halsey

Hi Paul, Having been thinking/playing with ideas over the last few days (now winter is upon us!) I have arrived at a few conclusions - too much rolling stock is causing me "indigestion" when I want to have a short operating session - hence various items now on RM classifieds - it seemed logical to remove the diesel theme and some wagons - the comment re operational 00 sidings is one I am reflecting further upon as you might be right! Also I have simplified the bridge so I really can and will move it - it had grown into a bridge with a collection of easily moveable buildings backscene inserts etc and that was stopping me taking it apart - it is now a more simple affair. Chris' input is still of interest but might fuel a complete re-think next year rather than a trial fix now. Cheers.......... J

I agree but it's a serious "trial" of 009 as this might be the beginning of a complete rethink new project for next winter to finally get away from the dreaded lift out section. My current thinking with nil experience is that 009 might be too much of a fiddle with ageing fingers and all I have see so far is very "toy" like. Also I do want my final layout to provide for continuous running but I also want it smaller so it gives me back some of my log cabin for other projects - 009 allows for re-use of all buildings and backdrops and general 00 "stuff". No rush and plenty of time to experiment................. I assume 009 can run with DCC and my current controllers - which chips are best - everything is Zimo in Bachmann locos at present

Hmmmmmmm, Before I go too far with my most recent (last winter) layout revision thoughts - over the summer my mind has wandered around introducing 009 within Hawkesbury - probably by re-purposing the canal/brewery section. IF the main line turnout was "stopped" with a short spur/siding and the remaining 3 sidings completely removed what could be achieved and what would be right - thoughts on a postcard please........(that shows my age) J

Just to put my "oar"in .......... Lift out sections are a real dilemma certainly for me and I would caution against "lifting" anything other than 2 simple tracks on the narrowest straight (but substantially built) lift out section possible. "Hawkesbury" is now at a stage where its down to more detailed modelling to move it forward and I am once again facing the dilemma of living with the lift out as I tend not to actually lift it out but grovel underneath and that I'm finding increasingly physically hard - lifting out, however simple, is still a faff and still requires time and fiddling to avoid derailments. BUT I don't think a layout without loops would ever keep me happy - hence the dilemma Just to add as I have many times over the last 5 years or so - the "team" at RMW is a fantastic resource for a newbie or returnee I couldn't have even started without the level of help on here. Above all enjoy the "ride".............. J

Coincidentally I have one of those awaiting construction next! J

Better?? It's why my first stage is always to lay it out and then paint (ballast/tracks/roads/grass) as it gives the idea some substance - then photograph it and you will see the "faults" much better - it works for me at least........... Nearly there with the new track now - all wired and working and I've gained a siding! Got trees and walling on order .......... J

Hi Chris, I agree about the siding lengths they re just set to the max for now and can/and will be easily shortened as the buildings dictate........... I like the separation introduced by the "small factory" but yes it must have road access........ I hadn't even thought about not having a tunnel entrance and therefore no roof over it............. Again I agree so I will experiment perhaps embracing "lmsforever"s suggestions as well ie a wall and tree barrier.............. Cheers J

Thanks for that - it certainly keeps me sane - esp over the last year! I can't get any trees between the track and the back scene but the rest of your ideas are providing food for thought ..............

I cant believe its 3 weeks since my last post! Lots being going on on the railway and elsewhere - finally got rid of all of our contractors and all done and SWMBO is very happy! "Hawkesbury" has made some progress with a serious change to the goods yard track layout and a consequential change of buildings - nothing's finished yet I've just laid it out to represent where its headed and to keep me going and to think about a couple more buildings as I do want it to be quite tightly packed! Any ideas for finishing off the "top" of the tunnel mouth (behind the low relief Factory/Mill where the "Deltic" EE prototype is entering) would be appreciated - open fields is still the favourite as it was in much earlier versions.

So what have I been doing???? Lots of construction under way 80% just placed here to give an idea of the extent of the canal/tunnel mouth remodel/demolition to allow for a much more industrial theme. I'm very pleased so far................I like the (very good and very cheap) back scene/house/warehouse fronts from "scale model scenery" IMHO the quality of their stuff is excellent...........

