cromptonnut

I wonder if the school near me hires out the hall, I'll contact them to see if that's an option.

Possible although moving too far from the current location may be "a bit too much" for some? My guess however is that the cost would increase considerably.

I'd still prefer the private smaller venue to be honest. I'm not worried about a monster layout for the first, ( ok secondish ), event

As would I, but as it stands we are almost "full" at Grateley, and I know of at least three complete layouts of about 12ft each that have asked for forms although haven't responded yet.  There's absolutely no way on earth we can fit all that lot in if everyone responds - and that's not including others that tag along such as AdamPhilip (above) who has asked about bringing their layout who may wish to jump in as time goes on.

Monster layout or not, the plan is of course created based on the contributions, and at the moment we have more contributions offered (if not confirmed) than the hall can accommodate hence the larger venue.

I could have a word with the museum and see whether, rather than rope, some or all of our space could be hidden off with the display panels that are dotted around, however we could still be seen from the upper level so it's more private but not totally private.

have we got a template for module ends that I can use?

The standards are listed here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/88537-rmweb-modular-project-standards/

We don't have a 'template board end' as such similar to those that other standards use although I expect it'd be an easy thing to do, at a cost, if required as a future development.  But as this is only the second meet in about 4 years it's got a very long way to go

*** POTENTIAL VENUE CHANGE ***

Ok everyone, following the discussions about the hall likely being too small, I have this morning had a bit of a brainwave.  There are positives and negatives so I'd like to hear your thoughts.

We are surrounded by military places. Lots of them.  They have places where big military equipment can be housed.  One of them is the Museum of Army Flying on the A343 at Middle Wallop, only a mile or so from the original venue.  I've been and had a chat with them and they have a space that is made available for meetings/events.  It's currently occupied by a red plane (see images below) but that can be moved.

This gives us a workable space of around 50ft x 50ft.  The rear would be the fake cliff (there are about 10 power sockets behind the camouflage netting), and the front roughly where the white panels are at present, covering the hangar access door.

POSITIVES

• Close to original location and still easy to get to from all directions
• Easy access through hanger doors
• Plenty of parking
• On site café and shop selling some interesting stuff including model kits.
• Possibility of a guided tour of the museum at lunchtime if people were interested.
• Unusual venue with 'items of interest' for individuals to look at inbetween running trains.
• Possibility of "something for family members to do" on the day (museum entrance fees would have to be paid, of course)

NEGATIVES

• Unless we pay £1000 for exclusive hire, the rest of the museum will be open to the public on that day.  However the area will be fenced off to keep people away but people will still be able to see and talk to us.
• No opportunity to heat your own food or make tea/coffee - however this is offset by the café being available (or bring sandwiches and drink squash/water).
• Slight security risk by museum being open (although apparently visitor numbers are never huge) however I don't see it being an issue as we wouldn't be leaving anything unattended, and any personal belongings can be put in an area furthest away from people.
• Potential higher cost, awaiting confirmation as they tend to deal with "corporate hire" requiring the museum to be shut, for team building days and other silly things and haven't been asked "can we have a bit of floor space" before.
• A bit warm - however I have a couple of large fans that can help with this (probably easier than trying to use a helicopter...)

There is also the potential of further reducing the cost if we allow them to publicise our meeting as an 'event' although I have made it very clear that it is not a 'model railway exhibition' as such and some boards may well be incomplete.  Personally I'm not so keen on this option however it depends what the difference is.

There was another village hall but when I saw rates for "parish residents" and "outsiders" it kinda put me off as being a bit Royston Vasey...

So... what are your thoughts?

I've rearranged the modules currently confirmed into the 50x50 space above... as you can see, a lot more spacious.

We have four double tracked 24 inch (inside track) curves of 90 degrees that we can bring in. Our RTR stuff runs on them without issues. Maybe these can solve your space problem.

By the way, we are planning a trip to visit the Andover MRC model Railway Show on 1st September.

Can we meet you there?

 

Leen.

Hi Leen

24" curves shouldn't be an issue to most RTR stuff but the 'standard' as agreed by a load of people who are no longer interested (!!!) states 36".  Personally I have no problem with 24" but would need to make sure everyone else has stuff that will run round it.

