RobA2345

Hi all. I'm currently in the process of converting a Bachmann RtR VBA Van to EM Gauge. I went with the Bill Bedford sprung W-Irons, while might be a bit overkill for EM work better than the filing I attempted or even some 3D prints I designed so I'm now happy with the running. I now need to detail them and went with the Rumney Models as shown in the image. I guess a couple of questions. Should I just apply the roller bearings or is it better to replace the leaf springs as well? Also when it comes to fitting the bearings I guess I need to make sure that there is still movement for the sprung axles to work. There is a small hole at the back of the bearing but I'm not sure there is enough clearance along the y-axis to take full advantage of the springing if that makes sense, would you recommend easing the holes out a little?

This thread is superb! Anyway here's my contribution I think I found in another thread on here (surprised it hadn't featured already). They were just in my 'inspirations' folder.

@martin_wynne I'm going to be pulling up my track at some point so I'll be taking the opportunity to correct the turnout discussed above. Are there instructions so I can recreate the steps you've done to create the 1:6-1:9-1:8 example above? If not would it be possible to list them here if they're simple enough? C&L don't supply curviform crossings so I'll need to manipulate the stock ones by bending them.

Little update, I’ve sprayed the track matte black as a base coat of paint, I plan on doing some research before I decide on track colours and ballast. Unfortunately my initial vision of the layout just isn’t going to work so while I decide what to do I figured I’d work on some stock. Ive been reading the Fryers Lane thread with interest because the time period the gentleman is modelling matches my stock. It was immediately apparent that the stock axle guards on the VDA and VBB vans are unsuitable for EM gauge as they are not wide enough once I’d eased the wheels out. I have a 3D printer so designed and printed my own, they need tweaking slightly but at least they work. In the Fryers Lane thread the axle guards were replaced with etchings and with it being P4 they were sprung. Would there be any advantage to that for EM or would people say it’s unnecessary expense and time? I’m also considering fixing the guards in place as with this being a small end to end layout they really don’t need to pivot.

Absolutely, prototype realism is secondary to operations with this one. I've attached another suggestion. This could happen as it doesn't change the existing track I have already laid aside from that last siding and the points wouldn't foul the baseboard break. I've left the headshunt quite long here to give stock clearance past the point, even here with the VDA vans etc you would only get an 08 and 2 wagons in at a time.

So my effort at turnout operation is a bit on the crude side. I've just used the stretcher bars provided in the C&L kit and bent the brass rod around the pin of a Cobalt motor. I've tested the method and it works but I've seen some more elaborate solutions and I'm just wondering if anyone would object to this on their layout and the reasons why?

Thanks for the feedback, I'm not sure I completely follow but I think we're talking about adding sidings to the left hand side of the layout. I've attached a couple of options as to how that might look, if I'm way off and completely misunderstood apologies in advance. Option 1 doesn't leave any room on the left so I added option 2 to give space but option 2 wouldn't work in its current form due to the baseboard split. The 3-way tandem takes up significant real estate and I figured I could only place it in its current position or after the baseboard split on the right. I've made choices that are a struggle for a compact layout such as long wheel base stock, a B7 crossover (not sure what I was thinking there) etc so its definitely a challenge. Regarding the second point I have a Class 08 I intend to work the yard (currently waiting for wheelset from Ultrascale) and a Class 20 to bring in delivery of the freight. The plan for the 08 was to wait in a siding if a train was being brought in and would have to wait until the incoming loco had departed, I had some idea of a larger industry or depot off scene.

Hi all. I've added a few threads all over RMWeb recently with questions and I have probably dozens more so I thought I'd make a layout thread. Track Plan help and suggestions Tandem 3 way point help The track is 4mm EM gauge standards and the stock is late 80s early 90s Railfreight stuff. The baseboards are repurposed, I originally ordered them for a 2mm layout but I reached a breaking point with the poor results I'd had in terms of getting the tractive stock to run reliably with the RtR models I was using. I just wanted to do some shunting so wanted a couple of sidings, the track is running parallel for the most part which is limiting I admit but I had a concept in mind and even though I'm now questioning that concept the track is built and in place so I can't see that changing. It's unlikely I will keep the building mock ups as I'm not convinced by them yet and I'm looking for suggestions as buildings are not my area of expertise. This is not my first foray into finescale, I'm a member of the 2FS society and have build a simple layout as per the second image so building trackwork wasn't alien to me. I'll start some questions soon, I have some regarding stock in terms of mods etc but I'll leave them until later

Thanks Martin that’s super helpful.

