FJ1701

Well if its a terrier then that would be an absolute waste of time by Hornby considering Rails have already joined with Dapol to produce a new 00 model.

Hi everyone Over the past few days I've been looking at the layouts track configuration, more specifically the station throat and saying to my self that there's just too much track. It felt too congested and the changes have allowed the surrounding spaces to breathe making the layout feel much larger and more realistic for its era. Below are two images showing a before/after comparison. Before: This is quite an old image but shows the track layout in its original configuration. After: As you can see, I have removed two points simplifying the track layout but also reducing the tightness of the curves leading into the fiddle yard. Having a single track leading away from the station also supports the layouts story if you like of being a single track branch extension from Lee on Solent. The bridge being suitable for two tracks also suggests that there is room for future expansion but its not financially viable to double track the branch at the current time in the late 80's. As featured in some previous posts, I have started on the platforms using the Metcalf platform kit. Its going reasonably well but there are some visible marks which will be touched up later with weathering. And lastly, a new arrival for the layout. This Bachmann class 411 is a superb model and fits in nicely with the area and era of the layout. It seems somewhat oversized compared to my 450 for some reason but it's a lovely model. I'm currently playing around with the cv values to get its acceleration and deceleration right for the layout. It was an absolute bargain at only £120 with a chip already installed, unfortunately this didn't work so I swapped it out and annoying scratched the model in the process of removing the body. Luckily its just a minor scratch but it will be covered up with weathering in the future. Thanks Rory

In response to the very first post, I would like to say that these new trains are well built and provide increased capacity on previously congested routes however they are cold, uncomfortable and just too clinical! I do agree however that some routes such as the West Coastway line needs it stock replacing, the class 313's are just pitiful to say the least with awful seating arrangements and much more. Its an absolute delight when I get to travel on a Southern class 171 with comfortable back supporting seats and carpet to absorb and contain the heat. But when I look across at Brighton station and see these Thames link class 700's, I do laugh to myself because they have ironing boards for seats, hardly any handles for people standing up and no screen dividers to at least keep the warmth in when the doors open. This along with the absence of carpet results in a very cold train however its a people mover and I suppose it does it's job well. Okay that's all folks, rant over. Cheers Rory

Yes a higher cost, but a higher quality of product and customer satisfaction. You see we can all agree that Bachmann has the upper hand when it comes to modelling emus/dmus and has a history of getting it right, something Hornby lacks with disapointing models such as the 423 vep. However this is not a thread for slagging off Hornby, I'm merely suggesting that if an Electrostar were to be produced, people will pay the higher price for guaranteed satisfaction. Cheers, Rory.

I actually built a 4mm layout based on Midhurst set in 1951 and It was of a reasonable size but certainly not true to scale. I had an old thread showing the progress of the layout however it never got very far beyond the track configuration which was prototypical for its time. There are other Midhurst based layouts out there however I felt they didn't represent the station properly with altered track configurations and use of stock that would have never appeared on the line. Cheers

I think most of us can agree that if someone were to produce an Electrostar, Bachmann would be the preferred choice even if it took two years to manufacture

With Hornby in financial difficulties and "breaching it's contract" with Barclays, I wouldn't be surprised if the company is reconsidering who their target audience is. With a discerning lack of interest in railway modelling for the younger generations in light of the digitisation and advancement of the internet games industry, perhaps it's time Hornby change their image. The Thomas and Friends range was a good decision and one which allows Hornby to focus on their medium to premium range. Of course they need to keep an open demographic for the future but in my opinion, they should focus on highly detailed models that the consumer wants or ensures high profits for them. The modified Coronation class was a step in the right direction, one can only hope Hornbys future is long and prosperous. Cheers Rory

Well it's nice to see people are recognising what i'm trying to achieve. I think the railway sleepers create a good effect, not only representing the groynes, but also suggesting that parts of the track were ripped up by British Rail and streamlined which certainly occurred in the later decades of the 20th century. Cheers Rory

