aforsyth

Happy Birthday Andy! I only discovered this thread a week ago, so have slowly worked through 102 earlier pages of modelling adventure ... only since last August! Just amazing, but you really are a scenery master, and excellent tips, thank you. Well done and congrats on 66 - maybe you should buy one (the loco) with suitable nameplate added... "Andy P - Layout Magician" :-) Cheers, Alan

Yes - I have read that some Sentinels (particularly from 2014) seem to stutter and stop - in the cases I've seen needing a strip down to deal with dodgy pickups, and the Hornby decoder seems to multiply the issues. However, going back to my query, I think I've determined the issue with the curved points - not rocket science really. In the picture below, I reckon that an 0-4-0 loco wheelbase needs to be at least 32mm in length (ideally 35mm) to avoid both wheelsets being on the plastic frog components at the same time. From the Hornby near-1:1 photos I've seen, it looks like the chain-drive Sentinel wheelbase is closer to 30mm (correct me if I'm wrong), while the cranked version is even shorter. Therefore it's not going to work on DC without modifying the frog to be live in some manner, but on DCC a decoder with a stay-alive capacitor should allow it to traverse the point. Any recommendations for the cheapest decoder + stay-alive capacitor for a Sentinel? Thanks, Alan Edit: fixed photo

Thank you - that's amazing. A 6" radius! I can quite believe it with that short wheelbase, but the latter seems to have caused problems on the longer plastic frogs that setrack curved points have (particularly Hornby versions). Here's a video of the guy I mentioned now using a Bachmann decoder (which apparently fixed earlier Hornby decoder issues he had), but the Sentinel just stops on the Hornby curved point. He goes on to say elsewhere that he got the shop to try the loco on a Peco curved point, with the same result. If I can be sure that it was 'just' a pickup problem that affected running on the Peco point, then I'll be off to order a Sentinel! Video: Hornby Sentinel Poor Running 2 Thanks, Alan

Hi Sentinel owners (particularly) - could I ask a favour, please? Does anyone know, or could anyone test, whether either the chain-driven or cranked Hornby Sentinels will negotiate a Peco setrack ST-244/ST-245 curved point without stopping? This is the insulfrog small radius point that can cause problems for mainline running, but 0-6-0 shunters such as 08s and Panniers have no problem traversing them in my experience, on either DC or DCC. I am building a micro industrial shunting layout with some friends that solely uses these curved points and was considering a Sentinel for it, but have read of someone else having problems with their chain-driven Sentinel stopping on the frog, This could be just due to faulty pick-ups, I would think, but I'd be very grateful if anyone can confirm that before I invest in one! Thanks, Alan

You were certainly the youngster there, Rob, caught playing with 3-links! BTW - I won't be surprised if we get a few tomorrow thinking it is a 'sound' layout, with the 'growl' given by that 37 as it approached the Presflos. Great bit of promo material, anyway.

Just wanted to congratulate Neil and team on the 'Stop the Train' game - what a great idea. My feeling is that every exhibition needs a couple of 'interactive' layouts, even if they are not top-level realism, to add some fun and give visitors (particularly parents with kids) something to have a go at. The Inglenook-esque shunting puzzle challenge is classic and nothing new (that said, I'm building one too..! ), but Neil's game demonstrates how little it takes to put a clever idea into action, particularly with contemporary digital boards. Thank you Neil, too, for the link to the website with clear pictures and links to Arduino source code. It's certainly got me thinking about what I could usefully try to do with the various Arduinos and RPis I have. As a matter of interest (without going too much off topic), what was the reaction from the public? What age range seemed most attracted to this? Cheers, Alan

Thanks John, that makes sense. I'm guessing that you're going to use an automated track cleaning method too with that amount of track? I'm sure you've been as thorough in your planning there as anywhere else. I'm really looking forward to see how you do the clay dries and general Cornish 'atmosphere', although that's a long way away for now, and as you say, there's no rush! Alan

Hi John - this is looking really good! This is a favourite part of the world for me too, although I'm focusing mainly on Cornwall in the 60s to 80s at present, and may even slip into 'withered arm' territory for my current layout! One query about the impressive looking fiddle yards. You mentioned earlier in the thread that the railbus siding was difficult to reach (should you need to make up a train). How easy will it be to reach the rear-most lines for access, should you need to, particularly if the closer lines have stock on them? This operational aspect has caught me out in the past, so I'm a little more wary of 'reachability' now! Thanks, Alan

Those hoardings are looking great, Rob, what a good idea! From the photos, not only do they hide the fiddle yard exit, but they improve the 'topology' of the layout too, breaking it up a bit. I can just imagine the atmosphere of that second shot at twilight, with distant flange squeal as the 08 approaches and the orange/yellow sodium street light flickering slightly... Adrian raises a good point about the smoking adverts - we'll see what the reaction is on Saturday at Yate. The Skoda advert is brilliant - and another good talking point with visitors. Having lived most of my adult life in its native land (and driven a 120L on occasion), I begrudgingly admit that the rear-wheeled design had some benefits - but forget about meaningful conversation if you were ever in the back!

