A Nice Little S7 Layout
- Thread starter Dan Randall
- Start date
Chuffer
Active Member
You'll probably think I'm bonkers but after studying the layout in between weathering jobs, I decided I needed to rethink bits of it and am now in the process of taking up some of the track and relaying/simplifying it in a different configuration. The loco shed, which I really couldn't justify at such a small rural through station, has been removed (anyone need one?) and I'm now working out how best to make it look more likely and less contrived.
Of course this means changing the track plan, laying and rewiring the track, relocating or removing some of the signalling/pointwork/point motors, redoing the control panel - just a few of the self inflicted problems when having a fictional 'in the style of' layout rather than replicating a prototype location.
More photos once I've sorted it all out.
Of course this means changing the track plan, laying and rewiring the track, relocating or removing some of the signalling/pointwork/point motors, redoing the control panel - just a few of the self inflicted problems when having a fictional 'in the style of' layout rather than replicating a prototype location.
More photos once I've sorted it all out.
Chuffer
Active Member
I have reluctantly accepted defeat. 
Despite my best attempts to resolve the running issues encountered with the steel rail tarnishing and rusting within hours of running, I finally concluded the project would have to be abandoned. I debated replacing all the steel rail with hi-nickel as this can't rust but removing the steel rail without permanent damage to the track work simply wasn't possible and I'd have to make replacement turnouts as well as plain track work. I'd essentially be starting from scratch once more with blank boards.
Although my workshop (converted garage) is heated, double glazed and insulated, there has always been a slight dampness of atmosphere issue in the winter months and any steel tools stored therein can develop a faint rust haze if not used for a while. I don't like to admit defeat but after many months of random attempts at resolving things, I decided to abandon the model and it is no more.
Ironically , Julian originally intended breaking up the layout to make way for a new project and I've ended up doing the same. I've rescued all buildings, signals, point motors - anything I felt could be used again but the track work was removed, boards were dismantled and taken to the local recycling centre. I still have the support legs as they can be used for the next project, whatever it may be, and the seventeen foot long printed banner back scene has been rolled up and stored for future use. LED lighting and tubular steel supports are also reusable of course.
So that's the sorry end of a rather long and protracted tale, but hopefully I have learned much in the process and my next project will bring a more positive outcome.
Despite my best attempts to resolve the running issues encountered with the steel rail tarnishing and rusting within hours of running, I finally concluded the project would have to be abandoned. I debated replacing all the steel rail with hi-nickel as this can't rust but removing the steel rail without permanent damage to the track work simply wasn't possible and I'd have to make replacement turnouts as well as plain track work. I'd essentially be starting from scratch once more with blank boards.Although my workshop (converted garage) is heated, double glazed and insulated, there has always been a slight dampness of atmosphere issue in the winter months and any steel tools stored therein can develop a faint rust haze if not used for a while. I don't like to admit defeat but after many months of random attempts at resolving things, I decided to abandon the model and it is no more.
Ironically , Julian originally intended breaking up the layout to make way for a new project and I've ended up doing the same. I've rescued all buildings, signals, point motors - anything I felt could be used again but the track work was removed, boards were dismantled and taken to the local recycling centre. I still have the support legs as they can be used for the next project, whatever it may be, and the seventeen foot long printed banner back scene has been rolled up and stored for future use. LED lighting and tubular steel supports are also reusable of course.
So that's the sorry end of a rather long and protracted tale, but hopefully I have learned much in the process and my next project will bring a more positive outcome.
Dan Randall
Western Thunderer
That's a great shame Martyn, but I'm sure you'll bounce back and wow everybody with a new project in the near future.
(Dapol's Gloucester & Pressed Steel single car DMUs ought to be hitting the shelves soon....
).
Regards
Dan
(Dapol's Gloucester & Pressed Steel single car DMUs ought to be hitting the shelves soon....
).Regards
Dan
Eastsidepilot
Western Thunderer
Look forward to the next project Martyn 
Col.
Col.
Chuffer
Active Member
Thanks folks for your kind thoughts. I'm busily doodling plans and trawling through books searching for inspiration and hope to get stuck into a replacement project soon. I like the idea of manually operated turnouts and signals that could eliminate some of the electrical complications encountered in the past. Sparking bits aren't really my area of expertise and sometimes reverting to mechanically operated systems instead can be quite rewarding.
I'm pondering a simple WR single track branch with small halt in the middle of nowhere with a siding or perhaps a passing loop just so I can sit and watch the occasional train trundle by. Fiddle yard each end. A level crossing would certainly be a feature as I've always found these fascinating - no idea why.
Ancillary as well as on board sounds will help create the atmosphere of a sleepy line in its last days of operation - still a bit obsessed with overgrown or derelict track work. Would you believe I did once seriously consider building a disused railway but figured that was maybe taking things a step too far. Could have been a tad boring to operate too! No electrics to worry about, though . . .
