you've been framed...
Update
Good afternoon - some more progress this week in terms of trackwork and fascia.
Firstly, the start of the sole turnout on this layout and remainder of the siding(s) has been started. More easitrac sleepers were prepped and prepainted as previously described and individual sleepers were then cut, trimmed and stuck onto a B8 turnout template on the layout. It was only when I dug out all my turnouts jigs and bits I realised that I only had vee crossing jigs for B7 type turnouts ... so that all got ripped up and redone using a B7 turnout template.
Due to my previous failings with removing the crossing from the jig I decided to construct the turnout as I would a PCB one, so only the vee has been constructed and laid in position. The adjoining rails of the crossing will be added separately...well, that's the plan anyway The straight rail and curved rail are in place and I hope to try and complete the turnout later this week.
A little warping was noticed in the boards so some strengtheners have been added beneath to try and curb this...seems to be working ok.
Before I get too far with the fiddleyards I wanted to work a little on the fascia boards. The idea is that these fold up into the boxfiles too, but with the amount of space taken by the two layout boards and also the other with the two fiddleyard boards, it looks like I might need a third boxfile for this layout The idea this time...which I wish I had done with Kyle was to frame the view of the scenic area...not only to concentrate the viewpoint but also provide somewhere to install some layout lighting (again this was lacking on Kyle) The height of the fascia is 230mm which fits within the boxfile, gives about a 120mm viewing slot and allows for the inclusion (if I decide to continue with it) of incorporating a digital window frame at one end of the fiddleyard.
Once again, I have chosen my favourite medium for the fascia, cardboard and in particular 2mm grey artists card which is pretty strong. Bit of a pain to cut, but with a sharp 10A scalpel blade it does the job. The sides were cut, the opening formed and the two were hinged together using araldite and some wilko hinges. These panels will be painted dark grey and be bolted through the front of the layout at the base. Using holes already formed to lock the layout together in the box, additional holes have been formed along this lower edge. The fascia has been clipped short at the base to reveal the hinge which folds the layout in half...a nod perhaps to its 'boxfile credentials'.
For lighting, I am again using the IKEA type used on my 2011 RMweb comp entry, mainly as it is small and neat and relatively inexpensive. This clips together in small lengths so the idea is to have two long runs of it over the scenic area extending to partially cover the fiddleyards. Its sold in a three pack mainly for lighting under kitchen units...but I might try and plug two packs together and see if it still works.
I am quite pleased with the letterbox view so far. I have had to introduce a vertical at the back centre to support the front edge but this will also help support the lighting too and without it, I can't quite see how a fold up pack away layout can work.
Here's a few pics...sorry that some are not best quality...they were taken work in progress with the iPad as it was a bit gusty today in the garden...
Front fascia panel folds away in boxfile...
Unfolds to give this...
The IKEA lighting...from their best customer
Mock up showing fascia in place and trackwork...
And from the other side...
Fascia bolts into lower base of scenic boards...
The IKEA lighting crudely placed on top at present to check light levels...
Lower viewpoint trying to hide lighting...
After the turnout is completed I will do an initial wiring session and begin the control panel. The brass strips should have arrived from Eillens so then the fiddleyards can be started and maybe...just maybe, scenics started before Christmas...leaving a decent time to work on the rolling stock...
- 16
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