Yikes if that's correct then my attempt is completely wrong. To be more specific I ordered the 1:6 R/H 1:8 R/H 3 way turnout. When following the supplied template the 1:8 crossing fit the last crossing which is why I placed it there. I did think something was off with the crossings not being curved and did attempt to bend them but one of solderings on the crossing came loose so my strategy was to cut the wing and V rails quite short to curve the joining rails that it would be somewhat disguised. I guess the question now then is do I start over. Would the turnout not work if I left the crossings where they are?

Thanks yes that makes sense. I'm okay with Templot but not a power user by any stretch and I've tried to configure a tandem but there's a bit more to them and didn't really trust the geometry of the ones I created. I've made some more progress anyway and my test wagon passes the two back to back crossings so I just need to be careful to constantly check and recheck gauges as I go.

I think I may have answered my own question but the crossing didn't work anyway as I'd installed the curved stock rail only relative to the V on the 1:5 crossing when really the 1:6 crossing needed installing as well before the curved stock rail to accurately gauge across its position. The rails are starting to be a good couple of mm out from the template now the further I move across but its obviously more important the gauge standard is accurate than following the template.

I should have maybe asked this before I commenced the build but can someone please confirm these crossings are in the correct place as the instructions supplied are just standard turnout instructions. The kit is for a 1:8 RH 1:6 RH tandem turnout and 3 crossings were supplied at 1:5 1:6 & 1:8 angles. I only have the template to go off and looking at the angles have placed them as per the below image, is this correct? If so the 1:6 crossing on the approach is way out as per the second image, is this something to be worried about? Is there any corrective action I could or should be taking?

I think you're right it would be Rule 1 territory just looking at examples I can't find any, all short industry is diesel served. It might also do a disservice to that poor Class 90 that will work the same 6 feet over and over again Shame, lovely models. I might have to wait until I find a space for a 40ft dogbone layout

That first RH point furthest left was supposed to be LH but I'd already secured it in place before I noticed the error on my original plan. If it was LH your suggestion would easily work but I can only gain 2-3 inches max as the run up to the 3 way tandem needs room to make an easy curve. I didn't want to take it up as these C&L points are silly expensive and I didn't want to risk destroying it.

I'm well into this build now, currently laying track and have some foamex mockups of the distribution centre etc and currently going okay. I would love to electrify some of the line and could buy the Railfreight Distribution livered Class 90, its something I've never done but since this model is already stretching the bounds of believability I thought it better to ask for feedback. The attached image shows the section that would be electrified with the blue background, so it could go single to double and back to single just before the head shunt. The idea is the Class 90 would bring in the train and exit via the run-around leaving the on site locos to arrange the wagons as this is mainly a shunting layout. Would this idea possibly work? If it would how are the overhead wires terminated? I assume I'd need so me sort of power substation? Whats the minimum footprint for one of these? I could maybe run the head shunt line to the edge of the baseboard to the terminating station would be off scene.

Quick update from me I received my orders in 2 batches last week so I'm hugely grateful to Phil and his helpers. I'm very sympathetic to all businesses but especially cottage industries we depend on in these times. While I'm here quick question about the turnouts I've ordered. I've ordered 2 (EM Gauge) to make a crossover and I want them to share timbers around the centre of the crossover as per my design on Templot. What are my options for making these extra long timbers? I've gone for the plastic sleeps and have considered trying to mate two of them to achieve the length but am interested in hearing what others have done for this.

@hayfield Great, thank you this update is all I really need. It makes sense to get the smaller orders out and I accept in these times a bit of a wait is not a big deal.

Has anyone spoken to Phil recently? I want to respect his request to not chase orders especially due to the terrible circumstances affecting everyone but I've now been waiting about 9 weeks for a few hundred pounds worth of orders. I'd just be happy with a general update on whether or not he's shipping any orders and an updated lead time.

Thanks @Geep7 here is what I could make work.

Great idea about bottom left corner! I totally agree with the need for some curvature and I would love to include it but when I'm in templot for the full size track plan I'm struggling to fit in it. 4mm on just over 7ft of scenic area is tight. I'll give it another go though because I am concerned about it.

@RobinofLoxleyYeah I don't disagree with those suggestions I have a few conflicting opinions I need to consider. I have Lance Mindheim's books where he cautions against filling it all with track and/or structures but as his writings are based on US prototypes where land is not at such a premium (in real life or the railway room). I know this photo isn't all that inspiring but at least shows kind of what I'm going for. Appreciate the feedback.

I do like this actually.

I’m going to use the the C&L kit available for EM which I’m hoping will ease the pain a little. I’ve built pointwork in 2mm before so I have some experience that should help. I’ll look into your suggestion of flipping the point. Cheers

@The JohnsterI did think about something like that and haven’t ruled it out as such but just conscious of making it too track heavy. I’ll definitely come back to the idea before I commit.