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Do you have any model railway projects on the go?

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Cowley

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I weathered a few bits and bobs and then had a proper go with my new NCE controller this evening and it’s excellent.
My Graham Farish 47 ran like a sac de merde on my basic EZ Command Bachmann jobbie, and I always thought there was something wrong with the loco, but now it works a treat!

Also thanks to @Newyardgang for the barrels on pallets that he painted and which are on the loading dock in the background. :)

61080AA6-C0BD-421B-B818-B4ECAC734AAB.jpeg
 
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Peter C

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I weathered a few bits and bobs and then had a proper go with my new NCE controller this evening and it’s excellent.
My Graham Farish 47 ran like a sac de merde on my basic EZ Command Bachmann jobbie, and I always thought there was something wrong with the loco, but now it works a treat!

Also thanks to @Newyardgang for the barrels on pallets that he painted and which are on the loading dock in the background. :)

View attachment 84436
Jolly good work there @Cowley - a lot's happened to that layout since I last remember seeing photos! Actually reminds me somewhat of a bit of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall I saw last time I went when there was a small siding serving what I assumed was a small warehouse.

Keep up the amazing work!

-Peter :)
 

Cowley

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Jolly good work there @Cowley - a lot's happened to that layout since I last remember seeing photos! Actually reminds me somewhat of a bit of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall I saw last time I went when there was a small siding serving what I assumed was a small warehouse.

Keep up the amazing work!

-Peter :)
Thanks Peter. :)
The warehouse you saw belongs to Fitzgerald Lighting and I hadn’t thought about it looking similar before but I suppose it does a bit.
They used to run regular freight turns for Fitzgerald in the preservation era.
If you scroll down through this link there’s some really interesting photos:

 

Thebaz

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@Cowley thanks for the prompt... Here's a few images of my first ever layout (at the ripe old age of 41) Broadstone Junction, on which I'm currently working. Not specifically a lockdown project as a whole as I started it 1 year ago, but nevertheless here we are. I've now got the station lighting up (as of last night) Couple of views of my island shelter scratchbuild (WIP). The 4VEP conversion has definitely been a lockdown project though. Now I'm working on a scratchbuild/kit bash for the imposing station footbridge.

I have a thread on the N-gauge forum: https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=47870.msg670659#new
IMG_20200926_205250.jpgIMG_20200904_210352.jpgIMG_20200930_231201.jpgIMG_20200926_233620.jpg
 

Cowley

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@Cowley thanks for the prompt... Here's a few images of my first ever layout (at the ripe old age of 41) Broadstone Junction, on which I'm currently working. Not specifically a lockdown project as a whole as I started it 1 year ago, but nevertheless here we are. I've now got the station lighting up (as of last night) Couple of views of my island shelter scratchbuild (WIP). The 4VEP conversion has definitely been a lockdown project though. Now I'm working on a scratchbuild/kit bash for the imposing station footbridge.

I have a thread on the N-gauge forum: https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=47870.msg670659#new
View attachment 84507View attachment 84508View attachment 84509View attachment 84510
I love that disused platform. What an excellent job.
It looks like I’ll have to join that forum to look at your blog but I’ll do it this evening because I’m intrigued now. ;)
 

reddragon

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@Cowley thanks for the prompt... Here's a few images of my first ever layout (at the ripe old age of 41) Broadstone Junction, on which I'm currently working. Not specifically a lockdown project as a whole as I started it 1 year ago, but nevertheless here we are. I've now got the station lighting up (as of last night) Couple of views of my island shelter scratchbuild (WIP). The 4VEP conversion has definitely been a lockdown project though. Now I'm working on a scratchbuild/kit bash for the imposing station footbridge.

I have a thread on the N-gauge forum: https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=47870.msg670659#new
View attachment 84507

How do you do the 3rd rail?
 

Thebaz

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I love that disused platform. What an excellent job.
It looks like I’ll have to join that forum to look at your blog but I’ll do it this evening because I’m intrigued now. ;)

Thanks, I've been interested in forlorn and dilapidated stations since childhood, so this was the perfect opportunity to model one. I've actually just added some dilapidated lamps to platform as well.