Unfortunately I am unable to get to the Andover show as I am working that weekend.

Currently myself and several people from the network youtube group are thinking about joining up you guys for modular stuff, which will include my 16ft long London Undergate terminus station module

If it can be made to fit the standard at one end, with a converter board if necessary, no reason why not.

Obviously I want to leave a couple of feet all round to accommodate for inaccuracies in my planning, as well as walkways etc around everything where possible.  It may be that some modules just don't fit or get ready in time, which will of course help a little but I'm reluctant to say "don't bring X" when clearly people are making the effort to come along in the first place.

Last time it was all single track, which made life considerably easier, now we have a mix of single and double track, and the relevant converters/junction, it's proving more challenging.  

I'll make a few phone calls today and report back if there is anything suitable.

At the moment you are the only ones working with this standard - so I think you have the practical right to try new things and alter it, if needed.

I may try my 'minidave' idea for the non existant 90 degree curve at 30 and 32".

How much difference is the price of a larger venue?

No idea, haven't even looked!

In theory I'll be offering up a 4ft straight and a 45 degree curve at some point too chap. So still more to squeeze in...

This is the problem... I can think of at least 2 complete layouts that have been suggested awaiting forms.  I am quite happy to drop out some of my modules though to make space for others; the Lyme Reg-ish module for example.  

It's the 36" radius curves that are causing the problem!

Well I've started laying out what we have submitted so far on a floor plan of the hall... and we do seem to have more modules than space, thanks to the very generous curves of the modular design.

Out of those already submitted, is anyone not started yet and prepared to amend what they have submitted into something different?

A this rate, it may be that we need to seek out a larger venue - but that would considerably add to the costs of the event. 

The only option I'm getting at the moment is running a branch out through the entrance hall and into the car park, and desperately hoping it doesn't rain?  Unfortunately the fire exit, which although in a potentially useful spot, leads out onto a gravel area then grass which really isn't suitable for putting boards out to; and the stage area is about a foot higher than the hall which would mean any module there needing a 'non standard' set of legs which I'm not overly keen on either.

Thoughts, anyone?

Here is the plan with what I currently have submitted.  Every module has been used, and there's one 90 degree curve that hasn't been offered.

Top middle - fiddle yard (Cromptonnut)

leading into O,P which makes a 90 degree curve (Joseph Pestell)

leading into M, single track to double track converter (Joseph Pestell)

leading into J, double track with single track off to left (Joseph Pestell)

single branch - C, 45 degree single track curve (Cromptonnut), G, single track straight (Cromptonnut), R, Lyme Reg-ish, single track into terminus on a curve (Cromptonnut)

main line - H, Pendle Meadows (Chimer), double track straight

leading into L, double track 90 degree curve (Joseph Pestell)

leading into K, double track station (Joseph Pestell)

leading into a 90 degree double track curve that hasn't been built yet

leading into F, Woodstock Junction (MarkW)

left, leading into E, Nowhere Tunnel (MarkW)

right, leading into N, double to single junction (Joseph Pestell), I, 45 degree curve (Cromptonnut) and D, Grand Lake, Single track passing loop and sidings then dead end

This of course assumes that every module offered comes to fruition which is unlikely but I can only proceed on the information I have at present.

Very interested to hear if anyone can come up with a better way to use the space!

Apologies Joseph, just looked and I do have them, I was on holiday when they arrived so I flagged it to deal with when I returned and obviously forgot.  I'll update my end now.

Hadn't realised you had submitted so many forms!  I'll redo the list when I've added all the modules to the plan...

A little progress update for you all.  These are the modules so far submitted with a few still awaiting form returns.

By Christmas I hope to be able to send out a "help needed" list looking for volunteers to build any extra straight or curved modules that we may need to make full use of the hall.

Most senior managers get there not on merit and skills, but on connections and backstabbing other people as they climb over them on their way up the corporate ladder.  It's why most large companies (not just the railways) are in such a mess these days.  Especially when they are 'outsiders' coming into roles because of experience in other industries, so they have no idea of what the people below them are doing, yet they issue instructions to change things they don't understand and cut back on staff (which cost) so they can hit their targets and get their bonuses, completely unaware of the struggles of those they are supposed to be 'managing', having never done the job themselves.

