The Engine Shed

A wee update!

The inclines are made but I've still got a bit of trackwork to do on the storage yards and a few other bits and bobs, i.e. wiring to my control panel, track, points etc.

So I thought I would try my hand at a little video to show an engine going round what track I have laid. I bought a Lima Class 20 from Ebay for a song and I thought I would use this as my subject. However this was a story in itself. Watch the vid then read on!


Oh Yes indeed! It ran very well that first day. But the second day it began to judder and stall. I was annoyed .

On close inspection I found that the tiny gears were slipping on the axles of the driving wheels. The tiniest spot of Super Glue and a lot of swearing later ( I've got big hands you see!) It ran as sweet as a nut and I'm happy again.

As was mentioned on another topic about the Bachmann 20 I think I'm going to detail this as I got it very cheap. But that's probably a few months down the line (pardon the pun ) as I need to continue with the layout itself. So back to underlay, track pins and wire, - I've got a railway to build.

Cheers

Alan

Sorry for the tardy reply but just noticed your question this morning. I use the underlay mainly because I find it the quickest way to lay flexible track. The noise doesn't bother me as I find there is probably more noise from my growly lima engines than there is from the stock rolling on the track.

When I build my upper section I don't think I'll be using underlay on the higher scenic section of the layout (when I get to it) as I think real ballast will give a better appearance. I did however see in an old model railway constuctor annual many years ago a layout which used a mixture of underlay and real ballast and to be quite honest it looked fantastic.

In fact it was that particular article which really fuelled my enthusiasm for creating a model railway rather than playing with a "Train Set". I wish I could find that particular book and article now as it was I had borrowed it from the library about 1985 and had to return it. - and it was old then.

Cheers Alan

I haven't updated this in a while but I will post pics soon, the bottom section is now almost complete, the track laying is finished but still to wire up some points to the control panel. I will then test all my loco's on the track to check for problems, so far with the loco's I have tested I haven't found any, My wiring and continuity all seem sound.

So I will now be moving on to the upper section which will include the scenic area. I would like to set it in The green steam/diesel era and I am looking for an appropriate track plan. There will be an over track Station building to try and give the illusion of longer platforms. The whole scenic area will be higher on the one side than the other. The station being at the higher end leading downhill to a sort of townscape. But it's the trackplan that bothers me - I want 4 main lines and some sort of goods yard. and I'm currently ferreting about in my old RM's and MR's along with the late Mr Freezer's books for something suitable. As this era was slightly before my time I am trying to understand how operations were done at this time and what items I will need (Water Tower, signal Box etc). So if anyone has any ideas or seen something along the lines of the above description I would be grateful for the help.

I must say I'm looking forward to this bit. Though I don't have a lot of time to spend on it I find myself thinking about it no matter where I am or what I am doing. I'm hoping that all my thoughts and ideas I am having just now will speed up the process when I actually come to construct the upper section.

So I will update with pics soon and a draft TrackPlan for approval or disaproval whichever the case may be. I am completely open to constructive criticism and will take on board any comments. Some of the stuff I have seen in this forum over the past few months has really inspired me and I hope my efforts will inspire others in the same way. Then I will feel I have given something back to the forum.

Cheers

Alan

Here are the Pics as promised



My view from the control well showing my old "Clipper" Rusty but works beautifully!



The control panel for the lower section now almost complete just a few push buttons for points tro add.



Some of the pointwork



View of the tracks from above



South View



North View

Hi Darrell

I'll probably scratchbuild the Signalbox as I've been researching boxes near where I live and none of the proprietry models are suitable. I Like the old Dapol/Airfix Tower - I may go for that.

Cheers

Alan

QUOTE (The_Docster @ 28 Jul 2009, 09:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Well to tell you the truth I'm still getting my head around the routing and if the switches aren't in the correct order I can sometimes have two engines fighting each other for power or if both controllers are on I get some wierd results.
Hi Alan,

I can relate well to the points / routing wars with dual DC control. Mind you, I have recently converted our main layout to DCC which greatly minimised the challenges somewhat..

QUOTE (The_Docster @ 30 Jul 2009, 17:25) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Here is my first go at a Track Plan Based On a Cyril Freezer plan.
I must say that looks pretty good.

I see it is flex going into the shed that will make it nice and easy, but I am curious to know what radius curves are leading to and from the station, 1 and 2 or 2 and 3?..

Cheers,
Darrell

I must say I've been pleased with progress over the last couple of days. Work has begun on the upper section of the layout as the pics will show. A lot of thought, measuring, checking, measuring again, double checking has gone in to produce what I have now. The upper section will be removeable to enable me to clean track on a periodic basis.

Anyway here are the pics

First the upper section on it's supports. Now you can see why I built my baseboards so solidly.



Secondly underneath showing the some of the many supports needed to keep the board from warping. I believe there are about 20 on this one piece, I never actually counted.



This pic shows how the board may be lifted there is a locating dowel in each corner of the board.



And lastly a pic showing the track s-bending under the upper board, and the use of Peco templates downloaded from their site, a very useful tool.



I had actually bought this point today but having my 2 grandchildren in the model shop with me, I lost my concentration and bought an Insulfrog by mistake, I also forgot track pins and joiners. I was too busy making sure the kids weren't pulling stuff from the shelves. So I will have to return before anymore work can continue - less the kids this time.

Cheers

Alan

Hi

I know that feeling very will and when my brother drops the kids over for a day with Uncle Martin its movies and the hobby shops. Their good kids but like most in a hobby shop they cannot resist touching.

Layout is coming along very well. I like the lower level and the way you have set up your supports. Great job on the panel, looks excellent and I love all that point work.

Just one question for you. How much weight is the board you plan to lift on/off.

Cheers

m