Model Railway Forum

H Richard (HD) - not very clear in the pictures, but your suggestion would just duplicate a route I already have. Barry

Steve M wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2020 6:24 pm Only one option then................rip it all up and start again.

Or..........hand built points.

I did look at C&L point kits, but I really think it would be to much hassle.

bulleidboy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 29, 2020 11:37 am

Steve M wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2020 6:24 pm Only one option then................rip it all up and start again.

Or..........hand built points.

I did look at C&L point kits, but I really think it would be to much hassle.

Forty year’s ago (first ‘proper’ layout) I built a couple of points - the kits were cheaper than readymade at the time. Back then you had to file the rails to make frogs and blades but now I believe the frogs can be bought pre-assembled.
I don’t think quite such a faff as they used to be - I remember the satisfaction when the locos ran through without throwing themselves at the scenery.

I have today managed to get one of my Bulleid coaches apart, and am in the process of fitting lighting. This is by way of the Layouts4U kit, which has a latching reed switch glued to the underside of the coach roof, and by passing a magnet over the roof turns the lights either on or off. I think I mentioned awhile back, that when constructing the new hill/tunnel, I glued a strong magnet to the inside of the tunnel portal, where the track exits the fiddle yard - so as a train leaves the fiddle yard the carriage lights will be turned on, and when the train returns they will be turned off - you can of course wave a magnet over the coach when it arrives at the terminus to turn the lights off. The kit contains a strip of 3v LED's, which in my case are "warm white" - they still turn night into day, so as Steve had recommended on a previous occasion, a good dollop of Tamiya Clear Yellow has been dropped onto each LED. I have not attached the set-up to the coach yet, but it all works on the bench.

Not being a DCC nerd, I was wondering whether future lighting could be incorporated into coaches, using the 12v LED Strips, that are readily available, by wiring them into the "lighting" element of a DCC decoder? This would mean they would be powered from the track and could be turned off and on.

No doubt a DCC expert will be along to tell you which wire(s) to use but until that happens, I stuck a section of LEDs from one of those very cheap 5m rolls to the inside of my GWR railcar. I just connected them to the rail pickups so they are on all the time - quick and dirty, but it worked.

A bit of movement at Wykeham.


IMG_0597 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr

A while back I was talking "pavements" - and I did buy some laser cut wooden pavement, but they didn't look right. While browsing The Model Centre website I noticed they had Bachmann Scenecraft Pavement at about £8.50 a pack (480mm) - so I bought three packs. Also some time ago, I bought some Redutex road surface. The pavement is great and the road surface - now partially laid looks good too - it is embossed with "cobbles" and drain covers. Still a little way to go, but so far, happy with the outcome.


IMG_0611 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr

That looks very good Barry. Redutex is expensive but gives an excellent result. I have used it for roofs and walls. Easier to get now as well. R-

Thanks Roger - I made a mistake in pricing - the pavement was about £8.50 a pack (I've amended the post), but it does look good - it will probably want a light wash to dirty it up a bit. I'm sort of "pottering" around on the layout at the moment - adding bits and pieces. As you say, the Redutex is very good - a bit pricey. I bought the last lot direct from the factory in Spain, as I couldn't get what I wanted here. Barry

The first of four yard lamps being installed in the fiddleyard. My fiddleyard is gradually becoming more "scenic". These lights have been sitting in the box and on the to-do list since 2018 - no excuse now! They have yet to be wired-up - some serious moving to be done to get under the board!

IMG_0612 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr


All four now in place - there are still two more in the box - not sure whether to add those or not?

IMG_0613 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr