Joe MCMLXI Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 (edited) LINE CLOSED - DUE TO HOUSE MOVE Hi, having been on RMweb for several years now, I felt it time to give a brief outline of my on going build of a layout that resides in a Garden shed - 'Slancote'. I've enjoyed reading many topics and been given loads of information and help from various members on the Forum, so its only fair to see where that sharing of knowledge has got me! The shed is only 8 x 7 and once insulated and lined is a fair bit smaller.... The layout was started with only a pencil sketch of what features I thought I would like, as, at the time my only stock was a much modified Triang Blue Pullman, a Wrenn 8F and a lot of P.O wagons I had collected ( predominantly Derbyshire / S.Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire collieries ) - so a bit of a mish-mash really! Having built some boards around the sides and made a lifting out section near the door ( the shed is in full use for Mountain bikes, snow tyres ( very useful in the HIgh Peak winter!), Mower, Strimmer, Garden tools and various other items of clutter) - I started to evolve a plan..... this was the position around 2011 ( i think ) http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/General1.jpg I was making a upper level single track circuit, with passing loop, two corner 'scenes' one, with C&HPR buildings and siding, the other with a 'Cement' theme. The lower level circuit is single track, with 3 hidden loops for storage. A connecting incline links the two. The lower level also contains the 'colliery washery' area with several sidings. http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/General2.jpg Control is by 3 Gaugemaster Panel mount controllers, a single for the Upper and a twin for the lower circuit / colliery ....... so in theory, I can have two trains circulating on upper and lower levels, leaving me with the 3rd to shunt the 'colliery' All is Code 100 Peco track and points - unfortunately to get the plan and storage loop length I wanted, I ended up using curved set-track points! Looking back now, this was a bad decision.... joe to be continued....... Edited October 8, 2022 by Joe MCMLXI 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Joe MCMLXI Posted October 6, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 6, 2014 Pt II So the layout has progressed, all the track is laid and wired, all points are solonoid operated, each with small pcb that works like a CDU, but is operated by a On - On switch. In this case, I have modified a bank of Hornby levers and kept them together, to give the feel of a signal box frame. The scenery is well on its way now, with most areas done. The biggest challenge I have is going to be the back scenes. For the lift out section I have built this; it drops onto runners and is wedged shaped, so is easy to fit in and it now looks like this; The corner for the 'Cement' scene, looks like this; I have a rake of Airfix 'Blue Circle' vans and a few Bachmann 'Blue Circle' hoppers. But still a lot of detail to add..... The corner, with two sidings for the 'C&HPR' scene, looks like this; the water tank and shed are based on photo's from books I've read. The lower circuit after crossing the viaduct, mainly runs through a 'Limestone' cutting, over the colliery juntion; colliery tothe left...... 'station to the right..... before entering the 'off scene station' - the station is still being refined, as the end of the platforms can be seen...... Also on the lower circuit, is my colliery sidings and 'washery'; the upper circuit is seen running on the embankment.... so still a long way to go..... lots of detail to add - fences, telegraph poles, yard lights etc......... joe to be continued; 20 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted October 6, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 6, 2014 You seem to have managed a lot in a relatively small space without looking too crowded. I'd love to see a plan as we are about to move & my available space is likely to be similar to what you have.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 Pt III 'Slancote' - where's that? I wanted a name that was local to me, but that was not an actual 'place', as the layout is purely fictitious, so it comes from an old farm lane that runs through the field at the back of my house. I love the charm of the old C&HPR and used to work at a factory that still had some of the rails still visible inside. I walked and cycled it many times. The old Midland main line around Bakewell was a playground for us in the Seventies, we drove various motorbikes and occasional car through the tunnels!, before they were blocked off with gates. So, I wanted to try and get a bit of everything on my layout - its definitely not for the purists! Current stock; as always too much! Freight loco's; Garratt, 9F's, 8F's, WD's G2's, 04, 01, 7F,4F's, 3F's. all Early BR emblems. Here's a few of them, where the Washery building normally sits. C&HPR; NLR 0-6-0's & 'Chopper' 2-4-0, J94's For the passengers around Slancote; Bachmann Blue Pullman and CL108 DMU's Freight wagons consist of around 130 P.O coal & mineral wagons, several GEM and D&S LNWR brake vans. So as you can see, stock and loco's from several different era's..... but I mainly just like to run freight loco's. The 'Blue Pullman' I remember seeing travelling up the Wye valley, from Coombes viaduct, all the way past the golf course and through Bakewell station.... I lived on the opposite side of the valley in Bakewell and can remember it well. I need to create a plan of the layout and then a video to put it all in context....... joe to be continued... 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePurplePrimer Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Looking forward to the video Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 Hi Rich, I will try to get a clear plan made soon, maybe a video will help link it all together as well.... