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  1. 10800
    I've now finished (I think) the first of the eight pavilions required for the viaduct, except for the painting which can wait until they're all done.
     
    I'm always supercritical of my own work (aren't we all?) but I'm quite pleased with this given there were no drawings available and access to measure was not a practicable option. It's not as detailed as the real thing, but in view of the scale of the whole model and the distance from which it is likely to be viewed I think it conveys the essence well enough. When painted I may use pencil lines to suggest some of the other panelled detail, we shall see.
     
    There are 69 individual pieces in this structure, made variously of MDF, limewood, Rowmark and other species of plasticard. The fiddliest bits by far were the decorative coving around the tops of the pillars, made from Evergreen 1.5 x 1.5mm angle with 0.5 x 0.5mm section set into it, then mitred to form a 90-degree L-shape. I hate roofs, and made this based on longitudinal and lateral plasticard formers underneath, but I still couldn't get a perfect join for the four sections - so I filled the gaps with more 0.5 x 0.5mm strip to make it look neater even if it's not authentic. Also there is a piece of 2mm angle on the top to represent a final ridge tile and hide the unsightly join of four pieces of Slaters! I might try a wraparound one-piece card substructure for the next one.
     

     

     
    And, to show that I know no fear, once again the real thing B)
     

     
    Another experimental item is this representation, again based on Evergreen sections of various kinds, of the decorative brick detail at the tops of the piers. We haven't ruled out resin casting entirely for this (decision tomorrow when we have a get-together with the Eridge team) but it is at least an achievable option.
     

     

  2. 10800
    A bit more progress on the body. It's a whitemetal kit so it was only to be expected I suppose that not all the parts would fit perfectly, good though it is in general.
     
    Anyway, I removed the buffer beams since referral to photos showed they needed to be set back very slightly under the footplate - no matter, I'm dealing with stuff up top at the moment.
     
    So on with the short bonnet. After trial fitting with the end, I found the guides on the footplate were very slightly out for one of the sides, so I had to shift it slightly outwards, which needed a bit more fillet in the solder seam. Fortunately whitemetal soldering lends itself to this sort of thing.
     

     
    The roof also needed filing down fore and aft a few thou to enable it to fit.
     

     
    Nevertheless, there will need to be some filing and filling on the lower part of this side (below) to smooth the seam across.
     

     
    Then it was on to the long bonnet. The sides have just been tacked in place for now while I ensure that the roof and end fit as well as they can.
     

     
    The roof and end loosely in place. I won't finally solder the roof on until I've sorted the chassis, bogies etc in case I need to get access from above at any time in the process. The top of the end needs to be flush with the roof so that will need to be lifted by 1mm or so and the 'beading' at the base replaced with microstrip or similar.
     

     
    The cab roof loosely in place. It's nearly a mm short each side! Another opportunity to use the solder to fill in the gap, initially from the inside. Watch this space.
     

  3. 10800
    It's been a while since the last update, but progress has continued nonetheless - even if not much of it has been by me (work just continues to get in the way). And John seems to have lost his ability to post to the blog directly (Andy is looking into it).
     
    After finishing off some of the outer piers (where the plinths don't come into play) John moved onto, or rather returned to, the inner ones. This is where the tapered piers are inset slightly on the rectilinear plinths, and we now seem to have arrived at a workable system of ensuring that the 'inset' is even all round. There are a couple of points that have caused a bit of a problem - irritation with one and Doh! with the other. The irritation comes from the Slaters brick card where the straightness of the brick courses can no longer be guaranteed and so squareness and matching of blocks of brick is a bit of a lottery - we can only assume the tool at Slaters is old and worn, in any event there is a market opportunity out there for an accurate replacment. The Doh! is because I forgot about the inset when arranging for the semi-circular etches, and the apertures are slightly narrower in the plinths - so we really should have had two sizes made. Never mind, there's always a workaround, especially when we can direct future photographers to ones we know are better than others! Yes we could have had more etches done or had all the brickwork laser etched to start with, but there are budgetary limits!
     

     

     
    Meanwhile, up in Kent, Mark has been busying himself with resin casting and 3D printing, the technology for which goes straight over the heads of John and myself. We just marvel at the results, and Mark deserves huge thanks for all his efforts here - largely spontaneously too.
     
    Firstly, we now have the resin cast roofs for the pavilions:
     

     
    And not one, but two options for the corbels, one in resin and the other 3D printed by Shapeways. Both are very good, but the crispness and Mark's sanity probably mean that we will go for a production run of the Shapeways version.
     
    This is the resin version:
     

     
    And this the 3D printed one:
     

     
    Finally, it has now reached the public domain via Scalefour News that the viaduct will form part of a themed demonstration on modelling BR (Southern) at Scaleforum at Leatherhead in September (24th and 25th). It won't be completely finished of course, but the objective is to have the whole basic structure up, with some run-ins at each end, and one end at least sceniced and detailed as far as we can. And some form of train movement will be available, even if one of the temporary tracks might be (sshhh) 00 for the occasion.
  4. 10800
    (From John) - some more progress. Much experimenting on the mortar course 'grouting' was done under the guidance of Tim Maddocks. Several paint combinations/types and finally Games Workshop 'Citadel' acrylics came out as the most user friendly and best for speed of application/process, considering the amount that has to be done!
     
    The resin cast corbels are only temporarily attached and are to be replaced with ones from Shapeways 3D printed ones in due course.
     

     
    The top structures in grey primer prior to being finished with a beige colour to represent the Caen stone.
     

     

     
     
     
     
    (From Rod) - these are probably the last photos before Scaleforum in (gulp) three weeks time (well we have to leave something in anticipation!). Just to add to John's photos here are some showing the early stages of terraforming and a bit more detail appearing on the balustrades - still in workshop photographic grey - in the form of limewood strip to represent the coping.
     
    At this (London) end the viaduct continues onto an embankment before rejoining the background topography; at the Brighton end the land rises more gradually from the valley floor to the higher ground to the south.
     

     

     

  5. 10800
    We think we've cracked the issue of how best to join sections together. The following photos show (using a couple of demonstration end sections and a 'real' pier) how it will work.
     
    Rather than have a separate detachable pier for the joins, which creates additional problems regarding planting in the scenery and so on, the pier will be 'half' attached to one end of the two sections to be joined.
     

     
    The dowel and the square-section pins provide for alignment. The pins have holes drilled into them so that when mated they can be locked with round pins pushed in from the top.
     

     

     
    The pins will be disguised by covering with cable ducting on the trackbed. A detachable refuge will be placed over the gap between the balustrades. A detachable 'batwing' shaped piece of brickwork will go over the join and extend to the crests of the adjacent arches to minimise visible joins.
  6. 10800
    This is a very preliminary and loose-fitting mockup of the carcasses of two of the piers and a section of arches - less than 1/12th of the whole thing. This was built entirely of 2mm MDF (apart from the spacer blocks!) to try one or two construction methods out. It's also convinced me more than ever to outsource as much of the repetitive cutting as possible for consistency, and not just the arch and decorative details.
     
