LNERW1 Posted May 6 Share Posted May 6 On 28/4/2024 at 6:15 PM, Metrovik said: No progress to report, (surprise surprise) but I do have a question, Cork, how necessary is it for track underlay or is it sacrilegious to lay the track directly onto the board? Also I've been toying with the idea of making a real signal box for points and signals with the wire and tube method. Thoughts? I'd say cork is better for both easier application of trackpins, for a realistic ballast shoulder, and to dampen running noises. It's easy enough to apply as well, and I've some I could drop around to you if you want. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek Posted May 7 Share Posted May 7 On 6/5/2024 at 7:19 PM, LNERW1 said: I'd say cork is better for both easier application of trackpins, for a realistic ballast shoulder, and to dampen running noises. It's easy enough to apply as well, and I've some I could drop around to you if you want. Yes, I would agree about having the effect of a ballast shoulder (ballast- shudder!) and the deadening of sound. I just used strips of 3mm hardboard as underlay(cos I had loads of the stuff) . I know plenty on here won't agree with me , but I fix track and ballast at the same time, using double sided tape. A bit more tedious but is way quieter than ballasting with glue. Go with whatever floats your boat as far as to underlay or not. Your layout is quite short, am I right, so your locos won't be going at any great speed. So the running noise should not really be an issue. (Unless you get a noisy mac noise loco, like I just did. But that's another story) 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNERW1 Posted May 7 Share Posted May 7 Double sided tape as a solution for affixing points is a technique I've seen used before, by YouTuber That Model Railway Guy, but using it for all track and ballast is a new one, and quite smart too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabhal Luimnigh Posted May 7 Share Posted May 7 1 hour ago, derek said: Yes, I would agree about having the effect of a ballast shoulder (ballast- shudder!) and the deadening of sound. I just used strips of 3mm hardboard as underlay(cos I had loads of the stuff) . I know plenty on here won't agree with me , but I fix track and ballast at the same time, using double sided tape. A bit more tedious but is way quieter than ballasting with glue. Go with whatever floats your boat as far as to underlay or not. Your layout is quite short, am I right, so your locos won't be going at any great speed. So the running noise should not really be an issue. (Unless you get a noisy mac noise loco, like I just did. But that's another story) I thought you loved ballasting? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metrovik Posted May 19 Author Share Posted May 19 Monthly progress Report! Track laying has somewhat commenced, many thanks to @LNERW1 for the cork. What a difference it makes! track is not stuck down yet as I'm currently in the process of designing the point levers and changing mechanism for the signal box set up that will operate them (all going well!) Speaking of Signals, could people possibly help me figure out what semaphores are needed on the layout? I plan on using SSM signals (after i practice my soldering) but am not sure whether or not its possible to make them operational. I have attached an edited photo of the track noting what's what. All help is very much appreciated. Also doubt anyone noticed but i removed the tiny runround and have opted to say its "down the line" a.k.a in the fiddle yard. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayner Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 Traditionally a small Irish branch line terminus would have relatively little in the way of signalling, a Fixed Distant about 1/2 mile out a Home Signal to allow trains to run into the passenger platform and a Starting Signal to allow trains to depart from the platform into the next section. Points on passenger carrying lines are connected to a lever frame in the signal box, all other points usually hand operated. Disc-signals were used to control shunting moved to and from a passenger carrying line. Beagnach End is unusual for an Irish branchline terminus in the the loco release crossover is on a passenger carrying line, on most Irish branch terminals the loco release was located past the end of the platform and hand operated. I have drawn the diagram with the points normally set for the platform road. In full size practice facing points on a passenger carrying line were fitted with a point lock operated by a separate level, though where an "economic lock" was used point and loco could be controlled by the same level. In full size practice movements from the main-line to the yard were sometimes controlled by a hand signal, though sometimes a disc or short arm was fitted to the Home signal, likewise the signal controlling movements from the yard to the main line could be a disc or a full size signal. In colour light/power signal practice 2 aspect signals would be used in locations like this with miniature shunt signals replacing discs and points controlled by point motors either controlled from a local cabin or the CTC in Dublin 5 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metrovik Posted May 20 Author Share Posted May 20 Thank you very much @Mayner I was expecting a little help but you went above and beyond, making an actual diagram for me. Hats off to you sir. Am I right in