Axel.Richardson Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hello guys. My name is Axel and resonantly I've taken the step up to O gauge and it's been a slippery slope, now 3 months later I'm up to 3 Heljan locos and a load of wagons and am after a small layout to test my modelling skills in 7mm. I feel I'm already quite competent in scenic modelling and building construction however I had a go at a 7mm wagon, didn't turn out well brass and soldering is something I need to learn. Ill stick to plastic for now. That shouldn't stop me in constructing a small show layout. However the problem I'm facing is space. My current OO gauge layout "Richcooke" is taking up my spare bedroom and I have no plans on ripping it out at this stage, the attic is to unsuitable without spending serous money. So the only space I have is my dining room. The space available in 128"x40" very small for O :/ I've struggled for layout ideas but seeing as Im going diesel I might as well have a depot, something I can have a few locos on show. This is my current plan, might change slightly but can come up with anything better ATM. To make the most of space the two loco sheds will be low relief. The layout will have a fiddle yard to the left as it is the doorway to another room. Anyone got any advice or see any problems with the plan? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Dougal Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hello guys. My name is Axel and resonantly I've taken the step up to O gauge and it's been a slippery slope, now 3 months later I'm up to 3 Heljan locos and a load of wagons and am after a small layout to test my modelling skills in 7mm. I feel I'm already quite competent in scenic modelling and building construction however I had a go at a 7mm wagon, didn't turn out well brass and soldering is something I need to learn. Ill stick to plastic for now. That shouldn't stop me in constructing a small show layout. However the problem I'm facing is space. My current OO gauge layout "Richcooke" is taking up my spare bedroom and I have no plans on ripping it out at this stage, the attic is to unsuitable without spending serous money. So the only space I have is my dining room. The space available in 128"x40" very small for O :/ I've struggled for layout ideas but seeing as Im going diesel I might as well have a depot, something I can have a few locos on show. This is my current plan, might change slightly but can come up with anything better ATM. To make the most of space the two loco sheds will be low relief. The layout will have a fiddle yard to the left as it is the doorway to another room. Anyone got any advice or see any problems with the plan? Hi Axel, welcome to O gauge.My layout is only 10 foot by 2 foot, but this is big enough to keep me occupied. Stick with the wagon building. Peco kits are a good starting point and often overlooked. Parkside are good too. Slaters kits have some better quality components, but I have found some of their kits a bit challenging (especially the milk tankers). Don't be put off by soldering or brass kits. If I can build a wagon and a loco so can you. Dougal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi Axel, welcome the world of 7mm, I am myself a new convert, "psst do you want to buy some 4mm stock ?". What are the buildings on your plan ? which leads on to what train formations are you planning to run on your layout ? and which 3 locos have you collected so far ? The costs of 7mm "should" make you plan more thoroughly. Happy Modelling Craig. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
black5f Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi and welcome to O gauge! Can't help noticing that you have a Y and a curved point. If you hand building track or going to Marcway you can squash up the points (sorry, turnouts) into tandems and combinations to save space. Marcway for example will build you a combination in one piece, very space saving. Just a thought. I've posted this before, a mate had a combination built in one piece: Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Oh ... sorry I forgot to add "Axel" that is a cool name. Happy Modelling Craig. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymw Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Are you going to be able to lean over 40 inches and operate 3 link couplings? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi Axel, welcome to O gauge. My layout is only 10 foot by 2 foot, but this is big enough to keep me occupied. Stick with the wagon building. Peco kits are a good starting point and often overlooked. Parkside are good too. Slaters kits have some better quality components, but I have found some of their kits a bit challenging (especially the milk tankers). Don't be put off by soldering or brass kits. If I can build a wagon and a loco so can you. Dougal. Hi Dougal I don't mind the size on the building and detail side, just would like a nice run. I can wait to get a frame up to get a feel for the size and space available. I hope to get a frame up and start drawing out a track plan on the next week or so. I think I made it difficult for myself as I've never built any kit or soldered and went straight into a brass kit, I have got a parkside kit but never for round to trying it yet. I am practicing soldering but my work is still very untidy. Hi Axel, welcome the world of 7mm, I am myself a new convert, "psst do you want to buy some 4mm stock ?". What are the buildings on your plan ? which leads on to what train formations are you planning to run on your layout ? and which 3 locos have you collected so far ? The costs of 7mm "should" make you plan more thoroughly. Happy Modelling Craig. Hi Craig I like yourself have a list of OO and N gauge for sale, I'm only going to keep a small amount to run on my home oo layout, the rest has gone or in the process of. Need money for more O gauge ha Well on the plan above I've got low relief industry at the rear, some elevated. Next the low relief engine sheds, I have the idea to have a old steam era shed on the right with the new diesel era on left, weather that would work I don't know. I plan on building the layout to be portable so when our on show I'll have fiddle yard either side so on the bottom through line I can have stock running back and forth, I'll doubt I'll get a double line in or a station platform but I'll have to see. However when at home I won't be able to have the right fiddle yard in place. I m planning on building this layout in such a way that I can lift it out and sick it in a bigger layout if I ever