marsa69

I thought this was supposed to be North Wales and not the Peak district?

Hi Peter, All the best for 2010. I must say that the new yard layout looks a lot simpler and hence a lot better. Even though the junction is now a 'virtual' junction have you thought about putting the signalling for a junction just before the scenic break further adding to the illusion that it exists? best regards,

Even if there weren't any regular workings I'm sure that there must have been a few diversions. A thin excuse to run one but an excuse none the less. And back to the build, excellent as ever Ian, best regards,

Are you going to build a complete new station or are you going to utilise the old one by raising it up above the tracks?

As is But to include your roundy roundy in one form or another you could model a freight only/dock line dropping down (just like Preston docks). You could utilise the long siding next to the derelict wall between the station and the yard. Lift it, cut out a hole, put in a ramp, pop the track back in and then loop it round and then back up to join onto the fiddle yard. The extension could be known as Llanbourne Pier, Llanbourne Tidal or Llanbourne Marsh the choice is endless. You could justify ECS workings by saying that there were carriage sidings on the other side of town so then just about anything could work the dock line. Just ideas mind, best regards,

Pah! Not a priority surely?

I'm liking the look of this. I wish had the space to do something similiar in 7mm in a North West/East Lancs theme. Ah well I'll just have to crack on with me li'l old layout keep up the good work.

Another masterpiece in the making I'm sure!

Oops That should be 'past Plymouth'. Too many trips to the hospital visiting the wife. I dunno if I'm coming or going

Wow! D200! I remember working as a steward on the railtour that D200 took to penzance back in the eighties! The first time a 40 had worked past Penzance. That was a trip and a half

Great! So we can expect progress on 01 Jan 2010 then:blink:? Only kidding, only kidding You can unload the ammo now Peter..............Peter:o? Seriously I love this layout. I travelled the North Wales coast quite a few times in me spotting days. Either direct from Manchester Victoria or I would use the change of trains excuse to go via Crewe just to cop a shed load of locos on me way. I found Holyhead to be quite boring but Llandudno Junc was the best place to stop off. Loads of things happening and the chance to trundle upto Llandudno itself or down to Ffestinniog. keep the updates coming Peter, regards, Mark

Hi Peter, Nice to see Llanbourne back. But you must really stop allowing yourself to get distracted by 'OO' You know that the Dark Side that is 'O' is calling to you :D best regards, Mark

Hurry up Jordan I can do with a laugh

Hi all, not an update as such but just a quickie to see if I've managed to actually transfer me WB thread from the old to new RMweb. Sorry if reads a bit disjointed but I was trying to get both pages in as one entry but it looks like I failed again regards, Mark