How do you do the 3rd rail?

I bought some lengths of Code 40 rail from British Finescale, painted them humbrol oily steel. For the chairs I drilled a miniscule hole every 7th sleeper (or so) with an archimedes drill and pushed in a track pin with the head painted white. Glued the rail on with superglue. It's still quite fragile though - I keep knocking it off when I'm doing things on the layout.
 

reddragon

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Thanks, I've been interested in forlorn and dilapidated stations since childhood, so this was the perfect opportunity to model one. I've actually just added some dilapidated lamps to platform as well.



I bought some lengths of Code 40 rail from British Finescale, painted them humbrol oily steel. For the chairs I drilled a miniscule hole every 7th sleeper (or so) with an archimedes drill and pushed in a track pin with the head painted white. Glued the rail on with superglue. It's still quite fragile though - I keep knocking it off when I'm doing things on the layout.

I see Peco make 3rd rail too
 

Cowley

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Thanks, I've been interested in forlorn and dilapidated stations since childhood, so this was the perfect opportunity to model one. I've actually just added some dilapidated lamps to platform as well.
Me too. I’d originally planned to do a model of the derelict Seaton Junction set in 1987 when it still had a few sidings and the up platform was the headshunt.
After I’d done a field visit and worked out how much space I’d need I ended up going for Lapford instead as it was more manageable. I haven’t given up on the idea though.
 

Thebaz

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Me too. I’d originally planned to do a model of the derelict Seaton Junction set in 1987 when it still had a few sidings and the up platform was the headshunt.
After I’d done a field visit and worked out how much space I’d need I ended up going for Lapford instead as it was more manageable. I haven’t given up on the idea though.

Not just me then! I follow Paul and Rebecca Whitewick's adventures and have to say I'm rather envious.

I had originally wanted to do this in 00 but worked out I was going to need about 8 metres to fit it all the layout scene in, not to mention a fiddle yard as well! That's part of why I've decided to model in N-gauge; even so I've had to condense Broadstone station length quite a bit for space reasons.

I think all my future layouts will probably be based on a similar theme - reviving a long lost station for the modern era, but with a bit of rationalisation thrown in for good measure. I've had thoughts about modelling somewhere between Guildford-Horsham-Shoreham, or possibly one of lost Sussex stations, Forest Row or Heathfield etc. I'm a big fan of the Devon routes too - Halwill Junction could be an interesting one to do come to think of it. You get the picture I'm sure! I also have an interest in the Castlegregory branch of the Tralee & Dingle Light railway so that may also get the treatment.
 

Cowley

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Not just me then! I follow Paul and Rebecca Whitewick's adventures and have to say I'm rather envious.

I had originally wanted to do this in 00 but worked out I was going to need about 8 metres to fit it all the layout scene in, not to mention a fiddle yard as well! That's part of why I've decided to model in N-gauge; even so I've had to condense Broadstone station length quite a bit for space reasons.

I think all my future layouts will probably be based on a similar theme - reviving a long lost station for the modern era, but with a bit of rationalisation thrown in for good measure. I've had thoughts about modelling somewhere between Guildford-Horsham-Shoreham, or possibly one of lost Sussex stations, Forest Row or Heathfield etc. I'm a big fan of the Devon routes too - Halwill Junction could be an interesting one to do come to think of it. You get the picture I'm sure! I also have an interest in the Castlegregory branch of the Tralee & Dingle Light railway so that may also get the treatment.
Love it. :)
This is what I’m doing right now, it’s Monday night N gauge night on my friends railway which is based on another closed route - a snowy Okehampton to Tavistock route if it had remained open. I know I’ve posted a couple of photos before but these views are a bit better, still work in progress but coming along:

1E3EC93F-5FF3-4A39-B121-CD13569AC0D9.jpeg8E5BB54E-8E10-4CCB-90A8-089BEEC6A057.jpeg
 

43055

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Love it. :)
This is what I’m doing right now, it’s Monday night N gauge night on my friends railway which is based on another closed route - a snowy Okehampton to Tavistock route if it had remained open. I know I’ve posted a couple of photos before but these views are a bit better, still work in progress but coming along:

View attachment 84589View attachment 84590
Lovely work. My first thought it that it was Knaresborough with the station just off the viaduct.
 

hexagon789

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I weathered a few bits and bobs and then had a proper go with my new NCE controller this evening and it’s excellent.
My Graham Farish 47 ran like a sac de merde on my basic EZ Command Bachmann jobbie, and I always thought there was something wrong with the loco, but now it works a treat!

