Calling All Stations...

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Episode 16: Rails

There's been a lot of talk about Salford Chapel and as a result I haven't posted on my Main Layout for a while so it's time for a couple of updates...

A Minor Derailment

I'm not going to lie. You're going to get derailments on your model railway... Mimicking real life? Well you'd hope not, but let's not forget we're dealing with moving parts a 76th of the size of their real life counterparts. It's bound to happen every now and then. I've even been at exhibitions where I've seen it occur, so don't worry it - it happens in the pros... You'll quickly find out that there are either certain types of rolling stock or certain areas of track that potentially cause frequent problems. There are usually some common causes.

Above is an example of a the common Hornby Point (R8072/3). Common because the curve on it fits the 2nd radius oval standard set by Hornby and thus slots easily into most layouts. (Here you can see them littering my layout). The problem with these are they aren't really designed for trains to run over the curved alignment at (what I'd consider to be) mainline speed.

You'd be better off using this, the Hornby Express Point. Named aptly for more appropriate line switching at higher speeds. For realism they look and work a lot better, but for the space conscious modeller, myself included, they take up more room and do not fit so nicely into the design of your layout.

Why do the standard points cause derailments you might ask? Well, certain rolling stock have a tendency to jump the guide/check rails and/or frogs - but I will come to this shortly.

99% derailment issues will happen over points but there's usually other factors involved...

Rolling Stock Wheel Base:

Remember these? Well I have a set of three, and in certain scenarios they are a real problem child going over the aforementioned points. Being pulled - they're not a problem - and I think this is because the loco or next wagon is providing some guidance. However when shunted/pushed the lead wheels tend to slip up and over the frog (this is the 'V' shape made by the adjoining rails).

Different wagons are fine over the same stretch of track in the same conditions. It just so happens that the wheel base of these wagons are such that they are derailing in this scenario. Not a lot you can do in terms of altering the wheel base but there is a solution which I'll get to shortly.

Bogie Type:

The Parcel Van pictured above has only 2 wheels at each end. In this example the axel is fixed, and this van causes me no problems what so ever. I do however have a version of a similar sized van where the axel is allowed to pivot. Just like a 4 wheel bogie setup on a coach or loco.

This is just asking for trouble.

These unusual 2 wheel bogies slip over points regardless of push/pull formation and regardless of direction. I'm not sure if such vans exist in real life? It doesn't appear to be a very good idea. Hornby seemed to have reverted to fixing the axels on later models.

My suggestion if you have any offending vans would be to run them at the rear of your train. I've also noticed they actually prefer running at speed when being pulled. More tension in the coupling and a more precise guidance perhaps. They certainly don't work very well being pushed at speed that's for sure.

Coupling Mismatch:

This is a new problem. All Hornby models of old had the same sized coupling components. Nice big chunky hooks and bars with plenty of give.

Newer models though (and those of different brands) are fitted with these daintier versions. Smaller hooks and smaller catchment areas. The result means a closer coupling and better realism. Using these new couplings together, no problem. There's a slight flex in the joint for running on curves and they work perfectly. Problems start to arise when you use the old and new type together. The larger hooks tend not to fit in the smaller catchment area, and the smaller hooks often unlatch from older couplings. 9 out of 10 times though, you'll get it working, however be aware that occasionally whilst being shunted (and not surprisingly over points) the couplings may knock each other in ways that will derail your wagons.

So now we know some derailment causes what can you do about them?

Well, I've already outlined a few pointers. Stay away from the weird 2 wheel bogie vans, try to couple like for like wagons and be aware that some stock will cause you problems. I'm not going to say, 'Don't buy X and Y they always derail', because chances are elsewhere on your layout they'll work fine. It always seems to happen in those really specific places.

Now, if those places are the standard Hornby (Or Peco by the way) point - here's a potential fix.

It just so happened that a new loco I got for Christmas was frequently derailing at these set of points. This was bemusing because up until now these points hadn't caused me any problems. Unfortunately this will almost certainly happen to you. One fullproof set of points for all your rolling stock will inexplicably be a problem for that certain one train, coach or wagon!

(For the following explanation imagine loco running from right to left on the curved allignment).

On closer examination I noticed that the wheels of the train appeared to be coming astray just after the frog on the outer rail. It was only until I observed the other side of the train on the inner rail did I realise that the check rail just wasn't doing its job properly.

To solve this I improvised extending the check rail by introducing some unused sleepers either side.

Success! The sleeper, now acting as a further check rail, pulls the wheels back on course. I've since read up on the internet about hornby point derailment cases and learnt that older hornby points (of which I had) were known to have smaller check rails. Newer ones have been improved but if you're experiencing derailment issues why not try this!

I applied the same method to other problem points and this even solved the issue created by the odd wheel base wagons!

Completing The Roadway

Elsewhere on my layout this is what I've been up to...

You may remember from previous episodes that I left a gap in ballast laying to leave room for a level crossing. Well now it is time to plug that gap.

Most good model shops will stock thin cuttable plastic (normally in white). These come in a variety of flavours ranging from piping to girding and from stairways to thin strips.

They also do fairly large sheets, and this offering from Evergreen I've have cut to shape the curvature of the track and stuck down with superglue.

If you’ve not opted for one of the many pre-made level crossings out there and you are planning a level crossing on a straight section of track, this will be a pretty simple procedure of marking, measuring and cutting. I, however, have made things difficult for myself by locating the crossing on a curved section of track. This was initially done to save sections of straight track for points as space was at a premium.

After a few failed attempts of cutting the plastic by simply winging it I came up with a solution...

Take a spare piece of track that matches the curve radius you are trying to mark out. Turn it upside down and then you can mark where the rail touches the plastic. This will in turn create three pieces: One piece to fit outside of either rail and one piece to fit inside (this will need to be trimmed so the wheels do not touch it). Put these in place and keep making sure a variety of rolling stock will run over it with no faults. Once you’re happy you can stick it down as I have above. I’ve then started to stick roadway and pavement down.

I opted to paint the centre pieces rather than cut out further fiddly pieces of roadway.

The finished article both without... (The gap in the pavement by the way is to leave room for the power supply wire).

And with train.

See those grubby looking wagons in that picture? I'll get on to some weathering techniques next time!... Stay tuned...

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Episode 15: Salford Chapel - More Visual Updates

Some further updates on the Salford Chapel layout:

To the left of the road bridge I've completed the laying of scenic scatter. The only area remaining in need of scenic scatter is seen to the right of the signal box (above top). This is because I'm waiting to add some maintenance steps on order from gaugemaster. I've added another small patch of painted road next to the headshunts, this plot also features a small shed with some wire drums stacked next to it. (See bellow).

The above shot shows the 'main line' diverging away into a 'tunnel' to the right and, looking back on Episode 13, heads towards the Manchester Central lines... In reality it heads towards the fiddle yard/track. The footpath providing access to the station from the road bridge has been fitted with a wall.

I painted some cheap strip-wood from Modelzone, (which proved very easy to cut - you only need a Stanley knife!), and painted them using some matt grey model paint. Similar to the type pictured above. Miraculously the colour I chose was exactly the same as the girder bridge! Win!

Another shot showing the 'main line tunnel' and footpath linking to the steps.

I've added two semaphore signals, the one on the right is a station starter for the main or right hand siding; the one on the left services the headshunt.

They both formally started life like this Hornby example (above). I dismantled the top half and tried to glue it to the side of the footpath wall. The glue wasn't strong enough so I dismantled it further and attached the signals individually to the girder bridge. An offcut of the signal support has been used as a 'support' for the footpath bridge. (See above).

The reverse shot showing pedestrian walkway towards the station. You can also see the area above the signal cabin which still needs some scenic scatter adding. I am wondering if the station starter semaphore (left) may be slightly too high and 'out of scale' with the rest of the model, particularly compared to the car pictured... Perhaps I will move it down eventually.

This shot better shows what I mean, it just looks too high doesn't it!?