marsa69's 7mm WB by marsa69 original page on Old RMweb __________________________________________ Comment posted by Mod5 on Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:23 am Best regards and could somebody please remind me how to edit the title of this thread Mark just go to your first post and hit the 'Edit' button in the top right hand corner and then you can 'Edit' it. If you get stuck pm me and I will do it for you. Regards Mod5 __________________________________________ ??? posted on Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:37 am Hi all Enjoyed watching the point coming together! I'm glad you're enjoying the build Russ. Nice comments means that I'm not making a complete pigs ear of it And to Mod5.........thank you. I just couldn't for the life of me remember how to edit the title One title now edited Now I must be off to get ready for work. But fingers crossed I'll be able to make some more progress this week, toodle pip Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by richard_t on Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:10 pm marsa69 wrote: Hello peeps Best regards and could somebody please remind me how to edit the title of this thread Mark Looking good Edit the first post and change the subject line there. (Although I think you've managed it already?) __________________________________________ Comment posted by OldBoiler on Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:02 pm I take my hat off to you and all who spend the time pain stakingly putting track components together. The pictures of the point work are brilliant. I may get round to it one day. Right now I'm happy to keep going with RTL (Ready-To-Lay! ) track! Enjoying the thread alot! Regards B __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Jul 22, 2009 12:39 am Hi all I take my hat off to you and all who spend the time pain stakingly putting track components together. The pictures of the point work are brilliant Thanks for the kind words B tis much appreciated. But firmly put your hat back on and give it a go. I honestly thought that this track building lark might be beyond me but I've found it immensely satisfying so far and as long as it goes to plan I'd definately do more track like this. In fact I'm finding it quite theraputic..........just what the shrink ordered Well....not quite the shrink Right now I'm happy to keep going with RTL (Ready-To-Lay! ) track! Oh trust me, if Peco did a 3-way in 7mm then I would never have bought this little bezzler! But now I'm really glad I did Anyway thats one night shift over with so its time for bed, regards, Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by OldBoiler on Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:25 am Thank you. I'll think about giving it ago sometime. I'm looking forward to seeing the final fruits of your labours. It is a pity that Peco don't do a 3 way because i had thought about one on my layout. Now you've said about giving it a go and how theraputic it is..... Why do i get the feeling more money will be parting from my wallet? Keep it up. I look forward to seeing the layout progress Regards Ben __________________________________________ Comment posted by 3 link on Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:05 pm Hi Mark, I totally agree with you regarding track building being therapeutic, I have been building track work for well over 25 years now starting in 00 then EM and now 7mm. And there is the satisfaction that you built it and they look so much more prototypical than ready made, and also once you are confident you will build flowing point work for whatever position you require. And nowadays you are lucky enough to have us lot if you need any advice or help, not like back in the early 80's god am I that old . Regards, Martyn. P.S. Go on Ben, you know you want to __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:55 pm And nowadays you are lucky enough to have us lot if you need any advice or help, not like back in the early 80's god am I that old . You're as old as the woman you feel I say Anyway a quick update. I've trimmed all the remaining switch blades to required lengths ready for fitting. Added a short section of rail in the middle of the centre road. I've also been adding the cosmetic bits of chairs to the crossing vees before I head off for another wonderful night shift. I'll post some pictures in due course, hopefully tomorrow best regards, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:22 pm And we're now coming into the final turn! Made some excellent progress today, so much so that I've only 3 switch rails, 4 check rails and some cosmetics left to do Now it's time for tonights matinee Here is the section of rail I fitted the other day to the left of the centre road. You can also see the cosmetic chairs I've fitted as well to the crossing vees which make a big difference to the overall look. Will be even better once painted 3 way 241.jpg (67.97 KiB) Todays push saw me install the last major piece of rail. I started by anchoring the No.1 & 2 chairs in place. I put a very slight kink in the rail by chair no.3 to start the bend and to allow the switch blade from the centre track to sit better. After much jiggling and measuring with switch rails and track gauges I then glued down the chair at the no.12 sleeper as nos.3-11 are slide chairs and don't hold the rail in any way, shape or form except to offer support from underneath. 