[Chinahand]

As some of you may be aware, before starting to build the real thing, I decided to build a 1/5th scale model of my planned layout and thought you might be interested to see how it is coming along so here are a few shots of the progress so far.

I started off by building scale sized base boards with this being the lower level completed.

Upper level boards for the 2 termini were then added.

The main purpose of the exercise is to plan the topography of the layout so the next step was to install landscape formers and cover with papier mache.

It very soon became apparent that what I had originally envisaged as a level crossing on the approach to the branch line terminus (Much Binding) just did not make sense geographically so this has now become a road overbridge. The model making exercise has therefore already found and resolved a potential problem before starting the real layout. Mission acomplished.

Here are some shots of my more recent progress including the viaduct which, though I say it myself, has turned out quite well. The full sized one will be 1.50 metres long.

I would appreciate any comments and constructive criticisms.

Expat.

 

[ebaykal]

Expat,

I salute you for going thru this ordeal, requires alot of patience.
As far as I see you now only need 1/5 scale loco's running on it

Great work.

Baykal

 

[Basil]

QUOTE (ebaykal @ 29 Mar 2008, 16:01) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Expat,

I salute you for going thru this ordeal, requires alot of patience.
As far as I see you now only need 1/5 scale loco's running on it

Great work.

Baykal

I agrre with Baykal, you can get 1/5 of 00 scale and you will be in good stead. However, as an exercise in modelling this is exemplary. However, I would be inclined to resolve the design using basic material and leave the deatailing of surfaces etc to the final model. You can (and are) resolve (resolving) any latent difficulties in the design.

Get on to the real one, I'd love to see it.

My locos and track and all other bits are in boxes as I have to fix up the attic for guests (damn it) so am considering options on setting up my layout. For the moment I collect and fix old locos (collected mainly from e bay).

Onwards

Basil

 

[Chinahand]

Thanks for your input guys,

I don't look on this as an ordeal as it gives me pleasure and allows me to experiment with ideas in 3D particularly in getting proportions right and getting a 'feel' for what landscaping will work and what won't. I see it as a step along the way which will help me to avoid problems when I do get to the real thing. Just to clarify, however, you should be aware that the model is 1/5th of N Scale. That road overbridge has 29 separate parts and is only 1cm x 1.5cm. The eventual layout will be 3.5m x 3.0m so the model is 700mm x 600mm.

Basil, I would love to get started on the real thing but as I am presently living and working in Dubai and the layout is a retirement project which will be built in China this is, unfortunately, not possible at this time. I am, however, managing to get some things done towards it and have almost completed by Points Control Panels. I will post pics of them them on the forum when complete. I am also experimenting with different types of magnetic couplers and getting some loco/rolling stock detailing done. Next step is to build some rolling stock.

Cheers for now,

Expat.

 

[Kimbo]

Thank you so much for giving us so many different views and providing such complete descriptions of what we are looking at. Really useful for us newcomers/beginners to the hobby

 

[Basil]

Time passages.

There is an expression that 'God doesn't take away the time in the garden or on the water'.

He may also leave us alone at the Italian dinner table (accordin to my sister in law of Piedmontese extraction)

but most definately leaves us be when we work on model trains.

Great fun anywhere.

Have fun my friend.

regards

Basil (the unreligous but hopefully spiritual)

QUOTE (Expat @ 30 Mar 2008, 03:57) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks for your input guys,

I don't look on this as an ordeal as it gives me pleasure and allows me to experiment with ideas in 3D particularly in getting proportions right and getting a 'feel' for what landscaping will work and what won't. I see it as a step along the way which will help me to avoid problems when I do get to the real thing. Just to clarify, however, you should be aware that the model is 1/5th of N Scale. That road overbridge has 29 separate parts and is only 1cm x 1.5cm. The eventual layout will be 3.5m x 3.0m so the model is 700mm x 600mm.

Basil, I would love to get started on the real thing but as I am presently living and working in Dubai and the layout is a retirement project which will be built in China this is, unfortunately, not possible at this time. I am, however, managing to get some things done towards it and have almost completed by Points Control Panels. I will post pics of them them on the forum when complete. I am also experimenting with different types of magnetic couplers and getting some loco/rolling stock detailing done. Next step is to build some rolling stock.

Cheers for now,

Expat.

 

[Bigdog]

Expat,

Great effort. I too live many leagues over the sea from any model train shops and see the value in planning... especially when you have to think so carefully about mail order. It's great to have the option to order things but it's just not the same as the hands on experience of a shop.

You've given me some ideas and I'll think I'll have a go at a micro model myself.

Track plans are good... but I really like the 3D approach.

Brian in Sunny Phuket

 

[Chinahand]

Hi Bigdog,

Yes it's not easy when you can't just pop along to your local model shop and browse around. Everything has to be meticulously planned and researched before making a purchase on line. So far I have got all of my track and pointwork together and bought a dozen or so locos which I have had DCC chipped in the UK. I've also bought an ESU EcoS DCC Controller and all of my wiring requirements (I think/hope). I usually get everything delivered to my brother's home so my annual trips to the UK usually raise a few eyebrows at Heathrow Customs when I pass through on the way back to Dubai.

I still have 3 years to go before retiring to China (my wife is Chinese) so am in no great rush but I still have most of my rolling stock and all my road vehicles, people, scenic items and a thousand and one other small things to get get.

Glad you like my micro modelling efforts and look forward to seeing yours.

Regards,

Expat.

 

[Bigdog]

QUOTE (Expat @ 1 Apr 2008, 12:35) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I still have 3 years to go before retiring to China (my wife is Chinese) so am in no great rush but I still have most of my rolling stock and all my road vehicles, people, scenic items and a thousand and one other small things to get get.

I'm not sure where you're going in China... but there are a couple of good shops in Hong Kong that although small are packed to the ceiling with a variety of items... especially good is their range of track. Of course many locos are made in China but I couldn't find out if they had an outlet on my last visit.

I do have a friend in UK who receives my mail order items... normally from Hattons. Most years I have people coming to visit and they bring stuff out for me. Next week I have a delivery of goodies arriving with friends.

Trust the collecting goes well and the move to China... I'll let you know when I get around to the micro model...

Brian in Sunny Phuket