Let's see your layouts

[PJ_model_trains]

Hi Rob

 

The best bit is that my wife can lift it and put a curtain over it when we have visitors.

So she tells me anyway.

 

The best bit for me is it only happens a couple of times a year the rest is big boys toys play time.  😀

 

The platforms were this weeks work, for me things are suddenly starting to take shape, although there is still lots more to do. 

 

There are 17 station lights on there, many are doubles, (25 led bulbs), these will all be wired in in paralleI, I will be pleased when these are wired in and working. I am going to do it different to the last layout, I have had an idea (hope it works). On the last layout was a plastic panel with a series of switches for lights to stations, cars, burger bar, houses, cars etc.  This time I am reducing the number of switches to just 4 or 5 on each side (sqr to left and stations to right) but will use plastic pill boxes for the switches. The idea is the switches go to each section of the pill boxes, wires connecting and feeding them then close the hatches to the pill box but have easy access to the wiring later. We will have to see if it works. I have ordered two on ebay at £1.49 each with free P&P, if it works as planned it will be simple and very affordable I think.  😎

 

All lighting is on its own transformer, on its own lighting bus, (square section of layout is complete exept for switches) so as to be totally separate to the DCC layout. All lights so far are 12v purchased from Kyte's Lights. 

[PJ_model_trains]

Very impressive, RogerB, I am envious!  I admire all of you folk who are able to create quite stunning layouts in relatively small areas.  My layout is the windowsill to my conservatory, using Kato HO track.  Gives the cat quite a startle when one of my sound locos comes from behind the sofa lol

Rod

 

What a good idea Bulver.

The layout round the conservatory not frightening the cat.  😆

[PJ_model_trains]

..... you have managed to get far more practical running in there - well thought out.

I'm pleased with it, but unfortunately, the only way I could get a shunt loop in was to use 1R which severely restricts what will run between sidings whilst two engines are looping the loop. Ah well, there's always V2 to make a better job of it  😀 R-

 

Blimey Roger what a layout you have.

 

Two engines looping the loop as well  😆

 

I thought V2 would be easy Roger, trouble is you learn a lot then expect to do more. But it does have its advantages, omiting those frustrations built into V1, as for me I expect I will find other frustations in V2, and I didn't mention LD or not LD.  😮

[RB51]

 

 

Two engines looping the loop as well  😆

 

That's all I can manage PJ. More than that and I'm reaching for the industrial stregth Valium.

 

R-

 

 

[RB51]

@ PJ

 

My reply has been held up for being theoretically profane - all I said was ........ R-

[2e0dtoeric]

That's the nature of the game - there's always something you find after a while that could have been done differently, or better, or both. That's why you are always advised to NOT decorate or ballast the tracks until you have had a good (several years?  :-)  ) play with it, and are really satisfied that it all works!

[PJ_model_trains]

I have no issues with planning, building and decorating as I spend a lot off time planning before starting out.

 

My 1200 x 1200 board was completed including scenery, roads, lighting, etc, all before it was connected to the wall plate or other boards.

 

The mid section was then added for me along with the 1500 x 750 multi platform station, rack laid in a week, station platforms with lights done in a week, all secured down ready to move on.

 

Once I get the lighting wired up I will be moving on the signals, once you consider adding this depth of realism you have to be sure everything is as you planned and you are not going to make changes. My station platforms (and everything else except buildings) are all fixed down because the layout hinges to put away twice a year, I do agree with you 2e0 though that we have to be sure it it what we want before adding the extra details, especially if adding signals and Loco Detection (What is Loco Detection LOL)

 

I agree totally that leaving ballasting until last is very wise. As confident as I am with my layout ballasting will definately be last item I do.

