Hi Alan .Yes but if you've got expensive stock it is worth protecting and a very good way to display them. I am modelling GWR so most of my stock will be housed on the layout. However I have a few other loco's mostly Duchess class which will eventually have raikes of coaches . Would be nice to have a few on display in the house occasionally being brought out to run on an anything goes day. By the way a Castle class and 8 x 60ft coaches works out about 24cm whats the longest Vision Tube ? Many of your coach types look long are they 70ft I am not familiar with Continental stock? Jim
My HO Loft Layout
3
Hi all,
This is a brief overview of my HO layout in the loft.
I started collecting Fleischmann track, locos and rolling stock back in the seventies but only had the space, and time to create a couple of temporary layouts.
In 1989, after starting my own electrical contracting business, I decided I needed some permanent office space, so I moved up into the converted loft space. Well, I didn't need all the space for an office, did I
![]()
!
I spent the next 5 years or so, on and off, designing and building my layout. It is not meant to be prototypical in any way and is purely the product of my imagination. I wanted only steam locos, but there are
probably some items of scenery and signals that belong to a more modern era. By the mid nineties, I had a working railway that I could run 8 locos on and about two thirds of the scenery completed.
The layout includes 3 round and round tracks and a shuttle line from the main station, that works its way up over 3 levels to another station on the top level. Each of the 4 tracks has a passing zone hidden
behind the scenes.
This was of course, a DC layout, and I used block signalling to run 2 locos on each of the 4 track circuits.
By this time I had noticed the onset of DCC and was amazed at what it could do (and the prices
![]()
) This left me a bit disillusioned with my layout and I left it untouched for several years running it occasionally.
This time last year, my grandson was 2 years old, he is a typical boy who loves cars and trains. That was all the excuse I needed to re-start the layout build. Being of the age where I find myself with a bit more
disposable income, I decided to go DCC, and over the past year or so I have stripped out all the spaghetti of the DC control wiring, installed a DCC bus system, soldered up hundreds of droppers. completed a lot
more scenery, including the main railway station, and invested in several DCC sound locos (all Fleischmann) and had some of my old DC locos converted to DCC sound.
The layout also incorporates an original Faller Road System. When it ran with the DC layout, it was synced with the level crossing gates and lights to stop the cars when a train approached and the barriers closed.
That went when I stripped the old control wiring out, but I will eventually re-do it with DCC control. I have new Viessmann electronic barriers in place , as the original Faller ones were controlled with lengths of
cotton that eventually tangled and snapped, the Faller level crossing house is still standing though.
The next job is to rewire all the points back and connect them to DCC control.
At the moment I am using a Fleischmann MultiMAUS system to run the locos. I have purchased a Z21 system and eventually want to run the majority of the locos with Train Controller Gold.
Below is a track layout plan. The thin red line represents the loft wall or scenery line, all track above and to the right of it cannot be seen.
![]()
Below is a brief video overview of the layout to date, please excuse the dodgy video.
http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xvQjgm8CjXo?rel=0
Regards
Alan
This is a brief overview of my HO layout in the loft.
I started collecting Fleischmann track, locos and rolling stock back in the seventies but only had the space, and time to create a couple of temporary layouts.
In 1989, after starting my own electrical contracting business, I decided I needed some permanent office space, so I moved up into the converted loft space. Well, I didn't need all the space for an office, did I
I spent the next 5 years or so, on and off, designing and building my layout. It is not meant to be prototypical in any way and is purely the product of my imagination. I wanted only steam locos, but there are
probably some items of scenery and signals that belong to a more modern era. By the mid nineties, I had a working railway that I could run 8 locos on and about two thirds of the scenery completed.
The layout includes 3 round and round tracks and a shuttle line from the main station, that works its way up over 3 levels to another station on the top level. Each of the 4 tracks has a passing zone hidden
behind the scenes.
This was of course, a DC layout, and I used block signalling to run 2 locos on each of the 4 track circuits.
By this time I had noticed the onset of DCC and was amazed at what it could do (and the prices
This time last year, my grandson was 2 years old, he is a typical boy who loves cars and trains. That was all the excuse I needed to re-start the layout build. Being of the age where I find myself with a bit more
disposable income, I decided to go DCC, and over the past year or so I have stripped out all the spaghetti of the DC control wiring, installed a DCC bus system, soldered up hundreds of droppers. completed a lot
more scenery, including the main railway station, and invested in several DCC sound locos (all Fleischmann) and had some of my old DC locos converted to DCC sound.
