BCN-Pete
Western Thunderer
Good evening,
Here's an introduction to my latest project in 2mmFS, an extract of Thurso Scotland. The idea was originally conceived some 6 years ago as an addition to Kyle, not neccasarily to allow through running (as the lines weren't connected) but to balance each other and give two differing terminus scenarios. The original sketches show this as another box file layout:
And a mock up was built in 1mm white card as this:
However, this was shelved and only resurrected recently having exhibited Kyle twice this year and realising that small layouts can draw a lot of interest as well as be be fun to build. The idea is to build it as a stand alone layout by connecting onto the other end of the Kyle Fiddleyard but working within the same criteria to allow eventual exhibiting as a whole. Some of the rolling stock will be used however the locos will be selected to match those that visited Thurso. Initial sketches a few weeks ago looked at three options before I decided option 3 was the most interesting and would be a good counterpoint to Kyle:
Options 1 and 2 would also have meant they had the same view point as Kyle and as such could not clip onto the other end of the Fiddle yard, hence option 3 being favoured. I also decided to drop the bay platform as the first mock up was too crammed with track. With this in mind and having had last week off work for half term with the family, I gave myself a day to make a 1:1 mock up to test the idea:
I
Overall I was happy with the mock up and I can use it to test further ideas including uncoupling positions, the back scene, lighting etc. My youngest son felt uncomfortable with the view into the train shed so I added the other side of the roof this weekend which has improved this:
It also allows views into the train shed through the side, which will be a transparent glass wall, the roof light and the end.
Fraser also questioned the side letterbox viewing slot so I am contemplating removing this and continuing the surrounding border as per Kyle which will also show more of the train shed:
Lastly, some thoughts on the back scene which has changed over the years - I might try something that Richard (Ben Alder) has used on his 4mm layouts to photograph some rolling stock and set this against a background. This may help portray the yard too:
That's about where I am at present - turnout kits have been ordered and I will start the baseboards as soon as I can.
Comments welcome as per always,
Thanks, Pete
Here's an introduction to my latest project in 2mmFS, an extract of Thurso Scotland. The idea was originally conceived some 6 years ago as an addition to Kyle, not neccasarily to allow through running (as the lines weren't connected) but to balance each other and give two differing terminus scenarios. The original sketches show this as another box file layout:
And a mock up was built in 1mm white card as this:
However, this was shelved and only resurrected recently having exhibited Kyle twice this year and realising that small layouts can draw a lot of interest as well as be be fun to build. The idea is to build it as a stand alone layout by connecting onto the other end of the Kyle Fiddleyard but working within the same criteria to allow eventual exhibiting as a whole. Some of the rolling stock will be used however the locos will be selected to match those that visited Thurso. Initial sketches a few weeks ago looked at three options before I decided option 3 was the most interesting and would be a good counterpoint to Kyle:
Options 1 and 2 would also have meant they had the same view point as Kyle and as such could not clip onto the other end of the Fiddle yard, hence option 3 being favoured. I also decided to drop the bay platform as the first mock up was too crammed with track. With this in mind and having had last week off work for half term with the family, I gave myself a day to make a 1:1 mock up to test the idea:
I
Overall I was happy with the mock up and I can use it to test further ideas including uncoupling positions, the back scene, lighting etc. My youngest son felt uncomfortable with the view into the train shed so I added the other side of the roof this weekend which has improved this:
It also allows views into the train shed through the side, which will be a transparent glass wall, the roof light and the end.
Fraser also questioned the side letterbox viewing slot so I am contemplating removing this and continuing the surrounding border as per Kyle which will also show more of the train shed:
Lastly, some thoughts on the back scene which has changed over the years - I might try something that Richard (Ben Alder) has used on his 4mm layouts to photograph some rolling stock and set this against a background. This may help portray the yard too:
That's about where I am at present - turnout kits have been ordered and I will start the baseboards as soon as I can.
Comments welcome as per always,
Thanks, Pete
It was a toss up between Wick and Thurso which are both very modelable but Thurso won on track layout I recall...
