DoctorP

I'm now creating my first OO scale layout, modeling a small village in the Cotswolds. I've been using card stock building/structure kits from Metcalfe and they are good, but fall a bit short of the level of realism I want to reflect. This morning, I was scanning Youtube and ran across exactly what I hope to achieve on a very short video from British Pathe on using human hair for thatching material. I have listed the Youtube address for the video in hopes that somebody might view it and give me some good advice about how I can create structures along the lines this modeler has. The Youtube address is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeWOzMEHCpc I hope someone can help. The layout I am creating now is a "practice" layout. We will be moving next summer and this layout will have to be torn down and another built in our new residence. With all due respect to Metcalfe, I want to be more realistic and hope to learn something from some of you on this site that will help me with creating a more realistic end product. Thank you. DoctorP

Got it...will do, thanks. DoctorP

Thanks, my friend...I printed out copies of all the turnouts, etc and plan on laying them out on my track plan tomorrow to get an exact measurement on what I need in my Faringdon layout. DoctorP

Thanks, Dave, I appreciate your wisdom and help. I take all the advice I can get believe me...knowing nothing means one is wide open to listening to those who know much. DoctorP

Thanks for your reply...yep, helps a lot. I'm a member of BRMNA as well but there doesn't seem to be much activity on that site or I would use it more. I've tried posting but can't get much of a response...Mr. Venable is very good to reply however and I appreciate his help. John Kendall has been a big, big help on this site and I stand in his debt for what he has taught me so far. There is no club close to where I live...being from Mass. I'm not sure how familiar you are with Central Appalachia, but it's not likely that I'll find anybody closer than Lexington that is very interested in model railroading. There is a club at Lexington however but we are about 100 miles away so...I appreciate the help. DoctorP

Thanks so much for this valuable and considerate information. DoctorP

Ladies and Gentlemen, Just a very brief contextual introduction: I am new to the hobby and this is my first layout. I have sought and found advice on this forum already and am now turning to you again for even more advice. After reading John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation (3rd ed), Layout Design by Iain Rice, and Basic DCC Wiring for Your Model Railroad by Mike Polsgrove, I am ready to order and lay track for my layout. With advice from a member of this forum, I am going to use a standard track layout model called the Faringdon https://imgur.com/a/zDXo5. It fits my benchwork perfectly and offers me a good introductory level of modelling.with options for future expansion. I wil be using Peco 100 flextrack for my layout. My questions at this important juncture are these: 1. How do I figure proper angles for turnouts...excuse me, I am from the US..."points."? Can I get this information from the Peco turnout template section at https://www.peco-uk.com/page.asp?id=pointplans? If so, what sort of information do I need to "feed into" the section? 2. What DCC brand/system should I choose. Here are some criteria to consider: a) this will be a one person layout with no visitors or other operators of any sort, b) I will be running only 1, perhaps 2, trains at the most c) simplicity is much preferred over complexity d) I want to add lights and sound to my entire layout d) cost must be modest. I would appreciate any and all advice in making these very important decisions since I have absolutely no prior experience with any of this. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. DoctorP (David Profitt - Kentucky USA)

Green board is screwed down with drywall screws...just have to back them out to make wiring easier. and then re-attach screws, mud them in, sand and I've got a flat surface. No problem there.. I'll check out post 59 for ordering foam underlayment. I'll contact Steve today on the track...which one? 100 or 75? You said earlier 75 is preferable but someone else said 100 is better for some reason I can't remember. Keep in mind, ease of working with the track may trump prototype at my level of experience. I'll remember the fishplates. Anything else? Doc

I'll make a trip to the hardware store in a bit and hopefully they will have the corksheeting. If so, I'll pick up enough to cover the green board. I'll also pick up some glue. I plan on ordering track later today so tell me what I should get and where and that's what i will do...I'll also order some Woodlands foam underlayment as well. Let me know what to order and where. Doc

I need to think about the best basic covering for my bench. Should I overlay the bench with 1" foam board insulation or merely paint the green board that forms the "floor" of my bench? Woodland Scenics has grass "mats" in 4 x 8 sheets but the cost is going to be roughly $100 just for the grass mats alone. Still, if I need to go that route I can. I was hoping to save a bit by painting the "floor" with oil base, earth tones paints from the hardware store. Two questions here...the necessity of foam board overlay and the idea of grass mats vs painting. DoctorP

I have some great intentions and a plan is taking shape in my mind. The more I learn, the clearer that plan becomes. I have a long way to go, but I will go as far as I can as knowledge and ability allows...and as long as there are advisors like you and Emma and others who will take the time to help. Doc

The difference is, John, that I've seen yours and it is a work of art while mine is...well, lets say, a bit less than a work of art. DoctoP

Seems a far off dream right now... DoctorP

Well...the only UK close to me is the University of Kentucky so... Thanks Andy

John, Surely shipping can't be that much! I'm in an all day meeting today...got a short break and decided to check in...I'm gathering a growing list of books, magazines, videos, etc that is going to keep my quite busy for some time. I'm also going back and making notes from all your previous emails, following up when necessary or making note of points to be studied further. I've got some reading material on order and am searching back through some back issues of Model Railroading magazine. I am finding that knowing the history of the region i hope to model and knowing the history of the GWR and the Gloucestershire - Warwickshire historic restoration are critical elements in any worthwhile layout. I can see that more and more. Of course the temptation to "get something rolling" is very great and I will probably end up purchasing a period and region specific steam locomotive and some rolling stock just to look at if nothing else...something to give me a little encouragement along the way and to get me more into the hobby as it were. Well...it's about time to get back to work...I'll check in sometime later. We have guests coming over to the house tonight so it may be late or it may even be tomorrow, but I'll be logging on soon. Many thanks for all you have done to help and guide me along the path. DoctorP