Model railways

[drivesafe]

Hi Folks, one of my interests is model railways and in two different gauges ( sizes ).

I have always had standard HO gauge trains and I also have G gauge or Garden Railway models.

Not only are they hobbies but both these gauges have relevance to this form.

In both HO and G gauge, there are two main types of indoor layouts, fixed size and this usually means permanently fixed in place or the layout has some means of storing it, such as folding it up against a wall or the likes.

The other type, which is gaining in popularity, is the modular type where the layout is comprised of separate detachable modules.

These modules can be in a set form so that they always fit together in the same configuration and can be separated for more convenient storage or they can be modules based on a set size and shape that allow different numbers of modules to be arranged into different layout configurations.

This last type of module set-up is very popular with model railway clubs, particularly in the USA. They allow each member to create their module(s) and bring it ( them ) along to a weekly or monthly meeting and combine them with other club member’s modules to create one huge layout. This type of modular set up also means that these clubs no longer need a dedicated meeting location and can take their modular set-ups on the road f required.

These modules are all based around a set seized timber frame and this would be an ideal thread for suggestions on how to go about making these module so they are both ridged and transportable.

The last type of layout is the garden railway outdoor layout and this is now gaining a huge following in a number of countries and although it is a lot slower in taking off here, it is happening.

Outdoor garden railways can have interests based in a large number of different types of areas and is getting a big following with joint husband and wife participation combined interests because of these different areas of interest that a single layout can require.

For example, there is obviously the rail side and garden side of it but there is also the track side buildings that have many garden railway stores in the USA that also carry a large range of dolls house equipment.

The other large area of interest that comes with garden railway layouts is the requirement for bridges, bridges of all shapes and sizes, of both wood and metal construction.

Anyway, this is just a suggested thread.

This picture gives you an idea of the different sizes of these two gauges, the larger is G gauge ( or 1/29 scale )

http://www.traxide.com.au/railpics/mr2.jpg

[Big Shed]

G'day Drivesafe and welcome to the forum.

Did you build these model trains? If so, what a great job, if not what fantastic looking models anyway!

I am not in to model trains, either indoors or outdoors, but I notice that there quite a few model train magazines on the news stands these days, even a few specialising in garden railways!

I would have thought with all that interest in model trains there would already be some forums, either in Oz or OS, that cater for this interest?

[Ashes]

I'd support a model train thread.

My new shed has a 4m x 3.6m room sectioned off for a N guage layout.

Nice models:2tsup:

[jow104]

Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

The best layout I have seen in my travels around the world are at a museum named Pendon museum.

http://www.pendonmuseum.com/index.jsp

which I am sure you would enjoy.

There are railway enthusiasts here on this forum also.

[drivesafe]

G'day Drivesafe and welcome to the forum.

Did you build these model trains? If so, what a great job, if not what fantastic looking models anyway!

If only I had the skills to do that sort of work.

The larger model is an Aristocraft Alco FA3 and the small one is an Athearn HO model of an Alco PA1.

I have heaps of rolling stock but my carpentry skills do not exist and tis is why I posted the idea to get some info on how to go about building a modular style layout.

I have tried twice to build wood frame work for a layout, the first was so flimsy I couldn’t really use it and the second attempt, this time trying a modular type framework ended up as a total overkill with the two modules being quite ridged but so heavy that 15 years later, both are still in use as workshop benches.

[drivesafe]

My new shed has a 4m x 3.6m room sectioned off for a N guage layout.

While I do have some N scale and like it, I had to make a decision on what scale to concentrate on but still ended up with two.

[drivesafe]

Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Thats sacrilege, you have to get it up and running.

Thanks for that link, I hope to get to the UK one day and that looks interesting.

[Gra]

I have tried twice to build wood frame work for a layout, the first was so flimsy I couldn’t really use it and the second attempt, this time trying a modular type framework ended up as a total overkill with the two modules being quite ridged but so heavy that 15 years later, both are still in use as workshop benches.