    The piers are in two sections, a lower rectangular section plinth and an upper very slightly tapered (in both dimensions) pier, whose lowest section is slightly inset from the plinth. The junction between the two on the real thing is at a constant elevation, so because of the topography the amount of plinth exposed varies - at the ends there is none showing at all. These two piers are the tallest, with an additional couple of inches to bury in the scenery.
     
    The oval apertures always start at the same point at the top, but finish about 2m above the ground at the base, so they too vary with the topography, and extend into the plinths where they are exposed. These were done by drilling holes at each end with a Forstner bit and cutting between them with a jigsaw.
     

     

     

     
    And finally a convenient piece of foamboard with a Maunsell on for scale.
     

     
    Next job is to prepare drawings for getting quotes for laser cutting, and think of suitable jig designs for building the 36 piers precisely!
  7. 10800
    Some snaps of some of the results of today in trial fittings of balustrades and refuges on the viaduct track base:
     

     

     

     

     
    And a couple of reminders of the real thing
     

     

     
    We're still thinking about how best to do the brackets
     
    So there will now be an awful lot of laminating of pairs of bits of 2mm MDF at 10800 towers - just the job to do on a work tray whilst watching the telly
     
    And we haven't forgotten about the coping and plinths for the balustrades
  8. 10800
    You may be forgiven for thinking we had taken our foot off the pedal recently. Far from it, as work has been proceeding steadily both at DRAG meetings and especially at John's (Re6/6) premises, as these photos will show.
     
    Here you see the full collection of five tracks on some of the curve boards, with 00 on the inside and then four P4 tracks. The middle two (fast) P4 tracks have been superelevated using Tillig 'styrene wedges', the whole track bed has been sprayed a red-oxide colour for uniform appearance and additional protective upstanding strip has been put on the board sides.
     




     
     
  9. 10800
    O10800WB - a little holiday modelling
     
    by 10800
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    Go to comments
     
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:13 am
     
    While I have them with me for safekeeping during Eridge's rebuild, I thought I'd put up some pics of the Eridge goods shed, built a few years ago (it's the one on my avatar) showing some more details of its construction.
     
    The model was based on photographs and a drawing of a very similar shed (but brick-built) elsewhere on the Cuckoo line. Basis of construction was stripwood, Evergreen sheets for the main walls, Wills slate sheets for the roof, and lots of plasticard strip of various sizes.
     

     

     

     
    The roof was a bit of a problem because of the small size of the Wills sheets, which I attempted to deal with (not entirely successfully) by solvent-welding sheets together. It's not as bad in the flesh as it seems here.
     

     
    This shows the interior and the stripwood frame. The platform is just ply timbering for pointwork, and the crane is another Wills product.
     

     
    The roof was based on a plastic strip A-frame concoction.
     

     

     
    Finally, some paint and weathering experiments with the humble Ratio P-way hut.
     

     

     

     
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by number6 on Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:14 pm
     
    Lovely. I would have liked to see how a small shed like this worked back in the day... - you could get quickly overloaded inside if you didn't tranship stuff quickly. Lots of brute force required too. What was the gallows on the end wall for?
     
    I particuarly like your building corners.
     
    Raphael
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:29 pm
     
    Cheers Raphael
     
    The corners were tidied up by yet another application of thin microstrip!
     
    It took me ages to find out what the gallows thing was. I understand it is a gauge used by the p-way department when realigning and reballasting in the station, to make sure the rail-to-platform height is maintained. Previously I had thought it was something to do with wagon loads and door access, so I may need to take it off and review its length! There was also one hanging on the signalbox at Oxted.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:15 am
     
    Nothing especially exciting, but for anyone who hasn't seen it here's how you change the wheels on a Heljan 33 (same process applies to other Heljan locos).
     
    The raw materials - in this case Kernow limited edition green 33/0 and Ultrascale P4 conversion pack.
     

     
    Pull off bogie side frames from the pins which also hold the pickup strips. Be careful with the 33 because you have to negotiate around the lifting lug on the solebar positioned mid-bogie (not an issue with the Hymek or 47).
     

     

     
    With the aid of a small screwdriver, gently lever off the bogie cover plate, exposing the wheelsets and gear assembly.
     

     

     
    Lift out original wheelsets. At this stage I also nipped off the RTR coupling pocket.
     

     
    With needle nose pliers, bend out the pickup strip to ensure contact with the wider-spaced P4 wheels.
     

     
    Check back-to-back of replacement wheelsets.
     

     
    Drop them into place, ensuring the gears mesh and the pickups are not caught on the outside of the wheel.
     

     
    Snap back cover plate and refit side frames.
     

     
    Rewheeled bogie to the left, original to the right. Repeat process on other bogie.
     

     
    The first bogie took about half an hour, mainly due to the photography and being interrupted by The Archers. The second one took about 5 minutes.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:38 am
     
    Excellent Rod, my blue one will be there tonight for the double-heading!...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:39 am
     


    10800 wrote:
    and being interrupted by The Archers
    I don't answer the door to 'em now...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by craigwelsh on Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:44 am
     
    I didn't realise Ultrascale had full metal backs on their newer conversion packs, much better for pickup than the older ones that just had a metal tyre. I should probably swap some proper Ultrascales into my Hymek at some point and put the Black Beetle wheelsets into something that should have 14mm dia wheels.
     
    ps I see your B2B gauge is as tarnished as mine although the cutout in my Exactoscale B2B allows the gear to drop down so the whole wheel is against the gauge.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:23 am
     


    craigwelsh wrote:
    ps I see your B2B gauge is as tarnished as mine although the cutout in my Exactoscale B2B allows the gear to drop down so the whole wheel is against the gauge.
    I think you probably have the later version, Craig. Mine is the same as Rod's gauge....
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:37 am
     


    craigwelsh wrote:
    I didn't realise Ultrascale had full metal backs on their newer conversion packs, much better for pickup than the older ones that just had a metal tyre.
    They must have changed some time ago Craig - the wheels on my Hymek and 47, which must have been purchased at least 2 years ago, have full metal backs.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by craigwelsh on Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:17 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    craigwelsh wrote:
    I didn't realise Ultrascale had full metal backs on their newer conversion packs, much better for pickup than the older ones that just had a metal tyre.

    They must have changed some time ago Craig - the wheels on my Hymek and 47, which must have been purchased at least 2 years ago, have full metal backs. I must admit most of my Ultrascale purchases so far have been second hand to avoid the wait (and save some money!) so I haven't had any new production. Good to know though, will definiately have to change the Hymek wheels and put the 14mm ones in something else.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:56 pm
     


    Captain Kernow wrote:
    Excellent Rod, my blue one will be there tonight for the double-heading!...
    And very successful it was too!
     
    viewtopic.php?f=25&t=19496
     
    Faultlessly smooth running from both 33s I must say. I still prefer the green one though!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:40 pm
     
    It's been far too long since I looked at these, so I thought I ought to try and finish them before the Eridge MkII track is completed! So out they came for a rinse and a health check. This is what they looked like at the current stage of progress - from left to right: down inner home bracket (SR railbuilt post, lattice dolls); combined up advanced starter and splitting distants for the next box - also railbuilt post and lattice dolls; and up platform starter bracket (LBSCR lower quadrant arms, lattice post and dolls. Some minor repair work needed to the counterbalance pivot on the latter and the movement-limiting wire on one of the distant arms, and a couple of the spectacle plates have gone (these will probably be replaced with Kristal Klear and coloured pen).
     

