John Isherwood

Look at my face - do I care ?!? Regards, John Isherwood.

The sum is irrelevant - Dunn is a criminal and TheTurfBurner is the victim of a crime. It is not vindictive to wish to ensure that Dunn does not simply get away with fleecing his potential customers. It surprises me that you seem to sympathise with Dunn. Regards, John Isherwood.

What I think some of us fail to comprehend is the motivation for adapting Australian rolling stock to the UK rail scene. UK rolling stock was built by railway operating companies, or rolling stock builders who supplied both the home and overseas markets. For the home market, the rolling stock builders produced what suited the UK operating conditions; ie. traditional UK designs. For the overseas market, they adapted those design principles to suit the conditions in their overseas market. What you seem to be doing is adapting Australian designs to the UK market. That's fine - provided that we accept the premise that Australia is the Old World, and the UK is the New World. Unfortunately, in the reverse (real) world, it somehow just doesn't work. Sorry, John Isherwood.

I have just realised that I have not given feedback on the project - in short, it works! I have replaced the double pot with a 5K one, but decided in the end not to bother with the diodes - though I did try them. I have fitted a coiled four-core lead, terminating in a five-pin DIN plug, so that it can use the same baseboard sockets for 19V AC input, and track output, as used for the H&M Walkabouts. In operation, there is initially a time lag as the pot is rotated until the starting voltage for the individual motor is attained; then control is smooth and effective up to the maximum voltage output, after which further rotation of the pot does not increase speed. Nonetheless, the effective rotational range of the pot is more than sufficient, and could be limited by mechanical rotation stops at the lower and upper points of control. All in all, this project has been well worthwhile, and offers me a cheap and effective alternative when and if the H&M Walkabouts give up the ghost. Meanwhile, I am using the prototype controller to drive my shunting plank, and I have a stock of the electronic components necessary for production of a small batch. Regards, John Isherwood.

Phil, I think that things will move rather more slowly than that !! At the moment, the loft has a miniscule access trap, though which I only just fit; a forest of W struts and just basic chipboard flooring over its centre third. It will require a visit from either my architect brother or a roofing specialist, to advise me what can be done in the way of redesign to try and clear the central 9.5 x 3.0 area of as many struts as possible; what needs doing to the joists in order to support the proposed loading; what the flooring should comprise; where best to locate a couple of Velux windows; how best to insulate and clad the under-tile / roofing felt areas between the trusses; where and how to install a loft access facility that I will be able to use as I become more decrepit; what the power supply, lighting and heating should consist of; etc., etc. Only once all of that has been established and costed, and a decision taken as to the financial viability of that part of the project, (bearing in mind that this initial work has the potential to add value to the property), can I then move onto costing the baseboards, (with storage cupboards below); trackwork and wiring. I already have sufficient H&M Walkabouts to run the layout, and I have built and tested a prototype variable voltage regulator controller; http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/126654-adjustable-voltage-regulator-step-down-power-supply/ ; which seems to have potential; (this latter will be multiplied as insurance against the elderly Walkabouts eventually succumbing to old age). So, don't expect to see regular postings to this thread, at least in the short to medium term !! However, I now feel that I can start to visualise the 'magnum opus', rather than having just a long-held but vague ambition to see my stock collection in action through EJ. Again, thanks to all who have made such positive and helpful comment, and to those who have offered and provided research material. Regards, John Isherwood.

Quite a bit of time taken in further tweaking, and it's interesting to compare the prototype trackplan with the proposed model. Clearly, the curve through the station has been straightened somewhat, and the goods yard has been compressed in width, but it would appear otherwise that an authentic reproduction of EJ should be possible. In general, the spacing of pointwork has been maintained, and siding lengths are correct, so prototypical length trains should be able to operate. You'll see that the two legs of the prototype Y junction, at the LH end, have been brought together and curved downwards due to space considerations. I will simply assume that the main line and the branch diverge just off-stage. Fascinating and addictive stuff - and all new territory for me !! Regards, John Isherwood. PS. I have closed up the track centres of the three tracks between the platforms to match the prototype. This will require a little 'modification' of the points forming the crossover, but it will be worth it in order to achieve the visual proportions of the prototype.