3 way 242.jpg (92.91 KiB) I then progressed along the rail fixing down the chairs and gauging to the opposite rail on the crossing vees. I kept checking back to chairs 1,2 & 12 to make sure that the rail hadn't flexed and pushed its alignment out of gauge. Like Russ mentioned in an earlier post as long as everything is in gauge the cosmetics can be taken care of later. You can see that I've only installed a chair on every other sleeper between positions 24 - 33. The check rail that needs to go at this location will have chairs fitted for the empty slots. To complete this bit I will have to cut down some chairs in half and glue them against both rails like I did for the crossing vees. 3 way 243.jpg (74.04 KiB) And here is the final piece of rail installed for the left hand road. Only the chair closest to the crossing vee needed trimming for it to fit. 3 way 244.jpg (83.04 KiB) Et voila! This end of the turnout is virtually complete except for 3 check rails and fishplates needing to be installed. I can see the need for the rail grinder to make a visit once it's in. Also the camera does make things look messy i.e. lots of glue everywhere. You can also see where I had to join sleepers together to make up the longest of the timbers. Once the turnout is in on my baseboard I'll smooth in a touch of milliput and then paint the whole lot. You'll never remember the joins are there........in best Yoda voice....mmmm forget you shall joins in sleepers 3 way 245.jpg (71.36 KiB) To say I'm delighted that I've made it this far fairly unscathed is an understatement. My technique is getting better all the time and I've now the confidence to crack on with the tricky bit of fitting the 3 switch blades in the middle of the formation. As before please feel free to throw me some feedback - good or bad, best regards as always Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by PCM on Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:13 am Hi Mark, That 3 way point looks geat, Do you get everything you need in the kit, and what sort of price are they You have got me thinking. Cheers Peter. __________________________________________ Comment posted by onslaught832 on Sat Jul 25, 2009 4:47 am That looks brilliant Mark , well done Cheers Phill __________________________________________ Comment posted by OgaugeJB on Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:06 am Hello there... that turnout looks very nice indeed, it is decent trackwork that floats my ship if you know what I mean.. I have very very little experience with building turnouts, i did a couple of the P4 Track Co. kits a few years back, but one thing I might mention is that you may need to pay a little attention to the checkrails. They actually do work in turning the wheels through the curve and pulling the flange away from the tip of the crossing vee. Send a little stock through it slowly, and you might be okay.. if not you may have to remove the checkrail you have already fitted, curve it to the same curve as the main rail rather than straight, (which it seems to be although that might just be the camera angle) and move it slightly closer to the stockrail... if i'm right the flangeway in O fine is 1.5mm ? I don't know this for sure though... Other than that splendid work ! Next we want to see a double outside slip JB. __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:48 pm Thanks for the nice comments guys That 3 way point looks geat, Do you get everything you need in the kit, and what sort of price are they You have got me thinking. Everything you need Pete with lots to spare. This little bezzler cost ?‚??82 and as you can see all the crossing vees were ready made making things even easier. Some of the chairs are not prototypical and you have to hack and bash them a bit but I didn't find them a problem. Can I sense Holyhead in 7mm after all? but one thing I might mention is that you may need to pay a little attention to the checkrails Only until laying the last rail did I finally suss out the chair arangements with relation to the running rail/check rail d'oh I'll see if I can post some demo photos showing the arrangement. if not you may have to remove the checkrail you have already fitted, curve it to the same curve as the main rail rather than straight, (which it seems to be although that might just be the camera angle) and move it slightly closer to the stockrail You're right JB. The camera can be a pig sometimes. The check rail is actually curved like the running rail. I double checked this today when I removed the check rail I was never totally happy with it so out it came. I've now trimmed back alternating chairs on the running rail so that I can install the check rail correctly. I'll be doing this for all my check rails. I'd rather do it now than once its installed on the boards. I thought that it would be extremely difficult in removing chairs once they'd been fitted but with some Mafioso persuasion they saw the error of their ways and left without a fuss . I then cleaned up the sleepers ready for the check rail Mk2 to be fitted. So I'd better crack on and get some more photos posted, toodle pip Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sun Jul 26, 2009 1:59 pm Next we want to see a double outside slip So would I. Fancy building me one Right then update time Railtrack had the contractors back because they weren't happy with the work Original check rail removed for refitting and sleepers cleaned up 3 way 261.jpg (62.84 KiB) Check rail now refitted and this time it gauges correctly 3 way 262.jpg (63.36 KiB) Gauging train makes an appearance 3 way 263.jpg (49.77 KiB) Now the fiddly bits commence with the switch blades being installed. I put a slight bend in each of the curved blades but not too severe as I wanted their own tension to hold them against the stock rails. The short blade for the right hand road was the pig of the three due to its short length. It only has two normal chairs to anchor it down and I had to keep checking the gauge on this to make sure it didn't move whilst the adhesive set. Even though Butanone is quick setting, like any adhesive it still takes time to achieve maximum grip. 3 way 264.jpg (67.58 KiB) And here we are All it needs now is three more check rails fitting, fishplates and some cosmetic bits doing. I also need to sort out tie-bars so I'll have to do some digging on these forums unless you wonderful peeps out there can lead me in the right direction 3 way 265.jpg (68.38 KiB) So I'll get the check rails