     
    And from the back
     

     
    Horrendously cruel enlargement of some of the crank and wire arrangements. Real signals have cables and pulleys, so this is a compromise of course, but when all the detail is added and the signals are painted it shouldn't look such a mess. I'll also trim off the tails on the control wires (0.33 mm brass wire) a bit closer when I'm happy with everything.
     

     

     
    I didn't plan sufficiently for the actuation arrangements, so the short sections of bearing tube that the control wires pass through (the three-arm signal in this case) were too close to the plug-in cylindrical section for the method I now want to use. I didn't want to unsolder the cylinder 'casings' because of the knock-on effect on the signal itself, especially in respect to the whitemetal railbuilt posts, so I have now removed them by carefully snipping them into sections with tin snips and levering the sections off. The tubes will now be replaced by new ones in a more suitable position.
     

     

     
    The diagram below (not to scale) shows in cross-section how I now plant to actuate the signals, using Tortoise motors mounted so the movement is vertical rather than horizontal, but most importantly enabling the signals to be removed easily for safety. The basic idea is that the 3/16 inch brass bar acts as a counterbalance enabling the control wire to be pulled down by gravity, and pushed up again by the action of the Tortoise. There will be additional limit stops added for the Tortoise arm itself to prevent too much movement being imposed on the signal arms, and the brass 'weights' will be lubricated with graphite (4B pencil). If necessary the wire/bar assembly could be removed for maintenance by detaching the control wire from the signal.
     
    The black bits on the diagram are fixed, the red are the moving parts on the signal assembly, and the blue the moving parts from the Tortoise(s).
     

     
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by pinkmouse on Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:19 am
     
    Looking good Rod, I look forward to seeing them in the flesh.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:03 am
     
    Thanks Al - next stages are:
     
    1) Finish off all the crank and wire fitting
    2) Solder on all the safety rails and ladders
    3) Fit the details - counterbalance weights, lamps, finials, strengthening plates on the railbuilt posts, track-circuit diamonds if appropriate etc etc. To avoid bits falling apart when soldering, these will probably be glued with epoxy (and some bits will be plasticard anyway)
    4) Paint
    5) When I have the track boards, build and fit the actuating mechanisms
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Horsetan on Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:17 am
     


    10800 wrote:
    ......next stages are:
     
    1) Finish off all the crank and wire fitting
    2) Solder on all the safety rails and ladders
    3) Fit the details - counterbalance weights, lamps, finials, strengthening plates on the railbuilt posts, track-circuit diamonds if appropriate etc etc. To avoid bits falling apart when soldering, these will probably be glued with epoxy (and some bits will be plasticard anyway)
    4) Paint
    5) When I have the track boards, build and fit the actuating mechanisms
    Any plans to illuminate them, Rod?
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:24 am
     
    No Ivan, Eridge only runs in daylight! And TBH I'll be more than pleased to have the arms go up and down. Mind you, on the down inner home and up starters the backblinders are there to stop the signalman seeing the white backlight when the signal is pulled off ...
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:41 pm
     
    Slowly but deliberately steadily progressing with the rod and crank arrangements. I'm using the cranks that come on Alan Gibson signal bracket frets, which come in two sizes - trying to use the small ones where possible but sometimes they just don't give enough throw so have to use the larger ones. There's a lot of trial and error, and moving of position to get the most reliable and efficient configuration. Also lots of frustration with the wire fitting - especially with the bending of the tails once fitted, where you can cause a bit of damage if not careful. For this reason I'm only doing a bit at a time, but the worst is now done Otherwise it would soon be a case of "right so you want to bounce do you, let's see how much you bounce off that *!@!** wall over there!".
     
    One useful tip is to use dividers and Bill Bedford's handrail bending jigs to prepare the wires. Saves the error of multiple measurements on something that rarely keeps very still.
     

     
    Just offer up the dividers to the crank-crank separation concerned, and adjust to fit:
     

     
    Then transfer the dividers to the jig and find the length that matches:
     

     
    and prepare and cut the wire accordingly. Works every time.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by timlewis on Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:04 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    There's a lot of trial and error, and moving of position to get the most reliable and efficient configuration.
    Hmm, don't you just love trial and error.
    Nice to see these again: looking rather good. I always think that good signals really make a layout: it seems to be the thing that everyone leaves till last (maybe you know why!) and then it's not always easy to get right (one of the advantages of modelling a real place, assuming you have a signalling diagram that is).
     
    Tim
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Hamilton on Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:23 am
     
    There are some really usefull little tips there thank you very much that I will take on board for my next signal construction project (after building some points and a loco and some rolling stock!)
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:18 am
     


    timlewis wrote:
    Hmm, don't you just love trial and error.
    Best way to learn and improve, although sometimes it doesn't seem that way I should have started with some simple single-post examples (which I now have two of to do now that the layout has extended a bit at the station end) but hey life is for living
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:24 am
     


    Hamilton wrote:
    There are some really usefull little tips there thank you very much that I will take on board for my next signal construction project (after building some points and a loco and some rolling stock!)
    Mick Nicholson of this parish has suggested pre-heating the wires with a match to make bending easier. Bending the tails round is just about my least-favourite task in modelling because of the potential damage you can do and the all-round fiddliness. I had thought about using a 1-2 cm length of tubing as a lever but the smallest I had available was 0.7mm bore and so there was still too much slop over the 0.33mm wire to make it effective. So it was back to the needle-nose pliers, perspiration and blue air!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:38 pm
     
    The good news is that all the wire and crank fitting is done!
     

     

     

     
    Not so good is that the various crank bearings (or rather my method of doing them) means that they (and the counterbalances) protrude too far forward and so the landing rails would be inboard of them on at least two of the signals Hmmm ... OK, just another challenge and part of the learning process I guess - what I will do is graft another plank worth of landing on the front of the existing landing to provide the space and clearance without the whole thing looking stupid. I could cut off the rear of the landing and move that to the front, but then I'd have to drill more holes for the uprights in the next plank in and I don't fancy doing that in situ; I could unsolder the dolls and move them back a shade - no I couldn't, not after all that effort in getting the wires working . So the landing will just end up being a little wider - another compromise, but the least of several evils I think.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:31 am
     
    Now that they're 'working' I've decided to take each one through to completion separately. So starting with the ex-LBSC up starter, this now has ladders on the landing and the rails added (authenically wonky! ). Starting to look more like a real signal now! There's just about enough room to squeeze the lamp in between the doll, arm, ladder and backblinder on the left hand one.
     

