Shanghai Diver

You don't want to know how messy it got! But I learnt a lot about what not to do, and more about what I wanted, so thank you!

On the loco shed: there is a bit (lot) of rule 1. Whilst the station building I am using was at a station that had a racetrack (both defunct) and that had given me a "busy day" excuse with crowds coming in. To @Rivercider point, it is small town, with goods and an occasional spike, perhaps an annual weeklong festicval event. I see this as a moving diorama and I like to see my engines. So rule 1 lets me 'display' them in a bit of context. (This does go down a hole of perhaps having horse access onto trains but not aware of that anywhere). The second siding behind the Cattle dock was there because CJF has put it there in the starter plan I built out from. Admittedly, there was a further one north of it and nothing south of the station. Now you highlight it @Flying Pig, I wonder if the longer platform goes that side with the SB? The goods sidings then became a feature at the front. I was trying to get some operational complexity, but that currently doesn't do it. That also doesn't help the private industry siding, but there is now a reason to have that on the 'L'. BUT I liked having a low relief warehouse of some kind at the back. That has been the problem - seeing things and then trying to do something 'different'. But it has forced to look at lots. I see what you mean by the Sidmouth suggestion - as a Hampshire boy (with no real BLTs n my next of the woods) I perhaps need to look further west. The angling feels like the obvious thing. I'd been tinkering with that after FP's first suggestion. I like the build - I had at one point connected the Shed to the run around, but not considered a link to the FY as a goods runaround. I think I lose the top siding per FP's record as well. I'm still tossing up the idea of moving the longer platform. It would be logical if there was some sense of town coming in top left. @Harlequin great advice as always. I must admit, I did nearly lift Hampton Melstead and have been through the early part of the 2018 thread a lot. I noted early on you killed the TT. I had also looked at Woodstowe which has lots of space to breath. There is a sense from people here, less can be more. (I am also going to look at Launceston, which I don't know). Thank you, this is all useful, and if it wasn't 11:45 at night be off to work on this now! Feeling more enthused than I have done for some months. Ben

Hi FP, thanks. I was beginning to think about rotating. It adds interest after all I think. Let me have a look. On other layouts: completely agree. Part of my "problem" I why I eventually shared now is I have perhaps read too much, especially on this set of threads! I have got to "analysis paralysis". The number of plans printed and doodled on Lots of great ideas (and real life examples) and I have run myself into a standstill. Not sure if that makes sense?! I'm probably being a little stupid by sometimes thinking "that's their's" but it also becomes shades of grey. Hence retreating to CJF and stealing a little from others. This is the kind of prompt I needed, thank you. Ben