From what I can gather (I just got my first OO set:U:U) The usual method is one sheet of MDF at least 6MM think. Edge with 19MM stock, about 200MM wide (with the 19mm facing up), and with batterns running underneath to stiffen (again 19MM stock. The bonus of using 200MM wide stock to edge is that you can attatch the legs to it easily. Can be done using but joints (or mitres if you want it to look fancy) so easy to construct and you can pick up all the supplies from Bunnings if you desire.

[drivesafe]

Hi Gra, I have some articles on framework BUT they're all from USA rail mags so the timber is unfamiliar to me.

As posted, carpentry is not one of my skills.

Cheers and thanks for the timber sizes, I just need to work out a convenient module size ( long way off yet ).

[bpj1968]

Have a look at some table tennis tables for ideas. I'm not sure what you think would be a good size for a panel, but a common off eth shelf size would be the way to go.
I would say 90 x 19 would be enough for the framing maybe even 42 x 19, although that might flex too much. Then make 2 long trestle legs, That would save having to mount the legs on the table itself. and would aloow it to sit on top of large tables (table tennis tables?)

[drivesafe]

Hi Brian, not a bad idea.

I’m trying to track down what size the yanks use. I think they have a set size to make all modules compatible.

I think it’s something like 2 foot by 6 foot and they even have a specific location for the position of the track at each end of each module.

I’m looking back through some of my Yankee model rail mags to see if I can find the exact measurements.

I’ve had a look for relevant info here but can’t find anything.

Maybe someone out there knows of an Australian module standard?

[Chesand]

Hi Brian, not a bad idea.

I’m trying to track down what size the yanks use. I think they have a set size to make all modules compatible.

I think it’s something like 2 foot by 6 foot and they even have a specific location for the position of the track at each end of each module.

I’m looking back through some of my Yankee model rail mags to see if I can find the exact measurements.

I’ve had a look for relevant info here but can’t find anything.

Maybe someone out there knows of an Australian module standard?

I do not know of any standard but many model railway clubs have modular set-ups where members can mix and match.
Suggest you check out Australian Model Railway Magazine which contains adverts for all the model shops where you should be able to get books or magazine to help you. Most of them do mail order if you need it.
Train Hobby in Brighton, Vic has probably the largest selection of books on the subject. You can look them up on the web where you should find their complete list.
Kalmach used to publish books on model railway baseboard construction but am not sure whether they are still available
Hope that helps

[Chesand]

[QUOTE=jow104;916406]Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Hi Woody

I too have the Hornby Zero 1 system which is still going strong.
An enthusiast here built a booster for many of us. This increased the power and reliability.

[jow104]

[QUOTE=jow104;916406]Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Hi Woody

I too have the Hornby Zero 1 system which is still going strong.
An enthusiast here built a booster for many of us. This increased the power and reliability.


Yes the Hornby Zero 1 is still been run in the UK by enthusiasts but my problem it is also down to my eyesight, older age has meant that I cannot see small things at close range, therefore wiring up of chips and doing the mechanical servicing is over the top for me personally. But I am still quite happy to look at my layout which over the years just grew and grew.

[drivesafe]

OK folks, the link below is to the NMRA ( National Model Railroad Association ) web site and to the Module Standards web page.

I’m going to have a go at using their specs to develop my own module sizes.

Any suggestions, as pre timber sizes and the like, are welcome.


http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html

[dhgomm]

Hi everyone,
I have a 8' x 4' HO layout, I made it as 3 sections that slide together using Jarrah L shape channels under 12 mm chipboard ( no other framework ). :U

The middle 4.25' x 4' deep section locates ( dowels on underside ) on a custom mobile wooden trolley with two removable runners that support all 3 sections, the two ends simply slide into matching Jarrah L shape channels underneath the centre section. :cool:

Removable pin hinges are used to lock each section togeather, and the electrical connections are made of mains insulated terminal strip ( the male half of the connection has short lengths of brass tubing as pins screwed into place - you screw your wires into the outer row of holes on both strips ) that slide together as you slide the end sections into the main section. :2tsup:

I have a 1' 6'' high 1/16'' ply backboard ( supported with 1/4'' hardwood verticals, and a top runner on the back ) on 3 sides of my layout. :)

I have predominately American rolling stock and scenery, with British backdrops ( I have American rolling stock because Life-like, an American company, makes cheap reasonable quality rolling stock and scenery, but British backdrops because that is all the local model shops sell ). :!