done later tonight and hopefully the fishplates as well, if the wife doesn't find me anymore jobs to do best regards, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:44 pm Hi all I'm close to the finish line now. I just have one check rail left to fit but this will have to wait until I've fitted the fishplates. So I have a couple of questions; 1: Can anyone recommend a decent adhesive for fixing plastic fishplates to nickel silver rail? I've read about Loctite 450 but was wondering if there is anything else that will do the job. Butanone seems to be too brittle and I would imagine that superglue is the same. And the answer is? superglue 2: I was going to solder some strips of locking wire on the underside of the rail across the rail joins for electrical continuity. Is this necessary or will normal wiring of the turnout negate this? 3: The enclosed tie-bars with the kit seem a bit flimsy. Has anyone scratchbuilt their own that don't use chunks of copperclad sleeper? 4: Can anyone provide me with a wiring diagram for a 3-way turnout? Operation will be DC for a long time to come yet? Had this answered in the PWay section Any help will be gratefully received regards Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:10 pm Momentus news everyone Except for the mundane things like wiring, painting/weathering and a few cosmetic fishplates to weld on, the turnout is, ahem, complete 3 way 091.jpg (55.17 KiB) The turnout in position 3 way 092.jpg (62.32 KiB) A view from the works end towards the re-fuelling road 3 way 093.jpg (50.33 KiB) And the trusty test train All I need to do now is try and fine if there is a manufacturer of cosmetic tie-bars to finish off the appearance along with buying some more fishplates. I've got to say that the kit has been a joy to build and I will definitely be buying more C+L turnout kits in the future, as and when finances permit. I'll still use my PECO turnouts that I've got but I'll be putting up my Marcway kits for sale to finance aforementioned kits. As I've alluded to earlier in the thread for anyone who has been put off from building their own track............then don't be, as I hopefully have shown that it's not as difficult as it seems. Just take your time and and make sure that everything is in gauge And if all else fails then just ask on this forum for help, as Alexander orlov says 'eets simples '. Now I can finally go and update my layout thread, best regards Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by Ressaldar on Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:47 am Hi Mark, good work there mate and if Alexander Orlov says it, then it must be right - get the outside double slip kit on order regards Mike __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:45 am Hi all Had a play around last night with the two bits of track that I took up as a result of re-planning what had already been installed. I quickly got bored and slightly miffed that I didn't have more track. Then a eureka moment happened Quickly checking what I had left over from my turnout kit and consulting my measurements for a 60ft panel, I grinned to myself and set to, P1000745.jpg (69.03 KiB) Leftovers P1000746.jpg (57.01 KiB) Incorrect length timber P1000747.jpg (64.34 KiB) Voila! Correct length timber P1000748.jpg (51.05 KiB) Timbers on parade P1000750.jpg (55.56 KiB) One shiny new 60ft panel It's not much but at least it's a section of track that I didn't have before the night started. I enjoyed it that much that I got onto C+L and ordered some more timbers, chairs and fishplates. Should keep me going until payday regards, Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by dikitriki on Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:14 am Hi Mark Sorry to be the bearer of bad news........... Turnout timbers are normally wider than plain track sleepers. It's not 100% clear from your photos, but if you have used spare timbers from your turnout pack, as I assume you have, then despite the spacing, the plain section will be incorrect. C&L sell plain track sleepers separately. Better to get it right now, but all good experience. I was looking at one of your earlier photos, the 3 way backing toe to toe with the the Peco Y - and wincing. The difference between the 2 is huge, as I think you now realise. Now you have caught the track building bug, design your own layout with handbuilt pointwork. It will look so much better Regards Richard __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:42 am Hi Richard Thanks for the info, I'd rather get it right now than later. Like the title said it was a boredom filler. That panel will safely go into the floor of my workshop and get concreted over so no harm done. I'm still going to build my own stuff as like you said when I compared my turnout against the PECO stuff it was a tad depressing But like I said in another thread, if people just want to get on with other aspects of the hobby i.e. kitbuilding, scenery etc and can't be bothered to build their own track, then there's nowt wrong with the RTR stuff What I'll probably do with my test piece now is remove half the sleepers, add two lengths of rail to them and like that have two lengths of track for my workshops. Even though every other sleeper would be missing my plan has been to fill the gaps with cork offcuts or thick card before I cover over with the concrete effect. Can't see the point in using prototypical track if you can't see it best regards, Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by mines a pint on Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:49 pm Thanks for the info, I'd rather get it right now than later. Like the title said it was a boredom filler. That panel will safely go into the floor of my workshop and get concreted over so no harm done. -Thinking laterally use it in an out of the way place, or as inlaid track, inside a goods or engine shed or in the fiddley yard ? dont bin it! __________________________________________

