jonhinds

Wow, I hadn’t seen Ropley! It’s incredible what skilled modellers can do in 2mm. Currently working my way through the layout thread and taking copious notes.

Thanks! I posted this on the N Gauge Forum after not getting any initial response here (these things happen). Based on suggestions there I modified the layout, which includes your suggested rotation along with other alterations including slightly bigger board(s). I also made the run-round loop as long as possible. I’ll get some Peco turnout templates printed out to check everything is feasible (no access to a PC so I can’t model it using software).

Hi, newish here (and to modelling in general). After some hemming I’ve finally decided to model a real location in N gauge. In time-honoured tradition, I’m going for Oxenhope Station as currently preserved on the Keighley & Worth Valley. The aim is to fit everything (apart from the fiddle yard) on a 5’ x 15” baseboard. I’ve attached a mockup of the layout as planned. I’ll be using Peco 55 track and running the layout on DCC. The aim is to allow storage of at least two rakes of Mk.1 coaches, along with some shunting operations and the use of a run-round loop. There’ll also be a siding with a static Mk. 1 used as a buffet restaurant (red). The trains entering from the FY will include tender locos (the longest probably being a WD Austerity 2-8-0) hauling up to 4 Mk. 1’s, or a combination of Mk. 1’s and 57’ suburbans. Is this realistic in the space allotted? I could probably sneak in an inch or two either way if that makes it possible to accommodate everything. It also occurs to me that the FY will need to be long enough to accommodate a loco + 4 Mk.1s. It looks like a traverser might be my best option as I want to be able to run several trains in and out at any time. Thoughts? Thanks in advance folks.

Thanks folks for your thoughtful responses. I guess this is the hidden trade-off with the delicate and super-detailed models available now. Perhaps another way to look at it is that real rolling stock is rarely pristine, so perhaps the odd scratch and chip is a bit more prototypical! I’ll try the acid-free tissue paper wrap as suggested, as I think it might be the foam inserts causing the wear. Hopefully once I get a layout up and running I shouldn’t need to handle the locos directly all that often.

Hi, newbie here. This will probably seem like a somewhat daft post to the experienced modellers here, but I’m causing myself no end of grief! I wondered if I might be trying to store and / or handle my brand new N gauge loco incorrectly, as it seems to have developed a lot of pin-prick sized nicks to the bodywork and one or two hairline scratches. They’re not too obvious at a distance (although the loco could hardly be described as in ‘mint condition’ now) , but after limited handling I’m almost afraid to touch the model again. My chief issue is the Farish 4F, which is a challenge to handle as the tender is permanently attached by a wire. I took it out of the original packaging a couple of times, and then placed it flat in a plastic stock box with snug pre-cut foam inserts. On retrieving it again, I noticed all the damage for the first time. I’ve only handled the loco by the edges if possible, and sad to say that it’s slightly putting me off modelling if stock is this easy to damage. Is this just a case of careless over-handling, or is minor cosmetic damage common in these tiny models? Sorry for the rant, I’m just feeling a bit deflated. Are cosmetic fixes possible for minor damage like this?

Thanks David.

Good to see it's possible to have a loco & 3x Mk 1 rake on the HR line. Your combined efforts have really surpassed what I thought was possible, even in 2mm. I'm now wondering about fiddle yard operation (learning as I go!). I'm guessing that the steam era turntable would be implied to exist in the FY, given that it's the only place to make 180 degree turns on such a small layout, e.g. using cassettes. Struggling to get my head around this a bit, especially as my knowledge of real steam-era terminus operations is scant. I'll be making a 'research' trip along the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in March to get some modelling and operational inspiration. It's a minor detail, but I'm chuffed to own an exact loco from the KWVR in miniature (4F 43924).

Thanks folks, these are really helpful responses so far. Can’t wait to get started! DavidB-AU, your ‘quick and dirty’ Piano Line edit looks ideal, and expanded version even better! Quite surprisingly it looks like I might be able to have my cake and eat it. Another newbie question: I’m guessing NR is Network Rail? The SA9 looks like a great solution for the NR side. I’d eventually like to fit out the DMUs with DCC sound. Admittedly I know next to nothing about how DCC actually operates (and my electronics knowledge is zippo), so would it be possible to have a system whereby the lights, sounds etc. are triggered in tandem with the SA9’s automated shuttle operation? A 3 car Pacer endlessly shuttling back and forth definitely sounds like some sort of biblical purgatory! Although I do feel strangely wistful now they’ve been mostly withdrawn from the local network.

Thank you, this looks like just the ticket. Am I right in thinking the original Piano Line layout is in 4mm scale?

Hi, first post here! As the title suggests, I’m a total novice when it comes to railway modelling. My intention is to model a station scene in N gauge. The setting would be a fictional present-day commuter station in West Yorkshire, loosely modelled on Keighley, with a heritage railway terminus attached. However, given the dimensions available (5’ x 16” atop an IKEA Kallax unit) my original plan is looking a bit optimistic. The space also needs to incorporate a fiddle yard somehow, so it’s very tight indeed. I’d like to have a semblance of realism to the station operations, and wondered if I could fit a truncated two platform terminus with perhaps a siding and/or small steam depot for the heritage side? What else would experienced modellers suggest to add interest and a hint of realism? If possible I’d like to divide station operations so the modern day and heritage sides are two distinct entities. The modern line will be running Northern Rail class 150 and 153 DMUs, and the heritage line small to medium-ish locos (4F, Jinty, maybe a diesel 25) with a rake of two BR Mk1 coaches.