article in an old issue of Model Rail Magazine where Chris Nevard showed how to operate points manually with dowel, a paper clip and a door knob. A quick visit to B&Q later, and we have our first working point. A few tweaks needed before I install it on the others, but for less than £2 per point, I’m very pleased!

As far as I know, the Colas works is a fairly recent development. I have many photos from several years ago with wagons lined up in the shed. Hoping to have progress soon and look forward to seeing your project in time as well! :)

Not much to report as yet, the scenic board has been built and I’ve roughly laid some track to begin testing the concept. Happy with the operating potential so far. I can bring a Class 66 with a short rake of wagons on scene, move the 66 into the headshunt and either run around the train or move into the loco siding. The resident 08 can then separate the arrived wagons shunting them between the remaining sidings. Some more playing required just to nail down the concept fully. Off on holiday at the end of the week so will be quiet for a while, but hoping to crack on with track laying, point control and electronics on my return.

After many years building small diorama layouts, I'm finally taking the plunge and building what I hope will be my first Exhibition Layout, inspired by the Wagon Repair Yard at Westbury (Aerial View attached to show the kind of thing I'm aiming for) Key Facts: 4ft x 18 inches scenic 2ft fiddle yard on one end DCC Consisting of 4 sidings - reception road, run around, shed and storage siding Based on no specific location, but featuring mainly 4 wheel wagons (MHA, MFA, MTA, OBA etc) as operated by EWS/DB but not limited to these So far I have constructed the main scenic board, set out the track and currently testing the plan to make sure it fulfils my operational needs. I think the plan has enough operational interest, and mainly focusses on a loco arriving with a short rake of wagons, then either stabling or running around the train to allow the resident 08 shunter to shunt the wagons between the shed and storage sidings, eventually reforming them for another loco to take them off scene. Unfortunately I am space limited, so the plan has to reflect that. Very much learning as I go, so any initial thoughts welcome! I will update you all soon, or you can follow @MattsModelRailways on Instagram. Matt

Colwyn Model Railway Club look forward to welcoming you to the Premier Model Railway Show of North Wales which will take place on July 22/23 at the Craig Y Don Community Centre, Llandudno, LL30 1TE. £5 for adults, accompanied children free, 18 layouts in a variety of scales, plus stands and refreshments will all be on offer.

Hi all, I’m modelling a small depot scene and want to include a ground frame. A couple of questions: 1) Could a ground frame be found in a small locomotive servicing depot 2) Would facing point locks be needed on the points? 3) Would point levers be more appropriate for this scenario? Any advice appreciated please :) Thanks

Thanks both. I have invested in one

Hi all, On my most recent layout I’m using solenoid point motors for the first time. It’s only a small diorama of a diesel depot and as such only has 2 points. Is it worth getting a CDU to use with these? Or is it just an unnecessary extra best saved for a larger layout? Complete novice with all this so any help appreciated! thanks

Any plans to do Scimitars or Scorpions to go with as well? Could be tempted by some of these!

A couple of points - The Grey TFW 67 produced by Hornby was 67014 - The Black 67 announced by Hornby was listed as 67025 (Grey livery in real life) but this was an error as the artwork showed 67020 (which is in black) - Since acquiring the ex Grand Central Mk4s, TfW will be repainting their 3 ex-LNER rakes into Black, with additional red detailing. - The Hornby black 67 release has now been removed from the website. Apparently it was quickly rushed through in place of something else

Hi all, I’ve been out of the layout building game for a while and want to get back into it with a small micro layout. I’ve seen a few posts using the IKEA lack shelves as baseboards. I’ve looked online and they seem the ideal price and size for me. Anyone recommend them? How easy is it to install wiring through them? Are point motors possible? Are they strong enough to withstand being stored away if possible? Would love to hear your experiences! Matt

Looking great Jack! I particularly like the low relief warehouses. I’m in the market for some myself so will definitely be checking that seller out. Looking forward to the next update!

Hi everyone, If there are any forum members who work trackside regularly, as apprentices, technicians, engineers etc. I would be very grateful if you could complete this survey for a University Project I am working on. All the information is anonymous and only used for my project. Feel free to also leave any comments on this thread or give me a message if there is anything you would like to discuss further. Many thanks https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BPLKH9N

Hi Simon, Looking good. Are you planning on using one of the readily available cable troughing or do you plan to make your own?

Hi Everyone. Just after a little bit of advice. I am a complete novice when it comes to signalling but want to make my modern image layout accurate. 1) In areas where semaphore signalling still exists (Isle of Angelsey springs to mind) are points still changed using Point Rodding? Or do the levers in a signal box operate a point motor? 2) If a point is controlled by Point Rodding alone, would you expect to see some sort of lineside box/cabinet nearby? 3) How are the majority of points in TMDs/depots changed today? Ground Frame or individual lever? If ground frame, is rodding used or do the frames control motors. If anyone has any pictures as reference that'd be great. I would really appreciate the help Many thanks

150 re-livery and internal refresh programme due to begin in August

As a follow up to the responses above, I have created a short survey which I would really appreciate you answering, especially if you work on or use the railways frequently https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NKSLQFL Thank you for taking the time to answer this survey, all information is anonymous and only used for my planning. I can be contacted on mth18kcf@bangor.ac.uk or via private message if you want to discuss any matters in more detail.

Thank you very much. Information during disruption does seem to be a large issue I’ve identified so far. Certainly something to think about moving forward. Many thanks