Taigatrommel

No sooner than I have assigned baseboards (ie stripped back parts of Steinrücken to frame level!) to the new project, I find myself back to the thorny question that will not go away... is H0 right for me? In spite of having taken the plan of an existing model and actually having baseboards slightly larger than the original, I feel that it is rather cramped. In photographs I have seen online of the City Classics display layout, it really doesn't look cramped, so I wonder what I am doing wrong- after all, American standard gauge trains are bigger than European ones. I suspect a part of it lie within the talent of the modeller, Jim Stacco. The trouble is, I am not a talented modeller! I really like the multiple levels and intertwined trackwork on Jim's plan, so it's not that I'm still looking for a layout plan to fit. My quetsion is simply whether to stick with H0 or downsize to TT. As far as TT goes, I find it the ideal scale for me- it can have the same detail level as H0 without driving a man insane, and also has a good presence- you can still see the details that are there at normal viewing distances. Conversely, some compromise is less noticable- for instance, Piko Hobby TT locos have the same level of detailing as their H0 counterparts, but it looks somehow better. I don't need to try and create a plausible track plan for a long term layout, as there are numerous prototype locations which fit in a single garage. Most importantly for me, shunting is better than in N, the vehicles having a bit more weight and the couplings moving freely. Finally, in general it's cheaper than H0 or N for high quality diesel/electric model locos and rolling stock. As an example of TT's size, here is a 28 wagon coal train. It's 11 feet long, even with the large gaps between these DDR era wagons. If only it was all good news. Although ever-growing, TT still has a limited product choice compared to H0. I'm only aware of track from Tillig and Kühn, the latter of which is a fixed geometry range seemingly based on Piko A Track. Certain widespread types such as 290s are not available, although such is the present growth of TT I'd be surprised if there are many big loco gaps remaining for long. Neither of the types of double deck stock I'd want for an Elbe valley layout are available. Road vehicles are likewise restricted in choice, although there's plenty of choice for buildings. In comparison, H0 has a mind boggling range- just yesterday I was drooling at Halling's Berlin S Bahn trains, and trams tempt me very much. On a personal level, I have a fair collection of H0 Epoch V already, and just a small amount of TT (unless you count Nohabs...). There are several of my H0 models I'm very fond of, especially my LEW electrics and InterRegios. It's nothing I couldn't get in TT, but somehow I don't want to sell it. Not that I'd have to, just I'd rather have running models on a layout than boxed up or in a display case. I don't know. I just don't know...

Well, the helices are no more, the base level framework for this plan is sat in the garage. And, as so often, I look at the physical size of it and think "Man, TT would be awesome here". But I must resist! I'm trying to use things I have rather than buying things in.

Every now and again, a "Eureka" moment comes. Far too often for my liking, I have more layout ideas for my available space and track than I have brain cells. Usually my inspirations come from prototype photographs and maps (plus of course the wonderful resource that is Google Earth), but on this occasion it has come from somebody else's modelling, via the medium of Carl Ardent's small layout scrapbook. Now, with a larger than standard garage to play with, the small layout scrapbook isn't somewhere I normally look for layout ideas, rather I simply enjoy looking at other people's models. Nor is my inspiration from a recent entry, but from the "classic layouts" page. In particular, the Gum Stump and Snowshoe. Following the links contained there, the "City Classics" caught my eye. For future transport home (I leave NZ on June 29th!) the two paired boards lend themselves to boxing up and putting in with our possessions in a shipping container. It gives me a continuous run to watch the trains go round, and some nice shunting space. By very happy coincidence, the base level of baseboards from my helices lend themselves to the design superbly. Dropping a 4 foot section in between them gives me 12 feet length. I will make some tweaks to the design to fit an S Bahn station in and to allow freight to run around without blocking the main. Depending on the outcome of some trials, I might even make the loop double track. Otherwise, the industry tracks will remain largely as they are. So. A plan has been chosen. My next step will be to have a stiff drink, take a radio into the garage tuned into Matinee Idle, and partially dismantle Steinrücken. Then the fun begins... Happy New Year!

