halsey

14 hours ago, Tallpaul69 said:

Hi Jules,

Apologies for lack of input since May but I have been rather busy after the delivery my own layout!

 

I think you are in danger of trying to get a quart into a pint pot, and that you will regret minimising your mainline sidings.

While often, less is more, I don't think a minimal 009 will compensate for the loss of 00 capacity and buildings.

 

But at the end of the day, it is your layout.

 

Best regards

Paul

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

On 16/09/2021 at 22:32, Harlequin said:

Storage loops on the lifting section seems to be a contradiction in terms...

 

You can't store anything there when you want to lift the section to get in or out.

 

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

55 minutes ago, Chimer said:

 

Much better for vehicle access, but I still think that's the wrong sort of building for that location.  Something like the Metcalf Goods Shed would sit much better there I think.

 

Cheers, Chris

Coincidentally I have one of those awaiting construction next!

J

On 11/05/2021 at 17:39, Chimer said:

Hi Jules

 

Your specific question - ditch the tunnel mouth, there clearly can't be a hill there to tunnel through, shift the building left a bit and just let it act as a view blocker, with fields visible beyond.

 

You may want the area tightly packed, but I don't reckon that Metcalf factory (?) in the top pic (between the Jinty (?) and the DMU) can stay where it is.  You can't get at it other than by rail, and anything sited there would have to be railway owned, I think.  So I think I'd shift the building and use the space for something else, and maybe shorten the sidings so a lorry can get into the space from the near end.  And perhaps move the siding the Jinty is on nearer to the platform road, so the space is between the two sidings.

 

Coming along nicely, though.

 

Chris

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

9 minutes ago, Chimer said:

Hi Jules

 

Your specific question - ditch the tunnel mouth, there clearly can't be a hill there to tunnel through, shift the building left a bit and just let it act as a view blocker, with fields visible beyond.

 

You may want the area tightly packed, but I don't reckon that Metcalf factory (?) in the top pic (between the Jinty (?) and the DMU) can stay where it is.  You can't get at it other than by rail, and anything sited there would have to be railway owned, I think.  So I think I'd shift the building and use the space for something else, and maybe shorten the sidings so a lorry can get into the space from the near end.  And perhaps move the siding the Jinty is on nearer to the platform road, so the space is between the two sidings.

 

Coming along nicely, though.

 

Chris

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

19 minutes ago, lmsforever said:

A very good layout   as to were the Deltic is on the last pic, howabout a sloping brick wall joining another wall surrounding the buildings.By sloping I mean start behind the building say just below the third high window and possibly bring it down in steps till it reaches the normal wall around the buildins.A couple of trees would also help to screen the exit.Also trees behind the track would help  and behind were the building is perhaps entension of hillside which will cover the tunnel exit.  Hope this helps ,

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

2 hours ago, Tallpaul69 said:

Surely uncoupling will only occur if the rear coupling on the loco and the front coupling on the first item of stock both "catch" on the point trackwork?

Or is it that the horizontal arm of the loco coupling is at an angle because the item of stock's coupling is too high?

Does the problem occur with different locos coupled to different stock?

 

I suggest you put offending locos on a siding (or spare bit of track) where you can look at them at eye level and see if the coupling horizontal arm is horizontal . Ditto with the items of stock that come uncoupled from these locos.

In my experience the occasional loco or stock coupling develops a "droop", but this is rather rare.

 

I would be careful about shortening the vertical bar as this is necessary for use with uncoupling ramps!

Hope this helps?

Cheers

Paulk

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

On 02/04/2021 at 15:32, halsey said:

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....................

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

36 minutes ago, Chimer said:

To my eye, that's a really good-looking transition from 3D to 2D scenery in the second picture.  I can't tell whether the stone wall behind the blue and yellow peril, between that hut and the tunnel mouth, is real or on the backscene?  I think it's on the backscene, in which case kudos for picking it up with a real wall this side of the hut .... 

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....................

On 24/03/2021 at 18:59, Tallpaul69 said:

For late 50s I suggest the production 55s were too late?

The prototype would be more of your time, but I think only Bachmann have done that and no doubt they are now going for silly money on the Bay!

In new models what about Hornby's awaited Standard 2-6-0 (78xxxs)?

Cheers

Paul

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

Just now, Tallpaul69 said:

If you haven't tried any recent Hornby products, (except DMU?), give them a try?

I seem to remember you have bought items from Anthony at AGR in the past, give him a bell or email and ask him what he recommends (maybe something out of his second hand stash?).

Cheers

Paul 

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

J

11 hours ago, Tallpaul69 said:

For late 50s I suggest the production 55s were too late?

The prototype would be more of your time, but I think only Bachmann have done that and no doubt they are now going for silly money on the Bay!

In new models what about Hornby's awaited Standard 2-6-0 (78xxxs)?

Cheers

Paul

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!

17 hours ago, Tallpaul69 said:

Had some good news itens today!

 

Firstly, my layout builders have started cutting wood for my layout, so at long last I can see a (dstant) light at the end of the tunnel.

So now have to finalise a few things with them before they start track laying next week.

 

Secondly, my new laptop is being delivered this afternoon - now all i have to do is get it working!

 

Getting back to the warehouse, attached  are a couple of photos of the area concerned.

 

 

Currently the track is stock storage and the hard standing car parking. With the new laptop around a start on drawings might have to wait until next week. Also I need to do some research on suitable buildings.

 

 

Have also signed my wallet up for a severe beating over the next few months:- 15xx, Accurascale Manor, Dapol Manor and Dapol 61xx.

Good news that Dapol have listened to customers and are sorting out the drive ratio and fire flicker (and several other moans) not just on their new locos but also on a further run of the mogul. I am waiting for a version of the mogul with the Collett cab before venturing in that direction again.

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

On 21/03/2021 at 19:30, Tallpaul69 said:

I was amazed to realise today that it is 10 days since I posted anything in this thread!

 

This has been due to two things:-

1) a lot of house/garden/family things got in the way.

2) at the same time I have lacked modelling inspiration, so have had little to report, although there is a stack of jobs on my list, such as Kadee coupling fitting and stock detailing!

 

 

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........

5 minutes ago, Chimer said:

Maybe a tad more clearance between the huts and the track?  Not easy to judge but looks a bit tight?  

 

And do you need more than a 1" stub track coming from the turntable in this direction?  Don't see an operational use for the longer track, and losing it would give you a bit more space to play with for your compound area.

 

Such fun tweaking someone else's ideas ..... 

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.

32 minutes ago, cypherman said:

Hi Halsey,

You could try clear bathroom silicone sealant. It sticks really well, But also has the ability to just peel off when you want to remove stuff.

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

21 minutes ago, Tallpaul69 said:

Hi Jules,

What is going to be the final treatment of the baseboard surface around the huts?

 

I would be tempted to put them side by side in the lower right corner of your pics. This would allow a good sized area for other things such as parked vehicles piles of who knows what etc.

If you space them out too much you then have the problem of what to do with the space in between!

Cheers

Paul

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

Pretty "chuffed" with my first "scratch-build" - there were bits left over from the 3 "proper" Nissen huts and those along with some scale model scenery corrugated fencing and some wooden coffee stir sticks I managed to create this........bonus model....

I have decided this area is going to be an early BRS storage compound - a couple of vehicles now on order