Now when will the manufacturers create a working scale model of one of these RailVacs? That would be *really* useful on a layout, as long as the suction is adjustable! Alan

Looking great. That class 24 is an excellent model, I do hope they do come out with a 25. Don't forget Dave's tree (the first on the layout), visible between the 08 and yellow BR truck in some photos. It does look at home there. Anyway, the electrics are good and the point switching more rugged (even against my fumbling!). Now it's ready for its next outing.

Looks like NR 'cracked on' in other ways too, replacing further bridges over Christmas. Not sure that the new ones necessarily look a lot nicer, though. Replacement of Stratton Green Bridge, Swindon (2:40) Replacement of Someton Road Bridge, Newport (3:45) And - if that's to your liking, this has to be my recent favourite (although not on WR metals and no cool soundtrack). Now if I could just slow that down and get all the loco details... Trackwork at Purley, nr Croydon, being upgraded (1:35) Alan

Hey Rob - I wouldn't let it get you down. As you say, the relatively small number of these 'ultra' RTR models is never going to cover all the bases, and I'm pretty sure manufacturers will still be producing a significant percentage of imperfect models in their ranges for all sorts of reasons, for a long time to come. Your layout and models are in the mag for a reason. I don't think scratchbuilding skills are ever going to be disdained; quite the opposite in the future, as skilled modellers get rarer. Anyhow, your new narrow gauge focus is going to thrive from your 'standard gauge' model skills, and perhaps one day when the kids leave home you'll be able to switch to O gauge (or perhaps On30!) with all its challenges... Thanks again for your advice, support and friendship over the past 6 months or so - just what every 'junior' modeller needs! Have a great Christmas (away from the Landy too!) and a good start to an even better New Year. Alan

Congrats on getting onto the RMWeb banner image! I hope to pick up the mag tomorrow, but even that banner looks good.

Great work Rob, I love this 'thinking out of the box' - novel ideas and fine detail on such a compact layout. That static composition is a great way of showing off your rolling stock projects - always in the public eye. Certainly the most interesting way to use a free mag cover loco! I'm thus looking forward to see the next BRM project layout, which I'm sure will feature a static train at the back of their high-level section... :-)

Mmmm... I can see the problem. I suppose bringing the backscene forward on the extension at the right-hand side and then gently curving it back (or simply making it diagonal) might help, but it would need mocking up to decide whether it would 'work' in the space. As you say, you would probably need to curve the track further, which in the circumstances is fairly prototypical! Otherwise you could go with Simon's suggestion and create 'another fiddleyard' board initially, which gives you scope to then re-arrange the lower level track to a scenic section at a later date if and when you find a way to make it work. In that case, from having operated the layout, I would be tempted to invest in a miniature camera & monitor solution to ease visibility of movements in the extension from the existing control position. This would also theoretically mean you could put a black fascia board in front of it with (further) photos on it, as from observation, it's not always easy for visitors to notice or read the existing photo area lower down. However, I think the advantages of the extension to operation of the layout, even with completely hidden sidings, are really significant. Just musings (and edits) of an experienced armchair modeller... :-) Cheers, Alan

I think Simon has a point - although I trust Rob's modelling experience to be able to pull it off. Along the same lines, would it work at all to add the extension but keep the existing vertical separation there? If the arches at the rear left of the layout met a footbridge, gantry, or similar extending along the left backscene to the front of the layout, such that the headshunt continued under there (and through the backscene) to the extension, you would get the benefits of a 'separate' cameo for the third industry, without unduly affecting the main layout. This might work quite well with the 'triangular' shaped viewing area you have in the sketch earlier, but it's just a thought! One way or other, on balance, I think the extension is a good idea. We can certainly discuss it next time Dave & I are over. Alan

