Layout Extras Feedback

[EliteT]

Not sure if this is the place or not but here goes!

 

For a number of years I've have temporary track layouts, setting them up, running locos and rolling stock then breaking it apart and starting again the next day. This was mainly due to a lack of space.

I've been fortunate that some space has become available after some spring cleaning for a small shunting layout; 4' x 1'.

I've seen quite a number of designs and taken inspiration from them.

The layout includes an entrance from a detachable fiddle yard line, a passing loop, three single straight sidings along the near side (sufficient for the wagons and trucks I use), a siding at the very back to store coaches, and a recoaling siding at the left end of the platform.I won't be using on track buffers, I am making some that will sit just at the end to give clearance to the couplings.

I'm open to any feedback on the layout design, I have done some running on it and it seems to be working fine.

 

However, I'm more so interested in the extras to add in to the layout. I'm looking to model it as a branchline terminus for a town. I have seen some youtube clips with bits in it, but tbh I wouldn't know where to start or where the best place is to get them. 

I'm thinking the likes of signals, and railway buildings. I have a home build station which I'm happy enough with. Just made out of timber and some toothpicks for a fence.

Even ballasting I wouldn't know what the best size to get is!!

Because its a small layout, I wouldn't mind getting some more advanced type things. I've been looking into point motors, which may come later as given its size is unnecessary rn, but I think there are other accessories that are wired?

Also for uncoupling whats the best way? I've seen people use the uncoupling track and magnets. I used to jsut lift them but it'd be nice to not have to be lifting rolling stock.

I'm so sorry for all the questions! I really do appreciate any feedback or advice.

 

EliteT

[Chrissaf]

Whilst you wait for a reply, perhaps you would spend a few minutes reviewing the TIPs in the TIP page link below:

.

TIP: As a newbie poster on the forum, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

.

See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

.

Unable to make the link clickable at present due to the forum BUG. Copy and Paste the URL text manually into your browser.

 

[EliteT]

It won't allow me to post with a photo!

[JJ73]

This Forum Bug also prevent posting Photos  ☹️

[81F]

 As an alternative to an on track bufferstop you could place a wall behind it with a timber at buffer level. If you do this I would suggest making a small rectangular hole just below the timber to take the coupling hook so that the bar of the coupling buffers up to the wall.

 

I use this principle on one of my sidings which terminates at an end loading platform. Just make sure the bottom of the hole is even and long enough to accomodate the coupling hook to prevent the hook dropping down and coupling the wagon to the wall!