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 12, 2014 Author Share Posted October 12, 2014 Having promised a video, here it is. This is the current position with the layout..... The video starts with a CL108 2-car DMU passing over the upper circuit single track viaduct on the lift out section. It meets a 4F (43842 - 9D Buxton) with a small rake of empty mineral wagons. I was fortunate to be able to buy the CL108, after the passing away of the great modeller, Dave Shakespeare, his Tetley Mills layouts was the inspiration for me to get my buildings, rolling stock and loco's weathered. Thank you Dave. As it passes into the cutting, the 'C&HPR' flavour shed can be seen - with 'Chopper' 2-4-0 58092 & CL03 D2383 - 17D Derby 'on shed'. We then see another C&HPR loco, 58850 17D Rowsley, waiting in the siding with the Inspection Saloon, above the cutting. Further round, we come to the 'Cement' corner, on the upper circuit, where J94, 68006 17D Rowsley, can be seen with a few Blue Circle PresFlow wagons, Blue Circle vans can also be seen in the loading shed. The mineral train reappears and passes through the Colliery junction ( past my recently built LNWR signal - not wired in yet, so is still showing a 'Stop') and under the girder overbridge into the 'Station' - basically the end of the platforms. I've just purchased some 'Grand Junction' LNWR station panels and intend to make a representation of some station buildings that will be viewed if you look under the bridge. We pass further round to see the colliery 'Washery', where 3F's, 43274 & 43842 both of 9D Buxton, along with J94, 68034 17D Rowsley, can be seen playing with some rakes of P.O wagons. Behind the backscene, are three storage loops for the lower circuit and also the connection to the incline that leads up to the upper circuit. The upper circuit continues on an embankment above the washery. We finally complete the circuit, the upper circuit crosses the exit from the lower circuit storage loops, on a plate girder bridge, before both cross over the valley on the stone viaducts....... still a fair way to go, I have lots of detailing now to do, yard lights, fencing and gates, walkway for the signal box etc etc...... all good fun! joe 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 Hi Joe, I like it, you have done a great job with the space, the layout looks just right, not to crowded. Great job. Craig. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 12, 2014 Author Share Posted October 12, 2014 Thanks Craig. This little vid shows one of my x-NLR 0-6-0 loco's, this was kindly built for me by Rex Ashton. Its a great runner, is very low geared and has a flywheel as well as a crew in the cab. joe 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 12, 2014 Author Share Posted October 12, 2014 Hi Mickey, I don't know the answer, maybe others may know?? He lives in Chapel-en-le-Frith, he also built the C&HPR 'Chopper' 2-4-0 tank loco I have. His webb page suggests he's been modelling for many years, so he could well be the same person. http://www.rexashton.co.uk/index.html joe 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted October 12, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 12, 2014 superb! i do love a good shed layout, so much to see in such a small space, looking forward to seeing more updates Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePurplePrimer Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 That looks great Can you tell us a bit about your lever frame please Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 Hi Rob, thanks for your interest.. the 'lever frames' are Hornby Yellow levers, but I modify them a bit internally. I had to do this because of the way I operate my point solenoids. I use std 'Black' Hornby levers for isolating sections. I have two lever frames, one for the upper circuit points, the other for the 'Colliery' area. The 'Colliery' controller panel also has (4) push buttons, to change the points ( via a Diode matrix ) for the (3) storage loops or for the incline (1) to the upper level. Each Peco point solenoid is operated by an individual CDU, built on a little bit of pcb. I found this method on the internet a few years ago, as it reduces slightly the amount of wiring - I think. It needs an ON - ON switch to operate the solenoid via the small CDU. But this means you do not have to worry about burning out a coil, that would happen if a switch contact sticks, if you use the conventional 'Momentary' contact switch. The std 'Yellow' Hornby lever gives an ON - ON action, but uses a common supply through the central pivot, the circuit I use, needs the supply from the central pivot to be kept separate from its neighbours - a bit of modification was required. these photo's should help understand what I did.... first an internal shot of a modified lever, I prefer soldered connections for the outputs, the pivot wire supply had to be soldered as well...... This then shows the interconnecting pin being cut off, to keep it isolated from its neighbours........... Basic solenoid / lever / mini CDU pcb set up I hope this is info that answers your questions..... feel free to ask many more! joe 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePurplePrimer Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Thanks Joe They look great in the video - I didn't realise they were Hornby ones at all. They didn't look as yellow in the video. Do you have a track plan we could see ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 Hi Rob, you are right, they were Yellow, but got a quick coat of Brown spray. The levers for the upper circuit are set in a Balsa wood 'floor', again sprayed Brown, Track plan ? Hmmm This is the best I have at present......... it's a bit basic! But should give a better idea of what's seen in the video. cheers joe 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Rowsley17D Posted October 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 14, 2014 Hi Joe, what a great little layout in such a small space without feeling crowded. I used to live within a stone's throw of the Ashbourne-Buxton line and the C&HPR and you are capturing the feel of it well. I would love to find a use for the Grand Junction panels but I'm firmly Midland. Perhaps a diorama of Parsley Hay one day? