The Engine Shed
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Joined
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13,704 Posts
Nice progress - look forward to seeing more - excellent woodworking too.
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
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.
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
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) 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
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
Cheers
Alan
Joined
·
2,499 Posts
Hi Alan
Nice little S bend you have there. Just a question! I noticed you have your track on foam underlay and I was wondering, Does it really make the track noise quieter ? I have never used underlay on any layout as I have never been too bothered about the sound (I quite like the noise really as it sounds more real in a way).
Great progress mate and I am looking forward to more of your updates!
Kind regards
Paul
Nice little S bend you have there. Just a question! I noticed you have your track on foam underlay and I was wondering, Does it really make the track noise quieter ? I have never used underlay on any layout as I have never been too bothered about the sound (I quite like the noise really as it sounds more real in a way).
Great progress mate and I am looking forward to more of your updates!
Kind regards
Paul
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
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
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
G
Guest
·Hi Alan,
Sounds as though you are really pushing through the "thoughts process" for the upper sections of the layout..
Hope you find a suitable solution for inclusions such as a water tower and signal box for the era / region.. Are you going to make them from scratch or kit?
I'm now looking forward to seeing the plans as they progress.
Cheers,
Darrell
Sounds as though you are really pushing through the "thoughts process" for the upper sections of the layout..
Hope you find a suitable solution for inclusions such as a water tower and signal box for the era / region.. Are you going to make them from scratch or kit?
I'm now looking forward to seeing the plans as they progress.
Cheers,
Darrell
Here are the Pics as promised
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My view from the control well showing my old "Clipper" Rusty but works beautifully!
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The control panel for the lower section now almost complete just a few push buttons for points tro add.
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Some of the pointwork
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View of the tracks from above
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South View
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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
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
G
Guest
·Hi Alan,
That lower section control panel is coming along very nicely indeed and those 10 x points look like they represent a bundle of operational fun. Nice work.
I bet you are enjoying some of the test runs.. getting some stock rolling around
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..
Cheers,
Darrell
That lower section control panel is coming along very nicely indeed and those 10 x points look like they represent a bundle of operational fun. Nice work.
I bet you are enjoying some of the test runs.. getting some stock rolling around
Cheers,
Darrell
Joined
·
13,704 Posts
Nice progress - thanks for the update.
QUOTE I bet you are enjoying some of the test runs.. getting some stock rolling around
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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. However I'm getting there.
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Cheers
Alan
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. However I'm getting there.
Cheers
Alan
G
Guest
·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
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
The radius is 450mm and 510mm slightly wider that 2 and 3 at 438mm and 505mm respectively. You can actually bend flexitrack to these radii the 450mm takes a little coaxing though. The reason for the the tight curves is simple as Mr Freezer said himself it give a longer straight area which is more suited to scenery, the curves can be disguised through tunnels at one end and the overhead Station at the other.
The over head station will save on platform length too and give the impression of more platform length under and thorugh the overhead buildings.
Cheers
Alan
The over head station will save on platform length too and give the impression of more platform length under and thorugh the overhead buildings.
Cheers
Alan
I must say I've been pleased
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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.
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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.
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This pic shows how the board may be lifted there is a locating dowel in each corner of the board.
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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.
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I had actually bought this point today but having my 2 grandchildren in the model shop with me,
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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
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,
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
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
Hey Martin
Not a lot weight involved as the board in itself has no bracing, it is merely resting on the supports from the lower boardand the 4 locating dowels keep it in place. I am hoping that the section which lifts off will have very lightweight scenery so as not to add too much weight. The main problem is lifting it off easily in a cramped space and the locating dowels are quite tight at the moment so it takes a little effort to lift it off at the moment. Although not big issues I will consider these probs and try to resolve them soon.
Cheers
Alan
Not a lot weight involved as the board in itself has no bracing, it is merely resting on the supports from the lower boardand the 4 locating dowels keep it in place. I am hoping that the section which lifts off will have very lightweight scenery so as not to add too much weight. The main problem is lifting it off easily in a cramped space and the locating dowels are quite tight at the moment so it takes a little effort to lift it off at the moment. Although not big issues I will consider these probs and try to resolve them soon.
Cheers
Alan
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