Model Railway Forum

As we’ve finally decided on a name I thought I might as well start a thread on our layout.

Back story - As a kid I had a basic oval Hornby layout which I enjoyed very much but never had anyone to help me with modelling or encourage me to take it further so eventually it ended up in a box in the loft. Move on 30 odd years and while clearing out my mums loft with my son came across the trains and rusty track. My sons always likes trains from an early age and had the wooden Brio sets and Lego trains. He was amazed at the realism of the Hornby stuff and asked if we could set it up, I declined as I wasn’t sure how serious he was about doing this.
After about a year or so if him nagging I relented and said, if we’re doing this we’re doing it properly! We spent lockdown building Airfix WW2 dioramas so he genuinely has an interest in modelling. He agreed to give over his bedroom for the layout and I bought him a raised but to get board under.

Day one


It may pain some people reading this but the layout plan is, Sussex countryside one side of the bridge and Welsh slate quarry the other side.



You can see the quarry going in and you might be able to spot the canal under the bridge. The track work is taking ages and we’re not doing it to any plan just going with our heart……

Big thanks to everyone on here for the support and inspiration. I’ll keep this updated as we are on a near vertical learning curve and others might find it useful.

Looking good, Gixer

Hopefully you wire it up for one or two operators. Two operators - you and your son. One operator being your son or you. Have it interesting for both of you, so when your son is not there (for any reason) you still enjoy it.
Keep it fun and your son will enjoy the 'journey'.

Glencairn

Thanks Glencairn,

One of the reasons for upgrading to a Digitrax controller is that we can plug in another control. Saying that my son seems to think he's the train driver and I'm going to work the points

I work from home a lot so at least I can play when he's at school...

looks like an interesting layout looking at the space available
Its really good too to see the younger end taking an interest in modelling.
keep up the good work and encourage the young one as much as you can, skills he learns now will be with him a life time.

Thanks Phil.

Here’s a be more detail on the main areas on the layout. Remember we’re doing this for fun

Sussex station, with the white cliffs seen on the South Downs in the distance.


Over the canal, this will have an Birmingham feel to it.


You’re now in North Wales this with have a Llanberis feel including narrow gauge.


Then the industrial area, this will have some kind of loading area along with a goods yard.


Last of all the village and loco shed with coal yard.


Not bad for a 6x5 layout. I had to say no to the airport (honestly)

Gixer wrote: ↑Fri Nov 11, 2022 7:22 pm
Not bad for a 6x5 layout. I had to say no to the airport (honestly)

Picture of airport on the backscene. Simples!!!

Glencairn

Little bit of an update,

Track is now all laid, just need to extend two sidings but waiting for Luke to decide which engine shed he wants. If anyone could recommend a good single line red brick style shed I’d be grateful.


Also had my first attempt with this stuff.


Turned out ok I think.


The Llanberis mountain is taking shape with the quarry entrance for the narrow gauge.




Any comments or advice welcome

Coming along nicely.

Looking very good - you have made good progress. I would scroll (I'm sure you have) through ebay - either Hornby or Bachmann Scenecraft for engine sheds - there are a large number, but not to many in red-brick. You could also try a Metcalfe kit - fairly straightforward to build.

Thanks guys,

Luke's got his eye on this Skaledale engine shed.
https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/magen ... fxEALw_wcB

I really want to see some in the flesh though, its really hard to tell what they are like by photo's.