The layout also incorporates an original Faller Road System. When it ran with the DC layout, it was synced with the level crossing gates and lights to stop the cars when a train approached and the barriers closed.
That went when I stripped the old control wiring out, but I will eventually re-do it with DCC control. I have new Viessmann electronic barriers in place , as the original Faller ones were controlled with lengths of
cotton that eventually tangled and snapped, the Faller level crossing house is still standing though.
The next job is to rewire all the points back and connect them to DCC control.
At the moment I am using a Fleischmann MultiMAUS system to run the locos. I have purchased a Z21 system and eventually want to run the majority of the locos with Train Controller Gold.
Below is a track layout plan. The thin red line represents the loft wall or scenery line, all track above and to the right of it cannot be seen.
Below is a brief video overview of the layout to date, please excuse the dodgy video.
http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xvQjgm8CjXo?rel=0
Regards
Alan
181 - 195 of 195 Posts
Yes, I did contact them.
The 120cm tubes for 3R track work out at AUD165. It will cost be a further AUD100 in freight each, so a total of AUD265 each. This might be Ok if I was still working, but I now need to come up with a business case for this solution. I have enough rolling to stock to use 40 of these so I'll need to factor in buying some more walls also. This hobby just gets more and more fantastic.
On the bright side, the 120cm version should allow for displays of 1 loco and 3 or 4 cars, which is probably a more practical config for layout running.
Thanks again for the photos; I see a few familiar items in there..
edit: I just reread some earlier responses - I'm not considering bigger than 150cm - just for ease of movement.
The 120cm tubes for 3R track work out at AUD165. It will cost be a further AUD100 in freight each, so a total of AUD265 each. This might be Ok if I was still working, but I now need to come up with a business case for this solution. I have enough rolling to stock to use 40 of these
so I'll need to factor in buying some more walls also. This hobby just gets more and more fantastic.On the bright side, the 120cm version should allow for displays of 1 loco and 3 or 4 cars, which is probably a more practical config for layout running.
Thanks again for the photos; I see a few familiar items in there..
edit: I just reread some earlier responses - I'm not considering bigger than 150cm - just for ease of movement.
Hi Alan Sorry I work in mm and metres not cm even though it's all metric . Funny at work we quite often say go get some 4x2 from the traders then the question is asked how long and the reply oh about 3 metres Showing my age now . Like Adrian I might need to get some more walls as well so I will probably only have a few and that may not be for a while yet . Jim
Showing my age now . Like Adrian I might need to get some more walls as well so I will probably only have a few and that may not be for a while yet . Jim
2
Hi all,
I've been working on this on and off for the past few weeks. the Faller 130885 Porcelain Factory. I have added internal lighting and replaced the kit part external lanterns with Viessmann 6087 LED wall lanterns.
I also adapted and installed the Faller 180690 Smoke Generator
![]()
Here is the rear of the smoke unit protruding out of the chimney base
![]()
As can be seen, I had to cut a slot in the main building wall to accept the smoke unit. Also, as the chimney section had to remain unglued from the main building to withdraw for filling, I have extended the short smoke outlet on the generator with plastic tubing up into the chimney stack to prevent back flow of smoke.
The internal, external lights plus the smoke unit will be separately switched when it is installed on the layout at some point in the future.
The sound of a "moped" on the video is actually the smoke unit , hoping that when I fill the fluid reservoir a bit more it will stop.🤞
Regards
Alan
I've been working on this on and off for the past few weeks. the Faller 130885 Porcelain Factory. I have added internal lighting and replaced the kit part external lanterns with Viessmann 6087 LED wall lanterns.
I also adapted and installed the Faller 180690 Smoke Generator
Here is the rear of the smoke unit protruding out of the chimney base
As can be seen, I had to cut a slot in the main building wall to accept the smoke unit. Also, as the chimney section had to remain unglued from the main building to withdraw for filling, I have extended the short smoke outlet on the generator with plastic tubing up into the chimney stack to prevent back flow of smoke.
The sound of a "moped" on the video is actually the smoke unit , hoping that when I fill the fluid reservoir a bit more it will stop.🤞
Regards
Alan
Hi all,
Nothing much of interest happening over the last few months, mainly because of finishing up work commitments before retiring and partly due to pain in my hands
Now we have the hot spell so avoiding the loft during the day 😨
Have been doing some of the boring bits, like adding additional feedback modules and point/signal decoders around the new section of the layout to reduce amount of wiring required.