get fortunate enough to get space big enough. So far I have a class 26, 40 and 55 in BR green, I'm yet to number them as I'm going to wait until I decide on exact era I've got my eye on some MTH coaches next followed by a 31 and 52 if I can be quick enough before they all gone. Hi and welcome to O gauge! Can't help noticing that you have a Y and a curved point. If you hand building track or going to Marcway you can squash up the points (sorry, turnouts) into tandems and combinations to save space. Marcway for example will build you a combination in one piece, very space saving. Just a thought. I've posted this before, a mate had a combination built in one piece: post-17315-0-70670600-1418933951.jpg Tom Thanks tom, I have considered building turnouts but it's something I'll have to look into in more detail, it would be very handy as space is tight. The points on top of the plan are the ones I'd like to compress Oh ... sorry I forgot to add "Axel" that is a cool name. Happy Modelling Craig. Thanks Craig I get that a lot, I hated the name as a child as I always got picked on about it, but that has gone now, I'm yet to meet another Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 Are you going to be able to lean over 40 inches and operate 3 link couplings?that something I've thought about but as that will only be a problem when at home I think I'll make do, once the board is up I'll be able to get a feel for it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Hi Axel, do you have any track yet ? what track do you intend to use ? Best regards Craig. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
black5f Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Sometimes best (and fun) to mentally play trains on the plan with your stock . Don't worry about space, it focuses the mind. T Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
black5f Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 "Thanks tom,I have considered building turnouts but it's something I'll have to look into in more detail, it would be very handy as space is tight.The points on top of the plan are the ones I'd like to compress" So two opposing 3 way tandems combined together with common check rail like above would probably save at least 50% in length and would make a very impressive station throat to boot, a throat like no other in fact? Don't worry about wiring it, plenty of generous help on here. T Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 6, 2015 Author Share Posted January 6, 2015 Hi Axel, do you have any track yet ? what track do you intend to use ? Best regards Craig. No none ATM Craig, in the plan I used peco on anyrail, I haven't yet decided. I'm still in two minds weather to build my own or not. Sometimes best (and fun) to mentally play trains on the plan with your stock . Don't worry about space, it focuses the mind. So two opposing 3 way tandems combined together with common check rail like above would probably save at least 50% in length and would make a very impressive station throat to boot, a throat like no other in fact? Don't worry about wiring it, plenty of generous help on here. T Yes that would help a lot, if I was to build my own track what products would you recommend to use for rail, sleepers and chairs in your opinion? I'll look over some threads and see how to go on out it, I have a faint idea on how to but that it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
puddlejumper Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Hi Axel Firstly welcome to the world of 0 gauge, I'm sure you will enjoy it and there is loads of help and inspiration on here for those of us with larger fingers and failing eyesight !!! Your track plan looks operationally interesting and should keep you amused but as previously mentioned that is a bit of a stretch if you are using 3 link couplings. There are a few auto couplings out there you could use and as you are new to 0 gauge it's a great time to incorporate them into your building/design?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 6, 2015 Author Share Posted January 6, 2015 Hi Axel Firstly welcome to the world of 0 gauge, I'm sure you will enjoy it and there is loads of help and inspiration on here for those of us with larger fingers and failing eyesight !!! Your track plan looks operationally interesting and should keep you amused but as previously mentioned that is a bit of a stretch if you are using 3 link couplings. There are a few auto couplings out there you could use and as you are new to 0 gauge it's a great time to incorporate them into your building/design?? Hi Doug I see what your saying as 3 links are hard anyway. It something I'm going to have to work out when I get the board built, because I'm Building it as a portable layout I'm Not as conserved as if it was permanent, when it set up I should be able to get round both sides It something I intend to look into Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earl Bathurst Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 I see you broke cover axel. Hows the planning going? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 7, 2015 Author Share Posted January 7, 2015 Hi Scott, I don't mind on here. Planning going ok? I think I need to set it out on a board before I can decide on final track plan. Hard to get a feel for it on a computer screen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
black5f Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Hi Axle I'm not a track builder so can't recommend bits. RE Marcway if your looking up close with young eyes they do lack chairs etc. There's no over centre spring like on Peco so you will need and lever arrangement or a motor like a turtle to hold the blades over. If you're using peco flexi track you will also need to lay them on a base to raise them a bit. So there different but run well and even in their standard range have more options available. But custom build seems very good in my opinion and quite unique arrangements can be provided. I have picked them up for very cheap 2nd hand, £12 for a 3 way. Like for like though I'd go Peco if nothing else they no fuss. T Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daifly Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 you will need and lever arrangement or a motor like a turtle to hold the blades over. Would that be anything like a Tortoise? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Hi Axle I'm not a track builder so can't recommend bits. RE Marcway if your looking up close with young eyes they do lack chairs etc. There's no over centre spring like on Peco so you will need and lever arrangement or a motor like a turtle to hold the blades over. If you're using peco flexi track you will also need to lay them on a base to raise them a bit. So there different but run well and even in their standard range have more options available. But custom build seems very good in my opinion and quite unique arrangements can be provided. I have picked them up for very cheap 2nd hand, £12 for a 3 way. Like for like though I'd go Peco if nothing else they no fuss. T Thanks, I've had a look and I see what you mean about no chairs but I imagine you could possibly fit some, I'll be looking to use tortoise motors on mine. I'm going to buy some materials a and have a go at a bit of track to see how I get on. Because if I can learn it will help a lot on future projects Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 I've had a play around with the plans and made it a little narrower and added a small station, I'm not sure if it looks right or not. I got some wood to start the frame yesterday, it's going to be my job this weekend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I think it needs a loop to increase the play value. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hartleymartin Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I'd use a Peco Wye point for the point leading to the two platform roads. The point closest to the backscene you could change to a 3-way which will give you a little more siding space. I'm sure that I'm not the only one pestering Peco to make one! Lenz was supposed to be releasing a Code 143 3-way point but I don't think it's available yet. Also remember that you will need to reach those rear sidings for coupling. 36" is rather pushing the limits of reach. No track should more than 24" from the front of the layout for each reach. I don't know what is in the room on the right of the layout. You may he able to add a cassette or traverser off scene to form a run around. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CME and Bottlewasher Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Hello guys. My name is Axel and resonantly I've taken the step up to O gauge and it's been a slippery slope, now 3 months later I'm up to 3 Heljan locos and a load of wagons and am after a small layout to test my modelling skills in 7mm. I feel I'm already quite competent in scenic modelling and building construction however I had a go at a 7mm wagon, didn't turn out well brass and soldering is something I need to learn. Ill stick to plastic for now. That shouldn't stop me in constructing a small show layout. However the problem I'm facing is space. My current OO gauge layout "Richcooke" is taking up my spare bedroom and I have no plans on ripping it out at this stage, the attic is to unsuitable without spending serous money. So the only space I have is my dining room. The space available in 128"x40" very small for O :/ I've struggled for layout ideas but seeing as Im going diesel I might as well have a depot, something I can have a few locos on show. This is my current plan, might change slightly but can come up with anything better ATM. To make the most of space the two loco sheds will be low relief. The layout will have a fiddle yard to the left as it is the doorway to another room. Anyone got any advice or see any problems with the plan? Hi Axel, Welcome. Nice plan, I agree with Chris though a loop may be helpful and fun to operate. You may also want to consider making the layout modular with some facilities to extend at a later date? I would agree with other Posters in that it's best to start with plastic kits, eg a Parkside van, then perhaps something more complex, like a Parkside brake-van, then move onto eg. a Slaters' kit, which have even more multi-media than Parkside Dundas'. Then start with a simple brass wagon kit, make sure you have the correct solder, a good iron and make sure the iron is hot, better to dab in and out fast with a higher temperature than linger with a lower temperature. Also remember that white-metal will melt at a lower temp. than brass! ATVB CME Sometimes best (and fun) to mentally play trains on the plan with your stock . Don't worry about space, it focuses the mind. T I agree, I have always tried to do that, it doesnt always work out but I have found that it does help to identify any problems before committing to laying track. No none ATM Craig, in the plan I used peco on anyrail, I haven't yet decided. I'm still in two minds weather to build my own or not. Yes that would help a lot, if I was to build my own track what products would you recommend to use for rail, sleepers and chairs in your opinion? I'll look over some threads and see how to go on out it, I have a faint idea on how to but that it. Either C&L or Peco parts are good for building your own track, C&L produce a range of chairs that are region/company appropriate. I think it needs a loop to increase the play value. You took the words out of my mouth from my keyboard! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve fay Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Hi welcome to the world of 7mm We have a growing band of 7mm modellers stretching along the M4 in South Wales There is a 7mm exhibition in Newport in April that's worth a visit. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axel.Richardson Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share Posted January 9, 2015 I think it needs a loop to increase the play value. If only I had the space is love to. I'd use a Peco Wye point for the point leading to the two platform roads. The point closest to the backscene you could change to a 3-way which will give you a little more siding space. I'm sure that I'm not the only one pestering Peco to make one! Lenz was supposed to be releasing a Code 143 3-way point but I don't think it's available yet. Also remember that you will need to reach those rear sidings for coupling. 36" is rather pushing the limits of reach. No track should more than 24" from the front of the layout for each reach. I don't know what is in the room on the right of the layout. You may he able to add a cassette or traverser off scene to form a run around. Yes good idea, it needs a jig about as I've now shaved it down in width, that the main reason I'm thinking of making my own track as you can't get a good selection of points. I'm going to do my best to make it narrower bit I'm limited by the line on the left, as it is going around a wall. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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