young37215

Amazing picture, I grew up in Patchway and spent many a happy hour around the station and the Blue Bridge (the bridge to the rear of the picture) during the 1970's. I can recall the old siding that is to the right of your picture (hidden by the passing train) but was unaware of the trackwork to the left. It looks like there was a third platform, can anyone advise what the trackwork and its purpose comprised ?.

I have been using my 2 servo controllers to control pointwork on my layout ( http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/119560-west-highland-line-v4/page-3&do=findComment&comment=3074604 ) for several months now and have got comfortable with them. The servo controllers are linked to a Multipanel which I have been driving using the pop on switch which can control 2 servo controllers. Now I want to add more servo controllers I need to change how I control them and so my next step is to develop a control panel. Having reviewed the Megapoints videos, I also decided to upgrade my Multipanel to the newer 'plug and play' option. For an electrical dotard like me, the simplicity appears perfect. I bought the various bits from Megapoints and started to build the control panel. My outline plan, a control panel for 4 stations and a fiddle yard. Control panel with Megapoints Multipanel with 2 each of the Switch and LED expansion boards which allows switches for 6 Servo Controllers and control of up to 72 servos. Garelochead station 'drilled' with switches installed Garelochead again from below Garelochead with LED's connected Underside of the control panel with 80% of the required wires installed. All in all the activity has been straightforward and, once again, just as shown in Megapoints videos on Youtube. There is a lot of wires involved but the 'plug and play' approach made this easy if just a little fiddly. When powered up all of the appropriate LED's lit up but before I could test changing them I made a power connection error and managed to reverse the voltage to one of the expansion boards. The result is that everything has stopped working! I am not sure what damage I have done and have just packaged the expansion boards and Multipanel up to send them back to Dave Fenton for his assessment. Watch this space for further developments.......

Thanks for rotating the pictures, I missed the error when posting. First time posting using my phone. Clearly practice is required!

Catenary reaches Patchway

The room is about 14m by 3m with baseboards between 800mm and 1000mm wide running around the edge of the walls. In an effort to keep it all manageable in my mind, I break the layout up into sections with each section comprising a station or a yard typically joined by a fiddle yard type space. My full plan has 9 sections; I have started the 5 that make up the lower level and am determined (famous last words) to finish these before starting the 4 on the upper level. Crianlarich is about the largest individual section at just over 5m in length although at present Arrochar to Ardlui on the opposite side of the room is one long run from one end to the other. I have not got the scenery clear in my mind for these 2 sections yet, Whilst I like the longer run this allows, my desire to run the working timetables as best I can means it may be I need a hidden break between the two stations. I still plan to have 6 stations, Fort William and Glenfinnan along with Fort William depot and Mallaig junction yard will be on the upper level when it gets built. It may sound contrite given I have a great space already but again for operating purposes, I would like a further intermediate station between Crianlarich and Fort William (ideally Bridge of Orchy since it was one of the busier crossing points). The trouble with this is that I can not find the space to fit it in without losing any of the existing plan! Personally I am of the opinion that authentic backscenes are the single most important factor in creating the impression of the highlands. At this time I do not have a clear picture of how to achieve this on WHL4 which is a bit of a worry. However from what I have seen of Meanach I don't think you have any cause for concern about doing an actual WHL station should you choose.

Nothing tangible to show for the last few weeks efforts which have all been focused on layout control. Some months ago I installed a Megapoints system to drive servos for the pointwork at Crianlarich which has worked well. On the back of my experience I have 'invested' in additional Megapoints servo controllers for the pointwork at Garelochead, Arrochar and Ardlui. In time these will also operate the semaphores. I want a central control point and having decided on Megapoints 'plug and play' multipanel, I need something to operate the multipanel. This will be a mimic panel to use Megapoints terminology, which I have not built before. First step was to construct a trial board for Crianlarich which are the only motorised points at this time. Basic but it seemed adequate for my trial purpose. I then drilled additional holes for the LEDS that will provide directional guidance for the points which trashed the test panel! Clearly I needed a larger baseboard to accommodate the number of holes required for switches and LEDs. As a first step to determine the required size of test panel 2, I took a more scientific approach to decide on the spacing of switches and LED's. A useful learning exercise although it looks a bit like someone has machine gunned the panel! In the light of this learning my next step is to build test mimic panel version 2. However the battery on the drill expired before I could start, it had been well used, and so in the spirit of engineering work I ran a few engineers trains. 20184 rests at Arrochar (it will be 20184 when I finally get around to re-numbering) with an train of discharged mermaids 27032 sits at Ardlui waiting to collect grampus loaded with spoil and plank wagons loaded with other waste

Further researching of the RCTS website states that red and cream was applied around 1981/82 following a company name change. Given this is my chosen era combined with the later livery that Invicta have chosen for their coaches and the absence of a BR Gloucester RC&W DTC, my planned weedkilling train has withered away!