![Gas Electrical wiring Wire Audio equipment Cable]()
![Gas Electrical wiring Audio equipment Cable Wire]()
![Electrical wiring Cable Gas Electrical supply Wire]()
Next major job is to cut the turntable into its new location. that will allow me to finalize the trackwork
Will leave that till I return from holiday in a couple of weeks or so.
Regards
Alan
Nothing much of interest happening over the last few months, mainly because of finishing up work commitments before retiring and partly due to pain in my hands
Now we have the hot spell so avoiding the loft during the day 😨
Have been doing some of the boring bits, like adding additional feedback modules and point/signal decoders around the new section of the layout to reduce amount of wiring required.
Next major job is to cut the turntable into its new location. that will allow me to finalize the trackwork
Will leave that till I return from holiday in a couple of weeks or so.
Regards
Alan
3
Hi all
Not much has been happening on this forum in general lately, so I thought I'd update my layout post.
A few weeks ago, as mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to re-install my old Fleischmann 6052 turntable that was used previously on my layout.
After retrieving it from the storage area of the loft I discovered it had too large a diameter (38.5cm) to go where I wanted to site it (the only place really if I wanted to re-use the Fleischmann 6476 loco sheds, which I did) I did look at alternative roundhouses, but all the kits that would give me 6 engine sheds were a lot wider overall than the 2 x Fleischmann 6476 sheds and again, I didn't have the space to fit them
So I looked into alternative (smaller) roundhouses and found that the Roco 42615 was a fair bit smaller at 30.8cm overall diameter which was more suitable for the space I had available.
So it was off to MSL site to order one.
![]()
![]()
The obvious compromise is the track bed length, which will accommodate locos up to 250mm wheelbase.
Also, it has code 83 track, so some transition pieces from my code 100 Fleischmann brass Model track will be required.
Decided to get one of theses too.
![]()
This will allow me to control it through the Z21 and Train Controller Software (once I figure out how to configure a turntable in that)
Back soon
Alan
Not much has been happening on this forum in general lately, so I thought I'd update my layout post.
A few weeks ago, as mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to re-install my old Fleischmann 6052 turntable that was used previously on my layout.
After retrieving it from the storage area of the loft I discovered it had too large a diameter (38.5cm) to go where I wanted to site it (the only place really if I wanted to re-use the Fleischmann 6476 loco sheds, which I did) I did look at alternative roundhouses, but all the kits that would give me 6 engine sheds were a lot wider overall than the 2 x Fleischmann 6476 sheds and again, I didn't have the space to fit them
So I looked into alternative (smaller) roundhouses and found that the Roco 42615 was a fair bit smaller at 30.8cm overall diameter which was more suitable for the space I had available.
So it was off to MSL site to order one.
The obvious compromise is the track bed length, which will accommodate locos up to 250mm wheelbase.
Also, it has code 83 track, so some transition pieces from my code 100 Fleischmann brass Model track will be required.
Decided to get one of theses too.
This will allow me to control it through the Z21 and Train Controller Software (once I figure out how to configure a turntable in that
)Back soon
Alan
12
Hi all,
I decided to get some Rocoline code 83 track so that the outgoing tracks to the sheds would be more straightforward to install, and got a pack of Peco SL-116 code 100 to 83 transition track for the entry rail.
First job was to set out the positions of the turntable and round house to achieve the correct exit track angles and positions, for this I used a cardboard template.
![]()
Once I was happy with the position, I cut out the circle in the baseboard using a combination of a Dremel with a 678 Line and Circle cutting attachment.
![]()
and a Bosch Keo small cordless jigsaw.
![]()
![]()
![]()
Once that was finalized, I could go back to my existing track layout and plan a route to the turntable which would give me access to the main lines, and branch line via the goods depot and on to Schwarzburg station and another platform access.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
As with the rest of this extension to the original layout, I have used Peco PL-80 wired track joiners for the droppers, at this stage (due to the hour and not wanting to make too much noise), still to be drilled down through the baseboard. I have also got some Peco PL-81 wired track joiners for the code 83 tracks on the shed side of the turntable.
Tomorrow I will fix the track permanently in place and complete the droppers.
Thats all for the moment
Regards
Alan
I decided to get some Rocoline code 83 track so that the outgoing tracks to the sheds would be more straightforward to install, and got a pack of Peco SL-116 code 100 to 83 transition track for the entry rail.
First job was to set out the positions of the turntable and round house to achieve the correct exit track angles and positions, for this I used a cardboard template.
