HeatonLodge40

32 minutes ago, peach james said:

Simon,

I know it is a bit different as this is a commercial undertaking, but perhaps what you need is a way of harnessing the local clubs to provide "stock lads" (though I suspect more will be >65 than <20 ! ) and/or, the internet community to augment you & your staff.  Even if it is a case of putting back coaches/wagons into trains after derailments, such a thing might help relieve some pressure from you to "deal with" putting back on the 2-27 wagons on the train that end up left behind (or piled into a stock tray) after an incident.  

Ideally candidates would know more than they will...as in, what train goes where, how digitrax and RR&Co work, and how to make the perfect cup of tea :).  but, if you could get some local support, it might make it a little less of a chore to run as you are.  

How I'd look at it is via a scheduled day (or multi days) for the "stock lads" to help, and provide a basic outline of what is needed on your 1/2 day of testing/setup prior to opening for the punters.  (as a must attend, not a "perhaps" attend).  That way you have some idea of their competency to do the job, and explain the role of the job (stand here, look good, until wagons are strewn all around, then put them back on the train...).

I'm of no use- there's no road from Shirley (Canada) to Shirley (UK )

James

James

You make some valid points James. 
I’m probably guilty of doing too much on my own to be honest, I hate asking for help. 
Defo a learning curve this ! 

5 hours ago, Steven B said:

I took my tame six year old on Sunday and we had a very enjoyable time.

 

We parked at Trinity Walk (50p for all day on Sunday!).

 

The layout is stunning. It captures the area amazingly well and we had lots of fun counting sheep and spotting the different cars and buildings. 

 

As has been mentioned, I felt the trains were let down by the lack of variety of coach and wagon types. It's already been mentioned that kit built stock doesn't cope with the demands. Hopefully when the likes of the Dapol HEA become available they'll be added to the roster.

 

I was also surprised that many of the trains were running without tail-lamps and that most locos hauling trains still had their red tail lamps lit. I'd have thought both would be easy to do in O Gauge.

 

I shall look forward to seeing it again when the station and yard area gets developed. Based on what has been done so far I won't be disappointed!

 

Steven B.

Thanks for the compliments Steven.

One thing I have learned (about doing a two week stint operating a layout) is that initially trains start in the morning with tail lamps and no rear loco lamps.
However after locos fail/wagons fail/heavy trains split (because of coupling failures) and new wagons quickly slotted in, it’s impossible with two operators to make amends.  

It is a shame  there’s not enough variety of stock in O but that’s manufacturers for you

Once again thanks again for the great response. 
Yep I have to say the accident pictured was caused by a VAA van hand brake detaching on points and derailing the whole set. 
I initially expected derailments every half hour but it’s becoming about every two hours now. Definitely settling down . 

Only thing is I don’t tend to reattach the wagons from an accident so the trains are usually shorter by the end of the day! 

7 hours ago, Melangoose said:

Myself and two friends made the trip from Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire to Wakefield to see this Masterpiece.  Wow absolutely amazing, the attention to detail on such a large project is mind boggling.  Thoroughly recommend it regardless if you model O gauge or not (I don’t).  Especially like the frost effect.

 

 

Thanks very much for a great video and for travelling all that way! And for the great comments. 
Must fix the double headed ‘50’s setting off a bit too quickly though 

10 hours ago, sparkey1957 said:

Can anyone advise me if seating is available to take a break as I'm planning on taking my 93 year old friend. Also are refreshments available. Many thanks.

 

Yes there are seats around the perimeter 

11 hours ago, big jim said:

I may be working the early hours of Saturday morning , finishing in Doncaster with a hire car around 9am so I recon I’ll divert via Wakefield and the M62 to get home home and have come and have a look 

 

out of interest, any decent model shops in the area, or indeed en route between donny and Wakefield or the M62 corridor back toward Manchester After I visit, I only really know of rails and Arcadia that fit the bill 

Going Loco is in Wakefield- actually quite a good model shop for a local one 

11 minutes ago, Denbridge said:

Though Simon has also said that the layout can be run manually and semi manually in addition to the automation.

Yep, but the layout runs in full auto at this event to give visitors the full effect of constant heavy freight negotiating different converging routes etc. 
Any manual running would cut the traffic flow by 80% or more which I don’t think would provide much entertainment to people watching. 
 

2 hours ago, GWC1 said:

It would be great to have a 'guest trains' day - I have a 123/124 hybrid set and a 195 that it would be good to photograph running through HLJ.

I just can’t accommodate this at this event I’m afraid.

All the locos on the layout have their CV’s synchronised with the automation to run to preset braking and acceleration etc

HLJ is on BBC breakfast just after 9am tomorrow 

1 hour ago, Middlepeak said:

Simon,

 

Just to reiterate how much I enjoyed today's visit from the darkest Fens. Congratulations on what you have achieved. A true spectacle.

 

I must say I really enjoyed the opportunity to look at the detail you have incorporated into the model. With any sort of large model the temptation is always to gloss over the detail, but you have it there in spades. A lot of my photos were of the little things - the signals, the p-way and signalling crews, the sewage works and the vehicles, but that's not to detract from the trains themselves.

 

I also thought the sky 'curtain' behind the layout made a huge contribution towards the autumnal feel of the whole scene - great!

 

The other thing to reflect on was the lineside conversations we had with other visitors, including an S&T worker who had spent the early stages of his career on this route. A great opportunity for railwaymen to reminisce, away from the less convivial atmosphere of a conventional exhibition.

 

Only one tiny regret. As a Mancunian lad who regularly travelled the route in the 70s I was looking forward to seeing a Trans-Pennine DMU, but it didn't seem to be running today. A good excuse to visit at another venue in the future!

 

Seriously Simon, and outstanding achievement and good look with your venture.

 

Geraint

Thanks very much for the great comments.

Yes I’m sorry the 124 has died. It overheated after I put in more lead so it could get up the dive under. It’ll be repaired before long. 
 

Thanks again 

1 hour ago, blackpete said:

Looking forward to visiting on Saturday. I'm guessing face coverings are mandatory?

Not yet just advised. But the situation might change 

I don’t mind doggies but the council don’t allow them in any of their building so apologies 

11 minutes ago, AY Mod said:

 

Watch your back lifting that lot Simon! 

I’m pushing it Andy, it’s got wheels! 
 

Meant to say ..The new Heljan 73 will be making a debut as will the 56 (pulling a huge MGR train).  
An outrageously loud Class 55 ‘Alycidon’ will be on a special with double headed ‘50’s on another 

Lots of activity as HLJ gets packed up. Some very late nights ahead! 
Locos are going in these flight case trunk drawers, can you spot the odd one out? 

Yes what the local council say and what they do are two different things. 

Might be worth mentioning to those of you you who are planning to come along - there isn’t any catering but plenty of coffee shops within 100yds.

Council are very keen to get a ‘throughput’ of people which I somehow doubt will happen.

West Section is a typo in the local paper - yes meant to say Westgate Station 

Allan started to hate Colron wood dye after it went from oil based to water based. 
He’s probably shaking his fist from above at the very mention of it right now!