G-man69

Hi Devo63, You are so right, tanks, planes, trains or ships, we can't be knowledgeable in them all...well I can't, though there might be some such folk around, lol! The good thing though, is we're all passionate about our chosen genre, and in here the folks have been kind enough to share their knowledge and passion with me freely...that's been great, Thanks one and all, G

Hi Mark, Il Grifone, As previously mentioned, I'm learning so much in here...I thought my question was a straightforward one, but then one thing leads to another, lol! Cheers, G

Hi Michl080, Thanks for confirmation about the Miniart kit being of the Reichsbahn type chair. I would imagine that if any local modifications had occurred that they'd be minimal, as you say they'd most likely retain the existing infrastructure in occupied countries. I'll have to use the kit if I model something in Germany. Thanks again, G

Hi KevinLMS, Timbowilts, Thanks for the comments regarding all the different gauges...it's bad enough trying to get it right for a model in the UK. I never knew it was potentially such a complex subject, I thought track was track apart from timber or concrete sleepers, lol! Cheers, G

Hi ikcdab, Thanks for the heads-up, I 'googled' the dunster crossing, and one of the first images is the sort of thing I was envisaging (see image below). Now all I need to do is try and scale off dimensions of timbers etc. Brilliant, thanks again, G

Hi Il Grifone, Thank you for your input, I knew that the Russian gauge was different as Miniart, the company that makes the European gauge that I was initially intending to use, make a specific set for WW2 era Russian track. However, I was surprised at Spain and Ireland due to their proximity to other European countries. I was also surprised at India due to their historical connection to Britain, especially regarding railways...every day is a school day, :-). Thanks again for the information, G

Hi Michl080, Thanks for the feedback. If i'm understanding you correctly, although Miniart call them European Gauge, you are saying that they're unlikely to be used anywhere outside of Germany? Regards, G

Hi Harlequin, A box that size, 8"x8"x6 (203.2x203.2x152.4mm), would be quite a challenge, but you've got me thinking as to whether the idea I have would fit. Looking at a tape measure, I suspect that with 1/72 or 1/76 scale it might just be feasible. I'll see what the box size equates to in 1/72 and scale it up to 1/35 and set myself the added challenge if I think it's workable, :-). Cheers, G

Hi Harlequin, I'd be more than happy to post some updates along the way, as well as the finished article for you guys to critique...it's the least I can do as a thank you for all your help. I'm pretty certain that your feedback will help keep me on track (excuse the pun) and that your continued assistance will help make the finished product that more accurate. The cake box comment made me chuckle, depends on how big a cake you can manage I guess, :-)! Cheers, G

Hi GRASinBothell, Thanks for taking the time to read this post and for endorsing K14s suggestion. I will follow your suggestion and see what might be available infrastructure-wise in the scale. Cheers, G

Hi K14, Thank you, that's a great suggestion, will save me a great deal of hassle. Regards, G

Hi again Nearholmer, Thanks for the comment on the best modification option, however, I think the Gauge 1 suggested by K14 and endorsed by GRASinBothell will be the less painful approach. The Miniart kit can be shelved until I build a mainland Europe scene, :-). But thanks again for your invaluable help todate. G

Hi Nearholmer, Googling 'bullhead' rail comes up with a sort of dumbbell shape, with the lower bell being flat bottomed and the upper bell having a slightly rounded head. If that's correct i think i can modify the kit part by adding some plastic strip to the vertical leg (see sketch below). Which, in your opinion, would be the more accurate? Regards, G

Hi Nearholmer, Thanks for the feedback, I'm not sure there is much I can do about the rail but I will see if I can do something about the 'chairs'. However, if my skills, or lack thereof, limit me, I might have to resort to artistic license, though I would hate to offend you guys as you've all been amazingly helpful. Love the colour photograph of the track, it shows i can be a tad more heavy-handed on a few of the sleepers, and it gives me a good idea of colour and weathering of rail and sleepers. Thank you again, G

Hi cypherman, Thanks for images and google search information, I'll give it a look. Cheers, G

Hi Fat Controller, Thank you for the link, much appreciated. G

Hi all, Firstly a general comment, if I may? The friendliness and helpfulness of the people on this site has been brilliant, thank you for providing time, assistance and patience to someone who hasn't really got a clue regarding railways. Secondly, I'd like our opinion(s) please on the following: The most economic track in 1/35th is that shown in the two photographs of the box lids below. It says it's european gauge, would this be acceptable, as built, for track used in the UK, or would i have to modify it? Thirdly, the 'woodgrain' effect on the sleepers is very subtle, also it is limited to the top surface only as I imagine, in an ideal world, that the vertical surfaces would be buried in the ballast. However, looking at images, it is apparent that the vertical surfaces would show to some extent in reality, therefore I have had a go at adding texture (see images below). In your opinion(s) have I overdone this for a working line, or could even greater wear-and-tear occur? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, G

Hi IWCR, I have just been reading something about a style wartime signal boxes built, but hadn't picked up on the level crossings comment, thanks for highlighting it. Cheers, G

Hi PMP, Those drawings are brilliant, I need to study them closer, but thank you for providing such useful links. Cheers, G

Hi Kris, Thanks for taking the time to read my post and provide feedback, all information helps me build a bigger picture. Much appreciated, G

Hi Harlequin, Thanks for the information regarding heights and timber thicknesses, this is much appreciated as it will help me get the scale right, and allow me to judge dimensions of hinges and other fittings. Thanks again, and cheers, G

Hi Nearholmer, Thank you for the information regarding gate colours, I also picked up on the 'snow' comment, lol! Likewise, I'm not so certain it would help much in the fog, :-). Your comment on signals and telegraph poles is very useful, I can scratch build telegraph poles fairly easily, not sure my skills will stretch to signals though, but I'll see if anything is available commercially in 1/35th scale as it would add interest and colour. Regards, G

Hi SignalEngineer, Thanks for all your posts to-date, the width of the gate is especially useful, I can now start to map out full size on some card. Thank you for the links, I'll take the time to look at them in detail later on. Thanks again, G

Hi SignalEngineer, That's interesting information regarding Monty, so my basic idea of some sort of exercise being held in and around Devon, isn't so far fetched, though I think the Start Bay/Slapton Sands was Exercise Tiger and mainly American...but great information none-the-less. Thanks again, G

Hi PMP, That's brilliant feedback, thank you, :-)! The photograph really does help. A couple of questions for you, or anyone else reading this post: 1) was there a standard height for level crossing gates, or a default one you'd suggest? 2) over a single track would there be a minimum width to the gate, or between supporting posts, or a default one you'd suggest? 3) were all level crossing gates painted white as a general rule? Thanks again, G