I have added custom electrics / electronics to my layout and rolling stock, such as building and street lighting, working electric boom gates with flashing signals, automatic switching working signals, red flasher on caboose, yellow flasher on roof of diesel locos, diesel sound effects on board ( Dick Smith kit ), I do not use the new DCC systems at present ( they are still out of my price range ), I make do with home made controllers and manual track switching etc. on my custom control panel. :happyb:

I have now moved house 2 times ( with the entire layout ), and I can tell you that the centre section at just 4.25' x 4' deep is just managable to move by one strong person, I would not recommend any module size bigger than this, unless you have 2 or more helpers on call. :B

Since building my layout I joined AMRA ( Australian Model Railway Association - WA branch in Bayswater ), and learned a few things, they use pine ( 19mm x 42mm arranged in 1' square frames with either 9mm MDF or 4mm ply bases under each layout is common, ) for all their framing and legs, many are made in easy to transport and reassemble custom sections to enable displays other than at the clubrooms, Their main website is http://www.amra.asn.au/ - they have one for each state branch linked from this site too. :D

I hope this is helpfull to you with your proposed modular layout. :U

[drivesafe]

Hi dhgomm and thanks for all that great info and I have a question for you.

How do you join the tracks between the modules, do you join them or get them to line up.

I’m still kicking ideas around but they are starting to get some shape.

I’m thinking of making the modules up based on just two shapes, 2’ by 6’ straight modules and 4’ by 4’ L shaped corner modules.

I want to be able to use them in Domino type operations and so I am thinking about down the road, of making a T module to allow give me the ability to have junction operations.

Anyway, a long way to go yet.

[dhgomm]

Hi Drivesafe,
I just place the track so it butts up against the track on the next module, there are no track joins involved ( if you dont have a track joint at the junction of your modules, simply cut the track there with either mini cutters or a fine toothed razor saw ). You do need to make electrical connections to each section of track ( on both modules ). :cool:

The removable pins hinges ( if removable pin hinges are too big, just make your own removable pins, and remove the fixed pins from standard hinges ), fixed to the sides of your module framing, guarantee horizontal and vertical allignment of your modules, which is needed to align the tracks that just butt together at the joins of your modules. :U

From the number and positions of your modules it sounds like the layout you are planning will be about 'club layout' size, or larger. Are you going to start off small and then expand as needed ?, or build most, or all of the modules at more or less the same time ?. :2tsup:

[drivesafe]

Thanks again David, I’m going to build just two modules at first.

1 corner and 1 straight to see if all works out, then I’ll build enough for a loop ( Total of 6 or 8 modules ) and just take it form there.

At this stage, I’m not planning on having any scenery because I want to use both side of each module. One side for HO and the other for G, while I test everything out.

Cheers, Tim.

[dhgomm]

Hi Drivesafe,
That is certainly the most original track plan I ever heard of, but then modeling is all about being original ( and having original problems occasionally ). :D

How do you plan to prevent damage to the 'HO' track, when on the underside of your 'G' scale railway ( as 'G' scale trains can be quite heavy ) ?. :!

Laying track only will make it an expensive 'Train Set', to truly call it a 'layout' ( as I thought you might be making ), you need scale scenery as well ( this is what clubs will tell you anyway ). :)

Sometimes what you plan, just keeps on growing, and before you know it, you may want to build a dedicated 'HO layout', or you might just prefer the 'G' scale and plant a garden around it to imitate the scenery. :;

Whatever you decide, now or in the future, have lots of fun. :U

[drivesafe]

Hi David, the plan is to see how both gauges work in a modular type set up and then down the road I will remove the G Scale track and then put not only scenery but probably add some working features such as sidings and such to the HO.

My initial set up is intended more to get trains running, in both scales, as I have been collecting the HO for nearly 40 years, the G scale for about 25 years and much of my gear has never seen a track, so it’s about time.