marsa69's 7mm WB by marsa69 original page on Old RMweb __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:33 pm Hi all and welcome to my very small 7mm workbench. So small in fact that I sometimes lose it I'm an infrequent modeller at best, as my work and family commitments are very demanding (me and a million others I hear you cry). Therefore this thread will be a labour of love with postings probably on a monthly basis. Having completed a Parkside Grampus wagon it spurred me on to complete a second one, well nearly complete as I've just got a few small fixtures to add to the second wagon. Then they can both be painted as I've finally got my Halfords grey primer this weekend. Next up will be a GJH Plant ZCV Clam and a ZKA Limpet wagons. Providing I can make sense of the enclosed instructions (If anyone has built one of these kits and can give me a few pointers I would very grateful). Also in my fleet I have 3 x Lima Cl33 and the obligatory Triang Hymek. One of the 33's has had paint stripper applied and been seperated from it's bogies. The plan being to use a Nigel Stanley 26/27 conversion kit. As Onslaught832 can testify from my posts on his thread the instructions in this kit are none existant. Like a lot of modellers out there I tend to have little spurts of modelling zeal then a complete withdrawal for a couple of weeks. I'm one of these that needs a good few hours of uninterrupted space to get into the modelling swing, one single distraction and I turn off. Running parallel to my workbench will be my layout thread, but I'll start that tomorrow as I think I've had one too many white wine spritzers tonight (that and the 6 cans of beer ). I'm the friendly sort who usually has a million questions so don't be surprised all you other 7mm modellers if I come knocking on your thread (onslaught832 and Ian G I'm looking at you right now ) toodle pip, Mark Photo showing my second Grampus wagon half built. It actually is virtually complete and just needs buffers and door springs attaching Cl33 as purchased Same 33 with a mud pack on __________________________________________ Comment posted by Ian G on Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:52 pm Im sure i can help when needed. ian G __________________________________________ ??? posted on Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:34 pm Well for starters I could do with help on this one Ian, it's a link to the Help & Advice section on RMWeb http://www.rmweb.co....php?f=5&t=29912 P.S. At the mo I'm making some homemade track setting guides for the flexitrack on my layout. Done a 4ft radius (well 4 of them) and am knocking together some 4'6" and 5' ones. Rather do them myself than pay ??????‚??7 a pop just for one __________________________________________ Comment posted by Ian G on Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:31 pm These may help Mark Ian G __________________________________________ Comment posted by onslaught832 on Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:37 pm I thought a certain RTR 0 gauge maufacturer were producing a 33 when I saw that pic Cheers Phill __________________________________________ ??? posted on Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:30 pm Ian - thanks for the photo's, they're spot on. Phill - hope your blood pressure didn't get too high __________________________________________ Comment posted by Ian G on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:08 pm the brake yokes where from the wagon and carriage stand at shows, i pick a handfull up every now and then. I intend to scratch build a few Limpets using plastic card, fittings will more than likely come from PMRPR wagon irons from Four Track or Bill Bedford. Ian G __________________________________________ Comment posted by 87023velocity on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:31 pm Hi Mark, I think I have the same workbench as you then. If its not on the kitchen table, then I am using the what space is available on the computor desk. Your thread has reminded me, I have a Parkside grampus up in the loft which has been built and just requires painting. (Its only been built for 7 years mind ) Keep meaning to get it done, then something else crops up! Simon __________________________________________ ??? posted on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:44 pm 7 yrs And I thought I was bad taking 12 months for two wagons I think we'll get along just fine Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sun Nov 02, 2008 4:56 pm Hi all Just a quick update. Here's a few pics of where I'm upto. You can see my proud fleet of two completed Parkside grampus wagons. The wagon on the right doesn't sit square on the track as one of the sideframes didn't quite sit flush whilst the glue was setting. This