TravisM

I honestly don't think I'll double track the helix as I don't think it gives me any additional benefits, but I think I'll move the point to a better position, so the slope down starts on a straight section. I also think I would need at least 3 revolutions of the helix to get the lower section down low enough, so I can get my hand in without knocking over stuff. Because of my back situation, I want the scenic section to be at Sternum height (remember we mostly see real life trains at eye level), and if needed, I can access the centre of the helix for maintenance/cleaning without too much problems. Also the storage sidings will be at a reasonable height as well. These are all things I need to consider in case my back deteriorates further as I get older.

When the HST's were first introduced on the Western Region, they were outfitted with both a TRUB (Trailer Restaurant Unclassified Buffet - 40xxx) as well as a TRUK (Trailer Restaurant Unclassified Kitchen - 405xx) to cater for full kitchen service, the TRUK being next to the 1st Class seating. I'm pretty sure this only lasted a few years before the TRUK's went to the Eastern Region, where they were probably better suited.

I had the unfortunate task of ending up in A&E on Tuesday evening, after having surgery earlier that day after the stitches came out. I was talking to someone whilst waiting and he was something to do with Labour strategies, and even he said that to mention restarting the extension of HS2 in a election year would be suicide, so it would be better to say nothing or even say that they wouldn't continue it, as Keir Starmer said today. I think deep down, if Labour get in, it will continue to Manchester (Crewe), then handed over to the Northern Powerhouse, to deflect the negative publicity of HS2, and rebrand it as a 'Northern Powerhouse' project.

Obviously this isn't the final drawing of the layout, lots more 'tweaking' to be done, but I think this will be close to the final version. Someone has suggested that I remove the point at the top of the helix, then make it double track all the way down, and then single it near the hidden sidings. The only issue I find is that I would have to use 3rd and 4th radius curves, which in itself isn't big issue but as I'd have extend the width of the helix by 4-6 inches, and given the size of my room, I don't think I have enough room for that.

After talking with @class26 about his Far North Line layout and his use of a helix on the layout, so it got me thinking about using one on my Cumbrian Coast layout. I know that a helix is a space eater, but if I can keep it to a 3rd radius, it won't be too big and most stock should be able to cope with it without issues. Obviously it will be hidden behind a scenic board and the entrances will be hidden either with cuttings or a road bridge. The section underneath will hold the hidden sidings and as most trains are either units or top and tailed trains, so don't need run a return loop, though there is a run around track if needed. Any sensible suggestions would be welcome.

Hi there, this might be better.

I've quickly drawn out the track plan on AnyRail for Oxford Road, using images from Google Maps. I'd also like to suggest that the station goes where the fiddle yard is, and that moves to the station location. I will admit that the plan is modern day and can obviously be altered.

I have to agree with @Harlequin, slip crossovers are never a good idea. I'd keep the cross over at the east end of the platforms (Towards Piccadilly) and the use a pair of curved points after. It's a bit of a space eater but looks more realistic, and probably operationally better.

Really good plan, I like it a lot and wish I had a similar space for my Cumbrian Coast layout. However, I'd be tempted to put the station siding on the opposite side if possible to maximise that corner space which has been lost, and give you more room in the operating well. Even with that space, with 3-4 operators, it's going to start to get a bit cramped.

To be honest, that's my kind of rational, why limit yourself to one era. I'm starting off with 2017-18 because it's what I already have, but as I will have no vehicles or very few people (if any), I can easily backdate it. I have a couple of Bachmann Jubilee's which I fancy running on the layout (I don't know if they did in the 60's).

I think this might be better. It's not perfect, but better than it was.

Because I’m an idiot and hadn’t noticed. I’ll change them later.

After talking to Tim Horn who's building my baseboards, it was agreed to keep the lifting hatch in because, as you say, in time, the hatch will be essential rather than just a useful thing. You will notice on my latest plan, it's been kept in.

To say I was shocked to hear this, is a understatement. I would like to offer my condolences to the staff who no doubt be losing their jobs.

Had a discussion with several others on here, and they thought that the single section would look good but it might be better operationally, to have look as if it's going onto a double track section with possibly operating signals. The storage sidings would be between the scenic breaks, and the longest siding would be able to hold either a Class 37 and 4 Mk2's, or 3 Mk2's, top and tailed between 2 Class 37's. I’ve spoken to several other people about the layout being ‘boring’ and one friend, co-owner of Sidney Gardens said he said that his layout had no stations or sidings for shunting, but still interesting. He also mentioned that someone modelled the Dawlish line that follows the coast to huge acclaim.

Had a little play, and came up with this idea. A friend of mine suggested getting rid of the lift up section and getting a office chair with wheels that I could use, instead of crawling under and damaging my back further.

As much as I like the plan, I don't like hidden sidings, mainly because I have mobility issues and reaching over to retrieve a derailed loco or piece of rolling stock, could be difficult for me. It was certainly something too think about.

A friend of mine suggested that I should add a small halt, such as Braystones or Nethertown along the south section, just before the doorway hatch. I think it might be a good idea, but after looking at pictures on Flickr or on Google maps, I can’t work out the platform lengths. Would it be safe to say that the platform could accommodate a single Class 156, but nothing bigger, or are they shorter than that? Possibly only a single Class 142/153 could stop within the platform length, or if a 156 was used, the rear car would overhang the end of the platform? Also because of their short platform lengths, would the loco hauled trains run nonstop through those two stations and only the units stop there?

Thank you, I’ll send Accurascale support a quick email

I've finally decided to model the single line section along the coast, probably a generic section, with nowhere in particular in mind. I'm going to see Tim Horn on Saturday, to discuss my baseboard requirements, and I know it will be expensive, but so be it. To be honest, I'm not really that bothered about shunting, but I do want to see my trains running, rather than sitting in boxes.

As I mentioned earlier, I put the roof section onto a glass shelf, and one end had a tiny upward warp. With the black tac applied, it’s settled nicely.

Done that first, but then put it on a glass shelf and it didn't quite sit square.

Has anyone had a problem with the removable roof section warping slightly? I’ve got 37423 and I’ve noticed that the roof section has a slight, but noticeable warp at the fan end, causing it to lift slightly. I’ve cured it by adding a tiny amount of black tac, but wondered if anyone else had experienced this problem?

Hi Phil, My main problem, apart from space is the ability to construct a decent baseboard, the 'big C' has robbed me of being able to stand for long periods or hold a saw for very long, which basically leaves me with laser cut boards. I can assemble them without much issue and with Tim Horn's help, have them made to fit exactly. The falling ground to the beach/sea had been considered and I had considered Woodland Scenic foam boards to give me the height difference. The hatch and hidden sidings would be built at the same height as the top of the foam boards, so the main scenic baseboards would be a few inches lower than the hatch and sidings, so the track would all be at the same level, if that makes sense? As @Cruachan said, my longest train will either be a Class 37 and 4 Mk2's, giving a total length of 4ft 4ins or a pair of Class 37's, top and tailing 3 Mk2's, which I assume would be the same length, so cassettes are out. Also, given the way my back and balance is, cassettes are possibly too unwieldly for me.

Oh okay, I wasn’t being hypercritical, just thought you hadn’t seen my first, well, second plan. I’m still struggling with how to get the best with the available space, it’s becoming a bit of a nightmare as a lot of people have come up with really good ideas and constructive criticism, which to be honest is starting to cloud the issue