Capecastle 2

[Patrick Davey]

So the summer approaches and that means lots of things to normal folk….. but to someone like me it only means one thing…a new project!

Time now to get started with my long-discussed revival of Capecastle, a previous diorama version of which I built back in 2019.  Capecastle was a tiny halt on the narrow gauge Ballycastle Railway in North County Antrim, being 3 miles from the Ballycastle terminus, and sitting in an idyllic location in a small hollow at the foot of the impressive Knocklayd Mountain.  The otherwise unremarkable halt was made remarkable by the existence of a 66-yard single bore tunnel at the Ballycastle end, one of very few such structures on the entire Irish narrow gauge. 

I have a strong family connection to the line as my Great Grandfather James O’Connor was a driver on the line in its independent days, ie pre-1923, in which year it was taken over by the LMS-NCC.

The project will see a number of major changes from the previous 4mm diorama:

    •    It will be built to 5.5mm scale using 0-16.5 track (already bought!) - this combination gives the most realistic representation of the 3ft gauge of the Irish narrow gauge
    •    The project will be a working layout rather than a diorama
    •    Rolling stock will be scratchbuilt, beginning with 0-6-0st locomotive No. 2 ‘Countess of Antrim’, which will be a joint project between master locomotive builder Alan Nixon @Tullygrainey and myself
    •    It will be DCC, and will have a long narrow scenic section of 7ft x 1ft 2in

And we’re off - baseboards next!

Many thanks to all the members here who commented on my previous posts about this idea, which helped me formulate the eventual plan

 

Edited June 29 by Patrick Davey

[Tullygrainey]

No pressure then Patrick. Better get my soldering iron serviced 

[jhb171achill]

1 hour ago, Patrick Davey said:

So the summer approaches and that means lots of things to normal folk….. but to someone like me it only means one thing…a new project!

Time now to get started with my long-discussed revival of Capecastle, a previous diorama version of which I built back in 2019.  Capecastle was a tiny halt on the narrow gauge Ballycastle Railway in North County Antrim, being 3 miles from the Ballycastle terminus, and sitting in an idyllic location in a small hollow at the foot of the impressive Knocklayd Mountain.  The otherwise unremarkable halt was made remarkable by the existence of a 66-yard single bore tunnel at the Ballycastle end, one of very few such structures on the entire Irish narrow gauge. 

I have a strong family connection to the line as my Great Grandfather James O’Connor was a driver on the line in its independent days, ie pre-1923, in which year it was taken over by the LMS-NCC.

The project will see a number of major changes from the previous 4mm diorama:

    •    It will be built to 5.5mm scale using 0-16.5 track (already bought!) - this combination gives the most realistic representation of the 3ft gauge of the Irish narrow gauge
    •    The project will be a working layout rather than a diorama
    •    Rolling stock will be scratchbuilt, beginning with 0-6-0st locomotive No. 2 ‘Countess of Antrim’, which will be a joint project between master locomotive builder Alan Nixon @Tullygrainey and myself
    •    It will be DCC, and will have a long narrow scenic section of 7ft x 1ft 2in

And we’re off - baseboards next!

Many thanks to all the members here who commented on my previous posts about this idea, which helped me formulate the eventual plan

 

Wow - this will be a MOST impressive project! Will it be set in pre-NCC days?

[Patrick Davey]

13 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

Wow - this will be a MOST impressive project! Will it be set in pre-NCC days?

Yes indeed - liveries have been researched!

Edited June 29 by Patrick Davey

[Louth]

A fabulous project Patrick. Looking forward to the photos as the layout and rolling stock develop. 

[Patrick Davey]

And we’re off!!  Baseboard heaven…….

[Patrick Davey]

Tracklaying today.  This O-16.5 track seems to be easier to work with than OO gauge, even though they are essentially the same!

[jhb171achill]

This is going to be a STUNNER!

Edited Thursday at 19:52 by jhb171achill

[David Holman]

Good on you Patrick. Feel sure you will enjoy working in 7mm scale and 0n16.5 is a great way of doing it because the track is indeed easy to work with, while your obvious talents with buildings and scenery should likewise embrace the larger scale.

 Very addictive though - but I would say that!

[Patrick Davey]

7 hours ago, David Holman said:

Good on you Patrick. Feel sure you will enjoy working in 7mm scale and 0n16.5 is a great way of doing it because the track is indeed easy to work with, while your obvious talents with buildings and scenery should likewise embrace the larger scale.

 Very addictive though - but I would say that!

Very kind thanks David

All track laid

The boards to the left are the short ‘fiddle yard’ extensions. 
 

Running line to the left and limestone siding to the right. 
 

A big shout out to Alan @Tullygrainey for dropping in to sort the copper sleepers for the baseboard joints

Busy work weekend ahead, then next week it will be painting and wiring of the track to look forward to!