A week is a long time in this part of the world. The feedback above was very useful and made me step back and think about what I wanted including how I wanted and could use the space. For a long time, there was still trying to do everything above (including files aptly name "Chimer"), before proving to myself (head vs heart) that a raised terminus was not going to be satisfactory in the space. Then, with further prodding, I dropped everything to one level, but it was not coming up as satisfactory. Trains going round a tight loop without disappearing...wasn't working. So I went back to the drawing board, and started reading again. The old books, here, and exploring others layouts. Where this took me was "What can you do with 8x4 that is more than 8x4?" For a start, I found I could get a 10' run by using 4x 4x2'. Also that what I wanted was a station, some kind of goods yard and something that would be interesting to move trains about in. And something to learn from, so I need to at least (start) designing the thing myself.. This has taken me into BLT territory, which was surprising and challenging. I could lift from a CJ Freezer book or from another layout, and largely, I have. But part of the process here, is trying to make sure I learn its I go which has meant working to build my own solution. The attached is probably not great - even though I have tried to include what is "correct". But it has ended up (and I have been around the houses the last few weeks) still somewhat busy. What I have tried to include / wanted to do: - Have something that was going to be interesting - but not frustrating (this came from a comment above on the factory / goods terminus) - Passenger traffic and freight. I like both a lot - be able to turn around a loco - hence the TT, although, it feels hugely dominant - a double engine shed on a BLT - I know, not likely - but there is a desire to explore - a station that can take a 3 carriage train easily (and I want to be able to use my incorrect Schools Class and other Southern locos, pre BR) - A fiddle yard - time to do this - I like scenery, and quote honestly, I am FAR better at building than layout design so wanted some space for that, hence I have kept some space at the top for that (may be kidding myself) I am broadly happy with the lower side - basically a CJF (he put the goods yard south of the station and then other goods activity north of it for complexity) with an added siding at the goods shed. Have been mulling a dairy type solution but can't get a story for the kick back tail. Will probably go and the board narrowed. The upper side, and I want a cattle dock, feels "hmmm". The TT feels too far to do the job of turning an engine at a terminus. I did link it back in (manly why the inspection pit is there as but that came back onto the mainline. A warehouse approach at the top may be too much, but creates a reason for an extended siding. So, if people would indulge this - where are the big "fatal" errors here? No prizes for counting the most! - what could be done to make the goods sidings more interesting? Wagons are pretty and would rather have them "around" as much as hidden in a fiddle yard - I may be able to add 30cm to the LHS, but won't be able to create 'U' Lifting set track designs all these years has been good - but not helped the design head! Fixed radii have been somehow easy as A must eventually fit Z! Hats off to all for whom this comes naturally. The buildings, the painting and the modelling, much more so for me, but I am keen to get something that fits that. Ben

I sent a second hand N Class loco on a very circuitous journey back to Bachman via AMC after it threw out a con rod pin and I couldn't fix it. There was a 30 pound charge "which includes a small amount of parts". Repairs via shops tend to be collected as the sales person visits and then returned when they come back. But not a problem for me. Run perfectly fine ever since.

I've had useful conversations with this company. They told me what was fixable...and not. I completely get the affection for old locos and desire to run them, so to me, 20 quid or so for a professional service feels worthwhile. Others may disagree or have experience with this service. Am sure if you sent some pictures they could do an assessment for you as well. Sounds like the engine shown here is older than your fathers: http://www.Hornby-railway-trains.co.uk/Services/Tri-ang_Princess_Elizabeth_Service/Tri-ang_Princess_Elizabeth_Service.htm but gives a sense and walk through of servicing if DIY appeals. I have got a couple of older engines running again, one 1980's model better than I recall it running when new (luck?) having serviced them.. I have NOT dismantled the motion but Hornby have a double ended con rod spanner if you fancied it. (noticing the incline in the pics. Assume older engines go up OK, newer ones less so? Working on ditching mine in a working plan when time allows so being nosey!)

Quickly - thank you very much. Digesting...been moving house hence the hiatus! If only it was owned... got about 15x15 but not going to happen here Back in a week or so I hope!Sketching and fiddling in the meantime...

I had wondered about creating something modular. (As I type, it might solve some other issues). Thought had been to have a 18" by 4', or like that at 90 degrees for a fiddle yard that would feed into the main layout under the loops. OK, 4'is not hugely long, but better than ought. You can see where that leads...moving the station and reducing the incline rate. Station could be longer, but not that much so no set length creep. But if designed in the right way, would be easy to disattach (?) for moving. Would kill a few birds with one stone. I know...inclines on bends. The only other I had WAS on bend. I may have taken too much stock in what our friends in Devon have suggested as possible. I('m not going to show you my son's little layout with a point across two boards...!! Get, the, er, point).

That's nice. Needs some thought. I'm not wedded to the engine shed there. The station shunt idea I have had half an eye on so will investigate.

It won't be running a 10 coach set up it so that consideration isn't there, so I am "cheating" somewhat. I appreciate modern trains don't have the traction power even an old Lima Western diesel once had. I won't be able to drop the lower tracks because of the site although it is a very nice idea. It would also add some interest if it were possible.