I think it's a great idea Rob - and thanks again for allowing me to operate your great lil' layout (as a first-timer) on Saturday - certainly it adds a whole new dimension to attending a show! The extra traffic will certainly add variety, and the '40 will finally be able to run round. The hidden siding up top is going to make the upper level traffic far more interesting - you could have a new 'failed' HST powercar being towed out to Bath Road by an 08, as well as the odd Plasser grinding through, in addition to DMUs. At that point it will be great to have 2 operator simultaneous control of upper & lower levels! Personally I would love to see that little RC lorry we were talking about appear from one arch under the upper level, stop for a while at the unloading point, then move off again - maybe a molasses tanker would be easier, as it doesn't give away whether it's full or empty. Still, that might be going too far on this layout...? Anyway - great idea. Oh yeah - you might need a bit more cassette space in the lower (and upper) fiddle yards if you're handling one or two more trains there? Cheers, Alan

Thanks for the session, Rob. It's really looking great, and it's going to be fun to operate. It's amazing how much 'playability' and operational scope you can get out of a small layout like this, particularly with two quite different levels. Those 3-links aren't as difficult as I thought - perhaps one day I'll convert some stock over to use them for a small layout. However, the tip to couple/uncouple in the fiddleyard where possible is clearly a golden rule for minimal public embarrassment! Alan

Wow - wish my garage was as tidy as that! The added detail to the scrap yard is great Rob - I do remember those JCBs in my youth, so it brings back memories. Great to see you trying out the shunting puzzle. I still haven't picked up that mag, but while building my Inglenook (still a long way to go) I've consoled myself with the best Inglenook 'arcade game' I've yet found, which came out recently on the iPhone: Tiny Trackz. It's British made, and even features Panniers! It's not free (around 3 quid), but the best game I've bought for ages. I am, of course, not affiliated to them, just a happy customer... I digress. Looking forward to 'compare shunters' on Wednesday Rob - my Hornby 08's livery is very similar, and also is way too clean! I picked up some Railmatch sleeper grime, roof dirt and a humbrol 'Matt 173' (again a dirty brown) recently, so hopefully some of those might be useful? They were originally bought more for track & rail colour. Cheers, Alan

Ha - now I'll have to get the current issue. I didn't know the DVD covered shunting puzzles! So I'm guessing your '08 is another Bachmann, also blue? By 'work' you're referring to weathering? That's something I'd love to try on one of my 08s (but still haven't found time to go any further on the 47 - busy summer!).

Well done Rob - glad Andy & BRM have 'found' Peafore! I'll have to buy that issue when it appears - definitely a layout worthy of publication. I was briefly flicking through the current BRM issue in WHSmith today. Interesting that it features *two* 4mm Inglenook-based layouts (one of them being the new BRM Project layout 'Ruston Quays', featuring two levels like Peafore and a canal wharf ... inspirational!). Might have to buy that issue too, or even contemplate a subscription...! Hopefully I'll get to the Chippenham show (I HAVE to ... it's walking distance from here!), so I'll see you there. Any changes planned beforehand? Alan

Out of interest, would the delays with the GWML electrification rollout be the reason for other NR infrastructure delays in the region? I read a non-official quote from a contractor today working on the new Chippenham station footbridge - that due to technical issues / delays, the footbridge and lifts would not be completed 'til December (it was due to be complete around now). I assume their timing with lift work / bridge positioning was to coincide with the electrification-related blockades on the mainline? Cheers, Alan

Yup - you see? It makes total sense to us! Unfortunately the extra 2 hours on top of 2 hours from Wiltshire is not deemed acceptable for the family. What's more frustrating is that we will be passing right through Barnstaple the following Saturday, on the way to Cornwall from Lynton area. I've discovered that there will be a Minehead exhibition happening that day, so that might be the consolation prize - but no Peafore & no DitD. Rob's idea of an accidental diversion is an interesting one, though. Will you be down there with the family, Rob, or alone? If the family's going, I might be able to convince Mrs Forsyth that we should meet up... :-)

Hi Rob - good luck on Saturday. Unfortunately I'm fighting a losing battle to persuade my nearest and dearest that we should make a 'short' diversion off the Southbound M5 to Barnstaple that day, on the way to our holiday destination near Totnes. Looks like we'll be stopping off in Exmouth instead. I have at least seen Peafore in the flesh (and it's definitely worth it!) but it's frustrating I won't get to see my all-time favourite - Diesels in the Duchy. Hopefully I'll catch it next time it's near us. Alan