Model Railway Forum

Chops wrote: ↑Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:13 am If I may bump (my new word today, looked it up in the Dictionary of Urban Slang) your post, this is a most ingenious track plan. The crossover upon the main, leading into a station is so elegant that it invites plagiarism. Additionally, the coal yard maintains a charming thematic focus.

Thank you. I was very pleased with the idea of the crossover, it allowed double the length of track in same space as it was effectively a folded figure of eight. The plan was to have about 40% of the loop track hidden under scenery so trains could leave the station and disappear.

I say that WAS the plan, because it looks nothing like that now.

Firstly the crossover never really worked consistently and certain engines and waggons just did not like it. Strangely it usually worked quite well when trains where running anti-clockwise.

Secondly the size of the layout was a problem. It stuck to far into the room and it was difficult to work on the far side without moving it out.

So, I have cut it in half and turned it into an L shaped end-to-end layout, which is what I really wanted in the first place!

I am just finishing track laying on the first section, which will be the stereotypical station, goods yard, coal yard etc. Then part two is going to be a mix of scenic landscape, town scenes and industrial sidings. Phase three will be an additional square baseboard to provide a return loop. I anticipate that sometime in 2024 based on current rate of progress.

Accessibility is a perpetual headache. Looks like you went back to the original point-to-point scheme as well. Something rather rare in North America.

Shortly after my last post all progress on the layout stopped. It was decided that the cellar, where the layout is located, needed a new ceiling, insulation and some electrical work. As a result I packed everything away pending workmen arriving at the end of May. Then at the beginning of April I was told I was being made redundant and so the building work is on hold TFN.

However, it does mean I have more time to work on the layout again. Until recently most of my activity has been getting the engines to run consistently. I have had endless problems with juddering, stalling, derailing etc. Eventually lifted up most of the track and put cork underlay under it. This sorted out about 80% of the issues, but I think I need to replace at least two of the turnouts on the main track and I am thinking of changing to large radius ones. I have also gone back to DC control while I sort out the track. Now that the locos run reasonably OK I have been fiddling about with landscaping the coal yard. I have experimented with various things and have finally settled on common old builders sand with a various colours added. I am very pleased with how it looks and think it will be even better when I get around to adding some weeds and dead grass.











The last photo shows how at the moment I am only working on one of the baseboards. If we eventually are in a position to get the building work done the two halves can easily unbolt.

Lovely and grimey.

Sorry to hear about the redundancy; hope you get something else soon.
In the meantime enjoy your modeling time.

The trials and tribulations of having a large baseboard. (Been there many years back.) I have never been in favour of a large board since. My layout now started life as 'L' shape. Then progressed to a 'U' shape. A lift out bridge at the door entrance was built and the fourth side around the room was built.
What you are doing now looks good and it seems you are much happier now. Which is good.
Looking forward to seeing it progress.

Glencairn

cheshire lines wrote: ↑Fri Jun 04, 2021 5:48 pm Sorry to hear about the redundancy; hope you get something else soon.
In the meantime enjoy your modeling time.

Thank you, I am still reasonably hopeful. However, it seems when HR people hear you have been made redundant they suddenly lose interest. It is the old adage, it is much easier to get a job when you already have one.

glencairn wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 12:38 pm My layout now started life as 'L' shape. Then progressed to a 'U' shape. A lift out bridge at the door entrance was built and the fourth side around the room was built.

That is the long term plan for my layout, but in the meantime I have less ambitious plans.

Cor, that’s looking good. Love the ballasting - can’t beat a bit of grot and grime!

Thank you.