OVERVIEW
This layout will be the first to utilise the modular concept of Club secretary, Dave Kent. The idea is that there is a common 12ft fiddle yard together with 2 double track connecting curves to which a 12ft long scenic front section can be added to make a continuous run.
(left) Layout Track Plan
The model, ficticious, is based loosely on Kensington Olympia and Loftus Road is a through station situated on the West London Line between Willsden Junction and Clapham Junction. The time line is the late 1990's through to the present day; this will enable a great vareity of train movements. On the passenger side there are local suburban, north/south cross country services and empty Eurostar services, while on the freight side, Freightliner, aggregate, various Channel Tunnel bound services and even the odd nuclear flask. Add to this the various infrastructure trains and light engine movements, the scope is very wide.
PROGRESS TO DATE 6 April 2006
In order to avoid as many issues as possible arising during construction, a full size plan was drawn up on a 12ft long roll of brown paper. This has resulted in a slight revision to the track plan to ensure that point motor locations do not coincide with baseboard cross members.
The three 4ft x 2ft baseboards have been completed, being 4" x 1" frames with a 9mm MDF track bed, the 4" depth is required as the point motors will be of the Tortoise type. The boards will have built-in legs with the two outer boards piggy backing off the centre one, joined and aligned by Red Dog products. The team is now awaiting appropriate floor space to become available to put up the complete modular layout in order to align the entry/exit roads and begin track laying.
(left)
A few last minute adjustments. The integral legs store within the framework of the baseboard and each can be individually adjusted for height.
(right)
The centre of the three scenic boards stands on its own ready to receive the two outer sections. The curved sections of "common" curved boards can be seen in the background.
(left)
Preparing to assemble the boards.
(right)
One of the outer boards is attached to the freestanding centre board. Now all they need is a bit more space to assemble the rest of the boards.
(left)
With the fiddle yard boards and connecting radius boards already assembled, the main scenic boards are prepared for connection.
(right)
A few more adjustments.
(left)
Tightening the last bolt.
(right)
With the layout boards now completely assembled, a full size paper template is laid in order to ensure that none of the points (and the motors to be located below the boards) cross the joints. This, of course be acheived, but can lead to complications, the idea here is to keep it as simple as possible.
(left)
The fiddle yard boards are constructed with raised sides to prevent stock falling or being knocked off the track along these edges. Here a check is made to ensure that the proposed track plan with allow stock to pass freely without striking the edges.
(right)
"Seems to be alright".
(left)
All the boards have a cork underlay for the track. To make sure of minimum wastage of the cork, a paper template is first made before cutting the cork.
(right)
A final check to position points in order.
(left)
There seems to be enough track.
(right)
Because the board decks use MDF, pilot holes are drilled to accept the pins that will hold the track.
(left)
Now concentrate, one slip and you've got a sore thumb!
© 2006