GWR/LMS OO Gauge DCC RR&Co

[user=446]John Flann[/user] wrote:

John, regarding the crossings of the railway if the access is not by any public highway and the persons who require access were there before the railway was built the railway company would have been required to 'accommodate'them by allowing and providing a crossing. This could be a gate opened and shut by the users, as were many farm crossings. In some cases they might however be required to get permission by phone from a signalman.

Thanks for the comments and advice John…………I think I will opt for the brewery coming first . Although I do have a watchman at the brewery already in place:



But he is employed to help with shunting the bi-weekly freight from Cynwydd 




I really included this shot to just to prove that the collateral damage incurred by "Blaster Bates" is now repaired and the Cooperage chimney is back in place!

Back to the Halt…….. here is a 14xx pulling the Cynwydd Autotrain and in the background a 47xx hauls the BSet up Dyserth Bank on its way to Granby.



 

John, it occurs to me that the platform would look more 'planned' if it was extended slightly right and curved to follow the track radius? Then a fenced off path could lead to it from the small tunnel gate to steps to mount it….

Doug

Like this?



The gap in the fencing at the end is, to say the least, questionable…..but remember the overhang:twisted::twisted:

I have to do some finishing touches to the signs but I couldnt resist putting them up. When I was a boy my Uncle lived adjacent to the Liverpool Southport  Electric Line and we used to take a shortcut alongside of the line on a railway owned footpath and at the other end there was an un-manned crossing. The history of the railways was encapsulated in all the cast iron signs that populated the right of way and then the level crossing.  Liverpool-Southport Rly Co, Lancashire Yorkshire Rly, LNWR …….they were quick to get that up because later that year(1923?) the LMS took over and set up their signs followed by British Rail……………I guess there will be another company there now as well……a veritable forest of signs.

So here is the Halt



I had hoped to use a Pagoda for the shelter but it looked too big so this is from the Wills Halt Kit……I discarded the platforms because they were also too high for the overhang. I added a fire buckets,floor and bench….given hindsight I should have scratch built a similar structure but wooden rather than corrugated……the photos I have seen are either pagodas or wooden shelters.

Similarly the paling fence may be wrong it should probably be post and wire but I had the fencing to hand already painted. I am not sure about the adverts either……the salesmen must have been very persuasive!  




After the halt the line goes through a tunnel mouth via a very unprototypical double slip (which you can just see lower left) into the lower level sidings

Scenically this lower level corner is now completed and despite the faults I am reasonably happy with it………and I need to be because it is right over the work bench and stereo so I am constantly looking at it.


However there are still some operational issues……its the tightest curve on the layout and amazingly (even for me) badly laid…..you can get an idea of the undulations from shot 4 and it leads into a insulfrog doubleslip……….the 14xx photos were wishful thinking:oops::oops:…..the loco is too unreliable……even with my best 57xx I have issues with stopping and then restarting at the halt with the loco poised over the insulated frog:twisted::twisted:

Hence my interest in DCC Concepts decoders with "Stay Alive"………..some are on their way to me  as I write, and also from Australia……. Dave's (Gdaysydeny) tip on getting extra pick ups into the Autocoach………………..with these improvements and a measure of luck perhaps the 14xx photo will become reality

 

Wonderful modeling  :thumbs

I really like your work John, as I've said before, your photos just look so real.

You must have smaller fingers and better eyes than I do!  

Wayne

Coming along nicely John, pleased the information about the crossing helped, it looks about right now.

Do you actually need a platform at the halt? many were at rail level and the autocoach does have lower steps for that purpose. It might look better scenically and cause no problems with the overhang.

I'm happy to say my Airfix 1400 after being re-motored, runs very well and now run in, is a consistent performer over insul frogs.

Very n ice John, so life like, well done.

Phill

Like this?

That's about it, but if there was some paving leading from the edge of the road to the back of the fence, or some distinct gravel path, that would be perfect. Then the dapper chap on the platform wouldn't get his shoes dirty!


Doug

Thanks for the feedback guys

[user=22]Wayne Williams[/user] wrote:

I really like your work John, as I've said before, your photos just look so real.
You must have smaller fingers and better eyes than I do!

Wayne

Thanks Wayne……not sure about either really and my eyesight is never as good as the camera:lol:.

 I have one of those magnifying lights……. dont use the magnifier much but the strong adjustable light is a real help. I try very hard to curb my inherent impatience and when I fail some judicious weathering seems to work:lol:


[user=446]John Flann[/user] wrote:

Coming along nicely John, pleased the information about the crossing helped, it looks about right now.

Do you actually need a platform at the halt? many were at rail level and the autocoach does have lower steps for that purpose. It might look better scenically and cause no problems with the overhang.

Thanks John…..I was unsure about the crossing gate across the road tunnel mouth…….your ok is very reassuring.

I covered the overhang height problem by installing a low cinder bank (there was onle like this at the Altcar Rifle Range) rather than a platform at normal height so yes the passengers will have to use the steps and it does rather preclude me from running a workmens train on this line.

The overhang sweeps over the bank and that causes some limitation on the depth of buildings and passageways 

 [user=312]dooferdog[/user] wrote:

Like this?

That's about it, but if there was some paving leading from the edge of the road to the back of the fence, or some distinct gravel path, that would be perfect. Then the dapper chap on the platform wouldn't get his shoes dirty!


Doug

 

OK like this?