My last incline was 30+ years ago...and that was the Hornby piers type (which worked fine, but those locos won't be on it, well, not much). Much of what I have read is keep it under 4% but your experience is well received! That's something I have stolen directly from Peco...it's come and gone and come again to be honest. I am trying to determine how it wouldn't work. Bracing was considered. Motors not. The reach for the track is only 20cm and had intended to keep the whole side open excepting bracing. All very useful, thank you.

Bloomin' Mac user here so its Railmodeller! I could upload a file but if people want to play they are very welcome but I don;t want to be too indulgent of others. I am assuming your thinking is similar to Dungrange? I had thought about linking line on the lower station...probably need to. No, or not satisfactorily and that has been something I have been toying with. Do I make it a sweeping curve station? It's a thought (previous versions have had it at 90 degrees). Am not keen on an angle across the board.

Had wondered about this. There is the cross over in the top, but it's a long way. Mentally I was trying to avoid 'point overload'; it has been previously too easy just to keep adding and it's suddenly all points...will have a look (and this is exactly the type of feedback and point outs I was after). In both instances, the trains unintentionally run counter to the direction of the outer loop. I'm certainly not after hundreds of trains, but, whilst I like the passenger stock, freight stock is in good supply. That needs a look at. Thank you - this is great, simple, obvious but missed stuff.

Whilst covering multiple markets, the UK is here. Toluna have been doing a 'barometer' for a few weeks now with updates. Covers multiple topics, but if you want / are interested in a general pop comparison of opinions on social gatherings, etc. then this is a good place to start. https://tolunacorporate.com/client-resources/insights-and-trends/ YouGov also have an equivalent but not as comprehensive. Both will work well along side a good sample of enthusiasts on the RM version. You'll need to download the PDF, probably supply your e mail but you can opt out of updates etc. BT

Hello, I enter this with some trepidation. Having tried, and failed, not without some marvellous help from people here, in tracking (!) down the design of a layout I once had I have gone forth and developed something of my own. It's ultimately a desire to move on from a series of sterile loops and squeezing the widest radius onto a 6x4 space but knowing that a) I won't be living permanently in once place for more than 2 - 3 years for the foreseeable, BUT b) taking advantage of now having space for 8x5. It has taken many attempts to get to here and hours of playing around, which in itself has been hugely satisfactory (and I think a good learning experience in itself). The main aim has been to have an elevated station / element whilst also having some kind of loop with goods sidings etc. For some, it will be like dragging finger nails down a blackboard and very unsatisfactory but am constrained by circumstances and a desire to have something that has trains moving for an extended period, not just a short end to end. What has "gone": a 3rd internal loop changing the base loops back to ovals from an egg shape addition of the sidings at the bottom and the top of the loop (for a goods yard) not having them cut into the middle Why all the middle space? Well, there is room for more track but I like a town scene and enjoy the build of that. And also, I realised how 'busy' it can get with lots of track and not so much point to it in this type of set up (less seems to be more?) A few other points this is designed with Peco streamline code 100 with the odd exception of set track points this will be Southern region stuff - moving some of what already have; buying for the future but nothing is more than 4 carriages. Freight also. straight sections are 50mm centre to centre, pushing out to 55mm for curves (which in tests provides ample passing space on Maunsell coaches) and in reality will be more the board here is just under 8x5 and the marked edge is 50mm (plan smaller, room for error) the gradient is 3.9%, 0mm to 100mm minimum radius is 457mm, so Tracksetta 18inch radius it'll be non DCC to begin with, but that will come access under the raised section will be possible from the side buildings are generally Scalescenes. more to be added but there are terraced houses, cottages, (plus a 3DK terrace) and the warehouse, plus the engine shed I was going to do something with the SC station for the raised one. I already use and will repurpose the smaller station buildings there will be (currently 5 year old) who will always be interested The keen eyed may notice an amalgam of two layouts in Peco's compendium, no's 11 and 40, plus an old Hornby layout. Some working thoughts (and then I am done) the cattle dock and warehouse: lose the points that turning it into a passing loop as well. Add another siding and a goods shed? take the bottom siding and continue under the raised section and connect back to the outer loop? lose the head shunt / siding on the gradient? scrap it and start again? It's not mind blowing, but then have not found anything that is on this size. But is there something clever(er) to be done? If RMWeb didn't exist I'd be broadly happy with this but looking at the blank middle with an eye to doing more. Many thanks for any thoughts or tips. BT