[dhgomm]

Hi Drivesafe,
That is a long time to collect model trains, and not run them. :U

My track is waiting for me to finish upgrading the track wiring, to match the new control panel improvements I made about 3 years ago. :!

My trains have not been run for the last 3 years due to other interests, and illness taking precidence, as happens to all of us at times. :)

[drivesafe]

Hi David, and to anyone reading this thread and contemplating building a modular type layout, there is a very interesting article about building lightweight modules, in the current edition of Model Railroader magazine.

As I have posted, I intend to use both side of my modules, so this lightweight version doesn’t lend itself to what I want to do, but none the less, it looks like a great idea.

[drivesafe]

BTW, thats the April 2009 edition of Model Railroader.

Page 48 for those of you who are going to do some speed reading at your local newsagents.

[drivesafe]

Hi folks, and going by the VIEW count, there is obviously some interest in model rail so as I’m taking some time to get my act together as far as the posting up the progress with my module goes or isn’t going, how about some of you posting up some pictures of your own layouts or just pictures of some of your favourite rail models?

[AUSSIE]

Hi folks, and going by the VIEW count, there is obviously some interest in model rail so as I’m taking some time to get my act together as far as the posting up the progress with my module goes or isn’t going, how about some of you posting up some pictures of your own layouts or just pictures of some of your favourite rail models?
Need more of you rail guys to vote see HERE (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=98049)
At top of page is a poll. Trying to get us away from a sub section off toys.
Vote NO if you want a forum to ourselves or yes if you want us hiden under a toy sub forum

[dhgomm]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry, I missed the forum poll, I have been sick and only just done a fresh install of my OS, and been able to access the internet and e-mails again, for the first time in at least two weeks ( and this forum for the first time in at least three weeks - due to problems with my computer - it may have been longer ! ). :B

Model trains, and other scale models that you have to build ( or even have to first make the parts for ) are definitely not "toys". :no:

"Toys" are generally puchased from shops, ready to use ( may require batteries etc. first ) are generally much less detailed than "scale models", and are intended for young children to play with. :~

I don't think there is a scale modeller anywhere that would disagree with my definitions, so I don't think this forum should be a subforum, or any part, of any "toys" forum. :2tsup:

[Michael_Bike]

Good evening, After a considerable time away from modelling the bug has resurfaced.

I am getting together the material to have a go at the T-Trak idea in N gauge. Smallish modules constructed of 6mm mdf with clearly defined specifications allowing for interconnection with other modules.

Anyone wanting to put their toe in the modelling water might like to search the T-Trak specs and have a look. Lots of good information available online and the people who have had a go at T-Trak are very willing to share their knowledge.:cool:

[jow104]

If I returned to modelling railway I would go P4 and just a small country platform scene, no running,more like a diorama.

[drivesafe]

Good evening, After a considerable time away from modelling the bug has resurfaced.

I am getting together the material to have a go at the T-Trak idea in N gauge. Smallish modules constructed of 6mm mdf with clearly defined specifications allowing for interconnection with other modules.

Anyone wanting to put their toe in the modelling water might like to search the T-Trak specs and have a look. Lots of good information available online and the people who have had a go at T-Trak are very willing to share their knowledge.:cool:

Hi Michael, do you have a link to any info relating to T-Trak module dimensions?

[drivesafe]

I should have done a Google first.

The link below will take anyone to some good info on HO T-Trak module.

http://users.picknowl.com.au/~austnscale/austtrak-ho.htm

[Harrison]

Hi every one i have a ho scale lay out but have pulled it apart to start again(had no senery anyway). now the chipboard i was using seems too small now and dont have the room for a permament set up. sugestions would be apreciated.

Any one whant some ideas for a layout or just want to look at what i call a great Australian suburban lay out i suggest going to this blokes website http://www.summerfieldrailway.com/ he has a great layout.

i am also interested in purchasing a set of melbounes Hitachi EMU's. These are my favorite trains after the Harris series. dose any one know were to get them from.

Suggetions apreceated.
Harrison:2tsup:

[drivesafe]

OK folks, I’ve just about sorted out what I want to make and have some spare time coming up at Christmas.

Just need to track down some specific nuts.