I have to say that I agree - I don't think that overseas styling can ever be translated for the home market. For a start, the Stephenson loading-gauge imposes a very distinct 'narrow' impression - look at the end profiles of British and Australian stock. Australian stock is also adapted for an entirely different climate - better ventilation and the provision of shade. What you are doing is very interesting - but it still shouts 'colonial' at me; (and I don't mean that in a condescending manner). Regards, John Isherwood.

Bob, Your point (!) about using straight switches became very evident when I was overlaying digital Peco templates onto the curve. As I will be using the new bullhead items on the scenic section, 'tweaking' them to match the large radius should be no problem. Looking at the superb collection of photos which were very kindly made available to me, it is evident that the curvature at EJ was quite subtle too, when viewed from ground level. Suffice to say that the curve is now the preferred option. Thanks, all, for your input. Regards, John.

After a several hours spent moving digital track around, I have come up with a non-linear trackplan for the scenic section that will fit within the originally planned baseboards. OK - the curve is subtle, but this is a function of the shape of the available space. The end radii are slightly tighter, though not significantly so, and the originals were very generous anyway. All pointwork remains in the same relative positions - as per the prototype. I do feel that this arrangement is an improvement, and will make the depicted scene more closely resemble the prototype; thanks for the encouragement to deviate from the straight ! Also thanks to a very generous group member, I now have access to a large collection of high res. photos taken at EJ around the time of closure - these photos will be invaluable. It should be possible - if I am up to the task - to get the weeds in the correct place ! Regards, John Isherwood.

I think that he knows that - (humour)? Regards, John Isherwood.

Note that, because of the centre stabling road at EJ, track spacing is something of a moveable feast anyway. Regards, John Isherwood.

Joseph, The storage yard is non-negotiable - and garden fleece can be lowered over the stock to keep off dust whenever the layout is not being used. I already use fleece to protect my NG layout, and to keep dust out of the printers that I use to produce transfers - it works a treat. I will avoid the use of cassettes except to store any stock that cannot be accommodated on-track. I have spent the afternoon playing around with a copy of the initial trackplan, to which a 200mm. maximum width, convex curve has been added to the front edge of the scenic baseboard, within the operating area. Whilst I have come to no firm conclusions at this point, there clearly is scope to introduce a curve into the tracks through the station. I will continue to play around with this, but the deciding factor will be whether the introduction of a curve involves significant departures from the relative positions of trackwork features on the prototype. The original straight version is very close, in terms of distance, to the original, albeit straightened. Regards, John Isherwood.

When fitting the weights the first time, is it possible that some cyano got into the bearings or the drive-train? It doesn't need to have been dropped there directly - it is enough for an over-generous use in one place to evaporate into fumes, only to re-condense elsewhere; which then goes off and impairs movement / rotation without locking the whole thing solid. In your position, I'd be dropping off the coupling rods to check that the axles still rotate freely, and running the drive-train without load to check that there isn't resistance anywhere. Regards, John Isherwood.

Phil, There is much merit in what you suggest - the end radii are currently 1100mm. (43"). I'd like to keep the stock storage on-track if at all possible - at least as far as the 'prototypical' stock is concerned. I'd like to be able to go up to the loft and run trains with the minimum of fuss. The idea of a convex baseboard edge had not occurred to me, and it may be possible to make this change without affecting the storage area. It could be incorporated by projecting it forward, above the central portion of the intended supporting structure / storage cupboards. In fact, it would create an overhang below which it could be possible to locate the control panel for the scenic area tracks. There is a LOT of development work to do yet, but the curve through the station is something I'd like to incorporate, if it can be done without having toy-train overhangs on the curves at each end of the layout. Regards, John Isherwood.