I've got a pack of the Woodland Scenics 'tree armatures' that are currently a shiny brown plastic, and I'd prefer them to be tree coloured.

They don't need to be massively detailed as they will be in a large group of trees, but wondered if you could recommend a paint colour for tree bark please.  Humbrol or Halfords 'rattle can' preferred options.

TIA

Just received this by email from SWR.  Interesting.

Update on timetable changes for December 2018

Since before we started the South Western Railway franchise, we have been preparing for a major timetable change in December 2018 to provide customers with access to additional services and extra capacity throughout the day.
 
We are therefore disappointed that we will not be implementing any changes to the December 2018 timetable and instead rolling over the May 2018 timetable. Preparations to deliver the extra services, capacity improvements and reduced journey times started well before we took over the SWR franchise and will continue as we are determined to deliver what our customers and stakeholders expect.
 
We are mindful of the disruption to customers that happened with other major timetable changes elsewhere in May 2018 and despite SWR’s desire to deliver the increased capacity and extra services as soon as possible to customers, it has been decided at a national level that a period of stability is needed.
 
Even without timetable changes in December 2018, we are preparing to deliver additional capacity for the benefit of customers and, over the coming weeks, will be seeking to confirm plans as to how the 90 additional Class 442 vehicles which are presently being refurbished, can be progressively introduced into service in the existing timetable to allow other trains to be cascaded elsewhere on our network. As part of the refurbishment of the Class 444/450 fleets, we will also be delivering an increase in standard class seating capacity through internal reconfiguration of these vehicles which will progressively increase capacity through to Spring 2019.
 
We will continue to work with Network Rail, the Department for Transport and insight from customers and stakeholders to implement the changes to our future timetables and ensure maximum benefit with minimal disruption to our customers.

Yours sincerely,
 
Andy Mellors
Managing Director

On the subject of military trains, this has just gone past the bottom of my garden. Perfect for if the Ludgershall branch, although this one ran Warminster-Doddington (passing Andover, where it could have gone up the branch).

https://www.facebook.com/grateleytrains/videos/996139967217115
 

Hi Chimer

So far we have a mixture of single and double track modules offered, and a junction, so I'm sure - as with most modular things - it'll be completely different this time.

The prototype Ludgershall Bridge is single track in the period I'm doing it so the module is, most of my modules are single track as they were last time - but I have plans for a few doubles to add into the mix as well so hopefully we'll get a chance to test double track this time.  It only took 3 years

Look forward to receiving your forms.

'Nut

That looks somewhat beyond my dreadful skills - or lack of...

However it seems a similar principle, although obviously with a much greater depth to the lower level. Nice work though.

Thought I'd start a thread documenting my first new module towards this project - Ludgershall Branch Bridge.   

Thought I'd start a new thread to document the construction of a new module, albeit a fairly small one.

Having "not modelled" for over a year due to a house move, I thought I'd restart my mojo with a small project whilst I'm finishing off lining my new shed with a small, fairly straightforward, module.

Name: Ludgershall Branch Bridge.

Size: 4ft x 18", single track.

Anyone who has travelled up the A303 over the years will recognise the bridge where the Ludgershall branch passes over the A303 near Andover.  We moved to fairly near this location and thought it would be a fairly straightforward, and fairly recognisable, module that'd be slightly different from what I've done in the past.  However, the module would happily fit in any geographical location and, with the use of appropriate road vehicles, probably anything from about the 1960's onwards.  I do plan to accurately represent the westbound (right in the pictures below) carriageway accurately, in being solid nose to tail traffic as is often the case when it's backed up with grockles passing Stonehenge.

The Ludgershall Branch is the remaining southern section of the old MSWJR line from Andover to Swindon, now single track as far as the Defence Equipment & Support Rail & Container Terminal at MoD Ludgershall.  It diverts from the Waterloo-Exeter main line just west of Andover, about half a mile south east of the location of my module. In the past the line has naturally been used for military trains to Ludgershall, although there hasn't been much traffic in recent years.  There's a nice video tracing part of the line here, for those interested in the history of the line.

First, the prototype inspiration, courtesy of Google Street view.

