Wemyss, Fife* EM 1980s

[steve1]

* Working title.

Fellow ERFG member Jeff Taylor (aka Tappa) and I were chatting at DEMU Showcase and he mentioned he was thinking of disposing of his EM DVLR layout. Then I mentioned that I’d been contemplating a new EM layout for some time.

To cut a long story short, we arranged that Jeff would strip off his buildings and most of the scenery and I would take the boards, with the track and electrics still in place. It’s DC, which suits me perfectly.

The layout will be set in Fife, somewhere around East & West Wemyss but taking in elements and inspiration from other places locally, Cameron Bridge in particular.

Attached are pics of the boards I’m working with. Progress will be slow, so don’t expect quick updates!

steve

 

[steve1]

Starting on a few mock-ups. The thing at the f/yard opening is a potential footbridge between embankments.

steve

 

[D6356]

I think you are starting from a good place. I get hints and tones of grey class 26s and grubby 08, with overtones of a decaying network. MOD wagons, oil, speedlink feeders Nuc flask reversing perhaps, inspection train or Branchlines society dmu tour in Strathclyde 101 for a tasty finish. Have fun regardless
Robert

 

[steve1]

Dug out some EM stock I had hidden away. Yes, the Dock Shunter has been converted, with an Ultrascale set.

steve

 

[steve1]

In further news…

This suggestion was made to me by a well known layout designer and classic car enthusiast.

The line would terminate some way before the baseboard join and would be raised, at height still to be decided. It would be there to indicate the presence of an off board paper mill, thereby giving extra traffic and an excuse for run round moves. Would have a separate electrical feed too.

Hmmm…

steve

 

[steve1]

Second iteration of additional siding idea. Very likely to be adopted. Will still stop short of board join.

steve

 

[steve1]

Maybe the soldering won’t win any awards, but it works. It needs the extra length as I will be using longer wagons and locos than the original version.

steve

 

[steve1]

As the layout in its previous iteration sat on legs, the controller socket(s) were set underneath. This time it will be on a stand, so I have moved them to the side of the baseboard. Next job will be relocating the board to board electrical connections similarly.



steve

 

[steve1]

The arrival of a bag of EM Gibsons from CM3 Models has led to a small frenzy of rewheeling existing OO wagons ready for the new layout.

So far, a small rake of PW vehicles has been changed, see below. The Trouts were easy but the Shark is a real pain. The axle boxes are particularly stiff and the new wheels will need to come out again so I can use theTruck Tuner to loosen up the bearing surfaces, as it doesn’t roll at all.

steve

 

[MartinWales]

If you're still having hassle with the Shark Steve, please let me know-I may be able to help...

 

[steve1]

Have been working on these. Abandoned the Trout(!) and will look for an alternative in my existing stock.

steve

 

[JasonBz]

Could I ask as to the dimensions of this project?
It looks to be about 6 x 1 foot, but its hard to tell....

 

[steve1]

Could I ask as to the dimensions of this project?
It looks to be about 6 x 1 foot, but its hard to tell....

It’s (nominally) 8ft x 1ft.

steve

 

[steve1]

Started on some placemakers for Wemyss. This is for space between the tracks on r/h side when viewing. It will be brick and concrete when built.

 

[MartinWales]

Did you sort the Shark out Steve?

 

[steve1]

Did you sort the Shark out Steve?

No. I’m intending to convert a different brake.

steve

 

[MartinWales]

Still available...!

 

[steve1]

After advice from fellow ERFG member @Rippers on location, I have started on the process of adding an extra road towards the rear of the ‘first’ board. The hole was (very!) roughly hacked out this afternoon and a length of track placed to give an idea of how it will look. Still lots to do but if I don’t start…

In other news, I am progressing with the upgrading of the Lima 37 that will run on the layout, in a retro style. Southern Finecast Flushglaze has now been added and, after a root around in the “Drawer Of Useful Bits”, suitable detailing parts have been found to take things forward. More news as and when.

steve

 

[steve1]

A surprise burst of activity has led to the foam being laid yesterday, with the track following today.

steve