gives a bit of a wobbly running appearance but I'll get round this by fixing in place one of the axleboxes with a spot of superglue. All they need is paint and transfers. The painting bit will wait until I've completed my current build which is a GJH ZKA Limpet. Like that I'll spray all three together and save a bit of time As far as the Limpet goes I've cleaned up the body and filed down the axlebox castings so as to give a snug fit onto the body. The wheels and bearings you can see in the photo are not being used now as the bearings are way too long, so I've ordered some new wheels direct from GJH. I've got a week of night shift coming up so I'll have the house to meself during the day so once the new wheels turn up I should get the Limpet cracked and upto the pre-paint stage alongside my Grampus wagons. I might even get my GJH ZCV Clam done this week as well, so that will be an impressive four wagons I'll have, all in BR departmental livery. All they'll need now is a home to live on (Note to self - must crack on with my layout when I get chance ) Current wagon fleet Here I've attached the axleboxes on a dry run to make sure they're a snug fit This time next week there will hopefully be four wagons to show off, toodle pip, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:39 am A small update to a small workbench One Limpet with the running frame and axles complete(ish). Just needs couplings and buffers fitting. Word of warning. Some of the parts can be quite brittle as I found out when I snapped a brake lever and also the pipes off the brake actuator . What follows is some VERY suitable language but not if you've got an audience nearby Now with buffers but still no couplings And wagon fleet times 3 I was going to crack on with the Clam but had to rob one of the buffer springs to complete the Limpet. The original has gone on safari somewhere in the carpet I'll probably still make start anyway. I'm starting to turn my thoughts back to my locos. I think at least one of the 33's and the 35 will be losing some of their bodyside mouldings and having some more prep work done to them. One of the 33's I've got is going to become a fictional 33/3 sub-class for my infrastructure operator, a la DRS . The idea being that the company bought it second hand and have modified it for spot hire work. We'll see how it goes, regards, Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by Ian G on Wed Nov 12, 2008 4:41 pm They are coming on nicely Ian G __________________________________________ ??? posted on Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:18 am Thanks for that Ian. Kit building has taken a bit of a back seat at the mo with me concentrating on the layout side of things. Check out my thread in the layouts section (unashamed plug I know ) http://www.rmweb.co....php?f=9&t=33310 regards, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:12 pm Right, where were we? Ah! Kit building. Seeing as I've got my track plan sorted out and it's going to be Mon/Tues before my track templates arrive I might as well crack on with some more stock. I'm going to do a bit more on my Clam but I'm going to make a start on my PRMRP 'Shark' ballast plough. The kit was one of the first things I bought last year, but the basic instructions put me off making a start. Until now . Peter at PRMRP has released new instructions which are available online to download. After having a read I feel up to having a bash at constructing my first brass kit. How it turns out is a different matter As always, pics to follow, once I've made a start, regards, Mark P.S. Anyone happen to know what size/type wheels I'd need for above mentioned kit? Please let it be 3'1" __________________________________________ Comment posted by F-UnitMad on Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:35 pm marsa69 wrote: I'm the friendly sort who usually has a million questions so don't be surprised all you other 7mm modellers if I come knocking on your thread (onslaught832 and Ian G I'm looking at you right now ) I must've ducked back behind the Caboose in time... Hi Gang! Nice neat work there Mark- one thing I like about Parkside kits is that they include decals (sorry, transfers) unlike Slater's for example. After having a read I feel up to having a bash at constructing my first brass kit. How it turns out is a different matter Well you've seen my thread on my first Brass kit and at least you're doing things the right way by trying a wagon first; go for it I say!!! __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sat Nov 22, 2008 1:47 pm Cheers Jordan for the comments, I must've ducked back behind the Caboose in time... Too late! You stuck your head out from behind the caboose I'm on to you now The man at Marcway is just too efficient. I only ordered my