Neils WRX

Forgot this one I’ve done another job no one will notice… One of the buses now has a driver and a few passengers. As I said no one will notice…. Thanks, Neil

Another mainly photos and video update. I did discover one feature of the z21 route setting you can delay actions happening so the level crossing starts flashing, the points move and finally the signals clear, a great feature. The only addition since the last update is a class 18.2 electric which is a bit to new for my time period really…. Originally I wasn’t going beyond about 2010 but this has slipped on many occasions including several LINEAS liveried locomotives. So the addition of a “new” class 18 is a logical step. The model is by LS Models and is of course sound fitted. A few videos and pictures. Mehano 5183 fitted with DLoc sounds. 6106 by B-Models / Van Biervliet on the fuel point. 9101 passes through with a couple of tank wagons. 6257 by B-Models stabled on shed. 5403 by Roco leaves the depot. The model is fitted with a Stayalive and Dloc sound. Finally something very random, went to the Warners Brothers Studio Tour a few weeks back. Only thing of railway interest….. Thanks, Neil

Really interesting layout I will watch how it progresses. I do like something completely different. re the name I’d stick with “Roy in a Cave”. Out of interest was the railway freight only? What sort of rolling stock did they use? Thanks, Neil

Enjoy reading this thread, re your new potential layout does the 9 foot length include include a fiddle yard? If it does I’d possibly go for a depot layout as they can be good fun. (I might be a bit bias as I do own a depot layout). My other layout has a scenic length of 9 foot with a 5 foot fiddle yard on the end. This allows a loco + 3 scale length coaches to run. Looking forward to developments. Thanks, Neil

What do you need fixing, I tend to order the spares myself, Gaugemaster can also supply Roco bits provided you have the part number. Piko will also supply bits direct, Jouef / Rivarrosi couldn’t supply bits unless I had a very specific part number. Hope that helps, Neil

Next Exhibition!! My local one in Paisley 2nd and 3rd December. Come along and say hello!! Thanks, Neil

Some actual modelling has taken place :-) I have a M2 coach that is used for the depot staff train. I thought I’d detail the vehicle a bit starting with the interior. The coach is by Trix and is one of quite a number I own. This one has its gangways retracted so won’t be used in longer trains. First job was paint the interior, the vehicle I picked was 1st/2nd with smoking accommodation, so after a quick spray of grey primer. The first class non smoking seats are green, smoking ones are red and standard class is blue. Having reassembled the coach and put it on the layout you couldn’t see the interior so I added some lights, I used the moving sensor ones from TrainTrax which are ok as a temporary stop gap. And with the layout lights off. Thanks, Neil

i know what you mean about the LSM 18’s, I said I wasn’t going any newer than 2010, then I brought a ESU Lineas 66 and then a Lineas 186 turned up now I have gone and brought a 18…..

You are correct the Bocq is from Ciney to Spontin and beyond. Eventually the line will open to Yvoir but that’s maybe a few years away. They have a Gala second weekend in August (it’s well publicised) which normally involves some visitors. The only thing I brought this year was a book. In previous years they have had a model layout but this year it was a big Lego train set and a SNCB Driving Simulator with control desk etc. There are swap meets in Belgium and one happens at St Ghislain in the old loco depot maybe twice a year. Most of my purchasing is done on line, not sure the last thing I brought from a shop in person for the layout. Other preserved railways in Belgium that are worth a look are Dendermonde-Purrs, CF3V at Mariembourg, and Eeklo all have events during the year. Thanks, Neil

i went for the sticky Velcro option, just 2 plugs to connect along with the 2 wires for the track. Also going to wire in a programming track electrical connection as that was a pain when I connected that last time, getting my big fingers in a small space!! Thanks, Neil