Andrew, My operating space would be 1200mm. wide (approx 4ft.). However, within that space I will need to have a generously wide loft ladder / access hatch. The sizeable items that will need to be taken into the loft, plus age / mobility considerations as I get older, incline me to keep the central area quite spacious, so that it can be used as a work area during baseboard construction. I don't want to be backwards and forwards between the garage and the loft! The bottom line is that I need a running environment for my stock collection. If it can evoke the spirit of EJ, and operate a sequence something akin to the prototype if I so choose, I'll be more than pleased. The finished layout will be pretty much for my eyes, and those of the family only; if it looks a bit 'train-setty', I can live with that. The trackplan above is very much an exercise in establishing how much of EJ can be reproduced using standard Peco products. It may well turn out that I could introduce a curve through the station - though at the expense of tighter radii at each end. Nothing is set in stone; when and if the baseboards are in-situ, I will be able to tell if there is scope for tweaking the trackplan to give somethin more 'sweeping'. Meanwhile I play around with coloured rectangles, representing locos and trains, on the digital trackplan in order to get a feel of what the storage and siding areas can cope with. Not the same as driving the real thing, but it does give a feel for how the layout might operate. Regards, John Isherwood.

BR allocated them Diagram 1/351. Regards, John Isherwood.

Mundane, but characterful - the containers :- CONTAINER STOCKLIST ORIGIN TYPE DESCRIPTION / LOAD DIAGRAM NUMBER BR A SMALL COVERED, 4T. 3/001 A 186B BR A SMALL COVERED, 4T. 3/001 A1498B BR B LARGE COVERED, 4T, PLYWOOD 3/049 B ? B KIT BR B LARGE COVERED, 4T, PLYWOOD 3/049 B ? B KIT BR BD LARGE COVERED, 4T, M/BOARD 3/050 BD49356B KIT BR BD LARGE COVERED, 4T, M/BOARD 3/052 BD5246B BR BA LARGE COVERED, 10T, ALUMIN 3/075 BA4326B KIT BR BC LARGE COVERED, 4T, M/BOARD 3/100 B ? B KIT BR BM LARGE VENTILATED, 4T,(MEAT) 3/150 BM ? B KIT BR FM LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (MEAT) 3/201 FM13076B BR FM LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (MEAT) 3/201 FM13158B BR F LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (EGG BOXES) 3/202 F 12899B KIT BR AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/250 AF16048B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/251 AFU16092B BR AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/252 AF16400B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU16302B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU16320B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU16327B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU16430B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU16457B BR AFU SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 3/253 AFU65178B BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE 3/256 AFP66352B BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE 3/256 AFP66357B BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE 3/256 AFP66368B BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE 3/256 AFP66370B BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE (FIBREGLASS) 3/257 AFP16495B KIT BR AFP MEDIUM REFRIGERATED, 4T, BIRDS EYE (FIBREGLASS) 3/257 AFP16496B KIT BR AFX SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3.5T. 3/300 AFX16512B BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L ? B KIT BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L17253B BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L17423B BR L SMALL MINERAL HOPPER, 4T. 3/450 L17429B BR S SMALL SUNDRIES, 3T. 3/660 S95018B BR S SMALL SUNDRIES, 3T. 3/660 S95213B GWR AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. AF4 AF3051W GWR BK LARGE COVERED, 4T. BK2 BK1829W GWR BK LARGE COVERED, 4T. BK2 BK1847W GWR BK LARGE COVERED, 4T. BK2 BK1850W GWR BK LARGE COVERED, 4T. BK2 BK1869W KIT GWR BP LARGE COVERED, 1.5T. BP1 BP1723W GWR BP LARGE COVERED, 1.5T. BP1 BP1724W KIT GWR BP LARGE COVERED, 1.5T. BP1 BP1726W KIT LMS A SMALL COVERED, 3T, PLYWOOD 18 A2264M LMS A SMALL COVERED, 3T, M/BOARD 19 A2298M LMS BD LARGE COVERED, 4T, M/BOARD 63 BD1814M LMS BD LARGE COVERED, 4T, M/BOARD 66 BD3198M LMS BM LARGE VENTILATED, 4T,(MEAT) 152 BM ? M KIT LMS BR LARGE INSUL/VENT, 4T,(MEAT) 176 BR ? M KIT LMS FM LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (MEAT) 207 FM872M LMS AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 227 AF7M B734575 LMS AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 227 AF9M B734576 LMS DX LARGE OPEN, 4T. 333 DX788M LNER FM LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (MEAT) 15 FM28E LNER FM LARGE INSULATED, 4T, (MEAT) 15 FM30E LNER DX LARGE OPEN, 4T. 32 DX645E LNER AF SMALL REFRIGERATED, 3T. 227 (LMS) AF2046E Regards, John Isherwood.