An alternative would be an industrial themed project as I'd previously started planning one of these, based upon some interesting waterside industrial buildings at Street in Somerset that I photographed many years ago. Could be a blending of both ideas, we'll have to wait and see what develops.
I'm pondering a simple WR single track branch with small halt in the middle of nowhere with a siding or perhaps a passing loop just so I can sit and watch the occasional train trundle by. Fiddle yard each end. A level crossing would certainly be a feature as I've always found these fascinating - no idea why.
Ancillary as well as on board sounds will help create the atmosphere of a sleepy line in its last days of operation - still a bit obsessed with overgrown or derelict track work. Would you believe I did once seriously consider building a disused railway but figured that was maybe taking things a step too far. Could have been a tad boring to operate too! No electrics to worry about, though . . .
An alternative would be an industrial themed project as I'd previously started planning one of these, based upon some interesting waterside industrial buildings at Street in Somerset that I photographed many years ago. Could be a blending of both ideas, we'll have to wait and see what develops.
Dan Randall
Western Thunderer
Would you believe I did once seriously consider building a disused railway but figured that was maybe taking things a step too far. Could have been a tad boring to operate too! No electrics to worry about, though . . .
In that case, perhaps you may have been a little hasty in scrapping Flexford? All you had to do was remove the stock, blat it with a bit more static grass and let those troublesome rails carry on rusting away...
Regards
Dan
Osgood
Western Thunderer
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7mmMick
Western Thunderer
Just catching up here Martyn and sorry to hear about the layout’s demise. I completely understand though, I remember being totally sold on steel rail when I visited West Mersea HQ and saw it on use there. The layout was housed in Peter’s lounge so initially it was fine. Until he had a small leak and one small area of track got wet and from then on it always furred up with rust, much more so than the remainder surprisingly. This and hearing your troubles has definitely put me off steel rail for life! Although it still looks better than Nickel IMHO. Look forward to seeing your next project
Mick
Mick
Yes sorry to hear this news but I understand why. The replacement layout I started post Wyebridge had steel rail that worked fine and was clean for a while but when the rust gets a grip then you are in trouble - for me a lack of ventilation seemed to be a contributory factor especially when the layout was put into store for a short while. I have also changed to Hi Nickel Silver rail for current projects.
Julian R.
Julian R.
simond
Western Thunderer
Several years ago I had a conversation on RMW with Martyn (3-link) and others about the risks of building track with steel rails, particularly living within a (fairly ambitious) stone’s throw of the English Channel. With some reluctance, I accepted the wisdom of not doing so, and having heard this tale of woe from t’other Martyn, I’m very grateful for the advice that I received!
Sorry to hear of the issues.
Roll double six, pass GO, collect a new mojo...
Best
Simon
Sorry to hear of the issues.
Roll double six, pass GO, collect a new mojo...
Best
Simon
Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
Why not? There's plenty of layouts at Shows that purport to depict a working railway, yet nothing moves on them...
Coat, hat - gone already...
Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
Just refreshing my memory on this thread and came across this pearl of wisdom from our late Guv.After some scientific researchit became evident that nobody actually cares about sub forums etc and just use the Recent messages button so you are not alone
I wish they'd stuck to such simplicity on the latest version of RMweb.!!
Chuffer
Active Member
Just catching up here Martyn and sorry to hear about the layout’s demise. I completely understand though, I remember being totally sold on steel rail when I visited West Mersea HQ and saw it on use there. The layout was housed in Peter’s lounge so initially it was fine. Until he had a small leak and one small area of track got wet and from then on it always furred up with rust, much more so than the remainder surprisingly. This and hearing your troubles has definitely put me off steel rail for life! Although it still looks better than Nickel IMHO. Look forward to seeing your next project
Mick
I agree that steel certainly looks better than the earlier nickel silver - the latter would always develop a yellow tint after a while that made it look like brass rather than steel. However the newer hi-nickel looks a lot closer to steel and should take gunblue fluids more readily as well as solder.
I think if the layout could have been kept in the house, the dampness problems wouldn't have occurred, but that was never going to be a possibility.
Chuffer
Active Member
Hi Julian,
Sorry to have had to give up on the development of Wyebridge, which must be disappointing for you to hear too. I think we've all learned lessons along the way, which is a positive outcome and at least we can press on with new projects knowing which pitfalls to avoid next time.
How's your current layout developing?
Chuffer
Active Member
I experimented with a small section of the rail and found quite the opposite. Each of the Birchwood Casey fluids I use (Steel, Brass, Aluminum - US spelling) has a blackening effect to a lesser or greater degree. I also use very expensive stainless steel blackening fluid and that certainly works on it.
Of course you've got me doubting myself now so I'll double check tomorrow just to make sure I've got that right and come back to you.