Quick recap of the summer stuff. When I built the layout I had ballasted the carriage sidings with “clean ballast” to represent recently relaid track. One reason was to add a bit more operational interest and make use of a track machine. I remember seeing a model of one in operation at the exhibition in Glasgow a few years back. I knew Viessmann produced one with Infrabel stickers I just missed buying one when they came out. One turned up on EBay and I’ve added it my collection. Initially it ran poorly over the point work, on further investigation one wheels was slightly too narrow, so I adjusted that and problem solved. Here’s a video of it doing its thing. I’ve also been adding and swapping chips around and the Lineas 186 now has sound. The original model is by Piko. I have added a ESU Loksound chip to it using a 185 sound file. One of the versions has the same software as a 186 and listening to several clips online it sounds spot on. I have also added sound to the LS Models 27, I’d like to add sound to the 13 but taking the body shell off is a complete paff… Thanks, Neil

First update in ages, as it’s been the Summer and J’ve been doing other stuff like holidays etc. Did manage a visit to Belgium for the first time in ages and went to the Bocq Gala. Even made it a family holiday using trains to get around. Here on a visit to Brugge. One modelling job was to use a “really useful box” to contain the Z21 and modem. Should hopefully make setup easier at exhibitions. I have been fiddling around with sound again on a few locomotives but that’s for another update. I have been carrying on with the weekly Facebook update so here are a few random pictures. Thanks, Neil

I’d suggest getting a Lokprogrammer it’s really easy to change this stuff, to change taillights to come on when the headlights are on or have them off and on a separate button to switch them on. Thanks Neil

Glad you like the thread. The Rancid Ashtray and other ferries…. Always had a soft spot for the Princesses (Jet foils)…. No real knowledge on the Van Biervliet 51’s I think a small batch of green ones appeared as I saw some pictures on a Luxembourg Model shops page, but that’s all I know I’m afraid. I haven’t ordered any myself I actually quite like the Mehano ones as none of mine have suffered from the split gear issue. I have fitted Stayalives and use Dloc’s sound files and I’m quite happy with them at the moment (until I see a VB one)…. Thanks Neil

I agree as well, all sparked after a debate on another thread about signals not being visible from normal viewing distance!! thanks, Neil

Minor wiring change which no one will notice…. One issue I’d wanted to fix was the ground signals which I felt were too bright. So contacted DCCconcepts and they suggested I fitted a resistor between the board and the light. So here is a comparison. On the left is the unaltered signal on the right is with the resistor. A bit better, but as I said no one will notice…. Thanks, Neil

Nothing Much to See Here …. As the title say’s not much has happened pretty much all my modelling time has been spent on the Belgian layout. Just one arrival, yet another 751 this one with the later ribbed body style. The model is by Roco and I have fitted an ESU Loksound v5 Decoder and at the moment I’m just using the standard decoder file. Next are just a few random pictures that I’ve posted on the Belgian MPD Facebook page. 749250 - Roco 743086 - MTB 751004 MTB 781505 Roco Thanks, Neil

Luke, Fair enough, I do remember the “fire and forget” when I helped operate the layout. Although I did try and play to the watching public a bit, slowing to a near standstill being checked at a virtual signal, before accelerating away. Should you want to automate the mainlines the IRDOT system should be your friend with one on the exit to the fiddle yard (to make the signal “go green”) and another 30 cm after the signal to turn it back to red. Thanks, Neil

I’ve done some stuff… I keep forgetting to update this this thread, I tend to just add stuff to FB as it’s quicker, take picture on my phone write a sentence and hit send. In the last month I’ve crossed 300 likes and unsurprisingly most people come from Belgium…. Modelling wise I’ve just wired the lights into the DCC Bus so they are on all the time, originally they went through the Roco Switch Pilot to turn the lighting on/off. This was done so I could turn the lights off in case they got hot, but at home I tend to only ever operate for no more than 30 minutes at a time so this shouldn’t be a problem. I might wire them back into a switch before its next exhibition which should be Paisley in December. One thing I have been looking for, for a while is some Belgian concrete fencing. This has a very distinctive design, I did think about getting some 3D printed. Happened to come across this manufacturer by chance and they produce Laser Cut fencing which is very fine and just needs cutting out and painting. As I have said a number of times one of the objectives of the layout is to run electric locomotives with pantographs up. I have had a long standing issue with some LS Model pantographs which catch going through the points. It tends to effect the ones with thin heads and only when leaving carriage siding 2. Anyway when I looked closer (with a phone picture as it wasn’t visible from normal operating distance) I noticed the wire had not been soldered correctly, so fixed this and as if by magic the problem was solved!! Another 62 has been added to the fleet this time 6257 by Van Biervliet as part of their “Budget Line” although not sure 300euros is very budget…. The loco has a slightly different livery with the number higher up on the nose. I think this is my 16th class 62. Quick picture of it on shed. Thanks, Neil