     
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Horsetan on Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:00 pm
     
    The signal arms seem very similar to the GSR / CIE arms, Rod.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sat Jul 26, 2008 4:02 pm
     
    Indeed so Ivan, straight out of the Saxby & Farmer catalogue!
    __________________________________________
  10. 10800
    The first part-finished section of the viaduct made its inaugural public appearance at the RMWeb Taunton bash yesterday, including some powered running across it for the first time.
     
    Many thanks to John for all his hard work in getting it to this stage, not without its trials and tribulations, and to Pete for his help yesterday. It was gratifying to receive some positive feedback and encouragement based on what we had done so far, but also a reminder on how much more there was still to do!
     
    Here are some pics though - it isn't finally glued up, so there is a little misalignment highlighted by the last photo, and a slight droop at one end which will be fixed by packing at the base before final and permanent assembly.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  11. 10800
    Last Monday night we had the outer P4 circuit complete and (temporarily) wired so we could test a few trains - a moment for some celebration!
     
    The honour of providing a debutante was given to John Farmer after all his hard work on the boards recently, and went to a Vitrains 37 (all these videos were done on a Flip video camera - the sound goes all phasy when uploaded to YouTube although the originals are fine )
     
    http://www.youtube.c...h?v=mPnWvgfzED0
     
    This evolved into a 3 loco lash up
     

     
    And CK provided a proper train - 33 with a parcels
     

     
    Meanwhile, back on the 00 track the Devon Belle was running
     

     
    With a prototype Deltic providing alternative motive power and showing the size of the test track (apologies for the antics of one member here - he's been given a slap )
     

     
     
    Captain Kernow update on Saturday 27/02/10
     
    We had another enjoyable running session last Monday, there are some photos here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/10529-the-drag-mark-2-test-track/
  14. 10800

    Plinths and pavilions

    By 10800,

    Good day's progress today over at John's. Pavilions finished apart from decoration around top of columns, finalised track bed cutting on end boards, and attached 'plinths' to balustrades - using 3.3mm ply sleeper strip, makes a surprisingly big improvement to their 'solidity'. Not done the coping yet, walnut stripwood not yet arrived. Also made a jig for consistent fitting of the corbels supporting the refuges - Mark has finalised the design and a trial run of 20 has been ordered from Shapeways.
     
    Meanwhile John was making good headway on making the basis for the approaches to the viaduct proper, on which the pavilions sit. The photos show a provisional placing of all four pavilions at one end. The balustrades between the pavilions have 28 arches, and those between the inner pavilion and the first refuge have 21, compared to the 'standard' 19, so some 'cut-and-shut' work was necessary to make these.
     
    No this isn't an early pre-production of the Hornby 5-BEL, but an old Wrenn Belle we happened to have handy.
     

     

     

     

     

     

  15. 10800

    Planned expansion

    By 10800,

    The current 'continuous running' topic in the main forum reminded me how long it is since I updated this, so:
     
    It is still very much a goer of a project, and it is likely that I will be starting (with help from Re6/6) on extruded polystyrene-type baseboards in the near future - although on past experience I'm not going to state any timescales!
     
    It has also grown a bit and is now about 20ft by 9ft. The reason for this is to give a longer scenic runpast section and storage, especially with 9 or 10 coach trains, and to enable prototypical curves to be maintained in the scenic section, only decreasing to a ruling 33 inches well off scene. Obviously this prevents all of it being put up at home, but that was always going to be a squeeze and a rare opportunity, so it will go up from time to time at DRAG and maybe at shows.
     
    Here is the latest Templot of the frontage
     

     
    The back (storage sidings) isn't finished in Templot, but with use of Peco pointwork I'll probably just build it in situ, likely to be 4 or 5 roads in each direction.
     
    I haven't sketched out the latest scenic plan yet, but it is likely to be just a stretched version of the earlier one
     

     
    The main difference is not having the s-curve, which is a bit contrived, but also to slew one of the lines at the river crossing. This is to take advantage of a nice single track bespoke bridge I have acquired, and so the premise will be that the line was originally built single track but doubled later with a separate (and different) river bridge.
     
    As previously described in this blog, trains will mainly be a mixture of Southern Withered Arm steam and Western diesel hydraulics. There are no plans for any WR steam locomotives . The idea is for the layout to represent somewhere on the north side of Dartmoor in the 50s/early 60s at a time when the WR route from Exeter to Plymouth is closed for engineering and (diesel) trains are being diverted over the SR route.
     
    Most of the stock for running on it I already have, and the train register will give me quite a bit of variety:
     
    Ilfracombe portion of Devon Belle (WC with nine Pullmans)
    Van train (hauled by WC, N, Hymek, lots of choices!)
    Western on relief Cornishman or other named train (9-10 choc/cream Mk1s with the odd maroon replacement). Could also use D600 Warship on this when/if Kernow/Dapol commission is realised.
    Local WR train (Ivatt tank, Hymek, Cl 22)
    T9 or M7 on local SR train (Maunsell P set or augmented formation)
    N on milks/goods/ballast trains
    Short clay train (Cl 22 possibly)
    Bubble car and Class 108 DMUs
  16. 10800

    Inspiration

    By 10800,

    00 roundy-roundy - Tawbridge
     
    by 10800
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:09 pm
     
    It's all Hornby's fault , coupled with an approaching birthday (making me more time conscious, not because of presents potential), where I live, and my attraction to all things of the green tendency. And maybe the Hull boys' recent layout project. I'm giving consideration - serious consideration - to building a relatively small roundy-roundy layout in 00 based somewhere in North Devon around 1960, using exclusively RTR stock.
     
    The scenic bit would be just a double track secondary line - no station, no points - passing through the countryside, or perhaps over a river bridge. All I want really is to be able to watch trains go by in the minimum of time and with the minimum of effort. Having only plain track on view, and at a high eye-level, minimises the trauma to the P4 side of my brain . Peco points will do for the fiddle yard at the back.
     
    Stocking it is (or will be) so easy - M7, N, T9, unrebuilt Bulleid Pacific, Ivatt 2-6-2T, Standard 4 2-6-4T, Standard 4 Mogul, Class 22, Bubblecar maybe, Maunsell coaches etc etc.
     
    I'm already hunting on Ebay ...
     
    Have I gone completely barmy?
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by noddycab on Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:16 pm
     
    Sounds like a nice little idea, i like the idea of just plain track and countryside... The river bridge would set it off nicely.
    When u going to get the kettle on and get the biscuits out to make a start on it?
     
    Andy
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by shortliner on Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:57 pm
     
    looks like the fiddle yard will be bigger than the layout, with that stock-list!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:26 pm
     
    Considerably, Jack! But at least the trains are short!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by sunshine coast on Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:32 pm
     
    And why not ... There are ,after all only so many hours in a day ...
     