Also thanks to @Newyardgang for the barrels on pallets that he painted and which are on the loading dock in the background. :)

View attachment 84436

Very nice Cowley. Developing very well there.

Keep up the amazing work!

Seconded, but I still think those, was it 50s (so long ago I've forgotten actually!), could be a bit more weathered! ;):lol:


I decided that as my photos, and I retook them as well, would just not upload I'd just show the illustrative ones from the website:
MM5402_3428568_Qty1_1_d421a8f9-8b6f-439a-8a15-3c926dcf98f8_2048x2048.jpgMM5102_3428558_Qty1_1_2048x2048.jpgMM5152_3428559_Qty1_1_2048x2048.jpg
CIÉ Mk2Ds, these are only some of the coaches, I have a Superstandard, a Composite, three Standards, two Kitchen Standards and a Generator Van.

All will need weathered and the Superstandard and Composite need declassifying as all Mk2D links except the "Enterprise" were made Std class only by the 1986 timetable change. I may also convert the Composite internally to a 54-seat Standard as was done to 5 of the 9 Composites in May/April 1973, though not to the pictured 5152 which remained internally a Composite until about 2004/05.

The plan is thus:

Scottish mode (1986/7)
- One Mk3 Push-pull set (6 coaches)
- two Mk2 push-pull sets (one 5 and one 6 coach)
- two Mk2a/b/c Inverness sets (both 5 or maybe one 5 and one 6 coach)
- one Mk1 set (afternoon Glasgow-Arbroath stopper) (7 coaches)
- two Class 101s (3-car)
- freight TBD

Irish mode (1986/7)
- Three Mk3 sets (EGV+8)
- Two Mk2D sets (either both EGV+6 or one EGV+7)
- one Cravens set for peak (SGV+5 minimum)
- various freight TBD
 

Cowley

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Very nice Cowley. Developing very well there.



Seconded, but I still think those, was it 50s (so long ago I've forgotten actually!), could be a bit more weathered! ;):lol:


I decided that as my photos, and I retook them as well, would just not upload I'd just show the illustrative ones from the website:
View attachment 84634View attachment 84635View attachment 84636
CIÉ Mk2Ds, these are only some of the coaches, I have a Superstandard, a Composite, three Standards, two Kitchen Standards and a Generator Van.

All will need weathered and the Superstandard and Composite need declassifying as all Mk2D links except the "Enterprise" were made Std class only by the 1986 timetable change. I may also convert the Composite internally to a 54-seat Standard as was done to 5 of the 9 Composites in May/April 1973, though not to the pictured 5152 which remained internally a Composite until about 2004/05.

The plan is thus:

Scottish mode (1986/7)
- One Mk3 Push-pull set (6 coaches)
- two Mk2 push-pull sets (one 5 and one 6 coach)
- two Mk2a/b/c Inverness sets (both 5 or maybe one 5 and one 6 coach)
- one Mk1 set (afternoon Glasgow-Arbroath stopper) (7 coaches)
- two Class 101s (3-car)
- freight TBD

Irish mode (1986/7)
- Three Mk3 sets (EGV+8)
- Two Mk2D sets (either both EGV+6 or one EGV+7)
- one Cravens set for peak (SGV+5 minimum)
- various freight TBD
Oh they are rather nice. A bit of weathering as you say will bring them up a treat.
 

hexagon789

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Oh they are rather nice. A bit of weathering as you say will bring them up a treat.

Definitely need a touch, even with the improved second batch that "orange" looks too bright to be even vaguely described as "golden brown", the official CIÉ term.