Anyway, similar to the footpath, some painted stripwood has also been added to the rest of the road bridge.

Another nice shot under the bridge.

Back in the station a wagon is loaded with two wire drums (Bachman) and some milk churns (Hornby Skaledale range). Some additional churns sit on the station. There are no shortage of wagon loads on offer in model shops, but you could also consider this neat little idea, showcased in Episode 9, for making your own.

The reverse shot from the station looking at the signal cabin. Come back soon for some more updates both on Salford Chapel and my Main Layout!

Monday, 25 February 2013

Episode 14: Salford Chapel - A Visual Update

So now it has a name I can update you on how it is taking shape...

As you can see I've added some grass scatter. You can check out my Main Layout blog and in particular This Episode to see my technique for adding scatter.

I've added some thicker clumps by the buffer stops and using my finger and some glue, smudged some scatter into the ballast to add to that authentic track-side vegetation look.

I've also painted on a roadway. I've actually used a Dulux tester pot in a matt grey finish. Now of course you can pick up proper model paints - and I have got some for smaller areas which will pop up in future episodes... However, for larger areas consider getting a tester pot from your local hardware store, you'll get more paint for your money, it drys super fast (or at least this one did) and at the end of the day it was very easy to wash off your bush! It also provides a really nice finish!

In the background you'll notice the bridge now looks, well more bridge like...

These are plastic Peco Bridge Girders and I picked these up from a couple of quid at John Dutfield in Chelmsford, but I've since seen they are pretty common and pop up in modelzones too. You'll also notice I've laid some tarmac, this is the Noch stick on roadway stuff left spare from my Main Layout.

For the red-brick-Manchester walls I've simply used sheets of printed pattern. Again, picked up from my favorite model shop for a few pence. To apply the sheets to the wood I created a very watery PVA mix, wallpaper paste like, and this worked perfectly - although it was ever so tricky to stick into place, especially under the bridge. You could of course consider printing your own, or even painting, but this method really is very cheap and easy to achieve something very aesthetically pleasing. I would however recommend sticking the texture sheets onto the wood first and then assembling any structures 2nd...

This is exactly what I did for the rear station walls. Was so much easier!

Again, this wood came from the B&Q wood yard, but I've since seen that even Modelzone at Westfield's stock strip wood similar to this. Theirs is much flimsier but on the flipside - much easier to cut!

This close up shows the pre-printed texture sheets come with a finish at the top. The figures are from Noch.

I also came across a plastic stair case pack. This may be harder to come across in Modelzone or similar so I'd recommend your local model shop or the gaugemaster website. I've trimmed to size and will eventually paint for a nicer finish.

And there we have it! More updates soon!

Episode 13: It's All In A Name

Seeing as I am relatively new to building layouts, my primary Main Layout on this blog is firstly a test, a spring board if you will, into trying new techniques and ideas. As a result, and unlike many serious model railway layouts you may find, it doesn't have a theme, and it is not era or location specific. It may as well be called Somewhereville, although I'm not American so It'll more likely be called Nowherechester, Anywherington or something equally British sounding. But that's OK, it's a place for me to appreciate the trains I like rather than their setting.

Now I'm doing my side project, my shelf layout, I can start to explore the idea of giving it a theme, a setting and maybe an era.

Reminding you of my layout plan, we have:

An out of sight fiddle yard (top right - red track) which at the point of planning will be obscured by a wall and tunnel portal.
A short platform, capable of handling a modern single car Sprinter (i.e. Class 153) and will just about accommodate a two car Pacer (i.e. Class 142). A passenger coach and small steam loco will also fit for bygone eras. Short freight trains can also be accommodated.
A number of sidings all designed to accommodate whatever arrives in the platform. These can either be used to assemble wagons (of any era) or to act as stabling yard for the afore mentioned Sprinter/Pacers.
At this point I'm still reluctant to set an era. Purely because I like the idea of a busy yard with steam trains assembling wagons just as much as I'd like to see DMU's arriving at some forgotten terminus. But with some clever planning we should be able to make something that would fit plausibly into either category so I can run either scenario.