 

[Paul.P]

very nice Roger,but i know that you plan very nice layouts

[Howbi]

This year's acquisitions on the prog track.........what an eclectic mix, Hornby, Bachmann & Oxford.......oh, and a 40 yr old Fleischman 'N' gauge...........Mallard is TTS, an excellent model..........HB

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[RB51]

very nice Roger,

Thanks Paul - I usually get there ........ eventually..... R-

[PJ_model_trains]

Very nice Howbiman  😉

[PJ_model_trains]

Very nice Howbiman  😉

[PJ_model_trains]

A nice layout Jimbopuff

Nice to see the scenery and lighting as well.  😉

[PJ_model_trains]

I have today uploaded 5 more images to the Gallery

(Click the Layout Gallery link in signature at bottom if you would like to view them)

[RB51]

Very nice PJ - and may I say very, very neat. I could easily take a leaf (or two) out of your book. 😎 R-

[PJ_model_trains]

I notice a few have already visited the Gallery.

BUT, I have since updated 2 images of signals and directional indicators in RM. 

[RDS]

That is looking really good PJ.  It was a brave decision to start again completely but it is starting to come together nicely.  I like those buffers.  I may try incorporating an LED in each of my Hornby buffers.

[PJ_model_trains]

Hi RDS

 

I tried that first but my eye sight is not good and it was really fiddly, not putting the minute light in but also hiding the thin wire.

 

That was why I went for Train Tech ones in the end, slot between rails, twist, ensure upright job done. I did add a small dab of Pinflair glue in a cocktails stick to secure it against the buffer, but no wireing, such a simple idea and very effective looking, > even sat just behind them <

[96RAF]

@PJ

Looking good.

 

@RDS

If you want to make your own use sideways looking red leds from Maplin (and others) with a 1k resistor In series.

The led fits in the girder channel of a Hornby buffer stop and the resistor can be disguised with black paint.

I connect them straight to my DCC strack and have not had a failure to date.

 

More info here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/gallery/image/24936-led-buffer-stop-wiring/

and here

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/gallery/image/24937-led-buffer-stop/  Although the led is shown sitting above the buffer not in the groove.

[PJ_model_trains]

Impressive, thanks for sharing.

 

You have even got an effervescence look on the brickwork, very realistic.

 

Metcalfe models are everywhere. Not surprising, they are well made, realistic and affordable.

[PJ_model_trains]

Very nice PJ - and may I say very, very neat. I could easily take a leaf (or two) out of your book. 😎 R-

 

There is a lot to do yet Roger.

I don't think any of us will ever complete our layouts do you?

[Chrissaf]

Regarding Red Light Buffers. These are mine using 2mm Top Hat LEDs. The resistors are under the baseboard.

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[PJ_model_trains]

That is looking really good PJ.  It was a brave decision to start again completely but it is starting to come together nicely.  I like those buffers.  I may try incorporating an LED in each of my Hornby buffers.

 

Hi RDS

 

It was very brave, my wife said you are what!!!

 

I have once or twice thought did I do the right thing, especially when I was let down by the chippy waiting for the boards to be made and fit, then the point motor issues. 

 

As it starts to come together I know I made the right decision, longer sidings is a big plus and as I test with just one loco and watch it weave in and out from track to track I know programming routes is going to be good fun.

 

Signals is an issue again I am afraid to say, two years of RM with signals with feathers in the options yet they still don't work. I have written to HRMS this week to ask when we are likely to have them working, also after the initial issues with signals I have also asked which they find work best with RM. I will just have to wait for a reply, if signal feathers are not coming soon I may have to go for the old fashioned twin, two aspect signals for every branch. But I have a  lot of branches, especially with bi-directional movement, and they take up more space.

 

Signals with feathers are very clear whether a branch is set ot not. 

 

I can only wait for a reply and hope for some good news, having said that with Hornby's status at present, and having had no update from HRMS for months I am assuming they have scaled back. We just need to know one way or another. 

[PJ_model_trains]

It is very neat Chrissaf.

[PJ_model_trains]

Another 6 images have been included in the Gallery, 'Gallery Link' below for anyone that would like to have a look.

 

There are lots of seats on the platforms, lots of people, a double news kiosk, ticket machines, train time monitors, vending machines, tarmac roads, a Railway Hotel with road, and hedging etc.