4mm The Somersetshire Coal Canal at Wellow

[Tim V]

Thought I would bring my layout to this forum. Basically, I'm representing the plateway at Wellow, the fore-runner of the S&D that bought the Radstock arm of the canal.

 

[Tim V]

Cottages would be thatched in this period (1826), so some rough mockups seen here.

 

[Ian N]

Cottages would be thatched in this period (1826), so some rough mockups seen here.View attachment 181514

Those are rough mock-ups???
In colour!
I’m doing something wrong………..

looking forward to future progress

Ian

 

[Tim V]

Made on the computer - stuck onto card.

 

[Herb Garden]

Tim,

This seems like a really interesting project I look forward to seeing more

Herbie

 

[Bonky]

Interesting! I had a house in Wellow for 15 years.

Here's my (old) website: Index/HomePage

Richard

 

[Tim V]

Interesting! I had a house in Wellow for 15 years.

Here's my (old) website: Index/HomePage

Richard

I remember that website!

 

[Tim V]

No Templot here. In fact there is little information on the pointwork of plateways, so I've had to make educated guesses. I've just rebuilt this point, it was too sharp, caused problems. Left hand running (as on the road in the UK) was normal on plateways, so I've made the points automatic, the train will pass on the left hand loop.

 

[Jordan]

What's the rail? [ - section channel, or suchlike?

 

[Tim V]

PECO code 100 laid on its side. The upright is correct height, but it's over-width.

 

[Tim V]

A piece of genuine rail from the plateway for comparison.

 

[Jim Read]

Hello Tim,

Brilliant stuff using C100 really great to see how you've done it especially the point. Back in the day (as they say) they would have gone for the simplest solution, they always work the best and can be fixed by the local Blacksmith.

Cheers - J

 

[Tim V]

Currently I'm working on the engine. A locomotive was tried on the plateway in 1826, which sets the date (conveniently). The basis was a Dapol small prairie chassis, with new wheels. I've stuck a Stephensons Rocket body on to give me a starting point. The chimney will have to fold. An early picture of it here. I'm working on an 0-4-0 tender design.

 

[Tim V]

A bit of work has been done on the loco, it now has outside cylinders and coupling rods. You can see the flangeless wheels, the flange being on the rail.

 

[Tim V]

After a lot of procrastination, finally got the layout support done, and the board is now up at the right height. The other board is down below.

 

[2996 Victor]

Great stuff, Tim - I remember the genesis of this project being on "the other place" - you're certainly moving forward with what is shaping up to be a show-stopper of a layout. Using PECO rail on its side is genius, but I must admit I'm having trouble working out how the switch "blades" work.

Looking forward to seeing more progress.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Tim V]

Thanks for the comments, yes, the early phase of the layout was in another place.

There are no 'switch blades', but I've had to put a bit of wire in to 'direct' the train into the correct road. It is all 'low tech'!

 

[2996 Victor]

Ah, I see - I wondered if there were pivoting plates, a bit like a stub point. And low tech works best for me

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Tim V]

Progress, some brown paint slapped down, it is beginning to come together. Just got to stick down some vegetation.

 

[Tim V]

Trying out the drapes and the proscenium arch covers.