Commons Crossing Micro Layout

[Celtic_transport]

Hi All, Some of you may remember my previous post on here about my "Moathill PWD" layout, which was based on a stub of the former Navan to Kingscourt line. Unfortunately due to a number of factors I had to dismantle it and start from scratch (again). That layout isn't dead in the water however, as I plan to incorporate both it and this new layout into a much larger project in the future.

This new layout is based on the level crossing on the Commons road in Navan. My dad used to bring me there when I was a child in the mornings on my way to school, where we would catch the morning tara mines train passing through. It's my first memory of real life railway goings on, and brings back many fond memories.

The layout is even smaller than Moathill, at 4ft x 1ft with only a 2x1 scenic section, however there will be 2ft fiddle yard extensions either end, to allow more accurate trains to pass through. It will be set between 1964 and 2009, allowing me to run gypsum, Taras, per way, and a collection of liveries and different locos. I plan on using dcc to add to the atmosphere, and I'm also researching about converting my existing stock to 21mm gauge, to make it as accurate as possible.

baseboard is complete, next is track laying! Thanks for tuning in.

[Celtic_transport]

Cork Laid! Track is slightly askew as im on the hunt for 21mm track bases! 124 waiting patiently for her driver to open the gates on her way to kingscourt light engine.

[dropshort105]

Oh, I know that crossing well, I'm really looking forward to seeing this one.

[west_clare_wanderer]

Very nice. You've made a good start with what looks like a well made baseboard. That photo of 006 really whets the appetite! 

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this. 

On 31/7/2026 at 5:25 PM, Celtic_transport said:

I'm also researching about converting my existing stock to 21mm gauge, to make it as accurate as possible.

Someone else will be along with far more knowledge and skill to give some assistance (like @Mol_PMB or @Horsetan!!), but as I understand some of the IRM rolling stock is easier than others to convert. I seem to recall that the earlier gypsum/ballast hoppers are a little trickier. But don't take any advice from a bodger like me! I'm sure the experts on here will be able to guide you. Good luck!

 

 

Edited August 1 by west_clare_wanderer

[Celtic_transport]

Working out viewing angles today as i continue my research into 21mm gauge. Unsure as to which side i should put the back scene on, any help would be greatly appreciated.

124+134 double head a short per way train from Kingscourt bound for Drogheda.

[DoctorPan]

Looks promising! What is the source of the cottage? 

[Celtic_transport]

7 minutes ago, DoctorPan said:

Looks promising! What is the source of the cottage? 

https://www.petitepropertiesltd.com/new-railway/1-76th-oo-gauge.html
 

bought off this website over 2 years ago. Its not going to be on the final layout, as the actual cottage is different, just using it for reference:)

[west_clare_wanderer]

2 hours ago, Celtic_transport said:

https://www.petitepropertiesltd.com/new-railway/1-76th-oo-gauge.html
 

bought off this website over 2 years ago. Its not going to be on the final layout, as the actual cottage is different, just using it for reference:)

Thanks! I was going to ask exactly the same question. 

7 hours ago, Celtic_transport said:

Unsure as to which side i should put the back scene on, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Personally, I like the second option. It looks more natural. 

[Celtic_transport]

I agree, the only reason I had the other one initially was because me and my Dad would stand at the gateway of the cottage while a mines train rumbled through, shame its no longer an occurrence.

[Mayner]

On 1/8/2026 at 7:09 AM, Celtic_transport said:

Cork Laid! Track is slightly askew as im on the hunt for 21mm track bases! 124 waiting patiently for her driver to open the gates on her way to kingscourt light engine.

 

21mm gauge.

To a degree laying plain track is the simplest part in modelling the Irish Broad Gauge, re-gauging stock and adding pointwork is the more challenging part as it involves making a decision on track and wheel standards.

I understand that Rob R has produced 3D printed plain track bases, other options include assembling 21mm trackwork using individual components such as C&L https://www.marcway.net/point.php system using plastic based chairs and sleepers, or rail and copperclad sleepers such as Markway Models https://www.marcway.net/point.php who will also produce custom track and pointwork to the customers requirements. David "The Colonel" comissioned Markway to produce Irish 5'3" gauge track & pointwork for his 7mm Arigna exhibition layout.

While Murphy Models and IRM have produced locos and stock that may be re-gauged to 21mm gauge, a prospective broad gauge modeller has to make a decision at an early stage on wheel and track clearances, basically whether to re-gauge the model with the existing (MM, IRM) wheels or adopt a finer OO/EM or P4 profile wheels.  The choice of wheel profile affects wheel back to back (B-B) gauge and running clearances through points.

Traditionally 21mm gauge modellers used B-B gauges of 19.5 and 19.3mm with OO/EM profile wheels. (Tim Cramer wrote about using 19.5mm with Romford/Jackson wheels during the early 70s, TMD supplied a 19.5mm B-B gaauge and 12mm track gauges during the 1980s, a 19.3mm B-B appears to be derived from EM standards. 

Brendan8065 on this board has re-gauged IRM stock to 21mm gauge using the existing wheels with the B-B set to 19mm, the B-B has to be considered in setting running clearances in designing and assembling pointwork.

In the absence of a published standard for 21mm gauge trackwork using the NMRA 110 profile wheelsets used in models produced by IRM/Accurascale, it should be feasible to use the Double O Gauge Association Intermediate Standards https://doubleogauge.com/intermediate-track/ to work out a standard for 21mm gauge track suitable for stock using 110 profile wheelsets.

Locos.

I regauged a 1st generation MM 141 using the existing wheels on new axles, but re-gauged wheelsets fouled bogie sideframes, ordered 21mm gauge Ultrascale wheelsets for to re-gauge remaining MM 141 &071s, haven't gotten round to re-gauging MM 121s or IRM 001s. Possibly would need to replace axles and wheelsets.

OO eye level bullhead or low profile OO track.

The gauge difference tends to be less noticeable when viewed from eye level possibly Peco Bullhead track used on the Navan-Kingscourt section mid 80s onwards.?

[Brendan8056]

Thanks to Mayner for mentioning me, fame at last!

As it is a micro layout you should also consider photo opportunities. View 2 is better,perhaps move the track and crossing back a bit further towards the planned backscene,that will give a better depth of field so pictures will be easier to get in focus.

 

I did a micro layout/diorama some years ago, and took photos. In this case the track was c&l with Das for the road and level crossing. Size wise it is less than A3 paper size. I really should repaint the rail side crossing gate markers, as I found out since the marking was incorrect.

That cottage you already have is very convincing and nicely built.