I don’t know what their correct name would be but they are used in things like DIY cupboards and office furniture.

These are the type that you drill a hole and then push a bolt through the hole to the nut and tighten the bolt up. As the bolt tightened up, the nut is pulled into the hole and fixed in place. You can then remove the bolt and replace the bolt as many times as you need.

Any suggestions where I might be able to get something like this.

Cheers

BTW, Harrison, that's a great layout.

[snowyskiesau]

What you're looking for sound like either tee-nuts (http://elraco.com.au/index.php?cPath=11_334_341) or captive nuts (http://elraco.com.au/index.php?cPath=11_334_339).

[drivesafe]

Thank you very much, the TEE NUTs are the exact nuts I’m looking for.

Thanks again Geoff.

[drivesafe]

Hi folks, I’ve made the first TEST module and all seems well so I am about to start making a few modules at a time to see what works and so on.

I’ll post up some pics when I start the production run and details of the module sizes, note though, these sizes are to meet my own needs and will probably not suit other but may lead you to other ideas.

Anyway thanks for the help so far and keep it coming.

Below is a link to a Melbourne based Ntrak club that I found in the latest Model Railroader mag ( USA ) and there are some good shots of the modules including a set of modules that, where the first and last modules conform to the N module standard but the interim modules make up their own non conforming lay out.

Well worth the look.

MelbNTrak Melbourne Australia (http://www.melbntrak.com/index.html)

[drivesafe]

Hi folks and my apologies but my model railway ambitions are well and truly on hold.

I am so snow under with orders that I’ll have to leave the layout construction on hold for the next few months.

If anyone else is making up a layout, please feel free to post up details in the thread, to keep everybody's interest going.

[Expat]

Here you go drivesafe.....
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0001.jpg
This is module number 1 going together as it sits on my mitre saw table...... which is what I should be working on finishing but what the hey!
Naturally it's an N-Scale layout that will make it's home in our basement. Essentially it's a shelf layout but I'm building much of it as modules that I can work on from all sides so I'm not impeded by the rest of the scenery and track when I'm detailing something.
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0002.jpg
This is the plan for Shelf B. Each shelf will be 20'8" long with 3' depth available at the left end and 4' at the right end for loops and such. The left end will house the helix's bringing consists up from Shelf A (staging) through Shelf B and finally Shelf C.
A single main line comes up from A to B but it's a double main from B to C.
Module 1 is the lightly shaded area (8' x 10") while Module 2 (8' x 15") is waiting to be started. All the modules will be built on 1/2" ply and the framing is being built from 2x fir that I'm milling to 11/4"x31/4". Each frame section will be 32" long - for 16"OC wall studs - and up to 30" deep. I intend to use a cleat system to hang them as well as cantilevers back to the studs for support. The whole idea is to make it relatively easy to break everything down and move it should that be necessary.
Woodland Scenics sub-terrain system is being used to support elevation changes but for larger areas I'll have ply panels in place for support such as the yard on Shelf B which is mostly module 2 and 2" above module 1's base panel. 2% is the maximum grade I plan to run anywhere on the layout.
While the scenery will be based on the SW USA and the main road will be the AT&SF/BNSF I'm not sticking rigidly to prototype modelling. I've already started making my own road decals for a ficticious branch called the Brisbane Southern Railway and many of the place names on the layout will be familiar to Southsiders like me.

Oh and while I'm doing this I'm also building a much simpler layout for my girls featuring - who else!? - Thomas and friends.

[jow104]

Nice looking work, show us the finished layout one day.

[drivesafe]

Good stuff Expat and don’t forget to show us some local real train shots

[Expat]

Good stuff Expat and don’t forget to show us some local real train shots
Many of the shots would be a bit boring seeing as the major industry in and around Oshawa is the GM plant down by Lake Ontario. We have CP and CN lines serving the plant so lots and lots of autoracks. Not sure what grade the CP hump line over Hwy 401 is but it must be close to 4% on the plant side! There are a bunch of GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota plants in Southern Ontario so you see lots of very long auto trains. Via Rail shares the CN line all the way to Montreal and the GO train ends in Oshawa also on the CN side of the highway. We don't see any Ontario Northern around here but you see the occasional SOO or StL loco hooked up to a CP consist every now and again. Still I'll see what I can do for you. I miss seeing the red and silver war bonnets around Denver and Colo Springs.

