Hello from Mansfield!

[glencairn]

Hi Andy. Welcome to the Forum. I see great advice has already been given.

I am fascinated by the 'running of full length rakes'. How long is a full length rake?

My layout room is 11x8 (given an inch or two either way). In that space seeing a two or three carriage length train on a local service is pleasing to see (imo - no matter the scale). Any longer they overtake the scene (once again imo.)

Anyway, whatever you choose I am sure it will be right for you.

Keep it fun.

Glencairn

[teedoubleudee]

Hi Andy and welcome to our forum.

[Brian]

Hi Andy welcome to the forum.

A 'Rake' can be anything from 2 to 12 or more carriages. There is no set number.

[Andy_C]

I don’t know how to post ‘likes’ to the friendly responses I’ve had. Is there a way to do this?

The loft is a good idea, but it’s a modern 4 bed detached house so the reinforcing needed isn’t insignificant. My late dad used to be a builder, and said as much when we initially considered it.

My plan is to have a good look at eras and what I want to achieve. I’ve always had a liking for era 5 or 6(as per how Hattons list them) but it depends on how faithful I want to be. I’d like to find some kind of reference book to help with that?

I’m going to also go to some exhibitions, and also find a local society. I’ve already thought about the two level thing, but I sort of feel I need to get the intended room empty, and then have a fresh look. I know there are some really good track plan apps out there too - some are free, and some not. Again I’ll seek some advice.

I might start a new thread in the right place for my layout deliberations.

Thanks again - please keep the suggestions coming!

PS I’d want a Black Five - I had one of those back in the 70’s when I had OO back then.

[Andy_C]

Hi Andy welcome to the forum.

A 'Rake' can be anything from 2 to 12 or more carriages. There is no set number.

Hah I’d worked that out! That will influence what kind of length of fiddle yard I’d have.

[Dave S]

...Unless you are doing a proper job on your loft, one problem will be temperature - freezing in the winter and like an oven in the summer. Whatever you decide keep us posted. BB

Thats probably true of 1930's I used to live at with visible underside/mortar. Since t was re-tiled the lining makes a massive difference.
Current place is cool when you go up but not cold - and recently been freezing outside.
The roof line comes down below upstairs ceiling height, maybe that helps.
Decades ago a mate went to Oz for xmas and didn't leave heating on as I reccomended. Loft cold water tank pushed out a tube of ice from one of the pipes and caused right mess. That was new build circa 1980's.
My loft is also surprisingly dust free with lining in good condition.
Have to bear in mind roofs need ventilation to avoid damp buildup, so have to consider method if addingd insulaton to underside of roof.

[Walkingthedog]

My loft was very dust free surprisingly but did get extremely hot in the summer. Cold isn’t a problem as you can switch on a heater but model railways don’t like the heat. Make sure you leave expansion gaps in the track. Just a minute expansion can be devastating if you don’t.

[Dave S]

WTD. Thank-you.
Dads shed (layout) got hot so underlined wood roof with polystyrene say 10mm thick and had no problems (I likely left rail gaps) in decades pleased to say and stopped it getting stuffy.
Also used polystyrene on garage with crinkly tin roof with like good effect on keeping/warm/cool etc with added bonus it stopped condensation on underside.
Disadvantage, it's not aesthetically pretty, though did retain its rigidity. I think polystyrene isn't used so much these days, with other hi-tec alternatives.

After your post I googled digital thermometers that record max/min, could be usefu.
Bathroom extractor fan has its pipe going through loft but can't think how to mod that with Y piece without making it less efficient for bathroom.
Small vent may be best option with sllder to close in winter. Did look at velux windows but too pricey and too much hassle at moment - though could use it for telescope - with house rotating on servo!
I'll get me coat....

Edit note: Velux/windows are bad idea with UV fading, even with venetian blind to reduce IME.

[Walkingthedog]

Love the idea of the rotating house. I’ll make a start on it in the spring. Now where did I put that old record deck.

[Bandit Mick]

Welcome Andy. I’m a bit late as my internet connection has been down.