Well ............... thanks to "Chimer" I have "discovered" the Metcalfe Industrial kit range and love them ................I have therefore now decided to give the canal area a complete re-think and am going to create an Industrial area focussed on that range of buildings based around the canal basin with Warehouses, Offices and a Brewery The Boiler house was a bit complicated (one section has 6 folds!) but very rewarding to build great value /hr building time for the £ and very sturdy 2 kits built 3 more kits on order and still to go in so it will be busy - for those who follow the detail on this thread I've decided I'm going to set aside some of the goods yard area as a small workstation space for running repairs so the remains of this area will blend into the fringes of the industry probably with a small amount of track relaying to create straight(er) sidings. All good fun and I'm enjoying it which is the main point after all. Hope you are all enjoying modelling in the snow today. Picture of the new Hawkesbury BRS depot attached to show the fleet of vehicles which have just arrived Cheers J

I think "droop" is the issue - I don't use uncoupling ramps as I prefer "hand of god (dental probe)" - I've shortened one vertical 1/16th" 'ish and problem solved so not an issue

Update - this loco runs like a dream but due to its length it has caused a couple of clearance mods (notably the tunnel mouth under the raised section) to ensure smooth running - disappointing it hasn't got illuminated cabs but otherwise all good. A TECHNICAL QUESTION..................... I have noticed due to unplanned "uncouplings" that on some of my locos (all Bachmann) the vertical arm of the coupling hook is catching as it crosses points and thereby causing it to lose its "train" - is this a common fault re-solved I assume by shortening the offending arm section?? Comments?? Cheers J

No it's a real wall but a totally different one employed to transition from brick to stone into the countryside using the hut as a visual break.

Where did that EE Deltic DP1 come from - its on its inaugural run in April 1955 (my birthday!) - that's why it looks so very clean Just purchased (not cheap) but a bit of fun....................

Hi, Just won a fairly pricey Type 55 Prototype Bachmann 32-520 NRM Electric Blue Deltic (eBay from Ray Heard Model Railways?) - lets hope it is OK when it arrives and converts to DCC OK (it just fits my era as it is 1955 according to wiki and my birth year so cant be bad!). J

Well remembered re AGR, all my stock is Bachmann (incl DMU) Hornby has never been good to me. J

Sorry not a fan of Hornby - probably because I was brought up with a Fleischmann DB layout with my Dad Remembering I do run a speed whiskers DMU!! .................. Cos I can!

Hmmmmmmm I wasn't aware of Accurascale (but I am now) - ignoring the obvious built quality what is the running quality is it based on production model/chassis? Interesting - a "55" might be another "rule one" purchase - which would be the most relevant 'guise" for my late 50's LMS layout/theme? J

Hi, I am suffering with the same issues - getting sick of contractors being around at the moment (even though they are doing a great job) - I want my house back!! Modelling definitely on the back burner for a week or so........

Hmmmmmmm Clearance I agree haven't been running anything since placing them Will ponder the "stub" - I thought it needed to be the longest Loco length - what purpose does a stub serve ??

I think this is the preferred layout for the BRS "huts" - thanks for the various contributions......vans awaited to set/test the scene ............. "Metcalfe Small Factory" placed for photo - it may be the right place but I need to make up the other 2 kits to see how they sit together - enjoyed making this one its a nice item.

Thanks for that - it wasn't even on my radar for this job but I can see the benefits...........

Just a quick question As your various layouts progress do you stick buildings in place?? I am finding it annoying to keep knocking buildings out of place but feel if they were stuck down they would be more likely to be damaged In reality 90% of my buildings have found their permanent homes on "Hawkesbury" so could be stuck down. If its a "yes" to sticking, as almost all of my buildings are card how firmly do you stick - glue, double sided tape (my preferred I think) or a.n.other method. Thanks J

Hi Paul, Point well made ...I have ordered some vehicles and people to provide context to assist that decision/thought process Finish not decided or even thought about much as yet - but likely to be gravel/grass/informal. Watch this space - I'm pleased with the general direction of travel so that's what matters........... BFN J