Capitan Cripple

Hi Ian,

Yes it is a bit rare, most guys my age want to do a modern image layout, but I feel there is a magic about the 1980s and 90s I want to capture in my builds.

I have already been speaking with some great guys and I really enjoy the passion on this forum.

as for your layout and joining you thanks souch for that. Sounds great, I need to give my locos a run out!

Not sure whether to envy you or fear for you, because that is a whopper space to use on your own, and I think there is a danger that you might trap yourself into something that becomes a right bind to construct, then a right bind to keep in good running order. I've thought about "how big?", and even in 0 I wouldn't go above double-garage size as a one person project.

 

That having been said, if you have a lot of otherwise spare time, and the sort of nature that allows you to stick at one thing, and see it through, this could become really wonderful.

 

Maybe start simple, though, a circuit of double-track, then build-up complexity gradually.

 

Gppd luck!

 

Kevin

 

PS: Better still, start a model railway club to help you. That's effectively what Mega-Space-Mister-Waterman has done.

Thanks Kevin,

I understand what an undertaking it is, and being only 27 and blessed with such a great family and job I am able to take this on! Even if it takes me 15 years! 

I have a deep passion for this hobby and I have not got bored of it yet!

I think the idea of starting a club is actually a pretty good one I had not actually considered. Thanks!

Just to be clear guys I have had other layouts before this one too! But they where in my parents loft and my spare room.

Hi Ross, welcome to the forum.

 

I notice you've also got this project going in the Layout Topics section which is perhaps the better section. Might be best to transfer the discussion there, maybe a Mod can help do this.

 

Brian

Hi Brian,

Yes mate, sorry my fault.

Here is the link to that for people to jump over:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/140515-harolds-gate/&do=findComment&comment=3403933

Hi Ross and welcome to the forum.

 

Could you let us know the scale of the plan - are the dimensions shown in centimetres?.

 

If you haven't already you might want to consider adding a high degree of insulation to the inner walls of the building and spacing the layout away from the walls a little bit to allow air to flow to minimise condensation spots.

 

I would suggest having a good check on the width of baseboards as lower back damage might build up unnoticed - if needs be perhaps design a very sturdy portable structure with soft padding you can lean over and rest on.

 

A layout design might take into account how its going to be operated including if you would like to run trains while still building part of the layout.

 

Also some 3D model railway layout design software allows you to run virtual trains and move your position around so you can see if you or visitors get the right view of your trains. 

 

You seem to have at least one gradient in your plan - have you heard of DCC Concepts Powerbase?: a system primarily designed for allowing locos to haul better up gradients - however it has to be installed before the track is laid. I've installed it on a club layout's scenic gradient just in case.

 

If planning to use set track on the layout allow for lots of expansion gaps - on a big layout like this they may affect the fit of the track plan onto the layout. The club layout I mentioned seems to have suffered a bit due to the heat in our wooden club hut this summer.

 

Lastly there is a drastic option but it depends on the detail of your layout and timescale - make the layout not as one piece but like an exhibition layout with a series of baseboards. Then if you have to move house or the outbuilding roof develops a leak you don't wipe out your dream layout. Also having lots of connectors between boards makes electrical fault finding much easier. If the point motors are under the boards its much easier to separate a board, put it on a bench on its side and get good access to do a permanent adjustment.

 

Regards

 

Nick

Hi there Nick,

Thanks for the pointers.

See attached image for more precise sizes. (Sorry finding it hard to explain and my dyslexia is running riot haha!)

Insulation will be very good that does not worry me. As for the running trains while building, this is a must for me and I plan on getting one loop finished track wise first.

No set track here will all be Streamline code 75/Bullhead.

The actual building is slightly bigger than the layout allowing access to the back of the layout. As for the sharper curves in the top left of the layout, I plan to have these covered with scenic interest to hider the tighter curves.

For the last point I am considering this but worry I dont have the know how as of yet. Looking into it.

Like it welcome along Captain! Oh looks like this is gonna be a good un. Oh for a railway room, I have to occupy the garage for a few hours at a time! Before my wife’s car has to return indoors.

I follow Everard Jn and Dean Pk way to. Nice track plan.

Hi mate,

Thanks for that!

My wife married me knowing this was going to happen at some point! haha.

Welcome aboard,

 

Several awkward looking features in the layout plan, that I feel will pall if built as drawn.

 

You want free movement for yourself when operating. A duck under or lifting bridge to get access to the storage yard will quickly outlive its welcome. I would suggest eliminating it by slinging that single flyover line round the rear of the storage yard. (You get your flyover over the purple and blue lines on the board on the other side from the station.)

 

Likewise the very narrow accesses at the other end. Why not have a broader central protrusion than that presently shown for the TMD, and have both carriage sidings and TMD side by side on it? (There can be a 'scenic break' spine wall between the two so you only see one at a time.) Then you have wider access from either side. Would probably also offer easier curvature into the carriage sidings, that curve on the yellow track looks very tight.

 

Good luck with it.

Thanks for the feedback!

I will take a look if I can change anything using advice.

Thanks Mate

Hi Guys my Name is Ross and I wanted to document my layout dreams and share them with you guys!

I have been modelling since I was 6 years old and just finished the purchase of my house! This means its model railway time, but this time I will do it the way I wanted to when I was a child

I am currently building a large outbuilding for the project codenamed "Harolds Gate" I hope this to be finished by Feb.

I have been planning the layout for two years now and cant wait to get started, I already have a large collection of Locos and rolling stock!

The Plan:

Name - Harolds Gate - This is inspired by my late grandfathers name Harold as he was the reason I loved modelling.

Era - BR Sectorisation in the late 80s early 90's

Location - Based around Reading & Outer London near the ECM - I am from Reading and grew up there so I have many memories! I also took alot of inspiration from Everard Junction!

Stock - Diesel locomotives and DMUs of the period such as Class 50's, 47's ect...

Control - DCC ESU ECoS Control Station

Track - Peco code 75 and Bullhead

Track Plan - The layout is a large 12 Metre by 9 Metre and will be housed in a purpose-built builiding on my property. There is a large fiddle yard one end aswell as a large Station on one of the 12M sides (Inspired by Dean Parks Station)

I really want you guys to help with opinions and knowledge as I have been blown away with how amazing the community is! I have always been a closet modeller and was heavily bullied at School because of my love for trains!

Hi Guys,

Been modelling since I was 6 years old and just finished the purchase of my house! This means its model railway time, but this time I will do it the way I wanted to when I was a child

Its about time I join RM Web.

I am currently building a large outbuilding for the project codenamed "Harolds Gate" I hope this to be finished by Feb.

I have been planning the layout for two years now and cant wait to get started, I already have a large collection of Locos and rolling stock!

Any suggestions of where I can post the project and keep everyone updated?

See attached track plan and let me know your thoughts!

Thanks

Ross