4mm Micro layout

[Tim Hale]

This is likely to be both a boring and tedious tale, it has already taken almost a year to get not very far but here goes.
The layout consists of two SMS baseboards the largest is stored in a RUB 77ltr box.
I need a simple scenic photo and demo plank, a very simple trackplan of a wye turnout with two sidings, nothing more.
It must be easily portable and that means lightweight yet robust. The diorama is a self-contained board from SMS BB017 (1102 x 250 x 221mm) and an extension board SMS BB033 for a storage track and a coffee mug .

​

Finally, some progress, the turnout is installed and wired whilst the mousehole to the second board has been cut.

​

This is the storage, the 'outside world' board

Not sure of the exact direction, it started as small pottery but that has since been abandoned, so any plausible ideas are on the table. We have no clue as to a theme that has not been ‘done to death’ already however something non-rural or too twee.

The sidings a micro layout in Dorset

 

[Joe's Garage]

Nice take on your signature theme......very encouraging for us who just procrastinate about the next project.

A light railway theme in Dorset?

Thanks

Julian

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

A spur to military sidings? I have some unused details and a Ruston would be appropriate, the total length of hidden siding is just a Peco loco lift. Just two wagons plus 48DS or similar.

Something similar to Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppy - where a spur served the RNAS station.

 

[Joe's Garage]

Very interesting concept BR, I like the military connection especially WW1. Many years ago I managed to borrow a copy of the massive book written by Selwyn Pratt in the early 20s entitled British railways in the Great War, fascinating reading as it detailed all the railways' work during this conflict. I think some reprints of sections have been done such as the LNWR.
Now you know why I procrastinate about the next project! Too many distractions.
All the best Julian

 

[David Hall]

Julian,

To make matters worse, the entire tale is utter tosh but it sounds plausible enough.

BR

Don't worry about that man! You've created a fantantastic back story, which I completely believable and realistic. Even if you hadn't, it's your trainset, so you have full reign to do whatever you like. This type of creativity and alternative history is one of the the fantastic elements of our hobby. Certainly one of my favourite aspects.

Thanks to Chris, a bit of a rethink of the trackplan away from a simple inglenook into something that utilises more of the available space. Not too many options are available on such narrow boards but it has potential. A bit of reworking is needed to this rough sketch.

View attachment 150759

I love the concept, the portability and design of the layout. That latest track plan is really nice. I love an inglenook, but introducing a loop will always increase the potential.

It looks prototypical and realistic. Not over-cluttered, but plenty of operational interest. I think it's important not to try to pack too much in to a small space - I think this is the right balance. I also like the fact that nothing is parallel to the baseboard edge. Again that gentle flow is very realistic.

Just my random thoughts but I'm liking where this is heading.

Dave

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

It will receive light weathering (remember, this is the army) a pair of canvas curtains, Kadees and a pair of unit crests. The latter are going to be fun to source, maybe someone can suggest something suitable or ship’s crest might suffice.

I'd try searching 1/76 and 1/72 decals produced for military modellers e.g.Milicast Model Company :: Decals (1/76-1/72)

 

[steve50]

Look forward to seeing the layout Tim, that pub would make an interesting view blocker.

 

[Joe's Garage]

Hi Tim, your mention of Colin’s boxfile layout strikes a little acorn with me. A similar model in 1\32 scale would still be only 36” long! I have a Brassworks 03 just need a few wagons! Too many ideas not enough time!
Mine would be a small yard off the Weymouth Tramway, purely fictional but very tempting!
Cheers
Julian

 

[steve50]

Some progress rather than waffle, the SMS baseboards went together with only a modicum of foul language.
The HO track cleaning wagon provides some context to the claim that the entire ‘layout’ is no more than a diorama.

View attachment 161729
The next image is unlikely to be repeated, the glued joint between the two boards in curing and the water bottle provides some much needed pressure where a G-clamp is inappropriate.