track templates yesterday afternoon and they arrived this morning Ah well, I'll spend the afternoon adjusting my track plan then have a play with my kit tonight methinks ttfn, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:12 pm Hi all, been a long time since my last post but to say I've been busy is an understatement I won't bore you with details about house moves, family illness and chaos at work. What I will say is that I've got the modelling bug back and more importantly the time (as soon as I get back from Scotland in 2 weeks) to do it My last post I said that I was wanting to start on my 'Shark' break, but guess what? I never. Now that I've re-assembled two of my three layout boards I decided to crack on with some track building. Now bear in mind that the only track I've built previously was 20 odd yrs ago, as a teen, and involved nowt so grand as only soldering straight rails to copperclad sleepers. I decided to ease myself in with the track building malarcky. I went straight for a C+L 7mm 3-way turnout The 3-way was central to my track plan and it had to be compatible with PECO track so that ruled out Marcway unfortunately. Added to that C+L no longer did custom build jobs 'cos they were too busy with there core business of selling bits and bobs to us lot . So I duly ordered one around 5/6 mths ago from the very nice chap there Brian. The kit promptly turned up, I opened the box, checked the bits, looked at the drawings and alarmingly panicked and re-packed the whole lot. My get up and go got up and went However this week it came back . So much so that I actually got all the bits out, photocopied the drawings and proceeded to start Lincolnshires very latest piece of infrastructure assembly. I thoroughly read the instructions, which are really the only downside to one of these kits as they only describe the building of a simple turnout. Not the 3-way monster I've got. But this did not deter me. Armed with my small store of knowledge and with grateful thanks to RMweb members, dikitriki & Will, whose own turnout exploits have been a godsend over in the infrastructure section, I went off into the unknown. I'm not going to make this a blow by blow account of turnout construction as there are more skilled people out there to show you. But I will post my progress to hopefully encourage others to have a crack and for others to advise me me if they see me making an error or if they know a better way to do something. All help gratefully received. I started by laying the timbers and fixing the critical stock rail in place. This was chosen to be the rail with the tightest curve. I then installed the first common crossing vee as per the second photo. Now I'm a bit undecided where to go next. Either fix in place the common crossing between the centre road and the other turn off or the common crossing between the turn off I'm working on and the centre road? I'm leaning towards the second option but would really like some advice if anyone is out there who's got some Best regards, Mark P.S. Seems like the site doesn't want me to upload any photos from Photobucket. Does anyone know if there is a problem somewhere? __________________________________________ Comment posted by Mod5 on Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:18 pm marsa69 wrote: Hi all, P.S. Seems like the site doesn't want me to upload any photos from Photobucket. Does anyone know if there is a problem somewhere? You are far better using the forum software. Tutorial here viewtopic.php?f=28&t=21614 Regards Mod5 __________________________________________ Comment posted by Andy Y on Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:24 pm marsa69 wrote: P.S. Seems like the site doesn't want me to upload any photos from Photobucket. Does anyone know if there is a problem somewhere? Some image hosting services throttle the traffic to high usage sites like this. We pay for adequate drive space and bandwidth to deliver a more reliable service than you sometimes get from free sites. Apart from when I break the image path. __________________________________________ ??? posted on Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:29 pm Hi Andy & Mod 5, thanks for the replies. I wasn't having a pop or anything, I was just curious as I tried umpteen times to post with the images added. I'll try again later and if still no joy try irfanview, regards, Mark __________________________________________ ??? posted on Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:56 pm Righto, time to try again, here's where I started 3 way.jpg (62.45 KiB) then the timbers were placed 3 way 2.jpg (72.14 KiB) then the critical stock rail fitted 3 way 3.jpg (58.22 KiB) then the first of three common crossing vee's 3 way 4.jpg (77.17 KiB) So thats where I'm upto at the moment