Thanks Marlyn Yes, I have both books and very good they are too. If anyone is modelling Scotland then these are a first class reference guide. regards Rob My original objective was to create a definitive list of the wandering articles as a reference guide for myself and anyone else who is interested. With thanks to Paul in filling the gaps, the list reads: No. 1 Arrochar & Tarbert + Upper Tyndrum - July 2000 No.2 Fort William : March 2003, page 148 No.3 Arisaig & Glenfinnan - July 2003 No 4. Rannoch: November 2003 No 5. Mallaig : March 2004, page 153 No 6. Bridge of Orchy: March 2005 No 7. Ardlui: July 2005 No 8. Crianlarich: November 2005 No 9. Tulloch: November 2006 No. 10 Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge: March 2007 No. 11 Garelochhead: July 2007 No 12. Corrour: April 2008

Further delving into the RCTS informative website reveals that the coaches were converted for weedkilling purposes in 1975. The usual Fisons weedkiling train of that time comprised 3 or 4 coaches (of which Invicta are producing 2) made up of 3 ex LMS porthole stock and a BR Gloucester RC&W DTC ex 56315. Initially they were liveried in yellow and green before they became the property of Schering Agrochemicals Ltd and were painted into that companies livery of green with a white stripe as will be produced by Invicta during the winter of 1987/88. Coaches were withdrawn in 1989. Conclusion is that they ran in the Invicta livery for about 3 years in the late 80's which is not quite the era I was hoping for! Looks like a re-spray required to cheaper Bachmann LMS porthole coaches is required to re-create the yellow and green I want. A shame for me because I had hoped that Invicta would produce an off the shelf solution for my requirements.

If either of you are struggling for detail of the chalet style building, you will find plans including the roofs and further detail on the buildings construction available on pages 150 and 151 of March 2004 Railway Modeller. The plans are across the 2 pages and will not scan very well so you really need the original article. If you do not have back copies then I suggest that you have a look on Ebay where there are usually plenty of old RM's to be found. As I suspect you both know, I took the easy route and sub contracted the building of my station buildings as they are way beyond my level of capability. I would have thought these should serve as a good starting point for any roof construction.

I looked again at Invicta's website and noticed that delivery for the two coaches is scheduled for late 2018. Can anyone put an era to these coaches? I had originally thought that they were 70'/80's but I am now having second thoughts. Pictures that I have found suggest that the coaches pre-date the 70's.

Nothing like a quick follow up to the tankers then, I recall buying the wagons years ago. Still at least the coaches appear on the horizon but I will not be holding my breath waiting for their arrival!

Wow, what a comprehensive reply; thank you. I must confess that the thought of building MSE signal kits fills me with trepidation. I managed to buy several of their ready made LNER lattice signals a few years back where the excellent standard of the construction simply compounded my fears. Nevertheless I guess I need to have a go, the worst I can do is trash a kit! Virtually all of the signals I need for my WHL4 layout are tall ones where I have spent many hours pondering how to measure the height without any success. Your comment on counting the lattices is a simple and obvious solution (provided I can find sufficiently detailed pictures!) Thanks again, I really appreciate the time and effort taken to explain what you have done.

I share Meanach's view on the quality of the semaphores as I too am struggling to find a way to construct the variety that I require for my WHL layout. I feel confident that I can automate them using servos and my Megapoints system but I am a long way away from working out how to source the actual semaphores and what size they need to be. Please share a little more detail about your signals, I am guessing they are MSE's but that is as far as I can work out. Rob

A little more digging off of my own back reveals the following updated list of articles, I am uncertain about no's 1, 3 and 4. I think 3 is Rannoch. I have found the later articles and confirmed the RM issue at magazineexchange.co.uk Anyone care to fill in the gaps please? No. 1 ? : July 2000 No.2 Fort William : March 2003, page 148 No.3 ? Rannoch: July 2003 No 4. ? No 5. Mallaig : March 2004, page 153 No 6. Bridge of Orchy: March 2005 No 7. Ardlui: July 2005 No 8. Crianlarich: November 2005 No 9. Tulloch: November 2006 No. 10 Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge: March 2007 No. 11 Garelochhead: July 2007 No 12. Corrour: April 2008

Fantastic, thanks for the quick and comprehensive response. Unfortunately I am not quite certain of your sorting order, No 5 is definitely Mallaig from March 2004 as I have a copy in front of me so I have inferred that Bridge of Orchy is probably No 4 from November 2003. Numbers 1 and 7 appear blank so I assume you do not have details of these? Please could you check and confirm my interpretation as below? Thanks again, it will be really good to get a comprehensive list of these articles. regards Rob No. 1 : July 2000 No.2 Fort William : March 2003, page 148 No.3 Rannoch: July 2003 No 4. Bridge of Orchy: November 2003? No 5. Mallaig : March 2004, page 153 No 6. Ardlui: July 2005 No 7. ? No 8. Crianlarich: November 2005 No 9. Tulloch: November 2006 No. 10 Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge: March 2007 No. 11 Garelochhead: July 2007 No 12. Corrour: April 2008