I'll be honest, the following is an expansion of an email I recently sent Dominik Mann, but all things considered, it's probably worth posting on here. I've just about decided not to buy any more models for the time being, at least until I have formulated my long term layout plans (I'm leaning towards TT, in spite of the smaller range- N is just too small). Anything I work on in the short term will be using existing stock and track. However, in a case of "so near, yet so far" you can see here my circa 2000 IC set. Yes, I know the Steuerwagen should be a Bpmbdf rather than a Bimdf, and that the Bvm should have the DBAG keks, but as far as I know there is no 1:87 length Bpmbdf available and the other matter is a couple of minutes to apply a decal. To clarify, I'm debating whether to sell this lot as is, or buy three more vehicles and a loco to get a running set. I've had a look at fernbahn, and around 2000 the shortest IC I can find which is push-pull is eight coaches. The Bm is not exactly right in a shorter set, but I can live with it for now, and I could always convert it to a Bimd. As far as locos go, I could use a Piko Hobby 101 (not too expensive) or keep my eyes peeled for a Lima 120- I'm not sold on the Fleischmann or Trix models. I'm also undecided about Steinrücken's future. I'm planning to move back to the UK in July, and I don't feel it's good enough to justify the expense of shipping it, nor do I feel it forms a sound enough foundation to make it good enough. The 180 degree curved station dissatisfies me greatly, as do the flat topped baseboards. I've learned some lessons and gained confidence through its construction, but now I am much less restricted with space (I could almost double its length) I could straighten the station. I'm also tempted to design something much more suited to shipping, more open framed (for greater contours) and possibly even ditch the station in favour of freight facilities. In the interests of using what I already own, the location would remain former DDR, as at present my only DBAGs locos which aren't ex DR are a 110 and a 364. If I'm being strict with myself and not buying anything else, it gets tricky! For the record, at present the fleet is a 364, 202, 219, 232, 110, 112, 2 x 143, 2 x 155, 628. The space I have to work with is a garage, 2.8 metres wide, 5.6 metres available down one wall (Inward opening door) and 7.3m down the other. I'd like to stick with a layout I don't have to duck under to operate. If trying to keep the station/yard mostly straight, this allows a scale 500 metre length, plus the same again plain track. Another possibility would be adopting Fremo standards, then I could have some real fun with various combinations of modules. I'd have to rebuild everything to do this though, including the sub-scenic storage tracks, as my boards are 600mm wide and Fremo uses a 500mm width. I just don't think I can go for the next six months without a layout to work on, but at the same time I don't want to be wasting time and money. At this point I have stock, track, baseboard materials and a reasonable stock of scenic, detailing and building materials, so there's really nothing to hold me up except my own indecisiveness. Whatever I build, the number one operational want is shunting interest. Otherwise, a continuous run so I can watch the trains go by would be good, ideally with an arrangement which stops shunting interfering with passing trains. I suppose I could make a traditional oval with a yard feeding a branch which terminates at Bad Horn. Anyway, enough witter. I have some squared paper, lots of batten and ply and time on my hands. What I lack is inspiration and motivation.

How long would the journey to Budapest take? My understanding was that the Railjet concept was launched to target the business traveller, so I guess the target market is for journeys between intermediate stops at various points between the two cities. Being generous and assuming a nine hour journey time, I doubt many business people would take that as an option!

No worries Will- you can come round and have a play anytime! Same goes for you as well Roger.

Looking good there Bryn, and it really shows the advantage of 2mmFS in appearance over N.