Sorry to reopen the signaling debate, I meant to post yesterday but didn’t have time. Although the signals can display a range of aspects may be just stick to a couple eg, red/green working. I have done the same on my layout with one signal showing red or caution, instead of lots of other options. I have added them as part of the route setting on my layout using a Z21. For your layout you call a route from the fiddle yard you just add an extra step to clear the route (out front). For a “complex route” the same applies with the relevant protecting signals being red. I’ll shut up now…. Thanks, Neil

I think adding signals is a great idea, agree it would be nice if they worked but understand the practicalities. That was for me the one thing that was missing when I helped operating it in Glasgow. Thanks, Neil

Anyone exhibited abroad post Brexit? I have an invite but not sure it will be possible. Thanks Neil

Keep forgetting to update this thread. Anyway two recent arrivals first is another class 76, (No not a BR DC electric) these diesel locomotives were brought by SNCB from NS in the late 1990’s to work LGV construction trains and were withdrawn in about 2002 once other locomotives were available. Both Piko and Roco produced models of this class based on the Dutch versions. In my personal opinion the Piko models are superior. Piko produced 3 livery versions, the traditional “Dutch” grey and yellow livery, the original NS brown livery and a green and yellow one. I purchased the first two versions when they were announced but didn’t buy the green one. As time went by I regretted this decision so when one came up for sale on a Belgian forum I jumped at the chance and added one to my fleet. I’m not sure why the locomotive was repainted in a Belgian version of the Dutch Railways livery but the body shell has been amended to include the revised headlight arrangement which I didn’t even notice until they were side by side. The model came fitted with a decoder and a “retune” improved its running. My other 2 76’s have been sound fitted and this one might get an upgrade at some point in the future. With its class mates…. The other addition is a bit more modern. In 2017 Lineas repainted a 66 into its house colours Trix announced a version of this locomotive last year, I considered getting one but it was quite expensive and I’ve never been a fan of Trix motors. Then a month back ESU announced one and I ordered one from Lippe (using up some vouchers) and it arrived at the beginning of the week. The model comes with loads of different sound options and sounds slightly different to my other 66 that is also fitted with a Loksound ESU decoder, guess that’s down to speaker arrangement. The model is also fitted with smoke which is something I’m never very sure about on a diesel. Anyway it runs well, has automatic flange squealing, and the brake disks light up on heavy breaking. Here are a few pictures: Old and new…. Might get a video done next week. Thanks Neil

More Light If done some more modelling…. The lighting tower from Amazon now has power. I’ve added another signal (again from B Models) this one is on the depot bypass line just before the crossing. This signal is linked into the Z21 Route Setting and will only clear once the level crossing is active. The next new signal is under the bridge and not that visible as it’s quite hidden but I can see it from my normal operating position by the fiddle yard. It’s a DCConcepts Ground Signal which I’ve raised up on pole and added steps at the rear. As the signal is on the right hand side I’ve added a directional arrow. Thanks, Neil

More jobs!! Since last the last update I’ve added a catenary run off / ski jump at the small fiddle yard. Again I used some spare catenary masts I had in stock. The masts are set 10cm from the edge of the board the same as the larger fiddle yard. Another problem sorted was the poor running B models/ Van Biervliet class 55’s. The early version’s suffered from the gear wheels splitting. Initially they supplied replacement gears but my first set of these split as well. So the next solution was to supply replacement bogies at 25euros a piece. So I ordered 4 and fitted them. It was a straightforward job once I had figured out what to do. 5537 CFL18 On shed Problem solved and they both run smoothly :-) Thanks, Neil