In this YouTube video, the Mk2D set seen here pulling into Limerick Junction at 1:37 is what I'm aiming to model in weathering terms, though I will compress the set slightly:
 

Cowley

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Definitely need a touch, even with the improved second batch that "orange" looks too bright to be even vaguely described as "golden brown", the official CIÉ term.

In this YouTube video, the Mk2D set seen here pulling into Limerick Junction at 1:37 is what I'm aiming to model in weathering terms, though I will compress the set slightly:
There’s some great stuff in there, I wish I’d visited back then.
I've decide to build a curved 4 track Arten Gill type viaduct. I'm at design stage, looking at youtube videos.
That sounds interesting (and big!) are you going for a particular era or anything goes?
 

reddragon

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There’s some great stuff in there, I wish I’d visited back then.

That sounds interesting (and big!) are you going for a particular era or anything goes?

Sort of going for current day with heritage charters and preserved active Southern units. Aim to stick at Great Western / Southern mix plus some LUL stock.

The main station is 10 tracks and 8-10 coaches long, plus a loop length to allow 20 wagon freight, and will be railway yard / town based. The northern loop not sure yet but will probably be town / industrial with the suburban lines already raised for a viaduct as you see in South London; the eastern loop Settle & Carlisle sort of scenery & a viaduct. The southern loop will have to be boxed in due to things in the way. The suburban branch not sure yet.

I plan to add some industrial siding on a branch.

I have now insulated 50% of the loft and have about 2/3rds of the base boards down. The lighting isn't good for pictures as I haven't got to that yet! I'll try something though.
 

Stewart2887

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Working at home now, big desk in the home office, Kato track goes from behind the printer, round the PC monitor, through the cardboard box tunnel (keeping the PC leads out of the way) behind the laptop. Boring meeting, N scale 150 does a return journey!
 

hexagon789

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There’s some great stuff in there, I wish I’d visited back then.

I think it's my favourite period worldwide, some great stuff roaming the rails across the globe in the 1980s.

I've decide to build a curved 4 track Arten Gill type viaduct. I'm at design stage, looking at youtube videos.

Sort of going for current day with heritage charters and preserved active Southern units. Aim to stick at Great Western / Southern mix plus some LUL stock.

The main station is 10 tracks and 8-10 coaches long, plus a loop length to allow 20 wagon freight, and will be railway yard / town based. The northern loop not sure yet but will probably be town / industrial with the suburban lines already raised for a viaduct as you see in South London; the eastern loop Settle & Carlisle sort of scenery & a viaduct. The southern loop will have to be boxed in due to things in the way. The suburban branch not sure yet.

I plan to add some industrial siding on a branch.

I have now insulated 50% of the loft and have about 2/3rds of the base boards down. The lighting isn't good for pictures as I haven't got to that yet! I'll try something though.


Sounds interesting, I'd love to see some photos when you get the opportunity. The description is enough to catch my attention! ;)
 

Cowley

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Working at home now, big desk in the home office, Kato track goes from behind the printer, round the PC monitor, through the cardboard box tunnel (keeping the PC leads out of the way) behind the laptop. Boring meeting, N scale 150 does a return journey!
:lol: Yes!
 

reddragon

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1602852018191.png1602852040649.png
This is my main station, do far consisting of platforms and tracks at the north east end and a blank board ready for tracks & sidings at the SW end.

The trains are out as I'm replacing the boards with PIR insulation. That wall at the end will be demolished soon to open up the space into the next loft rather than small tunnel holes.

This will be the railway yard area

1602852315308.png

My SE loop under construction. There will be a hill on the left of the 4 tracks and the viaduct will be across the end wall where it loops to the other side of the loft. This will be the S&C type scenery area

1602852469186.png1602852486673.png

My NW loop to be inner city area like say London Bridge to New Cross. Trains are stoed there whilst I insulate the rest of the loft.

1602852566229.png1602852578039.png
Another area and the temporary DC suburban station that I'll replace

I've probably done around 60% of the base boards so far, DCC wiring but little scenery, no point motors, signals etc
 
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Cowley

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View attachment 84718View attachment 84719
This is my main station, do far consisting of platforms and tracks at the north east end and a blank board ready for tracks & sidings at the SW end.