I write this tired and happy after a successful exhibition debut at RailEx over the weekend. I'm really very pleased, and totally exhausted. First, before I witter away, massive thanks to Kev Prince (Mr45144) who flew up from Christchurch for the weekend, got the hang of operating the layout in barely five minutes and helped keep me sane all weekend. Seriously, it would not have been nearly so fun or easy without him. Also to my wife, although she doesn't read the forum! She's put up with my stressed state and been totally helpful with useful, intelligent criticisms I'd be lying if I said Bad Horn has operated perfectly. Temperature and atmospheric differences meant some parts didn't run as smoothly as at home, and general bumps from the public and such less-smooth running meant the delayed action of my preferred couplings was lost at times as wagons bounced apart and then back together. I need a standard H0 back to back gauge, as 00 fine standard isn't quite right, but there weren't many derailments. I got the 364 working, but it was unreliable. Luckily Kev brought up a 212, which relieved the traction shortage very nicely. I still resorted to running an out of period 220 though, but whether that was really a last resort or succumbing to temptation I don't know. Problems or not, I think Bad Horn was well received by the public. I was slightly surprised by how much some children liked it, as its really a shunting plank and there were lots of layouts with sound, lights etc, so it goes to show that received wisdom isn't always right. The biggest flattery came from the fact that a good few Germans were very complimentary about the layout (Surprising how many there were, but Wellington is full of expats), and now I'm comfortable that I can create a good sense of a time and place really quite alien to me- books and pictures are my sources. There are a few ifs and buts regarding lessons, but the important consideration is that the layout was initially built with bits I had lying around. Any comments about what I should have used for certain aspects (mainly the track) are really null, because they aren't the things I would go out and buy! But what now? There's a few details that I could add, and improvements I could make, but as always I just feel like moving on. Not through frustration, but through a desire to keep advancing my modelling. In the short term (ie the remainder of this year) I could finish ###### (H0e) which is gathering dust and dents in the garage at present. It needs a couple of new points and scenic work finishing. I'm tempted to use it as a test best for scratch building overhead electrification as I have a Mariazellerbahn train and it's all on one board. On the other hand, I could get it to a point at which it looks attractive, then sell it to clear the space. I'm not very satisfied with the running qualities of H0e. Beyond that, I have a desire to turn my modelling time and resources towards longer term, high standard targets. I've fallen out of love with Steinrücken, as flat top baseboards and 180o curved stations just aren't satisfying. If anything I could take the base level (ie concealed storage roads) and start a fresh scenic level, but at this point I think I'd like to move away from fictional stations and do something more fulfilling. There are two main avenues of thought in my mind at present, that of a mainline layout with a yard (I'm really not that fussed about having a station) or a full branch line with the distances between yards/industries pretty well ignored- I'd be most content running pick up freights. The latter would allow a number of self-contained layouts to be built as part of a larger whole, giving something to play with quickly which then blossoms into something approaching a system. There are a number of other questions of era and scale, although at present H0 remains front runner for decent shunting and breadth of range (plus the fact I have a decent amount already). TT is as small as I'd go, and the 28 Oots plus a dozen type Ys I already own have potential... Anyway. Please excuse my sleep deprived ramblings. Thanks again to Kev, it's a been a bloody good weekend mate!

A quick update that's not worth an entry on its own. Using 10 diodes wired in reverse parallel on each rail feed, ie 20 diodes in total with 10 effective on each wave, I have dropped the track voltage to 14 volts. I thought each diode was supposed to give a drop of 0.7 volts, but in this case with 1N4004s it seems to be 0.8 per diode. No big deal, what's a volt between friends? As 1N4004s are rated for 4 amps, and this layout is only likely to have two trains moving at any one time (and not at full whack) I'm happy with that. Saturday will be the test, 8 hours solid running. Wish me luck. And if you happen to come to RailEx, Wellington NZ this weekend, do say hello. I'm next to the Maerklin Model Railway club's H0 layout "Bergtalbahn".

Yeah, I fully intend to- I need to have the time to compose it before sending it, atm concentrating on show readiness!

I love the ergonomics of the Multimaus, it's probably my favourite handheld throttle on the market. That said, the PowerCab is an absolute breeze to program with, that alone almost sells it to me. I found some DIY circuits for XpressNET command stations online, I'm interested in them. I could also simply use Lenz or a Hornby Elite (which would add a USB interface), but these are things to think about when I haven't got an exhibition looming ahead of me. I'd also like to find time to check the MultiZentrale manual to see if that has voltage control.

Hey Dominik, I know the signals are wrong for Saxony, but I think ringing the changes at the show will be nice. Plus, I'm next to a Märklin layout at RailEx, so in comparison I'll look very accurate! Excuse me, I'd best drink this saucer of milk...

