Johnny Rock

Kirkby St. John Plan update..docx

Update to my S and C plan via Any rail software. The addition of extra running length to accommodate the viaduct, I think should work well. I only have 7 locos and 3 will be only the layout most of the time. The track plan is now based upon Kirkby Stephen and should have a visible running length of around 8 metres, around 27 feet. The goods sidings and lay by could be moved a little to the right to allow for more station length. With appropriate tunnels, embankments, valleys and cuttings could look quite scenic. Should keep me busy for a while. Plan to follow very soon.

Having read some other RM posts, I'm now considering saving some space where the fiddle yard is and using cassette storage. This will allow a viaduct feature to be placed where the FY is at present. Any thoughts on cassette storage anyone?

Whole plan should look much clearer once transferred to any rail program.

Not upto building own points yet. I've got a peco single slip which will have to be on a short straight section. There will be two points at the goods yard back to back. May even use a triple at the siding end.

The plan I've posted would probably give me a visible running sweep of about 20 feet which should be adequate for a realistic look. What first inspired me to build this type of layout was David Jenkinson's "Garsdale Road". On another note I'm quite taken with the idea of the Dapol motorised working signals. Anyone using these?

The door is not on yet as I'm creating a partition wall from the front part of the garage to create a storage space. Therefore the door can be hung either way. Garage up and over door also being replaced with side hinged doors.

Following the excellent replies and suggestions from others. I've put a possible plan together. The entry door is in the top right of this image. Its a bit rough but its a start!

Found this superb plan of Kirkby Luneside a ficticious S and C layout.

Fortunately the door is on the short side. I'm now thinking that a lifting or hinged section of the fiddle yard near the door maybe useful instead of the tedious ducking under to access the layout. (Previous bumps on the head testify to this!!

Another wetter is good old washing up liquid. Just a couple of drops in the mix.

I can to an extent as long as room to enter through new right hand side door. This would allow storage loops along the window wall.

These are all great and helpful comments. Thanks. My early design doodlings include a curved station similar to Dent and a small 5 arch viaduct. I've put together 2 Wills kits and will look good. On a previous post by Kirkby Lunesdale they included an actual Kirkby Stephen track plan which looks so good. I'm planning on having the layout run on three sides of the garage as there is a small door to accommodate and also a window. Baseboard will be... S and C baseboard plan.docx

Lots of S and C prototype plans are available on freetrackplans.com. This is the Kirkby Stephen plan.

I've read recently that adding Methylated Spirit to the pva mix helps to reduce surface tension thus allowing the mix to spread more effectively. I've not tried it yet though.

These are all great ideas and thoughts. Very helpful. Does anyone have any experience of the Power Base system to increase loco traction on inclines? Similarly any suggestions of how to access lower level fiddle yards and storage sidings?

Thanks for the ideas. I forgot to mention earlier I'm working in 00 gauge. I've just also come across a great dumb bell plan with low level loops . This is in a small book by C J Freezer. With some adaptation I'm sure I could make it work.

I'm converting my garage into a designated model railway space. (Luxury). The space available is 4.5m by 2.7 m. I'm modelling a section of the Settle and Carlisle line, namely Kirkby Stephen / Armathwaite track layout. My main problems are the following: to achieve a reasonable running length. The need for a fiddle yard somewhere. A through station A small viaduct. I did consider an end to end with dumbbells but would limit the space for running length. Interested in any ideas from RM members.