Whetstone Bridge

Thanks to everyone contributing to this discussion. It’s been really helpful when planning my own TMD. Quick question - should a TMD have a specific loco washing area? I don’t have room for the ubiquitous Scenecraft coach washing plant. What are the other options?

Some great advice . Thanks. I’ve got everything I need so I’ll have a go. Probably going to take a few attempts to get it perfect. WB

Hello, Has anyone routed slots in a sheet of mdf to stick in rails in order to simulate track in hardstanding? I’ve found layering board over sleepers to bring it level a bit of a faff. Don’t want to use the polyfilla method. Thanks, WB

Thanks for all your comments. Some really good advice to follow up. Sounds like (genuine) Spur shelving will take the load of ply frame baseboard modules so I’ll drop the foam board idea. WB

I’ve seen another thread mention foamcore board as a lightweight option. Could go wider with the baseboard then.

Twin Slot Brackets? Has anyone got much experience with using twin slot brackets for supporting a shelf layout? Any tips or tricks would help. Particular issues: I'm thinking of using 470mm brackets with a 485mm base baseboard. Is this going to be too much of a load? I'm assuming tall uprights so that I can get more fixings into the wall. Does the height of the upright make much difference? Not sure if I need extra cross bracing. Is there a way to hide the bracket so it looks like a true 'floating' shelf? I don't want any supports underneath because I've got another layout going there. It's this system that I'm planning to use (loads of it sitting spare in the garage): Thanks, WB

Thanks. Valuable feedback. The idea partly comes from experience taking my son to exhibitions. Youngsters seem to expect more than just a well presented layout. Also a conversation opener for other modellers. (I would probably have to be ready to be challenged and tested by more knowledgeable people).

I’ve started a separate discussion about exhibition layout design but I have an early decision to make: Should I integrate an AV screen into the layout structure to explain the ‘what if’ story? The screen would play a slide show with maps, images, video, animations etc. explaining why the station was saved in favour of another. Subtitles would take the viewer through the story. The aims would be to get punters interested in the layout, spark conversation and give the impression that I knew what I was on about. I’ve only seen it done once before so I don’t want to waste hours on something that won’t get any attention. Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone. Some really interesting comments and all sorts of things that hadn’t crossed my mind. Top things seem to be: - have a (novel) viable story - have the knowledge and enthusiasm to talk about the story when asked/challenged - think about entertaining non-enthusiasts - make it robust/manoeuvrable/small enough to go in a car - quality of finish & reliability over detail - go to a local club first then make contacts to go further afield - it’s worth trying to get a magazine feature I’m currently considering ideas around the summer ‘Skeggy Express’ services from the East Midlands to the Lincolnshire coast in the 1980s. It would be a good story to talk about and allow a crazy mix of rolling stock. I probably need to find a stretch of track with interesting infrastructure and build around that.

I’m planning a new N gauge layout for the garage. Rather than have it fixed and use the whole space, I’m thinking of a long, modular option. Is it worth planning to exhibit it? What makes a good exhibition layout? Importantly, how do you get an invitation to exhibit?

Thanks everyone. Some great photos and helpful advice. Another slice of my wages off to Accurascale it is then…

I’m looking for justification to buy a Class 50 in NSE livery but my layout is based on Buxton TMD. Is there any evidence that NSE locos ever visited Buxton? I know that it’s up to me in the end, but it would be good to know.

It was a general question in the first instance, but great to learn some more about ferry wagons and their use. WB

Thanks everyone. It’s the N Gauge models (e.g. Dapol 2F-022-008) that I’m collecting. They’re still reasonably good value so I can afford a decent sized rake.

I’m collecting the Dapol ferry wagons. Anyone know the prototypical rake size? A photo would be really helpful. WB

Thanks. I’m going to experiment with these suggestions. I like the idea of having a material that can be sanded flat to get a bump-free finish.

I have a OO layout at the moment but I’m thinking about trying N scale. I imagine that there are lots of standard modelling methods for OO that won’t be right for N. First of these that comes to mind is track underlay. Is it needed? At the smaller scale, any imperfections in cork or foam are going to make running trains wobble? Not worried about noise deadening but how can you form a ballast shoulder? Any sort of card will distort with ballast glue. Thick plastic sheet won’t bond. Any suggestions?

I feared as much. Hence why I’ve been putting it off! A bit of research, a spreadsheet of products then trial & error looks like the best option. Thanks for the guidance.

After 3 years back in the hobby, I have built up a vast collection of locos and rolling stock (early 80s to early 90s). Still no HST rake though because I’m completely befuddled as to which power cars should go with which coaches. Could someone suggest a list of Hornby product codes to put together to make prototypical rakes in blue/grey and executive liveries? (One rake of each) Thanks

I've only had my DR5000/iTrain (with DR4088CS monitors) layout running for a few weeks but as I learn more about automation, the more I realise some of the loco decoders just aren't doing what they're told. Of the decoders I'm using, only the Lenz Silver+ (8 pin) and Dapol Imperium (21 pin) don't seem to do unexpected things. Anyone with this setup got favourite decoders that I should try? WB

Thanks for all your comments. Very helpful. I'm wondering if the loco decoders have a part to play in this, so I'll start a fresh topic. WB

Thanks for the advice. I've probably installed too many feedbacks in short sections (as recommended in the Rocrail guidance), so I'll simplify those blocks and reallocate the ports to turnouts. I'm with iTrain now and it doesn't seem to need so many feedbacks.

I'm using the DR4088CS. Would you recommend connecting turnouts to detectors? I was considering doing this for critical turnouts close to stopping points on iTrain train routes?

Just checked. Measures 17.8v unoccupied. Drops to 16.5v when occupied. Pretty consistent around all areas of layout.

All sections (apart from turnouts) have feedbacks. Between turnouts, one rail is continuous (multiple lengths connected with metal joiners) and has 1 dropper. The other rail is split into 2, for the 2 feedbacks, and connected with insulated joiners. Therefore one side, there's 1 dropper and other side, 2 droppers. Longest length with a single dropper is 2.5m