Evening all, So in the past few days, I have got quite a bit done. Here the retaining wall has been glued into place on a light curve to give depth to the backvscene and provide more interest in terms of scenery. Unfortunately the siding in the foreground has been shortened to accommodate the wall however I think it looks very effective and definitely looks better than placing it straight up against the back scene. A few days ago, I received a large amount of these Hornby stone walls but they needed repainting. Now i'm a novice when it comes to spray painting however I picked it up quickly and the walls turned out very well. I used Humbrol Gun Metal Grey to achieve a grey stone wall appearance. Excuse the mess. The stone wall comes in small pieces that over lap each other when connected, the joins will be covered up later on. The brown wood that's spread along the front of the layout is supposed to represent sea defences. They need some more work but they have achieved the overall look I am after. Another view showing the stone wall and wooden sea defence along with a very nice beach hut which subtlety places the layout next to the sea side. Here is an overview of the stone wall. It all seems to be coming together very well and how the wall follows the curvature of the track looks quite good. Again I need to clean up! Any feedback is much appreciated! Cheers Rory

With the wonderful weather, it's been very difficult to work on the layout however a few items have arrived that you may be interested in. As I talked about in the introduction, the railway is based in Hill Head, between the sea and small cliffs so the railway much lower than the town. A series of retaining walls ensure the land above doesn't collapse but also acts as a road connection from the station up to Salterns Roads (located on the bridge). These Hornby Skaledale walls proved to be impressive with a high quality resin design and subtle weathering. I have also Purchased this stone wall along with two beach huts and railway sleeper walls. The stone wall will act as a barrier between the sand and the railway sleepers will act as wooden barriers like you see at the beach to stop coastal erosion and keep the sand in one place. The beach huts are a nice addition but will really set the layout next to the seaside. The stone wall needs painting however so that will be completed in the coming days. Here you can see the stone wall again which really follows the contours of the railway. As mentioned in the previous post, I have started on the Metcalf platform kit working on the brick sides. They look very effective but the joins are quite obvious, something that can be rectified later on. Cheers Rory

Just wondered about how Dapol and Bachmann are both producing the same model and if Bachmann are still going ahead even though Dapol released theirs first. I saw online that it’s due out between August and September 2019. Begs the question whether Bachmann will really go ahead with its release. Cheers Rory

With a trip down to the local model shop, the layout is progressing well however I will first show the construction of the layouts extension. This set of points allows the trains from the down line to crossover and reach the platforms nearest the backscene. Not only does it create more operational interest, but it also allows any train to reach every part of the layout. A backscene board has been installed behind the bridge to act as the cut of to the fiddle yard area. The curve into the fiddle yard is quite gentle until it bends round beyond the bridge, after that it tightens to ensure more space in the yard. And here is the fiddle yard. As you can see, it has a number of tracks which can mostly hold two to three car DMU's however a four car unit can comfortably be hidden from the scenic section. The metal prevents the boards from rubbing together and decreases the chance of damaging the tracks which are held on to the board with copper clad sleepers. This ensures a secure connection and so far I haven't had any issues. With a new topic being created, I thought an overview of the layout was justified. I have just purchased a metcalf platform kit so I will be working on that in the coming days along with various things arriving such has retaining walls and beach huts! I hope you have enjoyed, cheers. Rory

Yes you are quite right, anyone can put a name and location with a layout but its the justified reasons that make it that bit more believable. Of course no one can predict the future and if the line was in-fact created and survived Beeching, I agree it would probably be completely different to my imagination. But that's what making a layout is all about, exploring and using the imagination.