    Rod .............Ebay ......and ....Model shops ......!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Gordon S on S</STRONG> on Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:36 pm
     
    Sounds good Rod, but you don't need a fiddle yard....A decent traverser will easily do the job..
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by johnteal on Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:38 pm
     
    How small is "relatively small" ???
     
    John
    RJR
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:12 pm
     
    I'm thinking in the order of 10ft x 6ft, but without having sat down and planned anything yet on paper. Really governed by retaining a reasonable scenic length and not having excruciatingly small radii on the ends. It won't be permanently erected at home whatever size it is, but it could be put up in the dining room occasionally (subject to approval from the authorities and locking the cats away), or at DRAG if they will accept a non-P4 layout, or hopefully at exhibition.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:18 pm
     


    sunshine coast wrote:
    and ....Model shops ......!
    Gotcha Trevor! Next time I'm in the area, or even not ...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by westrerner on Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:38 pm
     
    If you can get hold of it have a look at Iain Rice's 'Mainlines in Small Spaces' . It contains layout in 10ft x 7ft based on Port Issac Road, Whilst it is a station he has some interesting ideas on a fiddle yard. Basically Two long sidings facing opposite ways (for the ACE) two shorter sidings as cassettes (also facing opposite ways) with a continuous run between them, Going from cassette to cassette or long siding to long siding gives end to end running. The whole unscenic part of the layout is about 9ft and the scenic section is about 14ft. The main part of the visible bit of the layout is a long transition curve with the tightest radius being 30inches into the fiddle area.
    I hope all that makes sense. You could leave the station out I suppose, but on his layout it is used as a passing station on what was a predominantly single track line.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by John B on Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:50 pm
     
    It has massive appeal, Rod.....
     
    I keep having similar thoughts of building something OO, just to "run in" things before the inevitable gauge conversion, of course...

     
    Plus there's the excuse for all the stuff you want that's just too Sou-Western to run on Eridge or Camberhurst!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Re6/6 on Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:03 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    or at DRAG if they will accept a non-P4 layout, or hopefully at exhibition.
    Anything goes at DRAG!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:08 pm
     


    John B wrote:
    just to "run in" things before the inevitable gauge conversion, of course...

    That will be the answer I give when the P4 detector van comes calling ...
     


    Plus there's the excuse for all the stuff you want that's just too Sou-Western to run on Eridge or Camberhurst!
    Dead right, I'm wondering if it was that damned Class 22 that tipped the scales - even the T9 is OK for Eridge (well there was one once).
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by davidpk212 on Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:46 pm
     
    Another person willing to "take the plunge" and build an MLRT! Yipee! At this rate we'll have caught up with SLT building by Christmas...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jongwinnett on Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:37 pm
     


    John B wrote:
    It has massive appeal, Rod.....
     
    I keep having similar thoughts of building something OO, just to "run in" things before the inevitable gauge conversion, of course...

     
    Plus there's the excuse for all the stuff you want that's just too Sou-Western to run on Eridge or Camberhurst!
    hear hear...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:55 am
     


    10800 wrote:
    John B wrote:
    just to "run in" things before the inevitable gauge conversion, of course...


    That will be the answer I give when the P4 detector van comes calling ...
     

    Plus there's the excuse for all the stuff you want that's just too Sou-Western to run on Eridge or Camberhurst!

    Dead right, I'm wondering if it was that damned Class 22 that tipped the scales - even the T9 is OK for Eridge (well there was one once). I see that you haven't taken Dr Kernow's psycological advice and locked yourself away in a small room with all the back numbers of the Scalefour News for at least 10 years......
     
    Well, as they say on First Great Western local services.....'Welcome aboard'....

     
    Shall I build that B7 crossover in OO after all, then?!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:23 am
     


    davidpk212 wrote:
    Another person willing to "take the plunge" and build an MLRT! Yipee! At this rate we'll have caught up with SLT building by Christmas...
    MLRT?
     
    Main line run through?
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Barry Ten on Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:14 pm
     
    It's a really nice idea, Rod - chimes with similar thoughts I've been having recently. I've often thought I could be just as happy with a well-modelled diorama - just a single or double track running through, no sidings or anything - as with a more orthodox layout, provided there was lots of storage space for a variety of trains. And I've been thinking about some kind of Southern or S&D themed layout to go on the second level above my current project. Its just madness not to model the Southern right now, isn't it?
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:31 pm
     
    This project is starting to build up a bit of momentum now. It will probably be 12ft x 7ft, with a scenic section at the front of around 8-9ft. I started trying to be really complicated in the fiddleyard, with loops, sidings, crossovers, a double slip etc but concluded this was unnecessary. There will now just be a long loop for each of the two running lines, and all four roads can be subdivided into three sections (it will be DC) for holding short/medium trains, or one long and one short, or one very long; a trailing crossover between the up and down (in the FY!); and possibly a couple of stub sidings for loco storage.
     
    Baseboard construction will be conventional ply/softwood block sandwich type. The low-level river crossing, which is the main focal point, need only be a couple of inches above the water. I'm looking at three 4ft x 2ft boards front and back, and interestingly the side curve boards could be little more than 3ft x 15in drop-ins connecting the front and back runs.
     
    The scenic section will be framed by a continuous thin plywood/MDF backscene, curved at each end to come to the front of the boards about 12 in from the ends. I will need to determine by trial and error where it crosses the tracks to avoid the 'sharp curve just inside the tunnel' routine, but there should be around 9 ft of scenic travel.
     
    Now, because there is just rural scenery - no station, no signals, no buildings to speak of - this could be sufficiently generic to be almost anywhere in the wilder parts of the country, and at any time in the last century. So I'm thinking it could be the answer to my fantasies of having layouts based on prototypes I like away from the Southern, and for which I will just never have the time to convert stock to P4 - Eridge and Camberhurst will be all I need for that thankyou!. In 'Withered Arm' mode (or Devon diesel hydraulic mode) the backscene could have suggestions of Dartmoor tors on the horizon, but it could be made to have interchangeable slide in backscenes to change it quickly to (say) somewhere on the lower levels of the Waverley route - and change the stock to a V2, A1 and a couple of Claytons, some maroon Mk1s and off you go!
     
    As it says on the TV recycling ad, 'the possibilities are endless'.
     
    For those coming to the RMWeb day in Taunton at the end of April, I expect to have plans and mockups of the layout on display.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:21 pm
     
    We DRAGgers had better hope that the Provisional Wing don't catch up with us - they'll string us up by our Romfords if they do!!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:10 pm
     
    I'm temporarily without a scanner, so I've had to just photograph it, but this is the sort of thing being considered:
     

     
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by ian on Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:14 pm
     
    You could take it a stage further Rod and build two or more sets of front boards with different scenes on - urban approaches on a viaduct, tunnel approach in a cutting.....
     
    Sorry - I'll stop - you've got quitre enough on your plate!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by sunshine coast on Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:27 pm
     
    Nice and simple .......set the trains running open a beer and watch .......excellent ....
     
    look forward to seeing you at the meet ....
     