I don't disagree - but if I am to retain a comfortable operating well - where two operators can pass - and also accommodate the station / yard trackwork together with the storage yard (which is a prerequisite) - it's straights I'm afraid. ..... unless you can show me how? Regards, John Isherwood.

No, Bob, I don't have them. It astonishes me every time I see evidence that RMweb members, with no acquaintance with the OP whatsoever, are so generous with their time, knowledge and property. My new thread today, (created mainly due to our cat, Shadow, being ill; and me consequently not being motivated to concentrate on modelling), has been a perfect demonstration of the open-heartedness of this group. Thanks to you all, John Isherwood.

Larry, Strictly, according to the thread title, 1961 - but I can't leave out the last of the S&DJR Johnson 0-4-4Ts can I? (Craftsman kit, not the forthcoming RTR). Regards, John Isherwood.

Michael, I'm sure that you're correct - but, apart from a 6' x 3' Hornby Dublo 3-rail trainset that lived beneath my teenage bed, and an even smaller North Wales NG (4mm. scale) layout, this will be my first, and last, layout. I know what I am (reasonably) good at; I haven't tried track-building, (and have no great desire to learn at my age); and I don't expect to have enough years left in me to build EJ, including the track, and have time to enjoy it. There's loads of stock left 'to do' - as the above stocklists show - and I enjoy stockbuilding. OK, straight is boring, but I have limited width compared to length; and stock storage is paramount. I only have myself to please, and it'll do for me. 10100 has no place on the S&DJR - but it WILL appear, and I look forward to the challenge of building it. When you're 21, you have your lifetime ahead of you and you can dream of building everything - but you haven't the money to do it. When you're 68, you may have the money, and space, but you realise that you've probably only got one shot at building your ideal. If you want to have time to play with it, and enjoy the building process, you might as well concentrate on doing yourself the bits that give you satisfaction, and buy-in the bits that don't really worry you. Curvature is only a straight line messed-about with - (there speaks a civil engineer-as-was)! Regards, John Isherwood.

Phil, All contributions gratefully received !! I have all of Ivo's books and films of the S&DJR, so it's just down to finding the research time to compile more authentic rakes. I did (once) visit Bath Green Park station, to meet my Dad off a Bournemouth train, but I never travelled on or visited any other part of the S&DJR. Regards, John Isherwood.

Dave, I'm afraid that all track will be as near billiard-table horizontal as I can achieve - I have read too many horror stories associated with gradients on layouts! Nonetheless, a little contour-juggling outside the trackbeds may still allow the model to look less than fen-like! Regards, John Isherwood.

I most definitely won't be building track - there's more than enough for one person here, without learning an entirely new discipline. Peco will - in time I trust - produce all that I will need. I want to build an environment within which I can look at and run my stock - I'm not after a meticulous reproduction of every molehill around the station. If it is possible to run a (near) prototypical sequence of (near) prototypical trains - that'll do me !! I am fortunate to have a comprehensive library of S&DJR books and a considerable collection of railway photos, taken in the environs of EJ station, so it should be possible to recreate something that looks the part. Regards, John Isherwood. That's terrible - I hadn't realised that it was gone! Regards, John Isherwood.

Stock is from any and all sources - ancient Hornby Dublo, Tri-ang and Trix bodies, (detailed and rechassised), via every type and make of kit you can think of, to off-the-shelf RTR where it is of sufficient accuracy and quality. The designation 'KIT' in my stocklists can indicate a full kit, down to a few suitable castings / etches, with wheels and couplings, to assist with scratchbuilding; (I use Peco / Hornby Dublo couplings exclusively). If this project ever comes to fruition, running sessions will be either prototypical movements in sequence, with water stops compulsory; or roundy-roundy (non-stopping) trains whilst the operator indulges in yard shunting - as the mood takes !! Regards, John Isherwood.