The followers of the DCC sub-forum may know that recently the decoder in my sound fitted Schienenbus gave up the ghost. Yesterday, one of my other fancy pants traction units did likewise, this also being a Roco factory fitted model. It had in addition DCC actuated electromagnetic couplings, and whatever problem in the decoder resulted in the magic smoke escaping created a short direct to the function output controlling them. One has seized solid (presumably from overheating), and lacking any spare decoders at present I haven't had an opportunity to test the other. This is effectively 70 Euros worth of damage, as the couplings aren't sold seperately to a decoder. That said, I can get a Köf III ready fitted with such couplings and a decoder for only 30 Euros more, very tempting. However, it doesn't get me sorted in time for RailEx... this weekend. Two decoder failures in such quick succession are suspicious, so I checked both my MultiMaus systems (I have two complete sets), and the track voltage is 22V. Pretty high. Some googling suggests this is normal on Roco systems, but also that some decoder types have problems. This said, both decoders which have failed were Roco factory fitted ones, and if anything should work with a Roco system, surely their own products should! Both are out of the guarantee period, and the dealers I bought them from are on the other side of the world It's a bit of a blow for my confidence in being able to provide a reliable succession of trains at RailEx- if decoders blow one by one, not only is it embarrassing when exhibiting, it's expensive. I rarely have prolonged operating sessions, so I'm nervous. A solution of a string of diodes on the track feed to drop the voltage down should be OK for now, yet somehow I'm still feeling very apprehensive. Shunting will be aided by the hand of god this weekend...

The DBAG set, which would see the setting of the layout shift to Saxony, would comprise the following: 219 plus Halberstadts and Bybdyf482.1. The 219 is currently in transit from Germany, and has been since 29/10. Fingers crossed it'll be here in time. 202 plus Halberstadts or freight 232 plus IC/IR Kurswagen or Halberstadts 364 plus freight 628 Spare stock includes a DBmq776, DBuz and DABuzf778. I could always blu-tack up some Dapol OHLE masts and run 143s as well

Moutsached? Nah mate, I've joined the badger hiding brigade now! Clutter is something I really don't want- although a little run down, the branch stations such as Wuppertal-Cronenberg and Gersfeld which provide the inspiration for Bad Horn are quite tidy, weed growth and dirt excepted. Actually, quite the opposite from my inspirations- perhaps not the even coat of beige that seems to characterise DDR scenes, but definitely grubby- have a look at Wuppertal-Cronenberg for example. Although I totally agree that one of the greatest arts in weathering is stopping at the right point!Anyway, today I'm on a mission for more life-giving bits and vegetation. I need some brass strip and sections for making signs amongst other items.

I'm still tempted to re-power it. I remembered Piko do a 218 in the hobby range, I'll check out the service sheets and see if that has flywheel drive. It won't happen pre-RailEx though!

I mentioned in my last post that 218 230-1 wasn't playing at all, in spite of having cleaned the wheels and pickups. I didn't want to be defeated that easily, so I dismantled her almost entirely, getting right at the backs of the wheels and also the commutator. She now runs freely if noisily, growling along. An interesting tendancy is that in spite of having momentum disabled, the mechanism is free enough that following a sudden change of direction on the controller, the loco still rolls on a bit before stopping and reversing. I guess I've got used to drive through worm gears, whereas a well engineered pancake motor can turn quite freely if the loco has enough physical (as opposed to DCC programmed) inertia. I also wired back in pickup on two axles that had been de-wired when the previous owner (you know who you are, and I hope you know I'm not complaining!) fitted a DCC decoder. It's also a good excuse to illustrate the Kurswagen (through coaches) that I didn't in my last post. These InterRegio liveried coaches place the layout in the latter half of the 1980s or early 1990s, really somewhere between 1986 and 1994. I've also done a bit more weathering of the track and ballast, firstly with a mucky wash and then with some drybrushing of dirty rust. A few oil patches of matt black with a bit of brown were added where locos and railcars might be expected to spend any time. Mostly I'm happy, although it would perhaps benefit from a litte more of the mucky rust. It's easy to overdo these things though. Now, with the DB fleet running nicely, I can mess them up by attacking the items which are as yet unweathered. Once I've done some other cosmetic work on the layout I'll start servicing and testing the DBAG (ex-DR) set.

The blue and silver electrics are RBH 143s- ex DR/DBAG. The blue and orange loco is a rebuilt ex-DB V100. HTH!