I run them on one end of a 6x4 currently and they work perfectly well. Its tight - you have 20mm breathing space - but it provides a somewhat more graceful run. It drops to a R3 at the other end and you can get small buildings, line side things in if you want. You'll probably want to add scenic interest in the middle.

I did find a reference that suggested the layout was a CJF one, so that would figure. Anyway, not turned up yet. (6x4...early teens bedroom....now an apartment in Singapore. Always space limited and moving )

No, I wish it was! It was a magazine as it became incredibly tattered. Was not hard cover. (One thing I HAVE discovered - the VAST number of modelling publications that have existed over the years!) Thanks for the input.

Having had a look through it feels right - especially the odd "special edition" but can't find it unless it was more hidden away in a standard issue than I thought! Oh well...

Hello, huge long shot, and likely super annoying question as the details are so vague, but anyway here goes: Does anyone remember what appears to have been a single issue magazine that focused on a 6x4 layout published in 1985 or '86 (I would guess). May be a couple of years earlier. The layout was not that different from this http://www.freetrackplans.com/Hornby-5E.php although I am sure that there was a terminus station on the upper level and I had to adapt and put the bridge in. The magazine was basically a walk through of how to build and create the entire thing and it was basically my layout for years. It wasn't Hornby. Chances are it was picked up in Mainly Trains in Chandlers Ford by my dad who brought it home. I used it for years but in parental house moving the trains survived but the 'scrappy looking' magazine didn't. I am pretty sure it had a dark green cover. Showed how to build the supporting structure do the landscaping etc. Scoured eBay, searched here. Hoping this may job some memories. Naturally, I always kept it as a temporary layout for space reasons. Now would be a chance to revist (space is a constraint, folding against a wall is not. Long shot, I know. Just thought there may be some now mid 40 year olds whose fathers also brought this home... Thanks for any thoughts...

Paul and Alton Model Centre are the absolute best. Always helpful in store with advice, ideas and solutions. Never chases you out as, invariably I arrive far to close to closing. And he quite happily deals with packages arriving from Singapore and posts things out as well. Looking forward to a December visit.

May well be that. Have tried the above and it certainly moves better with direct to motor connections on the track than via the track and the right way up but not what I would call smooth... booo.

Have been mightily pleased to find this thread, albeit late to the party! I have an old Joem J72 (also a Christmas present when I was aged 5 and from the original Mainly Trains shop in CF!). It had the usual issues described and I had found my way to Peter's Spares for a new cog (the two other axel joins are fine). Have stripped it down, as much as I can here, and got the motor ticking over at about 80% of new, in both directions. Wheels now quartered again and cranks straight (it must have been one heck of a coming together when the cog wheel snapped). Now, it is back together. But it only really works upside down. Odd, as that makes the wheels contact the chassis with less pressure than if right side up. It picks up well from a piece of track, all upside down, but put it right side up and I can barely get it to move. Any thoughts on why this might be? I had never investigated inside or got into the Mainline way of building, but have recognised how well it was detailed, before many years of child and early teen use. All horribly sentimental: doesn't exactly fit with what I do, but as a workbench project it is something I want to get working! I still have the wagons for it...

Was going to be my suggestion. Then got to the "depends on which version and when you are modelling which may change things. The BR image has the extended water tanks. The original LBSCR versions didn't, or not all of them. Did pumps change over time? Otherwise I am with '3'.

Yes, I thought the same. Then realised it wasn't that! Anyway, went for the other factory...partly built. Instructions a bit muddled on this one I must admit.