View attachment 161730​

It is utterly intentional that a Peco code 100 3-way is used, it saves a vital 50mm over the code 75 version but joining the Peco BH will be interesting.

Finally, the discovery of Scalescenes Industrial box file is a revelation, I wanted to replicate a tiny corner of the gasworks in St. Marys and this will do nicely.

View attachment 161731​

That boxfile is very nice, the addition of the warehouse on the left is a nice idea as well.

 

[steve50]

Sorry to hear your news Tim, could you still build the layout as a test piece without the plan of exhibiting?

 

[Tim Hale]

Hi,

I don’t need another layout but I do need a DCC programming/test track that I can use as a photo plank.

This is the existing WIP

Thanks

 

[oldravendale]

Hi Tim.

If you can wait a bit (we are in the midst of some extensive building works which means the workshop is not accessible at the moment) I'll be more than happy to cut the Scale Scenes stuff out for you and send you back a kit of parts.

If that may be some help let me have a PM and we'll be able to sort something out between us.

Brian

 

[Focalplane]

I thought this photo might be of interest. Taken in the late 1960s just inside the Docks

https://flic.kr/p/a3cQM

 

[Focalplane]

Sorry about that, it is now public.

 

[2996 Victor]

Hi Tim,
So sorry to hear about the health issues, not much I can say, but wishing you all the best.
The Hornby Terrier looks very cute in its black coat and with the early BR lettering - excellent choice, if I may say so, and the PECO pavilion is going together beautifully.
Incidentally, you might like to consider Roket Card Glue - I use it for paper, card, laser-cut MDF, the lot. It bonds fairly quickly but not immediately (thankfully!) and its pretty strong. I'd recommend it for kits like this.
Cheers,
Mark

 

[Tim Hale]

Unfortunately the Rocket card glue dispenser tube gave up the ghost despite cleaning it each time after use and I resorted to the Ultra Glue from Ammo applied in best Blue Peter style in the shape of a cocktail stick.

Now, one of the snags with ultra smalls, is getting off the main stage to the awaiting wings, the usual methods are trees, tunnels and bridges but I like this.

Courtesy of Dr Allan​

Tim

 

[2996 Victor]

Unfortunately the Rocket card glue dispenser tube gave up the ghost despite cleaning it each time after use and I resorted to the Ultra Glue from Ammo applied in best Blue Peter style in the shape of a cocktail stick.

Yes, I can understand that - it can be a bit mucky.....

Now, one of the snags with ultra smalls, is getting off the main stage to the awaiting wings, the usual methods are trees, tunnels and bridges but I like this.

Great pic and exactly the kind of line I love - the Welshpool & Llanfair in Welshpool had some great road crossings.

Tunnels and bridges can sometimes look a bit contrived, but if the layout is viewed at near eye level, buildings work perfectly fine.

The low-relief buildings are excellent. Have you seen Fair Price Models' products? (No connection, etc!). They make good bases for semi-scratch buildings.

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

All the best,
Mark

 

[daifly]

I am feeling a wee bit smug as these type of buildings were only too common in small ports and I plan to re-purpose the shop as a chandlers. Shades of Newhaven West, Shoreham or Portslade........I suppose an upturned boat wouldn't come amiss?

A similar 'between the buildings' fiddleyard exit, and that IS a chandlers on the right! Swansea 1949. Photographer unknown.

Dave

 

[Tim Hale]

Some images of White Swan yard, they are included in order to explain that there was a ‘tower’ behind the pub, which still stands although the rest of the area has been redeveloped for a grand new road scheme. However the White Swan is now a thriving gastro-pub. There was short-lived blog about a proposed P4 layout based on the location, just four posts before it was abandoned.

​

​

 

[2996 Victor]

Great work on the pavilion, it's looking really good! Looking forward to seeing it in it's grey paintwork.

White Swan yard looks fascinating. I love the gated entrance and the grass-grown track.

All the best,
Mark