Most modellers base their layouts loosely on an actual location. (See Tanglewood Common in previous Episodes). It would be easy to set this layout in a rural location. The small station with single platform would work, as would a little freight yard for arriving goods and departing local farm yard produce. A real location would be somewhere like Sudbury or Ongar (pictured above).

This would however involve landscaping a tunnel for the out of sight fiddle yard. In such a confined space such as this layout this may look odd and indeed prove difficult to pull off. Let's remind ourselves where I'm actually up to in the design...

Instead of landscaping a grass bank and tunnel portal, I found it far simpler to use strips of wood that will form walls. A further strip of wood bridges the yard which will later become a road. This both forms the 'tunnel portal' effect to the out of sight fiddle yard (at the top) and acts to add an interesting height layer to the layout.

This changing things. Because the road bridges the yard and creates a tunnel underneath it, we are implying the layout is in a cutting, where the road 'bridge' is actually ground level. This coupled with the use of the wood as walls to me implies more of a built up location. Still plausible for passenger services but this time we'll turn to industrial style traffic for freight rather than farmyard produce.

There are no shortage of city stations built into cuttings. Exeter Central (above top), London Liverpool Street and to some extent Huddersfield (above bottom).

But the problem with these stations is that they are quite large, and in most cases are through routes.

Finding a single platform inner city termini isn't impossible though.

There's certainly Colchester Town (above top) and Wrexham Central (above bottom). Both of which have managed to stand the test of time despite having much larger through stations in their wake. I like the idea that my station is competing with (in the steam era) or struggling to survive (in the modern era) against larger city stations. These examples are not in cuttings, sure, but we've got ideas to work with now.

The other thing I want to think of is the architecture of the setting. I've already chosen a couple of buildings which you can see in the above picture of my layout from the Hornby Magna range.

Despite Ashby Magna (of which they are based upon) being in Leicestershire, there is something very 'Manchester' about the their red brick facades.

Anyone from or has ever been to Manchester and it's surrounding areas will notice that pretty much everything, and I do mean everything, has been built out of red brick. This I have always felt contrasts starkly to the stone structures found in neighboroughing Yorkshire and gives it a very distinct characteristic. Here's a picture of the abandoned Manchester Mayfield station for example...

Manchester is a good place to pick for a setting. It's steeped in an illustrious rail history. The first inter-city passenger service in the world started here in 1830 in the form of Manchester Liverpool Road on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. To cater for Britain's main industrial city, Manchester Mayfield, Oldham Road, Central and Exchange, all now defunct termini, would have served alongside the now glistening Piccadilly (formally London Road) and the not so glistening Victoria stations. Not to mention Oxford Road, Deansgate, Salford Central and Salford Cresent as well.

Those of you with a keen knowledge of Manchester's rail network will realise most of it runs elevated on viaducts through the city. That's fine, we'll just have to develop a slightly different back story for our layout that sets it in a cutting rather than on a viaduct.

So without further ado I present the fictitious location of my layout...

From the south, a line diverges from the viaduct of the former London Midland lines into Manchester Central & through routes to Piccadilly and Yorkshire. It runs northwards over the River Irwell and dips underneath the Manchester to Liverpool line most likely in the place of the A6042. Tunnelling under Ordsall Lane and Chapel Street, the line arrives in the industrialised Blackfirars/Eastern Salford area of the city, just to the north of St Phillip's Church. The station would probably sit in the spot the University of Salford's Centenary Building now occupies. A link line may also exist feeding into Victoria towards the north and east of the city.

I have given the station the name 'Salford Chapel.' Perhaps it takes it's name after Chapel Street just to the south (similar to the theme of naming stations after roads in the city - Oxford Road, Liverpool Road, London Road etc.), or perhaps in reference to St Phillip's Church... you decide!... It also nicely sits with the theme of both existing Salford stations starting with the letter 'C'.

In my mind, despite its proximity to others stations, it has survived for providing this area of Salford with a link southwards whereas lines in the area only serve westwards out of the city.