GNRi1959

Progress on Omagh Goods Yard is starting to take shape with the basic contours formed and track laid, though not pinned yet. The different levels give it a feeling of depth and this is something I haven't tried before, the results are pleasing. Long way to go yet but I'm taking my time and really enjoying the progress so far.

Rich Here is the rear view, the other side is similar

The lower end of Omagh North Cabin featured a plate girder bridge that carried the road over the railway. The girders were supported by a standard cut stone wall and curved abutments that were back-filled with soil. Does anyone have any details or dimensions for such structures that were pretty much very common on the GNRi

Thanks for the card IRM, which I received this morning. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, here is a nice print of Omagh South Cabin by David Briggs. Merry Christmas all.

Colin, Have a look at Finntown Railway, might give you some ideas....... http://fintownrailway.com

Suddenly everything seems to have taken a backward step. I've the baseboards embankments formed giving me three different land levels and these are painted with a brown earthy colour prior to landscaping. However, the shed is in a mess with materials, cuttings, white plaster bandage dust and paint. I don't do 'untidy' - so I am going to have to do a big clean up before I start laying track. In my minds eye, I can see a real bonus by forming the embankments though.

My apologies friends, I am only seeing these replies today. I normally get notifications but I don't know what happened. Thanks for the tips!

This is why I decided to build a layout that was NOT permanently fixed inside my shed. If I have to abandon the shed I can carry the layout out too!

These remedies are all fine but most garden sheds, including mine, came pre-built. So unless you are willing to remove the bottom TG&V boards you will have to look at other solutions. Forming an apron with flags around is one, placing a PVC land drain around the base of the shed is another and thank god I also have the shelter provided by a big maple tree that forms some shelter.

One way of combatting the splash of soil is to install a concrete flag around the perimeter of the shed. I have been able to do this one all sides except one and it works. The rear end of the shed is close to a tree and from time to time I run a small hand brush over the surface to clear the dusty soil deposit. I am considering fitting a clear perspex strip to the lower base of the shed here to protect it.

Dave, haven't used this material before and was quite impressed at how flexible it was. I added water resistant wood glue to the baseboard where the bandage made contact with the ply to increase adhesion. I plan on 3-4 layers, if thats enough before brushing over a diluted PVA mix to seal before painting.

First layer of plaster bandage applied this afternoon, starting to take shape

Yes, David it is intended to give support, thanks

Cut some formers from ply for my embankments, thought it was worth doing while I wait for my plaster bandage to arrive. This adds a sound foundation for the embankments. Maybe a bit OTT.........

John, your comments are welcome. Yes, the track is just sitting there and I will make sure everything works before fixing - thats why it is taking so long.

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Finally completed the baseboards and roadway leading to the place where Scotts drew loose grain below the track level in Omagh. I also fashioned the approach to the cattle dock. Awaiting some plaster bandage now, all track just sitting loosely.......

Would anyone know the 4mm scale size of a standard UTA or similar double-decker bus? I need this to establish the height of a retaining wall I am working on?

Here is the final part of my baseboards that I wanted to include. Its the raised roadway above and behind the Goods Store. Traffic came in from the road above and drove downhill to the rear of the track work. Here there was access for Scotts Excelsior to reverse their lorries into position and take off meal from wagons above. In early days this was loose grain and in latter years bagged grain and meal was taken off closed vans and loaded onto lorries below. Big question - 3mm cork or not? I have it already in storage.....

Posting removed due to errors in promotional flyer - will repost when corrected

Noel, John and David - these are excellent examples and I am much the wiser for it. Doing it this way gives more depth to the layout.You will start to understand why I have had so many false starts- I've learned the hard way and just got up and started again. I think I need to complete the back scene before I start my embankments as I have some embankments against the back scene.

Whats the best method of forming an embankment between two levels of ply? I like the look of the paris plaster rolls - whats your choice?

Cut my plywood baseboards this afternoon to form my embankment along the North Cabin. In this very area my grandfather had a nissan hut which was his permanent way store, he was the foreman ganger. Beside him was the Carpenters store which was occupied by Billy Caldwell. Joe McGrew, the shunter had names for all the sidings - and he still remembers how many wagons they could hold - Middle Road (42) - Convent Siding (16) - Cattle Beach (19) - Down Road (18) - Up Straight 12) - Outside Road (12) - Derry Siding (26) - The Gullet (20)

John, post 1955 that gable was removed after strong winds lifted the roof. The gable was lowered considerably and re-covered in corrugated sheets

David, I have sliced the footprint diagonally to save space and it's still huge. I'll keep my thinking cap on.......