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stannyblade Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Looks great mate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith73 Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Great looking layout, good scenery work too. I like the lift out viaducts section great work on those Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 well, its been awhile since my last posting.... so a quick update. Still trying to finish off some brass signals, have started to fit some yard lamps in the washery sidings, I've had them awhile. so not sure what brand they are, but nicely made from brass tube etc. I've several to plant, held up by 'Blutac' so I don't damage them if caught when track cleaning etc. They're wired to tiny 2 pin plugs. so they can be removed if required. I've bought a small 12Vdc power supply to run them on. Some may notice a A4 'Mallard' in the background - a Hornby Live Steam loco I bought a couple of months ago, well thats the next project, to convert the top circuit to 'LiveSteam' control. Once that is done, I have pencilled in a possible out and back into the garden! to give it a good run..... but that's for the future... cheers joe 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allegheny1600 Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 Hi Joe, Your layout looks really good and you've captured the essence of the C&HPR really well to my eyes. Great stuff! Cheers, John E. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 End of Aug update....... The Live Steam bug is starting to bite! I have separated all the common return feeds for the upper circuit and yesterday made the first run with my Hornby LS Mallard. The train consisted of 10 x Airfix Blue Circle wagons and a GEM LNWR 6 wheel brake van. Not your normal A4 consist ! I have a small rake of Mk1 coaches, but these are currently away being weathered, so wagons it had to be. The first runs were quite successful, but the Mallard is a bit of a flyer, especially on the down hill sections. My layout is not the flatest, having a 1 in 40 up the Viaduct and a 1 in 110 down around the back of the washery..... ok for DC, but quite interesting for Live Steam control! a couple of video clips to show the action..... joe http://vid454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/LS%20shed%201st%20run%20over%20Viaduct%20V3_zpsetkcl8qb.mp4 http://vid454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/LS%20shed%201st%20run%20up%20Viaduct%20from%20outside%20good_zps0cwou1my.mp4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted December 4, 2015 Author Share Posted December 4, 2015 December update..... The postman delivered some new stock to 'Slancote', commissioned items to help raise money for the Bagnall Locomotive Group... firstly; and also; the plastic loads will have to be changed to look more realistic, but otherwise good 'local' stock for my area cheers joe 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Hi Joe, Sorry for the rash of likes, but there well deserved for a superb Layout, really well thought out and superb Videos. Well done. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 Hi Andrew, thanks for the likes. I'm always looking for ideas and info on the forum, so think it only fair I should let people know what i'm doing..... Just been reading through your 'Trewenn' thread, which is going to make an excellent extension to what is a very comprehensive layout..... the flowing curves look great. I must try to master 'MS Paint', as your layout plans really look good, far better than my 'MS Word' offering !! cheers joe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe MCMLXI Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 (edited) Heck, time flies..... so a quick update from the Peak District ..... The Hornby Live Steam bug has bit hard!.... several loco's now reside for running on the adapted top circuit. DC can still be used, as I've put in a socket, so that either system can be plugged in. Normal DC has not been forgotten, and recently, I have purchased Hornby's Q6 0-8-0 and Heljan's 02/04 2-8-0, still love the heavy freight locomotives. But back to the Live steam.... This shows 'Dwight D Eisenhower' with a small rake of MK1's ( apologies for the coach formation, something I need to study ! ) http://vid454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/2016%20DDE%20amp%20DMU%20Sept_zpsi6p3enfs.mp4 Flying Scotsman has also been seen running recently.... http://vid454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/FS%20amp%207on%20Viaduct_zpsgvskzi0y.mp4 For those with past experience of Hornbys Live Steam, who struggled with the original supplied controller, well things have moved on greatly. The 'OO Live Steam Club' have introduced a add on device ( called 'Live Drive'), to remove the several second delay, that was built into the Hornby system. It works a treat, giving instant control of the regulator..... The add on, is built into a small box, seen as the silver box, fastened to the side of the layout in this picture. Control is then from the small Black hand set that plugs in..... it totally transforms control of these loco's....control of the regulator can still be done from the original Hornby controller, but once you've tried ' Live Drive' you'll never go back! http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/tidzaboy/Garden%20Shed%20Railway/A4s%20Mallard%20and%20DDE_zps0tahiuif.jpg Its great fun and the sound and vapour trails on a cool day, certainly bring a different element to my layout..... joe Edited November 20, 2016 by Joe MCMLXI 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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