    Regards Trevor....
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:51 pm
     


    sunshine coast wrote:
    set the trains running open a beer and watch .......
    Cheers Trevor - actually, there's space for a couple of handpumps on the fiddle yard boards ...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by westrerner on Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:07 pm
     
    It's a nice idea. I like the idea of a changeable backscene and the idea of coming into the room and just switching and letting the tarins trundle round great. But just as a point of interest are you going to have automatic train control in the fidle yard. ie as one train leaves the fiddle yard the next one moves forward etc. and after the trains in that loop have completed their crcuit the points change and the next loop does it showpiece, That really would be good to watch with a G&T in hand(or a good pint of real ale).
    __________________________________________
  17. 10800

    Latest test assemblies

    By 10800,

    Six weeks to Scaleforum, and the London end is really starting to take final shape. The corbels (brackets) for the refuges are preliminary versions, more detailed ones are on the way.
     
    We also now have the stripwood for making the copings for the balustrades. In due course the levels of the pavilions and balustrades will be adjusted to get the relative levels of pavilion and train absolutely right (something also affected by the track and ballasting configuration).
     

     

     

     

     
    A few snaps of the 'London' pavilions section with experimental primer.

     
    The first resin cast brackets to be replaced in due course.

     
    At this stage all the constituent assemblies are still to be correctly positioned and permanently glued.
     


  18. 10800

    Prevarication

    By 10800,

    00 roundy-roundy - Tawbridge
     
    by 10800
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by westrerner on Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:37 pm
     
    I'll try and get Dave to see what happens with his spamcan and Pullmans on Epsom tonight if I remember. I'll post results. It'll definitely take 8 Bulleids and bogie van, the Pullmans I'm not so sure about.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by westrerner on Fri Feb 20, 2009 12:24 am
     
    We did'nt do it but I was reminded by Dave that it certainly pulled 8 Pullmans with little problem.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:33 am
     


    westrerner wrote:
    We did'nt do it but I was reminded by Dave that it certainly pulled 8 Pullmans with little problem.
    Thanks everyone for the testing! I think there should be no problem especially if I take the working brakes (i.e. the lighting pickups) off.
     
    I've been thinking again ('never a good idea - just get on with it! ') about what I will be running on this layout, and totting up the stock I already have for it and what will come in the future, and decided that:
     
    1) I need more track storage in the fiddle yard to reduce the amount of crane shunting (with or without cassettes)
    2) Having got the tape measure out again I reckon I can make it 2ft longer, i.e. 14ft x 7ft with a longer scenic section at the front, and still just about be able to get it up in the dining room
    3) With more locomotives on the track at a given time it definitely needs to be DCC
     
    So it will be redesigned at the back to have at least six roads, two dedicated to each line and two 'common' in the middle, always (at home at least) leaving a road for each line clear so I can just sit back and watch the trains go round and round. The scenic section will still just be plain track in the countryside, with a river crossing. Set somewhere in Devon on the north side of Dartmoor, there will be two sorts of traffic - Southern Withered Arm (steam) and diverted WR diesel hydraulic trains on the assumption that the southern route between Exeter and Plymouth is closed for engineering. Just have to be careful not to run the Devon Belle at the same time as the Western-hauled Royal Duchy/Mayflower/Cornishman with chocolate/cream stock And none of those Swindon green coal-burning things neither
     
    To spread the DCC capital cost, I can start with having one line set for DCC and the other for DC as I gradually chip the locos, then change the DC line to DCC when I'm ready. As long as I'm diligent in keeping the two systems electrically independent ... It will be DCC for running the locos only, no sound envisaged. Probably Dynamis.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by stubby47 on Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:37 am
     
    If your layout is a simple roundy-roundy, with no scope for shunting, and you're not interested in sound, why are you considering going for DCC ? Just curious, no axe to grind either way.
     
    Stu
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:47 am
     


    stubby47 wrote:
    If your layout is a simple roundy-roundy, with no scope for shunting, and you're not interested in sound, why are you considering going for DCC ? Just curious, no axe to grind either way.
    Hi Stu
     
    There could be 10 or more locos on the track in the fiddle yard, in a wide variety of locations depending on train make-up. The alternative to DCC would be to have loads of isolating sections everywhere, which starts to get inconvenient with that much motive power.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by stubby47 on Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:55 am
     
    Rod,
     
    Thanks for the answer, makes lots of sense.
     
    Stu
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by sunshine coast on Fri Feb 20, 2009 1:21 pm
     
    Rod ,
    sounds like a good plan especially the extra tracks in the yard ...
    however I would be a bit wary of using the Dynamis...only because it requires line of sight to the receiver ...I can see you operating this from the back and front ,or moving back and forth .... just a thought ..
     
    Regards Trevor ...
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 20, 2009 1:27 pm
     
    Hi Trevor
     
    Probably operate from the middle actually (no choice at home without standing outside the window or knocking a wall down - bit like the old Steptoe & Son snooker table episode!). Even if exhibited think I could avoid those issues, but thanks for the heads up anyway
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:22 pm
     
    Using 'Tawbridge' or 'Tawtonbridge' as a possible name for this.
     
    Trying to formulate some scenic ideas now - regular viewers will recall that this is to be a no-frills roundy roundy so I can watch trains in the landscape. So no pointwork, no station, no signals, no buildings apart from maybe a P-way hut, just a twin-track railway passing through the landscape and crossing a river. Scenic section is 14 ft long and 2ft deep.
     
    The backscene will have this kind of appearance, representing somewhere on the Southern on the north side of Dartmoor:
     

     
    And the visible section of the layout something like this:
     

     
    The main focal point will be the river crossing, probably a twin span affair using Wills curved-top girder sections on granite piers. The river will curve to the right and have stands of trees to disguise its disappearance into the backscene. The right bank as viewed will be a 'bluff' with bits of sloughing into the river below, the left bank will be flat with cows wandering down to drink with the railway on a short stretch of embankment which dwindles out as the land rises. Maybe a 'natural' pond next to the river for cattle to stand in and ducks to swim in.
     
    Left hand exit will be a minor road or occupation overbridge, right hand just a 'hole in the backscene' disguised by more trees.
     
    Land will rise slightly to a high point just short of the backscene and then fall away so that you don't see the join, probably marked by hedges and shrubs.
     
    Beyond that I haven't decided, but it will inevitably be a lot of grass and scrub. Suggestions invited!
     
    As discussed before, trains will be of two main types covering the period 1953-1963 - Southern 'Withered Arm' steam, and early Western hydraulics on diversion between Exeter and Plymouth. Passenger services could range from a nine-coach Ilfracombe portion Devon Belle to a T9 with Maunsell P-set or a Class 22 on a four coach local of chocolate/cream and maroon Mk1s. Freight could include some short china clay trains (hooded and return empties), ballast with walrus and dogfish, and pick up goods.
     