The title refers to a series of articles written by Ian Futers for Railway Modeller. For my personal use and reference, as a first step I am attempting to capture details of all of the articles. If anyone can add to the list below I would be grateful. My second step will be to get a copy of each article, either as a copy of RM or as an electronic document. I have underlined the articles that I already have, can/will anyone help in filling the gaps? regards Rob No. 1 ? : July 2000 No.2 Fort William : March 2003, page 148 No.3 No 4. No 5. Mallaig : March 2004, page 153 No 6. No 7. No 8. No 9. No. 10 Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge: March 2007 No. 11 Garelochhead: July 2007 No 12. Corrour: April 2008

Running the 1982 WTT on WHL continues and it is pleasing to record that the track laid to date all seems fine. Derailments are minimal and there are no noticeable drops in power supply. The track on the two lines from the fiddle yard to the crossing at the north end of Crianlarich has been weathered. Next steps at Crianlarich are further track weathering, fine tuning of the platform edges to avoid contact with trains and the start of constructing the surrounding hillsides. I want these all sorted before I move onto ballasting. Looking at several other WHL layouts with recent updates on RMWeb has caused me to review my plans for backscenes. I had intended hand painting mountains onto the walls but the standard of some of the printed backscenes are such that I am considering a similar approach. 37014 arrives at Crianlarich with a Glasgow bound service from Oban 37049 approaches Crianlarich with the 1230 Corpach to Mossend 37049 arrives at Crianlarich and passes 37264 on a northbound freight working 37049 and 37264 await their respective departures from Crianlarich

The last few weeks have been spent running to test the track combined with adding further droppers to the power BUS. Electrical work is something I endure rather than enjoy but it's a necessary evil and I am determined that running will not be compromised by scrimping on the electrical work which means 2 droppers connected to each and every piece of track. To maintain some interest and to test the recently re-profiled wheels of my ETHEL, the sleeper service is currently running with mark 3 and ETHEL. 37026 arrives at Crianlarich with the London bound sleeper 37026 arrives at Arrochar with the same service and awaits departure

The issues that cause delays are far wider than just problems with the 37's. For example Northern crew are unfamiliar with and don't like loco hauled operation making them prone to calling failures for marginal problems the rolling stock is also dated and prone to fail, particularly the DBSO's the cumbrian line is in need of repairs and upgrading I am sure there are other less well publicised issues. Put them all together and you end up with a problematic service

Your pictures really create a strong feeling of the western highlands, the scenic work in particular is first class. If I can get close to this with my WHL based layout I will be chuffed to bits.

Several excellent looking WHL layouts have been putting in an appearance on RMWeb of late and the standards bar is clearly being raised! I managed a little more development at Crianlarich today with the bridge railing added and polystyrene laid out at the southern end as the first step to forming the surrounding hills. I also fixed down the baseboard and rails to both routes to the north of the station making the area much more stable. One or two more droppers are required and then I can start to weather the track prior to ballasting. In addition I am spending as much time running trains as practical to test that it all functions. To date my only problem is the protruding piano wire from my servo driven point motors which I have learnt needs to be kept as low as possible to avoid fouling rolling stock. 37022 takes the northbound bulk alumina hoppers out of Crianlarich and on to the bridge 37022 crossing the bridge Pway are working today, the OWB arrives from the north into Crianlarich The OWB stables in Crianlarich yard 37026 arrives and departs Arrochar with the 07.00 Mallaig to Glasgow

The penultimate photo of my last post shows the northern end of the fiddle yard. The upper level line is the one on which the 37 is currently sat and which will rise up a 1 in 40 gradient about 100mm to the upper level. At present it is proving useful as a storage siding! http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_01_2018/post-24755-0-38827400-1515741386_thumb.jpg

On review, my last post was not very clear and factually inaccurate which reflected my frazzled state of mind when I drafted it. To clarify, the fiddle yard has 11 through roads holding a maximum number of 11 trains at any one time. My problem was that when the yard is full I could not run locos round their train and trying to solve the conundrum frustrated me; I could not see a solution. The design of the fiddle yard had two main aims: provide the storage required to run the WHL WTT, minimise shunting requirements to keep derailment risk as low as possible, The fiddle yard delivers both although the northern exit point creates something of a bottleneck. Oban trains have their own entry/exit point which is linked to the rest of the yard. The solution was simple enough, leave the layout alone for a day or so and the answer becomes clear. I extended 3 sidings at the northern end creating a store for freight stock away from the through roads. It all now works, a veritable feast of 37's line up in the fiddle yard all facing in the right direction for the start of a days operations.

Whilst wandering through Ernie Brack's wonderful WHL Flickr site, I found a picture of Bridge of Orchy which answers the 'did the coaches ever move' part of the above question. The picture is undated although on the basis that I cannot see any semaphores, I am inclined to think it is after 1986. https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishswissernie/36536540725/in/album-72157684935256154/