The trains are out as I'm replacing the boards with PIR insulation. That wall at the end will be demolished soon to open up the space into the next loft rather than small tunnel holes.

This will be the railway yard area

View attachment 84720

My SE loop under construction. There will be a hill on the left of the 4 tracks and the viaduct will be across the end wall where it loops to the other side of the loft. This will be the S&C type scenery area

View attachment 84721View attachment 84722

My NW loop to be inner city area like say London Bridge to New Cross. Trains are stoed there whilst I insulate the rest of the loft.

View attachment 84723View attachment 84724
Another area and the temporary DC suburban station that I'll replace

I've probably done around 60% of the base boards so far, DCC wiring but little scenery, no point motors, signals etc
That’s great thanks for posting the pictures, I’ve got a much better idea of what you’re doing now.
What a great space as well.
 

reddragon

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That’s great thanks for posting the pictures, I’ve got a much better idea of what you’re doing now.
What a great space as well.

The section with the station is about 12.5 meters long, same on the other side with the suburban station and the section to the viaduct is about 7m long, giving a loop length of around 40m. The base boards are around 900mm wide.

So far loops 1 & 2 are 16m, loop 3 is 18m and loop 4 is 20m out of 40m completed
 

hexagon789

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View attachment 84718View attachment 84719
This is my main station, do far consisting of platforms and tracks at the north east end and a blank board ready for tracks & sidings at the SW end.

The trains are out as I'm replacing the boards with PIR insulation. That wall at the end will be demolished soon to open up the space into the next loft rather than small tunnel holes.

This will be the railway yard area

View attachment 84720

My SE loop under construction. There will be a hill on the left of the 4 tracks and the viaduct will be across the end wall where it loops to the other side of the loft. This will be the S&C type scenery area

View attachment 84721View attachment 84722

My NW loop to be inner city area like say London Bridge to New Cross. Trains are stoed there whilst I insulate the rest of the loft.

View attachment 84723View attachment 84724
Another area and the temporary DC suburban station that I'll replace

I've probably done around 60% of the base boards so far, DCC wiring but little scenery, no point motors, signals etc

I like the set-up you've got, and the space! A good selection of different stock too, are they simply what you like or do you model different eras - I think I can see a Warship and a 101 as well as a Voyager, Turbostar and a Networker?
 

reddragon

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I like the set-up you've got, and the space! A good selection of different stock too, are they simply what you like or do you model different eras - I think I can see a Warship and a 101 as well as a Voyager, Turbostar and a Networker?

I started converting my railway from DC to DCC in July. I had 60+ locos back then, but found all of the steam bar one DCC ready loco couldn't be converted.

So far I have bought or converted 31 locos and still have 10 not suitable for conversion, the oldest being Hornby Dublo. I am mainly modelling modern GWR (including for steam charters), plus anything Southern DC. I still have some locos rarely or never seen on these regions, that will go eventually.

I have 08/10/11/24/25/31/37/40/42/47/50/52s/56/59/60/73/86/92/MPV + 101/110/156/170/220/HSTs/395/401/402/403/423/450/466 + some steam locos of which only 71000 can stay

Yes I buy what I like. For steam, that is locos that look good. I plan to get a Garratt, Battle of Britain, LNER P2, W1, Silver A4, but only those I can get at a reasonable price. My philosophy is to have a long wish list and only buy what comes up for an affordable price. I'd love a Paddington class 800, but not for £500+ and S Stock but not for £1000.
 

Cowley

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I’m currently dreaming of what I could do with that space in N gauge...
 

FrodshamJnct

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The section with the station is about 12.5 meters long, same on the other side with the suburban station and the section to the viaduct is about 7m long, giving a loop length of around 40m. The base boards are around 900mm wide.

So far loops 1 & 2 are 16m, loop 3 is 18m and loop 4 is 20m out of 40m completed

Gosh that’s an amazing amount of space (and work!)
 
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