    The idea is for all stock to be RTR (I have my P4 projects to indulge in kit-building and conversion) and apart from loco renumbering, couplings, corridor connections and weathering no detail work will be done on them. Except maybe the walrus conversions from sealions. Trains won't be standing still so you won't be able to read the coach numbers easily!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Graham_Muz on Thu Feb 26, 2009 3:02 pm
     
    Looks good to me Rod.
     
    is the proposed backscene Cosdon Beacon and Belstone Tor?
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Thu Feb 26, 2009 3:13 pm
     


    Graham_Muz wrote:
    is the proposed backscene Cosdon Beacon and Belstone Tor?
    That particular view is, yes
     
    There are a couple of places on a ridge just north of the A30 where you can get virtually 180 degree panoramas, this is just one shot of about 15 taken on a reccy about a year ago. The idea would be to do it properly in decent light and with a tripod and stitch the pictures together. Not easy facing south, but you always get the purply colour of the tors in the distance.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Graham_Muz on Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:56 pm
     
    Yes Rod I know the area well and have hiked over most of it, and spent many a night away from it all there too. Dartmoor is one my most favourite places in the UK. Certainly would make an excellent backdrop and will be doing something similar when I finally get around to my plans for Lydford Junction!
     
    I really love the concept behind Tawbridge and look forward to seeing it progress.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by sunshine coast on Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:59 pm
     
    Rod ,
    I would think that in this case ,less is more,
    possibly a distant signal .. intimating something further up the line ,
    other than that all the effort can then go into the quality of the scenic work,well done telegraph poles,p/way hut ,lineside details ,vegetation etc...
     
    Regards Trevor ...
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:52 pm
     


    sunshine coast wrote:
    possibly a distant signal .. intimating something further up the line ,
    other than that all the effort can then go into the quality of the scenic work,well done telegraph poles,p/way hut ,lineside details ,vegetation etc...
    Hi Trevor
     
    I had also thought of a single distant signal somewhere, and it is appealing. CK also suggested one of the early Southern colour lights, but I don't know when they came in exactly and where (anyone?).
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:23 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    sunshine coast wrote:
    possibly a distant signal .. intimating something further up the line ,
    other than that all the effort can then go into the quality of the scenic work,well done telegraph poles,p/way hut ,lineside details ,vegetation etc...

    Hi Trevor
     
    I had also thought of a single distant signal somewhere, and it is appealing. CK also suggested one of the early Southern colour lights, but I don't know when they came in exactly and where (anyone?). Don't forget, you promised me an accommodation crossing as well!!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by sunshine coast on Fri Feb 27, 2009 1:16 pm
     


    Captain Kernow wrote:
    10800 wrote:
    sunshine coast wrote:
    possibly a distant signal .. intimating something further up the line ,
    other than that all the effort can then go into the quality of the scenic work,well done telegraph poles,p/way hut ,lineside details ,vegetation etc...

    Hi Trevor
     
    I had also thought of a single distant signal somewhere, and it is appealing. CK also suggested one of the early Southern colour lights, but I don't know when they came in exactly and where (anyone?).
    Don't forget, you promised me an accommodation crossing as well!! And a "Tea Shoppe" if I know the Captain .....
     
    Rod,
    just had a look in a Southern signal book and them new fangled colour lights do not seem to exist at all !!!! stick with an up and down flappy thing on a lattice post,much nicer than a pole with a bulb on.......
     
    regards Trevor..
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Graham_Muz on Fri Feb 27, 2009 1:24 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    I had also thought of a single distant signal somewhere, and it is appealing. CK also suggested one of the early Southern colour lights, but I don't know when they came in exactly and where (anyone?).
    Well the Southern Railway introduced the first four aspect coloured light signal as far back as 1926. These were mainly confined to the commuter network rather than places like the withered arm.
     
    I agree with Trevor, and feel that a nice ex LSWR style lattice post fixed distant would look great just as the line heads into the scenic break by the trees. I think you need to place an order with MSE as soon as possible
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:18 pm
     


    Captain Kernow wrote:
    Don't forget, you promised me an accommodation crossing as well!!
    You've got one on the bridge at the left end - or did you mean a flat crossing?
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:25 pm
     


    Graham_Muz wrote:
    I agree with Trevor, and feel that a nice ex LSWR style lattice post fixed distant would look great just as the line heads into the scenic break by the trees. I think you need to place an order with MSE as soon as possible
    I like the 'fixed' bit! I'll have a word with that nice Mr Hartshorne at Railex.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by beast66606 on Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:32 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    Graham_Muz wrote:
    I agree with Trevor, and feel that a nice ex LSWR style lattice post fixed distant would look great just as the line heads into the scenic break by the trees. I think you need to place an order with MSE as soon as possible

    I like the 'fixed' bit! I'll have a word with that nice Mr Hartshorne at Railex. Why "fixed" on a double track
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:58 pm
     


    beast66606 wrote:
    Why "fixed" on a double track
    How did you know we were talking signals now?
     
    Would that never happen then? (making it work is no problem of course, if it was appropriate to have).
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by beast66606 on Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:02 pm
     


    10800 wrote:
    beast66606 wrote:
    Why "fixed" on a double track

    How did you know we were talking signals now?
     
    Would that never happen then? (making it work is no problem of course, if it was appropriate to have). In signalling one can never say never just say unlikely - not sure Andrew does a range of RTP signals ...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Captain Kernow on Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:29 pm
     


    beast66606 wrote:
    In signalling one can never say never just say unlikely - not sure Andrew does a range of RTP signals ...
    I think it would have been worked, Rod. A fixed distant would normally be provided in situations where the stop signals ahead of it would never have all been cleared throughout for a non-stop train. You can only clear the distant signal if all stop signals in the line of travel at that particular block post have already been cleared. It signifies a clear run ahead to the driver. If you are modelling a double track main line or secondary route to the north of Dartmoor, I think it's highly unlikely that they would have provided a fixed distant.
     
    And yes, I did mean a flat accommodation crossing! When we use the term 'crossing' at work, we invariably mean a level crossing (although 'accommodation' and 'occupation' crossings are normally referred to as 'user worked crossings' these days). If you don't want a farm type crossing with gates etc. (Ratio do the bits, mind!), how about a nice footpath crossing with kissing gates?!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by westrerner on Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:29 pm
     
    Just wondered how this layout is getting on? I do like the concept of a series of trains running through well modelled scenery.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:08 pm
     
    Hi Alan
     
    Thanks for the interest
     
    Things have been a bit hectic on other matters this year - work, new kitchen etc - but I had planned to start building soon, probably using spaceboard as the basis of the boards. Watch this space.
    __________________________________________
  19. 10800
    Well yes it is, just that due to working from the inside track out the first one onto the curve is the inner 00/P87 circuit. And we had to give something a powered run didn't we?
     

