Ray Von

This is where the other two lengths of 19" 2" x 1" bracing will go, after all the wiring etc is done. As mentioned in the thread, the majority of track (first radius curves and points) are setrack, which will be non-scenic - the inner curve is flexi track made into an approx 15"(?) curve, which works fine with my class 08 and farish 16t mineral wagons in testing. :-) I'm pleased with that. The scenic area will be 3 x streamline points and flexi track sidings.

April 9th Posted a thread about the layout on RMweb. Noticed that holes made for point motors are far too close to the 2" x 1" bracing for under board point motors to be used! Images show first hole drilled and the next intended... No problem though, this has led to the discovery and purchase of 2 x peco PL11 surface mounted point motors (on the plus side : no soldering needed!) I may however, have to dig up some of the cork tile to mount them properly. Awaiting delivery of the motors....

Weds 5th April (or thereabouts) Got some materials from the local timber yard, 1 x 12mm ply 4' x 21", 2 x lengths of 2" x 1" @ 4', 5 x lengths of 2" x 1" and 4 x metal L brackets. £9.98. From my local Model Shop I had already purchased the "peco starter pack" Gaugemaster controller plus fishplates and track pins and online, some flexi track and 3 x streamline points. Finally, from eBay - a pack of 9 300 x 300mm unsealed cork tiles. And I made this:

Sorry Andi! You're quite right. I'll let you know how I get on when they arrive...

Ok, I've ordered 2 x PL11's from Hattons... :-)

Cheers, Although I've just seen this on Hattons webpage: "N gauge points will need to be raised by approx 2mm for the drivebar to engage correctly with the tiebar." Hmmmmm. So, would that involve packing under the the whole of the point section of track? And would that result in a "bump" in the track. I suppose my other option would be to cut out a piece of the cork underlay (4mm) to accommodate the motor then put something 2mm in the recess. In effect lowering the motor by 2mm as oppose to raising the track?

Thanks guys, I will probably order a couple of the peco motors (pictured) as I can see me having the same issue further along the track: In this pic the green arrow is the hole I've already drilled and the red one is the next to be made. It runs along parallel to the bracing, but both of these sets of points won't be visible.

Ideally, I'd like it motorised. But, as I say - surface mounted would do just as well. I'd be interested to know though, if a crank mount would be an option as Keith suggested?

I will be taking you up on that! One of my point motor holes is way too close to the bracing! I suppose i could use a surface mounted motor tho, as it is in a non scenic area...?

Thank you chaps, that feedback means a lot to me! I do have two more pieces of 2 x 1 - and I will probably place them as follows. I've enjoyed making the baseboard, a bit less confident about the wiring and electrics... Thank you again.

Cheers for the input guys, I did actually buy five of the short lengths of 2 x 1 and some metal L brackets but the layout is currently about a week made and is still as flat as a pancake, so i haven't attached them as yet. The cork tiles are unsealed, but i have painted around the edge of the whole layout and the joins between tiles with a strong PVA wood glue and they are held down with double sided carpet tape, so far so good. I was going to plump for 9mm ply but, erred on the side of caution, it makes it a bit of a heavy b*gger - but I'm really happy with what I've come up with. PS, and it was made in about two hours (including driving time!) Maybe I could start a business....

Hi all, just wanted to show what could be done with under a tenners worth of timber! As you might know I've had a bit of a wait for my previous - commissioned - layout, so I have struck out on my own and made a start on this New (edit 'N' not 'New') gauge set up. It is 4' x 21" on 12mm ply with 2" x 1" bracing (maybe a bit OTT.) I've cork-tiled the top and have just started to play around with the track formation. The inner radius track is flexible and is just taped in place at the min (hence the egg-shapedness!) I have drilled 5mm holes under the points for siting motors at a later date, hope that's sufficient? Any thoughts or suggestions at this stage V welcome. :-)

Cheers Giles, so rubbing a balloon on my T-shirt prior to sprinkling wouldn't have the desired effect....!?! :-D Just kidding, thanks for your help.

Hi, I'm fairly new to this lark and have never used static grass before, can I just ask- do all of these static grasses have to be applied with one of those electro static gizmos? Or is there an alternative? Thanks in advance. :-)