Once I was happy with the position, I cut out the circle in the baseboard using a combination of a Dremel with a 678 Line and Circle cutting attachment.
and a Bosch Keo small cordless jigsaw.
Once that was finalized, I could go back to my existing track layout and plan a route to the turntable which would give me access to the main lines, and branch line via the goods depot and on to Schwarzburg station and another platform access.
As with the rest of this extension to the original layout, I have used Peco PL-80 wired track joiners for the droppers, at this stage (due to the hour and not wanting to make too much noise), still to be drilled down through the baseboard. I have also got some Peco PL-81 wired track joiners for the code 83 tracks on the shed side of the turntable.
Tomorrow I will fix the track permanently in place and complete the droppers.
Thats all for the moment
Regards
Alan
Hi all,
A bit more work done.
Once the track was all finalized and fixed in place, I made a start on ballasting the rest of the new section of the layout (from the station round to the tunnel on the far right hand side)
As expected, the straight and curved sections were pretty straightforward. When I got to the goods yard area, where there are several sets of points, I stopped short of each point then carried on from the other side, leaving the points un-ballasted as I have done in the past, to prevent any watered down pva getting into them, then returned after it was all dry and carefully did the points applying straight pva with a small brush individually between each sleeper. With the standard Fleischmann points that I have used throughout the existing layout and parts of the new extension, there was no problem
![Wood Tints and shades Composite material Pattern Building material]()
But when I tried to do the "streamline" points, which I have several of in the new section, I started having problems.
To be honest I didn't know these streamline points existed until I was searching for extra track (Fleischmann Model Brass track was discontinued at least 10 yrs ago) and found a good supply of new track on a model site in the Nederlands. Looking at these points, there are obvious moving parts that are exposed.
![Automotive tire Track Rolling Gas Wood]()
But even being extremely careful and staying well clear of moving parts, they still managed to gum up somehow, so after several failed attempts, I decided to temporarily cut them all out
and paint the baseboard beneath them grey, starting with a dark shade
![Automotive tire Road surface Asphalt Grass Flooring]()
than stippling a lighter shade over it
![Wood Automotive tire Track Landscape Vehicle]()
Then doing minimal ballasting up the the edges and around the sides of the offending points.
That seemed to cure the issue and all points are now operating well.
I have now completed the ballasting, with the exception of the turntable approach and exits, as the turntable still needs to be lifted out to do the wiring alterations required for use
with the TT-DEC-R Turntable decoder, and have also started adding some greenery to this section.
![Train Rolling stock Track Railway Mode of transport]()
![Train Vehicle Transport hub Rolling stock Track]()
![Train Rolling stock Track Mode of transport Railway]()
![Land lot Urban design Vehicle Grass Wood]()
![Plant Ecoregion Track Railway Land lot]()
![Plant Sky Cloud Mountain Tree]()
Well, thats it for the moment
Regards
Alan
A bit more work done.
Once the track was all finalized and fixed in place, I made a start on ballasting the rest of the new section of the layout (from the station round to the tunnel on the far right hand side)
As expected, the straight and curved sections were pretty straightforward. When I got to the goods yard area, where there are several sets of points, I stopped short of each point then carried on from the other side, leaving the points un-ballasted as I have done in the past, to prevent any watered down pva getting into them, then returned after it was all dry and carefully did the points applying straight pva with a small brush individually between each sleeper. With the standard Fleischmann points that I have used throughout the existing layout and parts of the new extension, there was no problem
But when I tried to do the "streamline" points, which I have several of in the new section, I started having problems.
To be honest I didn't know these streamline points existed until I was searching for extra track (Fleischmann Model Brass track was discontinued at least 10 yrs ago) and found a good supply of new track on a model site in the Nederlands. Looking at these points, there are obvious moving parts that are exposed.
But even being extremely careful and staying well clear of moving parts, they still managed to gum up somehow, so after several failed attempts, I decided to temporarily cut them all out
and paint the baseboard beneath them grey, starting with a dark shade
than stippling a lighter shade over it
Then doing minimal ballasting up the the edges and around the sides of the offending points.
That seemed to cure the issue and all points are now operating well.
I have now completed the ballasting, with the exception of the turntable approach and exits, as the turntable still needs to be lifted out to do the wiring alterations required for use
with the TT-DEC-R Turntable decoder, and have also started adding some greenery to this section.
Well, thats it for the moment
Regards
Alan
181 - 195 of 195 Posts