     

     
     
    Captain Kernow update - 10/11/09
     
    Of course, when the Traffic Department made their hasty request to run a train, the Electrical Engineering Department belatedly realised that none of the sections was electrically linked, so the Electrical Improvisation Committee was duely formed, with the single task of holding metallic objects across both sides of the copper clad sleepers at the board joints:
     






     
     
    As regards the use of Peco code 75 track, in preference to something finer scale, we opted not to use C&L, due to the flange-hitting-the-inside-of-the-chairs problem with some R-T-R OO flanges. We also felt it might not be as robust as something like Peco. For the same reasons, (robustness), we decided not to use SMP. Peco does highlight the difference between that type of R-T-R track and P4 quite nicely (meant in a non-elitist way). We could have used Exactoscale 'Fasttrack' for the OO as well, but given that the track constructions slaves esteemed DRAG colleagues assembling the rail onto the P4 stuff nearly revolted last night, when it seemed that their Statutory Tea and Biscuits may have been threatened by more demands from the PW Superintendant for finished track, it is probably just as well that we settled for Peco!....
     
    End of Captain Kernow update
  20. 10800

    First field visit 20/11/09

    By 10800,

    Re6/6 and I, accompanied by Captain Kernow who knows a good grice when he sees one, visited Sussex yesterday to have a look at Balcombe station for the first time. Initial reactions were good, and the following photos give an indication of what it is like now - only a double track main line now, all the yard and refuge sidings have gone, but many of the buildings and other features of interest survive.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Train services are very frequent (usual Brighton main line interval services) but with only some of the First Capital Connect trains (319s) stopping at Balcombe. The trains were otherwise exclusively Southern 377s.
     

     

     
    (Self-portrait with 319!)
     

     
    We then visited Balcombe (Ouse Valley) Viaduct after doing a quick return trip to Haywards Heath to cross it, and to say we were gobsmacked is a bit of an understatement! (see gallery at http://www.rmweb.co....album&album=407 . The character and beauty of the structure, especially the oval cutouts in the piers, is inspiring us to represent it a bit more faithfully than the model viaduct we already have does - how best to do this is now being thought about, whether or not it includes substantial parts of Nigel Hunt's magnificent freelance model.
     
    A quick look at Copyhold Junction north of Haywards Heath couldn't be resisted! Excellent views in both directions and instant recognition of the viewpoint shared by many well known photos of the past. The line coming in from the east now only serves an aggregates quarry at Ardingly, but the fantasy of heritage electrics one day travelling the line to Horsted Keynes on the Bluebell Railway as they did until 1963 was something John and I were very aware of! For now it was just more 377s to look at.
     

     

     

     

  21. 10800

    Brighton Belle

    By 10800,

    Needless to say we are quite pleased that Hornby have announced an RTR 5BEL . Hopefully in due course all three units with appropriate names and numbers will be made available, but a 10BEL crossing the viaduct will be something to look forward to - and conversion of this to P4 will be somewhat easier and cheaper than the other current options!
     
    Merry Christmas all
  22. 10800

    Jigs and batches

    By 10800,

    Nice to see that we have passed the 10000 views mark - we appreciate the interest.
     
    Here are the two prototype 3d-printed corbels loosely in place on one of the viaduct sections. Just the job, although I can see we may have to face the edge of the track base with plasticard strip to disguise the lamination join - or fill it with something prior to painting.
     

     
    Yesterday John made up a jig from some bits of brass in his scrap box which enables the accurate trimming of the pier apertures for cladding. Inevitably on a build like this improvements are being made all the time as we progress, to the point where probably no two piers have been built exactly the same way!. Hopefully this won't detract from the overall appearance at the end.
     

     

     

     
    Meanwhile I got on with batchbuilding the remaining seven pavilions.
     

     

     
    Here are four of them in various stages of completion loosely plonked on the appropriate track bed board.
     

  23. 10800

    Platforms again

    By 10800,

    The old Eridge platforms were on a slightly different alignment to the new Mk2 Templotted version, so new ones have been made - and it's certainly nice to see them on the layout again!
     

     

     
    Meanwhile this nice little H class has appeared from somewhere
     

     
    Trackwork is nearly all finished, with just a bit of tidying up by the P Way Dept
     

  24. 10800

    Pavilion roof Mk2

    By 10800,

    A few entries back I showed a 'completed' pavilion. But on returning to the viaduct for another recce a month or so ago, we found that the roof construction was somewhat different so it was back to the workbench for another go.
     
    The objective this time was to come up with something like this:
     

     
    So here is a photo sequence of how I did it:
     
    1) Build basic subframe (2 x 2mm Evergreen section)
     

     
    2) Attach 'under-roof' using 0.5mm plasticard - in black so you can see what you're doing more easily in the later stages
     

     

     
    3) Then with 0.5mm white plasticard build up the overlapping layers, starting with the longer sides
     

     

     

     
    With the shorter sides it was a case of measure > cut oversize > offer > trim > offer again > fix (sometimes with a bit of > throw away and start again) but it was still difficult to get the joins completely straight and flush, so
     
    4) Finally, I added 0.5mm Evergreen section along the corners to make it look neater
     

     
    And then with the main structure again
     

     
    The roof took a few hours altogether, including thinking time, and I'm planning now to use this as a master for resin casting rather than making another seven 'identical' ones.
  25. 10800
    A bit more meat on the bone now from the previous 'vague' dimensions.
     
    We've dispensed with the idea of a common 'Brighton' fiddleyard fed from both the north and from the Lewes Brighton platform, mainly because of the tight curves needed to get to/from the latter. Instead we have a separate shorter fiddle yard of 8ft for 'Brighton' on the basis that through trains via Lewes would only be loco + 4 coaches + van from Eridge (which also assumes an 8ft FY) or short coast route trains from Eastbourne.
     
    We have also incorporated a 14ft hidden section between Lewes and the viaduct, which can simulate Lewes tunnel and also provide a couple of storage loops to 'hide' Brighton main line services. In exhibition this can also provide space on the front for information displays and even a 'time buffer' by holding trains for a minute or so to give an impression of greater distance travelled.
     

     
    If the full ensemble ever made it to fruition, we'd be looking at 126 ft top to bottom and 73 ft left to right. Just for context the main hall at Railex measures 160 ft x 120 ft (thanks David ).
     
    However, the beauty of this is that it can be built and/or exhibited in many configurations. The first component likely to see the light of day will be FY + scenic section + Balcombe + scenic section + viaduct + FY, totalling a mere 92 ft, or the first scenic section could be omitted to give 80 ft. This also assumes a new bespoke scale Ouse Viaduct - the current short-term one is only 8 ft long.
     
    Another alternative would be Brighton FY + Lewes + scenic + Eridge + FY, with additional FYs on the London and Eastbourne lines out of Lewes. Total 73 ft x 44 ft.
     
    We did lay out the 10% scale Templots for Balcombe (left distance), Lewes (front left) and Eridge (right) on the floor of John's garage, but it's difficult to judge the real scope from that:
     

     
    It will be DCC by the way (as Eridge is going) with the idea that a driver could walk with his train all the way from departure to arrival.
     
    Could be fun!
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