So like I said in my last post I'm a little undecided which way to go next? But I've got two weeks away to decide, toodle pip Mark P.S. Irfanview works! Thanks for the tip Mod 5 __________________________________________ Comment posted by lancer1027 on Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:39 pm Hi Mark . Looks great. I will be watching your thread with interest, especially watching the building of points. I may have to build some for my Penzance project but never done it before so not looking forward to it. Hopefully you may be able to inspire me . Keep up the great work and keep sending in those progress pics Rob __________________________________________ ??? posted on Sun Jul 19, 2009 10:59 pm Hi all now I'm back from my sunnily wet two weeks in northern Scotland I thought I'd update you as to tonights progress on my trackwork Sorry for the poor quality but its late. Here I've fitted the second crossing vee on the R/H road. I carefully measured each rail end and used my track gauges to ensure that it was parallel to the stock rail. Each rail also had some slight pressure applied from the trusty thumb/forefinger combo to put the slightest of bends in the rails. 3 way 191.jpg (69.47 KiB) The original rail on the newly installed vee was too short to meet up with the first vee I had installed So I cut it back and used an offcut of rail to fill in the gap between the two fitted crossing vees. 3 way 192.jpg (81.7 KiB) The gap on the left hand side of the photo will hopefully be filled with some solder. I had thought to use a cosmetic fishplate but I didn't think this would look prototypical, unless anyone knows differently? Here is the rail freshly installed. 3 way 193.jpg (77.04 KiB) The instructions and other tips I've found online say that the check rails can be fitted last. I decided to fit this one as the space for the chairs was getting tight and you can only cut them back so much before they break. This does make things a lot easier when fitting the next rail for the centre road. To my eyes the gap between check rail and stock rail looks oversize but as I have already said I couldn't cut back the chairs any thinner. Here is where someone comes along and tells me of a better way to do it 3 way 194.jpg (85.72 KiB) And finally for this evening you can see that I've finished by laying the nearest rail of the centre road to the crtical stock rail. The third crossing vee in the top left of the photo is loosely fitted for gauging purposes. You can also see that this rail has some chairs missing. These will be added last as they are made by cutting down and shaping the supplied chairs and will be purely cosmetic. 3 way 195.jpg (112.56 KiB) So far I'm happy with the way it's going I've taken my time and constantly checked and double checked with my track gauges and steel rule. Also my favourite tool which is the Mk1 eyeball has been extensively used. I keep looking along the lines of the rails and from any angle I can think of. If it doesn't LOOK right then it probably isn't. As it stands at the mo my test wheels and gauging wagon run through the installed track fine but the acid test will come when I run my first loco through it. As always comments, observations and advice gratefully received, best regards, Mark P.S. How do you edit the title of the thread again? __________________________________________ ??? posted on Mon Jul 20, 2009 10:42 pm Hello peeps More progress today with the final crossing vee measured, trimmed and installed. Also the final section of rail for the centre road exit has been fitted as well. Please don't cringe TOO much when you see some of the gaps between rails ........ I'm slowly getting better and my test wheels/wagon run along the track fine (for now ) Crossing vee freshly measured and trimmed and waiting for fitting 3 way 201.jpg (68.45 KiB) And here it is in its new home 3 way 202.jpg (76.9 KiB) And the centre road exit all complete (including some horrendous gaps ) Although the gaps on the track plan are a lot bigger than mine! 3 way 203.jpg (74.67 KiB) Back to work tomorrow on nights so I doubt that I'll get much more done until the weekend. Best regards and could somebody please remind me how to edit the title of this thread Mark __________________________________________ Comment posted by mines a pint on Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:05 pm Enjoyed watching the point coming together! I've taken my time and constantly checked and double checked with my track gauges and steel rule. -the main thing is that its in gauge- any cosmetic slip ups ( you mentioned a new rail between the 2-vees) can be tidied up later- tho' to be honest on a three way point I dont see how you could have avoided that extra bit of rail __________________________________________