Hello

[Whitworth]

Good Evening,
As a

[Graeme Dunbar]

Welcome Martin!

OK it is putting 2 + 2 together and getting 5, but you wouldn't still be north of the boarder would you?

There is a bit about posting photos here:
http://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=446.0

though I'm not sure how up to date it is because the exemplum isn't exactly (blank photo).

Something else that has changed over the past 30 years is baseboards. I suggest avoiding over-heavy, saggy, warping monstrosities. Having a blank canvas and a whole room to fill can be a dangerous thing! I would definitely consider the possibility of exhibiting in the future, so easily removable baseboards are in order. Depending where you live, a small NG layout is likely to be most welcome at a regional exhibition and if you are in the thick of things then 009 Soc members are very friendly and there are specialised NG shows. It also means you can build in sections and replace them if the plans change. I am much taken with "shelf layout" ideas, and although my 009 layout is still "in planning", I've made some demo layouts for exhibitions with my other Model Electronic Railway Group hat on where I've been exploring this type of construction.

Since you mention Moore's Law, then perhaps you are also familiar with Brooke's "Second system syndrome"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-system_effect  ;)

If you are looking for inspiration, then as well as all the layouts linked to on the main 009 Society web site and shown on this forum then there is also (at the risk of excommunication) the NGRM-online forum.
http://ngrm-online.com/

Another useful resource is http://carendt.us/ Even for larger layouts, there are ideas here for planning stations, yards, industries etc that combine to form the layout.

[Whitworth]

Hi Graeme and thanks for the welcome.
Yes your mathematical acumen has not failed you I am from West Lothian ;). Not originally, but moved here when I was a nipper from Englandshire. Its been my adopted home for many years now.
I hadn't heard of Brooke's "Second system syndrome" however after reading the Wiki explanation, never a truer word said! Anyone remember when mobile phones were used just to make calls? Even the instruction manual to my television requires a degree in quantum physics to understand ;D

I have seen many of the shelf style layouts you mention whilst researching resources. Many of them are exquisite and have provided much inspiration for me. I must admit though I would prefer something a little more substantial so I can run trains and do some shunting. I will attempt to attach a picture of my layout plan.

Thanks for the links too, I will store them in my favourites, always good for sparking up the imagination.
TTFN

[Graeme Dunbar]

Hi Martin,

It looks like you have an extensive run there and a good opportunity to give the wheels a good "stretch". Another AnyRail user by the looks of it!

I'm in Aberdeenshire and despite my name, another immigrant, though I've been here for over 30 years.

Maybe we will bump into one another some time at an exhibition?

[duttonbay]

It's a long reach, 1 metre, to the locations on the sides. There are points there, and wherever there are points there is an increase in the likelihood of derailments, and you're going to have to lean over 1 metre to rerail things. How high do you intend the layout to be?

[Whitworth]

Good point, the 1m section on the left will be accessible from both sides so no problem, I think I may reduce the right hand side to 800mm for easy reach. The layout will be about waist height or thereabouts.

Yes Graeme , I find AnyRail is quite good, it does lack some of the newer Peco parts but its handy and quite easy to use. It could do with some more generic scenery etc.  I find its good to print a copy and then pencil in ideas for landscape and such. Might see you at an exhibition if work permits. Doing a stint of 12 hour shifts at the moment  :( . Still a bit of extra cash for goodies.
Thought I'd attach a pic of the pithead structure I've been working on for the past few evenings. I've done a few kits in the past but I thought it was about time I tried a scratch build. Quite pleased with the result.

[pilotfriend]

The pithead looks fantastic. Well done!
JdF

[Whitworth]

Many thanks, I consider that high praise from the builder of County Gate. I have studied your website in detail. Very impressive work. Certainly a bench mark and inspiration for my own railway (and no doubt many others). I predict I may be seeking your advise in the future ;)
Now I just need to build a spray booth so I can get it painted and weathered.
I'm thinking along the lines of a fold up box for easy storage with an extractor fan. I've been toying with the idea of using four axial fans (like computer case fans) with a cooker hood filter. I will experiment at the weekend.
TTFN

[Whitworth]

Started construction of the layout framework. I'm using the plywood spaceframe technique. There will be six 'modules' altogether that will lock together with register pins. Here's the first one.

[Whitworth]

Another couple of pics

[Whitworth]

A couple of points worth mentioning,
Do go to a timber merchant rather than DIY stores for materials as the price difference is quite large. So large in fact that the difference easily covered a 4 hour van hire with plenty to spare!
Also a standard sheet of ply (2440 x 1220) fitted in the back of a SWB Transit van.
2.4m is a standard length that most timber will be sold in (also fits in the van)
Plaster's Darby from Screwfix

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-aluminium-darby-72-1828mm/76641

makes an excellent straight edge for using circular saw. (I'm not affiliated in any way with Screwfix BTW they just have lots of nice toys!)

[pilotfriend]

This is all looking very impressive indeed.

[Whitworth]

Thanks, I reckon it will take about 8 to 10 weekends to finish all the modules. I'm semi detached and next door have a six month old so as to preserve the peace I'm only working at weekends during daylight when they're usually out. Either that or I buy them some ear plugs ;D
Of course the more I build the less room I have too and the weather isn't condusive to working in the back garden. Wish I hadn't decorated the other spare room now :(
TTFN

[Tim Chambers]

Just looking through some past listings
and found your layout in its early stages .
How is it coming along or is it finished would be good to see some pictures
Regards
Tim