Hello everyone, after much deliberation, I have decided to relocate my layout for various reasons explained in the new thread. A link to it can be found below: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/133236-hill-head-br-blue-circa-1986/

With the layout being 9ft long, this has allowed me to extend the once fiddle yard area and relocate in to the back off the layout giving me the full 9ft of scenic running space. The track is code 75 with the majority of the sleepers being re-spaced to achieve a prototypical look. The boards are made out of large softwood planks for the sides and ribbing with 9 mm ply for the top base layer and the backscenes being 5 mm ply. Six legs not currently installed provide a sturdy structure to ensure the layout doesn't wobble when standing up. A switch panel controls the six cobalt point motors however this is to be upgraded to a large switch board. The layout currently has 4 platforms, one however being disused as a kick back siding. The basic components of the layout such as wiring and the majority of track has been competed by a previous owner however more will be installed in due course.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2i7n57p.png After much deliberation, I have decided to start a new thread after my layout didn't suit the location of West Wittering. Here we are then with an extension off the Lee On The Solent branch with a terminus located at Hill Head. Set in the late 1980's, the layout with feature a mixture of BR Blue rolling stock along with hints of Network South East and occasionally Regional Railways. The branch from Fareham was never extended west to Hill Head and even though the original line to Lee on Solent closed in 1935, one can only wonder how busy it would have become at the end of the 20th century if it was extended. So that's what this layout will try to represent and below is the introduction to the fictional branch of Hill Head. The railway station will be named "Titchfield Haven", a nature reserve that is a prominent feature in the Fareham area. The route follows the old Gosport branch from Fareham and then splits at Brockhurst Junction heading West towards Lee on the Solent. The station at Lee on the Solent provides run a round facilities as the branch is only single track to keep costs low for British Rail. The line continues west following the coastline due to the geography of the landscape to finally reach the terminus at Hill Head. Here, a medium sized station was built to accommodate large amounts of passenger traffic from the surrounding areas with refuelling facilities and a stabling point for locomotives and freight traffic. The large influx of commuters and holiday makers justified the expense of a third rail system to allow more efficient trains to run. The station however lost many of its features such as a run around loop and obsolete sidings in the late 70's following the streamlining of the railways giving way to a decrease in locomotive hauled trains. As the line heads west towards the station, It follows the Salterns Road running parallel with the line until the railway crosses underneath two road bridges to the station located between the beaches of Hill Head and the small cliffs running beneath Hill Head Road that prevent the railway from heading inland. The station is also situated near the nature reserve giving it it's name.The station comprises of a brutalist booking hall with canopies extending half the length of the platforms with wonderful view out onto the Solent. To see the current track plan, please go to post 19! - Not to scale and subject to change. The layout will have three usable platforms, the top one being fenced off to serve as a kick back for the siding and will use third rail electrification consistent with the West Coastway Line. As the layout is based towards the end of the 80's rolling stock will vary from locomotive hauled to DMU and EMU units. As for locomotives, class 33's and 73's will perform the majority of passenger services whilst also performing some fright and parcel duties. Class 47's and 50's will appear for services to the west country and to Portsmouth and Brighton. However these services will only be formed of two coaches as the full train will be formed at Fareham Railway station. Services from Reading will use class 205 and 117 units and long distance services to Cardiff Central using new class 156 units. Rory

Yes I do get your point, with hindsight I should have really taken another trip down to West Wittering to understand it's Geography. When building the layout, I decided a road bridge would be justified to ensure good road connections and with the only embankment coming off the road bridge, It's not too off putting. However I have been wondering whether or not I should relocate the layout. I've looked at Hayling Island and the possibility of British Rail investing heavily in its overhaul rebuilding the dilapidated Langstone bridge and converting it to a double track branch line. Of course anyone can put a name with a layout but I want it to be relevant. Thank you for your feedback, many thanks. Rory

