I decided to re enter the hobby just over two years ago and shortly after i attended my first Warley show (2012) and was astonished by the standards of modelling on show. It became very apparent to me that if i was to build a decent layout i was going to have to plan things very carefully and acquire some new skills. I spent the next 12 months searching out a suitable prototype and thinking through the operational logistics of the finished layout. One thing i noticed, in fact it screamed out loud was how much more realistic hand built trackwork in code 75 bullhead rail looked when compared with the more usual code 100 commercial offerings. Last year a chat with master trackbuilder Norman Soloman convinced me that this was the way to go. I bought some C & L components and started building my own turnouts, i have now built 32 and am about to start on my first slips.Shortly after commencing i discovered 00SF and now build my turnouts using 00SF tolerances through th common crossing area and the resulting turnouts look much more realistic. I have now finished my trackplans and have planned the baseboards, avoiding joins under turnouts and plan to commence construction in the next month. I will be attending Warley again this year where i am sure i will be able to get some more invaluable advice. I would recomend to any of you to attend Warley as it is not only truly inspirational but highly educational.
Warley NEC Model Railway Exhibition
in RMweb Exhibition/Event Calendar
Posted
I decided to re enter the hobby just over two years ago and shortly after i attended my first Warley show (2012) and was astonished by the standards of modelling on show. It became very apparent to me that if i was to build a decent layout i was going to have to plan things very carefully and acquire some new skills. I spent the next 12 months searching out a suitable prototype and thinking through the operational logistics of the finished layout. One thing i noticed, in fact it screamed out loud was how much more realistic hand built trackwork in code 75 bullhead rail looked when compared with the more usual code 100 commercial offerings. Last year a chat with master trackbuilder Norman Soloman convinced me that this was the way to go. I bought some C & L components and started building my own turnouts, i have now built 32 and am about to start on my first slips.Shortly after commencing i discovered 00SF and now build my turnouts using 00SF tolerances through th common crossing area and the resulting turnouts look much more realistic. I have now finished my trackplans and have planned the baseboards, avoiding joins under turnouts and plan to commence construction in the next month. I will be attending Warley again this year where i am sure i will be able to get some more invaluable advice. I would recomend to any of you to attend Warley as it is not only truly inspirational but highly educational.