Looking at it in map view, it is clear that the A303 passes under the line at an angle.  However, for the purposes of modular, I imported the image into Photoshop and have rotated the whole scene so that the track goes left to right and the road is now at an angle across the board underneath it. 

Some quick calculations tell me that the line is at a 52 degree angle to the road, which is a fairly distinctive feature that I wanted to reproduce.  The aid of Microsoft Publisher and some drawn 'boxes' gave me the measurements from each end of the board to get the right angle.

Nothing very spectacular about the board construction so I won't bother with too much detail, I started with a ply and planed timer frame in the normal manner, glued and screwed.  One advantage of the current hot weather, which although not much fun to work in the shed, does at least mean the glue dries very quickly.

Having done some quick calculations based on some suitable vehicles, the two lanes each side, central reservation and a small verge required about 10" width for the road underneath between the bridge abutments.  Lines were calculated and drawn on the surface, and spacing checked.  

The outside lines of the verge were then copied onto the second board which is the track bed, 4" wide track bed strip calculated, and the road space cut out leaving a complete section for the upper surface to make life easier.    Angled offsets were cut in order to make the embankment between the upper "field/track" level and the road level.  Risers were then glued to the lower board surface, at the module ends and where the bridge starts and ends.  This is about 2 1/2" tall, in order to accommodate vehicles underneath as well as the bridge deck which will go underneath the rail surface upper level.  This was then simply screwed to the risers along the ends and each side of the 

A different angle shows a train crossing the road.  I know 59-hauled stone trains don't use the line however it was the first thing I could find

Finally, a more "drivers eye" view from the road level, to compare to the Google Street View image.

I've ordered some of the Wills Varigirder bridge sides to reproduce the bridge sides, and will make an attempt with Plastruct sections to detail the underside of the bridge, which again is a distinctive feature from road level.

I have also downloaded some concrete slab walling from Model Railway Scenics, to match the sides of the bridge.  That fun is to come soon but I want to make a start on the scenics on the upper level before the lower surface, in order to minimise the risk of gravity damage from glue etc.  There will be front surfaces to the board trimmed to the end profile of the scenery, which will then all be blended in.

Watch this space...

Just make sure it's the same track lined up at both ends . . . .

We use the Peco SL-36 track spacer gauge to get the accurate spacing.

Latest update. Disruption now expected to continue until at least 10am on Friday.

From National Rail:

"The failure has been traced to a faulty power supply cable which feeds off the national grid. A Network Rail specialist has made a temporary fix and some lines have been reopened. Investigations are continuing to assess the fault and to decide what the best resolution will be."

Any good?

Perfect Curves are always useful anyway, and although the "single track joining" offset you picture in green isn't strictly within the standards - it's fine as far as I'm concerned.  I have a similar "passing loop" in mind although it's with single to double on each of the two boards so they can fit together as a passing loop, or as part of a single/double conversion with other modules between the two.  Keep us informed of your progess, and feel free to start a separate thread in this modular subforum about it.

Well I have one if we can live with the US track

I don't see that being a particular issue, as long as the rest of it looks vaguely British.  Code 75, 83 or 100 (or handbuilt) track are all perfectly acceptable.

I've spent this evening drawing lines on some plywood and cutting a space to make the bridge, but it's all ground to a halt this evening as my PVA glue is 2 years out of date and a solid lump.  A trip to Wickes in the morning will be in order and then I can carry on building the framework - and, of course, in this heat in the shed it'll probably dry within the hour.  I'll be starting a thread about mine.

Just about to send forms.

 

I have set myself an ambitious programme and suspect that the scenics may be a bit basic!

At our last meet we had one board with a coat of green paint representing fields along the line, so there's nothing wrong with that at all   Looking forward to hearing about your contributions.

Last weekend I got my wallet stolen in the supermarket car park.

I was just loading up my shopping when these two beautiful young ladies approached me asking if I could give them a lift home, and offered to "pay me" with a wink.  Over the next 20 minutes they performed all sorts of unspeakable acts on me in the back of the car to the point where I passed out with exhaustion.  When I awoke a while later, the two ladies were nowhere to be seen, and neither was my wallet.

I was robbed by them again on Monday lunchtime, Tuesday afternoon, twice on Wednesday, and Thursday morning.

By the way, Poundland have an offer on wallets at the moment..