Windjabbers

I've put in a temporary backscene to help see if the lighting is going to be OK. ITs much improved with a lid on the box forcing additional light down into the layout. Putting the three 16t on the three sidings shows the light level across the layout. Overall, I think it's OK, but I will see how I get on but we may need more at the front. This is enough for now to that I can started with the builldings along the back and the two bridges.

So bit of an update, not much to show for all the fiddling, but the layout is now in its full time home on the shelf , I've added some led lighting and have fully tested the points and electrics so it all now works! Some testing with stock.

Thought I’d better sort out the very small fiddle yards before I got to much further on - at only 5ft in length would be too easy to ski jump stock of the end. Next will sort out the backscene and lightning. Then we can get on with the interesting stuff.

So thought I would take advantage of the weather to paint the ‘railway box’. Most times I leave this to later in the process but on a day like today progress has been rapid as everything drys super quick. And the splodges dropped on the lawn are easier to hide. i’ve moved away from the traditional back to a more neutral browny/grey. I think the softer colour works. But let’s see when we get some lighting installed. Next thing to consider are the lighting and backscene. So need to start looking at all these natural light LED’s. Any suggestions welcome. Would like to have ago at a curved backscene so any recommendation on what material to use would be welcome. Best Wishes David

The track is all down and working including the new peco point motors. (Very very easy to fit). So the backscene, sides and front arch have been assembled. Had a lot of help from a mate who is much better at woodwork than I, his daughter came out to see how the railway box was going. Picture shows the progress with the ‘railway box’. Very fiddly to get the holes for the point switches in the right place. But pleased with the result.

I haven't seen that book. The trackplan is mainly based around using up the code 75 finescale track I had left. Clearly, it has an element of inglenook, with the three sidings. But it was mainly to keep the loco in the middle of the layout when shunting. Best Wishes David

Some wiring - those of a nervous disposition need to look away now. Will say one thing though' these new Peco point motors are an absolute joy. Much much easier to fit! Best Wishes David

Very good, I wonder if Module do a large enough version I can use....

Ok, so this is Dinsdale Lane (Monty Python fans will get the reference)* It’s a shunting plank of around 5ft in total for me to push some truck around while I build a bigger layout. Well that’s the plan. I’ve imagined some former running lines which have now been downgraded and truncated into some sidings that remain to serve local industries. The back scene will be some anonymous industrial building. I’ve a range of interest, manly East Anglian from the 1950’s to 1980’s so I’m looking for a neutral setting defined by the loco and stock that is working. Track is the last of the Peco Code 75 I had as I’m moving to bullhead for the next project and its DCC. Which is a step up from my old H&M Duette controller. Here is the track plan of the progress made so far… Best Wishes David * = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piranha_Brothers dinsdale lane.pdf

Just looking at these classes J17, J19 and J20 couple of questions. 1. Is any current RTR 060 chassis the right size to be used on any of these locos? 2. Also is either the D16 or B12 bodies a suitable donor for the J17, J19 or J20? Basically is it possible with a bit of work to get a J17, J19 or J20 from RTR stuff? Would be interested to hear if anyone has a view on these questions. Best Wishes David

Thanks for the tip. Best Wishes David

Thanks for the quick replies - now I know what these things are called I can have a look at the. Am thinking that the earth terminal blocks is all I need. Best Wishes David

Sorry, really basic question here, I need to join 8 wires to one on a common return in to a CDU Capacitor Discharge Unit. What's the name of the 'thing' that I can uses to do this. Can't search for something when I don't know what its called, if you see what I mean! Thanks David

Thanks Ian, how interesting - Best Wishes David

Really like the wall - how did you make the coping stones? Best Wishes David

Nice to see this layout still going, Remember the article in MRJ and seeing it at Expo EM (I Think) years ago. Look forward to see how you develop it. David

I recall seeing Albion Street at the York show a number of years ago - one of my favourite layouts, so looking forward to seeing this 7mm project. Best Wishes David

Hi another question, but what size is the layout please? Also would love to see some more pictures of the layout. Thanks David

Good to see this layout at the show, thought you had caputured the 'fen' feel. Really enjoyed seeing lots of trains I recall seeing an travelling on! Best Wishes David

What a really interesting project. I’ve just re-read the whole thread, what I particularly like is the research into the train formation that you are doing to identify which services would of run under the scenario you are playing out. Please keep this coming as you develop the project. I think you will end up with a unique layout which I look forward to seeing. Cheers David

I thought that when the first two 04 were delivered that one was facing one way and the second the other. Im sure there is a photo showing this at Wisbech. Best Wishes David

Thanks Neil, that is really helpful. I've been mocking up various heights before I saw your new venture and had come to about the same height of baseboard and track level to my height ratio that you had come to. I'm a bit shorter than you so slightly lower baseboard and track level! Looking forward to seeing you develope this one. Best WIshes David

Neil, couple of quick questions, what height did you settle on for the height of the baseboards and how wide have you made them? I'm intrested as I have about the same amount of space to play with. Best Wishes David

Sorry typo, yes I guessed that there was litte work for them and some were stored. Ive got a picture of one working a Cambridge - St Ives loop line parcels train for example and was wondering if this was a regular turn?

Towards the end of steam on the Great Eastern (1961) the 30A Stratford and 32A Norwich based Brits were transfered to 31A. What worked did they do while based at March? Thanks David