I'm thinking about adding a small branch into the center of the loop at the right end of the shelf to serve a couple of industries. Not sure how or what yet. Maybe I'll do two spurs - one inside the loop and another outside? That end comes out from the wall 4' and I'm not taking up much of that real estate.

[Expat]

Okay I'm dumb....... I can turn around here at my desk and look at the right rear corner of where the layout will go and I completely overlooked the bulkhead in that corner! So I had to revise the design.
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0003.jpg
The good thing about doing that was I added the 2 spurs I was talking about. I've decided one will be the Maleny Dairy Company and the other Crestmead Furniture. The big yard will be the Holland Park Yards and I added a loco service spur as well.
I found that going to Y switches in a couple of places made things a lot smoother so all in all the redo has worked out okay. Module 1 is now ready for plaster and some shaping. Module 2 will be worked on in earnest after the weekend once I pick up a bunch more flex, switches, section track and roadbed. I think I need another 40 or more sets of powered rail joiners too so the soldering iron will get a workout in between the woodworking that needs finishing!

[Expat]

Got an email from Ted asking if I could post a larger image of the track plan for Shelf B so more of the detail could be seen. Well there are limits to how large an image you an post on these forums although if I could figure out how to do it I suppose I could just attach it. Anyway this will do for now. Oh and module 1 is just waiting for plaster now. All the track is laid and wiring run. Got it stored away ready for scenery and assembly.
So from left to right on the shelf:
Module-4 - 5' x 3'
http://www.sppss.com/trains/module-4.jpg
Module 2 - 8' x 15"
http://www.sppss.com/trains/module-2.jpg
Module 1 - shaded area only - 8' x 10"
http://www.sppss.com/trains/module_1.jpg
Module 3 - largest module for this shelf - 8' x 4'
http://www.sppss.com/trains/module-3.jpg
Told you there were going to be place names on this layout that people would recognise! The lines on the plans are 10"x10" to give you an idea of the size of the shelf and each module. Overall it's 20'8" long and I can use 3' at the left end and 4' at the right end along the walls.
Now I can get working on module 2 - the Holland Park Yard and Loco Service although I think the most fun will be module 3 because of the industries and the many main, branch and spur lines plus all the changes in elevation of those lines.
Oh and if you're wondering what the red lines are across some of the rails those are the electrical breaks for the DCC blocks.
Main line on this shelf is 41' which is a not too shabby for what is a fairly simple run.

[Expat]

I was thinking I have some photos from laying the roadbed and track for Module 1 on Shelf B that I haven't put up here so I made some time between my usual work and here they are.
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0005.jpg
That's the last of WS risers and 2% inclines in place. I've cut all the roadbed now it's time to attach it all.
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0006.jpg
Only a little more gluing of roadbed to do here. I had to use up the 2' pieces I had laying around before switching to the rolls. I'll sand the joins like I do the foam. You might note a slight overhang on the right side of the tall riser. That's because the roadbed is straight but the risers aren't and that was as close as I could get them. No matter. I start my scenery using wadded newsprint soaked in diluted glue. Then I apply strips of plaster cloth once I have a basic shape and go from there so that overhang will be long gone by the time you see grass and rocks and things!
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0007.jpg
How to make a dead straight track part 1: Take a 48" long x 3/4" wide piece of scrap hard maple from your cut-offs bin and run it down to 47/128" thick using a micro-adjuster on your TS fence to get it just right.
http://www.sppss.com/trains/0008.jpg
Part 2 you take said piece of milled hardwood and you slide it between the rails and Bob's your Aunty's best friend! Apply glue with a glue spreader, place track on top of glue and very lightly hold the hardwood and rail in the middle of the roadbed which is laid centred on the track line drawn on the base. If necessary I can "tweak" the hardwood if it's a fraction out of line. It might look it in the photo but it's not. I think the lens is getting a bit wonky.
I did clean the saw dust off the roadbed before I glued the track down! Lazy me didn't have the DC turned on when I was milling that maple. Yuck.
More to come...............

