Andrew-372848

Anything goes really. I’m a collector at heart so don’t like to have unnecessary restrictions inhibit my habit!

Good shout! That’s my points used up nicely. 🙂

I mention RailMaster just by way of an update on the layout as I appreciate this is not the appropriate section for such discussion, any subsequent queries etc. will be raised in the RailMaster section. I mentioned earlier my difficulty in keeping a mental note of point settings and on subsequent reflection RailMaster came back to mind. I just run Mac computers and had no luck with RailMaster previously attempting to run it in a virtual Windows machine. However, I unearthed an old 2015 MacBook and set upon installing Windows 10 in a Bootcamp partition and lo and behold 100% success. So the point of this post is just so say I am very impressed and seriously considering getting a license.

Thanks for the photos. I've got the Duchess on preorder so not too long now.

Changes to loco sidings made. Had to move the engine shed over due to the spacing between the original tracks being wider. Just some tidying up to do. Thanks for everyone's help and advice.

Maybe, but I have no plans to extend the layout. The prime reason for going for this scale was to replicate (roughly) what I had originally modelled in vintage Dublo 3-rail. In fact my TT baseboard is exactly half of that original baseboard, is light weight with enough scope to keep me happily amused and best of all can be quickly stored away. Of course I’m my own worst enemy, I’d have plenty room for a larger layout if I got rid of my collection of telephones, vintage radios, record players and the other assortment of “stuff” I like to collect!

That’s very true and perhaps what I was intending with the original layout of this area, but on reflection simpler is probably best for me. When carrying out one of those “awkward movements” I often end up cursing at a derailment because I have forgotten to change point direction! Frustrating, but symptomatic of where I am in life.

Final configuration of the sidings?

I was tempted by your suggestion, but like you said, I don't want to overdo things (given my yet unproven scenic modelling skills) and I really dislike that siding now! I'm a bit obsessed with the symmetry and look of the track and that siding was quite offensive. For example, one of my favourite pastimes when I worked in Edinburgh was to wander down to Princes Street Gardens at lunch time and position myself directly above the multiple tracks leading into Waverley station and just gaze down the lines (yes sad, I know it).

Yes, my Falcon sits quite happily on the single straight, but I like even more your suggestion to move those two sidings to the same side as the others. This should make manoeuvres simpler and easier as none of the sidings will be blocked by another locomotive when occupied.

Very creative thinking, that scenario would never have crossed my mind! In my original plan this was the engine shed area where my locos could be displayed when not in service. As I have never been 100% happy with the juxtaposition of the straight siding with the curve of the lead in and I have a spare RH point, I might change it slightly as per the attached plan. I think this might make better use of the space available.

Quite simply I can’t. I’ll admit it was a bit of an afterthought - spare track and looking to put it somewhere kind of thing. I’ll probably just use it as a parking lot to display yet to be purchased locomotives or maybe add another siding. Better make my mind up soon!!

I’ve been experiencing baseboard envy recently so I am glad to see postings of smaller layouts appearing, thus encouraged to publish my efforts. I’ve reached the stage with my 4’ x 3’ layout where I have my track laid and running well and a rough idea of what scenic elements I might be able to achieve (I’m not that artistic nor skilled with a craft knife!). The next stage for me will be to start the ballasting, but before I start I’m wondering where I might place additional signals? I have some from Evemodel, two of which I have planted at the exits from the sidings, and some ground signals from DM Electech in the goods and engine yards. I feel I could introduce more, but am not sure where. They are powered from the Rails Connect accessory decoders, so will switch with the points. Any suggestions welcomed. I’ve attached a couple of short videos which appears to be de rigueur! TT-120 Layout 001.mp4 TT-120 Layout 002.mp4

I initially got the starter pack and after some experimentation found that the Close coupling is optimal for my layout and that is what I've fitted on these and my other rolling stock. However, you might get away with the Extra Close ones if you don't have tight curves or crossovers.

I only have two of the coaches, but both are a little droopy on both ends compared to the power/dummy locomotive. As you say the attraction of the magnetic couplings compensates for this very well. I seemed to get into a right tangle with the original couplings compared to some of the other rolling stock I had at the time and have now switched entirely to the WHWW ones. I prefer the simplicity of just pulling the rolling stock apart over the ability to shunt with out manual intervention.