After the update a few days ago, I decided to get a move on and finish the construction of the fascia board and fiddle yard. So as I mentioned in a few posts back, the fiddle yard would bolt on to the rear of the layout to store and hide rolling stock. I'm not particularly sure what you would call its construction but its very solid and will be sufficient as a fiddle yard. The two long sidings can hold 2 car DMU's whilst the other sidings can hold single car DMU's or locomotives however a 4 car DMU can comfortably be hidden from the scenic section in the fiddle yard. Another addition to the layout is this fascia board which follows the angle of the bridge and creates a very nice cut off point to the fiddle yard. It sort of semi completes the layout in my opinion as you can no longer see rolling stock beyond the bridge and the plywood fascia is high enough that you can't look over giving the illusion that the rolling stock does in fact disappear. It will be painted sky blue and black on the sides to finish it off. After looking at a few other threads, I have been reconsidering what my layout should represent. The current track configuration represents a terminus railway station set in the current day but could easily pull off being set in the 1980's and although there are no switchbacks in the station to allow a locomotive to pass around its train, I think with the correct rolling stock or a shunter, this wouldn't be an issue. The buildings I have chosen such as the station and signal box wouldn't have changed from the 80's to the current day so switching out the rolling stock isn't an issue, it's just the finer details however such as the vehicles and surrounding elements which really set the scene and era of the layout. So I'm looking at BR and perhaps the possibility of a late 80's style layout but as always i'm not sure so it would be create if i could get some feedback. If anyone has any southern region trainspotting pictures, I would be grateful. Many thanks.

Hi Chris, I am also reconsidering what my layout should represent in terms of era and prototypical traffic in the southern region more specifically on the West Coastway line. If you were to relocate your layout to Selsy, would you use rolling stock as seen at Chichester station, perhaps in the form of a 4vep/4cig? I am not currently aware of any loco hauled passenger services on the West Coastway but I am certainly interested on what you would run, many thanks.

Any update on the class 171 situation? I plan on purchasing the Southern unit when it's released however many of the older models are being sold off for very reasonable prices, one only can presume that a release date will be in late 2018/early 2019 so an old unit for £130 is very tempting. Rory

Perhaps it was a CV issue but the model suffered from a groaning noise from the motor in one direction. I looked into the issue online and found some very disappointing modellers in a similar situation and decided to give it a go on the motor but found no solution to the issue and ended up reselling the vep informing the new owner of the problem. Its unfortunate for such a wonderful model but Hornby just got it wrong again.

Yes, fencing off platform four is something I considered before and now you've said it, I think it will work far better as a kick back for maintenance siding rather than using it for passengers. It would suit the industrial nature of that part of the layout well as I plan to place some low relief warehouses along the back scene.

Hi Chris, I've just popped over to have a look and what a wonderful layout, talking about renaming your layout I think perhaps the south coast is a great idea considering it has 3rd rail electrification. Maybe a new terminus in Selsy was built for the large influx of holiday commuters and the increase in population or something on Hayling island. Anyway whatever comes to mind I have this website which gives access to various maps and detailed drawings of the railways. Hope it helps, cheers. http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.8333&lon=-0.7880&layers=168&b=1 I recommend using the map "OS 25 inch" for detailed drawings of the railways and "Bartholomew Half Inch 1897-1907" to view the Selsey branch. Rory

Firstly I would like to apologise as this update is long overdue however after having a break over the winter months from the railway, I got my mojo back and was ready to carry on building the layout. There has been a fair amount of progression not only in the scenic department, but also in the wiring of the layout which has been completed with the exception of two more point motors which have yet to be installed. As you can see, I have completed the installation of the legs. These provide a sturdy base and will be beneficial when exhibiting as the feet are adjustable so any uneven floors won't cause problems. To the right is just an overview of the layout showing some minor changes such as platform 4 in the bottom left which has been shortened to accommodate a low relief town scene and to lighten the amount of track in that area as it felt too congested. Here you can see I started to build the road bridge section and embankment areas. Many with a keen eye will recognise the bridge as a rail over road however it accommodates two tracks very well and will be disguised as a road bridge later on. I have used plywood for the upper level to ensure a sturdy structure and cardboard as a retaining wall so I can model hills and embankments more easily. Cheers Rory

Interesting how on my class 450, there is no visible slot for the dellner coupling.