[drivesafe]

Hi folks and it’s been a while but I am absolutely flat out with my business.

Anyway, my original plan to build double sided modules, with a G scale layout on one side and the other side was to be used for an HO layout.

Since my last post, reality has kicked in and I have now abandoned the idea of a double sided set up and will now concentrate solely on the G scale layout.

Now my true passion is trams, trollies and street cars, and to that end I was wondering if any body on this forum might know of a source of erection drawings for Australian trams.

In the past I have tried a number of tram forums but got no where, so any info would be appreciated.

BTW, while the layout is on hold at this time, I hope to get back to it in the near future.

[Expat]

Hi folks and it’s been a while but I am absolutely flat out with my business.
Anyway, my original plan to build double sided modules, with a G scale layout on one side and the other side was to be used for an HO layout.
Since my last post, reality has kicked in and I have now abandoned the idea of a double sided set up and will now concentrate solely on the G scale layout.
Now my true passion is trams, trollies and street cars, and to that end I was wondering if any body on this forum might know of a source of erection drawings for Australian trams.
In the past I have tried a number of tram forums but got no where, so any info would be appreciated.
BTW, while the layout is on hold at this time, I hope to get back to it in the near future.
I feel your pain! It's been ages since I got to work on my layout. Had a really bad RA attack combined with the worst flu I've ever had that hung on for nearly 3 weeks. That and loads of work and family stuff has kept me out off the layout.Can't wait for the Spring here so I can move some of the sections down to the basement and get them up on the wall because that'll mean I can do wood work again and start on some more sections of the layout!

[crowie]

G'Day All,
Just found the thread in "Scale Models"; don't realise that it was there.
Have a "HO Layout" of sorts, currently only comes out for Christmas & grandson.
Just too much to learn about model railways!!!
Cheers, Crowie

[drivesafe]

Hi Crowie, don’t worry about the learning, that will come with the fun.

Just get your layout up an running.

BTW, you’re in a great spot to see some top rail operations.

I’ve spent many an hour both videoing ( and filming ) trains on the Blue Mountains and work quite a few over the line as well.

It’s a fantastic place to get some model layout ideas.

This is a picture I took of one of many trains I worked over the mountains.

This is a triple header 46 class at Lithgow in 1975 and that's frost, not snow, on the ground.

http://www.traxide.com.au/railpics/WP-46-Lithgow copy.jpg

[STAR]

Drivesafe.

While I am not into Model trains, my latest endeavours incluse Caricature wood carving. At the moment I am having some great difficulty finding suppliers of some of the scenery you guys use.

Seeing you are on the Gold Coast too maybe you can point me in the right direction. I like your work as well as Expat.

Pete

[Expat]

Thanks Pete. Hope the weather on the coast is good next week. We fly in Wednesday for a week's stay.

[STAR]

Thanks Pete. Hope the weather on the coast is good next week. We fly in Wednesday for a week's stay.

----
Raining here, bring your rain jacket. At least you can forget your snorkel and flippers.

Pete

[drivesafe]

Hi Star, try the web site below and don’t be put off by the name “Christmas Every Day”

They sell quite a few different lines.

Cheers, Tim.

Christmas Every Day and Lemax Collectibles, Model Trains including On30 and 1/12th Doll House Miniatures Shop (http://www.barcourt.com/)

[STAR]

Hi Star, try the web site below and don’t be put off by the name “Christmas Every Day”

They sell quite a few different lines.

Cheers, Tim.

Christmas Every Day and Lemax Collectibles, Model Trains including On30 and 1/12th Doll House Miniatures Shop (http://www.barcourt.com/)

--------------------------------------

Thanks Drive.

I was aware of that shop, not so much for Trains but for their Christmas Decorations. In fact I was in Kendor St on Thursday and surprised to see that their shop was empty.

Thanks for telling me where they are, I have to buy some birthday presents for some family birthdays coming up and i do not shop at HarbourTown very often as I live in the Hinterland. I will call in this week.

Thanks

Pete