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I can't believe It's been almost a year since I did anything about my layout but during this time I must confess I've been reading other forums and getting really down heartened in the process. One particular layout 'Eastwood Town' by Gordon S really broke the camels back and I ended very despondent followed by a bout of ripping up my scenic board. Gordon's layout is a fine example of sweeping curves, and beautiful complicated pointwork, all handmade and I became envious beyond belief. Following a period of inactivity I managed to come out the other side, bit the bullet and decided I'd have a go - nothing as ambitious as Gordon's but it would all be handmade, by me.
I've never in all my years built trackwork so I've been doing lots and lots of reading and, having ripped up the scenic section of my layout, with considerable encouragement from other people, I've now decided to take the plunge into designing and building a new section including hand-built trackwork. As my off scene fiddle yard area (which I'm quite happy with) is made up of Tillig & Peco 00 code 83, I've opted to go 00-SF code 75 bullhead rail soldered on copper clad 1.06mm sleepers for the new scenic section. I will obviously have to create/manufacture connecting pieces for the transition from code 83 to 75.
The section to be rebuilt is 10' x 6' 6" max, and this diagram was of course drawn with the invaluable help of TEMPLOT.
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The concept is a single line branch junction, steam with a few diesels using 3 to 4 coach trains. Due to cutbacks, part of the line is now disused and the station forms a terminus with run round facility. The other main line is predominantly freight with the occasional through passenger (actually a continuous run). When the line was fully operational, being about half way along the branch, it provided limited loco facilities for engine changes; emergency servicing etc - which still survive. I may also have a high level line across the back of the scenic section to incorporate a shuttle system from my old layout.
The only fixed items on the layout at the moment are the two entrances onto the scenic board, plus the fiddle yard storage boards. The spur at the main platform road goes through the back scene for about 8" allowing tender engines room to clear the run round point, and could be moved further to the right to allow longer trains into the platform. Power is DCC (NCE Powerhouse pro 5amp), switchable to DC for running in etc.
For my first stab at track building my intention is to start with a B-6 turnout on the disused main line spur at the end of the platform.
Is this a suitable place to start?
Any/all comments welcome on my efforts so far. Am I heading in the right direction? and of course I'll also keep this thread updated with my track building progress.
Mike
ps. For starters, I've ordered a full set of 00-SF gauges from Brian Tulley and a small quantity of nickel silver 75 bullhead rail and copper clad sleepers from C&L.
I've never in all my years built trackwork so I've been doing lots and lots of reading and, having ripped up the scenic section of my layout, with considerable encouragement from other people, I've now decided to take the plunge into designing and building a new section including hand-built trackwork. As my off scene fiddle yard area (which I'm quite happy with) is made up of Tillig & Peco 00 code 83, I've opted to go 00-SF code 75 bullhead rail soldered on copper clad 1.06mm sleepers for the new scenic section. I will obviously have to create/manufacture connecting pieces for the transition from code 83 to 75.
The section to be rebuilt is 10' x 6' 6" max, and this diagram was of course drawn with the invaluable help of TEMPLOT.
The concept is a single line branch junction, steam with a few diesels using 3 to 4 coach trains. Due to cutbacks, part of the line is now disused and the station forms a terminus with run round facility. The other main line is predominantly freight with the occasional through passenger (actually a continuous run). When the line was fully operational, being about half way along the branch, it provided limited loco facilities for engine changes; emergency servicing etc - which still survive. I may also have a high level line across the back of the scenic section to incorporate a shuttle system from my old layout.
The only fixed items on the layout at the moment are the two entrances onto the scenic board, plus the fiddle yard storage boards. The spur at the main platform road goes through the back scene for about 8" allowing tender engines room to clear the run round point, and could be moved further to the right to allow longer trains into the platform. Power is DCC (NCE Powerhouse pro 5amp), switchable to DC for running in etc.
For my first stab at track building my intention is to start with a B-6 turnout on the disused main line spur at the end of the platform.
Is this a suitable place to start?
Any/all comments welcome on my efforts so far. Am I heading in the right direction? and of course I'll also keep this thread updated with my track building progress.
Mike
ps. For starters, I've ordered a full set of 00-SF gauges from Brian Tulley and a small quantity of nickel silver 75 bullhead rail and copper clad sleepers from C&L.