saying I need 2 ground signals 2full sized signals ( I like them better...) on the board in the picture above? Many thanks again MV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 22 hours ago, Metrovik said: Monthly progress Report! . Also doubt anyone noticed but i removed the tiny runround and have opted to say its "down the line" a.k.a in the fiddle yard. Oh yeah, first thing I noticed. Looking better, the ol runaround was a bit on the short side ok. I look forward to your monthly updates now. Keep up the good work @Metrovik 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Holman Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 Back in the day, I believe it was common practice for an unfitted goods train to stop outside loop of a terminus station to ensure it was under control and minimise the possibility of a runaway smashing into the buffers. Not something I see done very often at exhibitions, but worth including for that extra bit of authenticity perhaps? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metrovik Posted May 21 Author Share Posted May 21 1 hour ago, David Holman said: Back in the day, I believe it was common practice for an unfitted goods train to stop outside loop of a terminus station to ensure it was under control and minimise the possibility of a runaway smashing into the buffers. Not something I see done very often at exhibitions, but worth including for that extra bit of authenticity perhaps? Sounds like a great idea, only the run round loop is not actually part of the scenic section, well I mean a little bit of it is but the majority of it is not. When things get up and running I will try it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metrovik Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 While it's not quite been a month, heres some, what seems like early Progress! The "so shiny it's blinding" roof has not gotten a lovely coat of rust, its nice to be able to look at it with the lights on now! Painting of the station has gone ahead at last in what (I hope) are close enough to GSR early CIE station colours! The concourse has been roofed and flooring added too. And finally thanks to the lads at IRM, the first prototypicalish train has arrived at Beagnach end! I've reached a bit of a creative block on how to furnish the concourse though. Any easily scratch built suggestions? 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westcorkrailway Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 I love the roof….unreal….havent read the thread but have you considered installing orange LED’s or something for a night scene 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhb171achill Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 2 hours ago, Metrovik said: Painting of the station has gone ahead at last in what (I hope) are close enough to GSR early CIE station colours! The concourse has been roofed and flooring added too. This is looking great! Love the rusted effects on the roof. Pure Wisht Caark'n'Kerry, boi.... And yes, the GSR had for a long time station paint scheme exactly like that, and it was continued by CIE until the early 1960s, when after a few experiments with red, the familiar multi-shaded greys took over to last to the 1980s. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgeconna Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 Those well tanks are lovely runners too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNERW1 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 3 hours ago, Metrovik said: I've reached a bit of a creative block on how to furnish the concourse though. Any easily scratch built suggestions? Porter's trolley- not easily scratchbuilt but passable representations can be found in the bags of small detailing pieces that come with Hornby snap-together buildings, and if you just give them a quick coat of green or brown paint they should look fine. Metcalfe makes laser-cut bench kits, with a pack of 4 available for less than a fiver IIRC. If you don't want to buy either, I have a few of each I could send you. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 Roof looks great. Coming on nicely now 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metrovik Posted June 18 Author Share Posted June 18 Everyone needs to play trains from time to time...... Don't ask how they got the car in that wagon! Spurred on by the accessories with these bullied opens, I've had the realistic but very infuriating idea to fit 3 links to my stock. I just need an uncoupler and a very steady hand. 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Holman Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 4mm scale three links can be tricky. One option is to fit a slightly larger end link. Another is to use the Smiths three links which have the latter and a more open hook. If you are happy to have wagons in semi permanent rakes, use three links between these and something else on the end of each rake and your locos. Three links look so much better, but all couplings are a compromise! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNERW1 Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 You’re a much braver man than myself. Best of luck with the three links, it’s honestly probably the only solution to my problem of something like five different types of couplings in my 00 collection, so I might try it as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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