It was supposed to be a well drained cinder path! But I agree the paving stones look much better there………….thank you for the suggestion:thumbs

 

 

OK like this?



:doublethumb
That's the Dalmatian' Donglers , but there should be a gate-stop to prevent the gate opening right round into the road, with a dirt line underneath, oh, did I mention a spring closer on the right-hand post, probably wound from 0.005mm spring steel with Fleur-de-Lys bracket top and bottom…No?

OK, fetching coat NOW……:lol:

Doug

But the gate stop is a good idea!:roll:

Now I have Doug's seal of approval :lol:  I can wrap up the lower level

This is the other side of the tunnel that exits the halt……it leads into the two road lower level storage sidings. These sidings, right at the front of the layout, are somewhat obvious and have no real potential for scenic development. I have a phobia about hidden inaccessible storage areas…..inevitably thats where things go wrong.:twisted::twisted:

I hadnt really come up with a solution until I started laying the  foamcore sub bed for the loco service area. and then I had an epiphany……. you can see below I set the foam back a couple of inches



And now I can insert an L Shape of foamcore that covers the sidings and gives me about 8" for scenic development…..it has to be fairly low and in modules that can easily be lifted off………no track……..but a road alongside the yard and possibly an Army Barracks………..some years away for this 



So with that sorted I was able to focus on detailing the loco service area …………….heres an overview.

Great sense of achievement here because the Water Tower and Coal Stage (both Ratio) along with the Engine shed now ensconced at Cynwyd were the first models I ever made…..over 18 years ago. For a variety of reasons they never made Granby I or II…..they have survived 2  house moves and now here they are finally established on the layout 



The coal stage is made up of two Ratio Kits and a Mikes Models crane. Previously I thought it too large but I think its size is appropriate for a busy commutor terminus.

The old coach is a bit of a cliche but I can actually remember a number of these used for just this purpose 





I need a bit more clutter and it will take a while for a recently painted lamp to tone down to an 18 year old building




 



The next shot is intended to underscore the importance of the loco spur…..The B Set from Cynwyd on its approach to Granby passing the local service to Chester  

I have started  signalling (cosmetic) this module and between the two B Sets you can see the GWR Siding signal (Short Red Arm with an O) controlling the exit from the headshunt to the Main Up Line. 



You can usually tell when I am fairly content with a segment………..I finish off with a black and white shot 

:lol::lol:

You certainly get on with things, John. How much more realistic it is when trains go to and from destinations. It brings a purpose to their running.

It too is rather pleasant to be able to use buildings and the like constructed in past years. It's rather like re-making an acquaintance with an old friend.

And if you have had the amount of rain that we have had here over the past few days (most unusual and unseasonable)you will have been glad to be inside happily occupied. I have.

Those buildings look superb the way you have arranged them in your loco service area, John. They do not look 18yrs old. You must be better at storing things than me.

I also like the idea of the lift off panel over the "hidden" storage. As you say, if you can't get at a section of track, that is where a problem will occur.

John Flann's duplicate post deleted by me - hope that's OK John. :thumbs

Fine by me, I wasn't quite sure how to do it.

Once is quite enough.

Nice to see Granby coming along John. It all looks great and prompts me to find the time to something on my layout... I wish time would permit.

Thanks for the comments guys

Having finished the loco spur module I should be pressing on with the terminus  but as usual I found a petit digression………

SIGNALS

My approach to signalling probably epitomises better than anything else my overall modelling philosophy…………to me correct signals are an absolute essential, without them the layout looks naked. On the other hand I long since determined that operating semaphore signals were totally beyond my capabilities……….light signals perhaps but not the GWR N Wales 1947

So I spend forever researching and agonising about the correct signal for a junction and then make no attempt whatsover to make it operational:roll::roll::roll:…………….compromises, compromises

In addition the signals (all Ratio) are quite finicky even when fixed……..I have always maintained this is a warts and all thread………..this post should be filed under [warts]

To start




From the right Granby North  Main and Relief Outer Home…………..Distants have been repositioned to the right of the brewery

Next is the Outer Home guarding the branch junction and finally in the opposite direction the Distant for Cynwyd……..this is one of the few working signals on the layout…….its a fixed Distant:lol::lol::lol:

The various loco spurs are controlled by ground signals although exits to the main line are controlled by siding signals which I believe would be correct for a busy junction



Point rodding would be a nice addition ……………….2015 perhaps?

The major signalling for the throat is provided by a couple of repaired and modified signals from Granby II  

 



The railings are a bit dodgy and I am not sure how protypical  three dolls on a single pole would be…….however from the left Granby North Advanced Starter and Distant for next box for Down Main , Advanced Starter for Branch (the Distant was on a separate pole on the Branch) and Backing Signal for Main Head Shunt  

Here is the signal in situ



Granby North Signal Box doesnt bear close scrutiny……..another item saved from Granby II……it is scratchbuilt (badly) from bits and pieces leftover from Rato Kits. Its narrow footprint was a result of serious mismeasurement on GranbyII.:oops::oops: Happily there was a somewhat similar protype at Chester





The main entrance to Granby is controlled by Inner Homes and Calling on Arms on a Gantry………anyone who has read Geoff R's brilliant thread about his working semaphore Gantry complete with lights:mrgreen: will appreciate it took a certain amount of courage on my part to post the following




From the left Siding Signal for Bay Headshunt, Bay Calling on Arm, Bay with Indicator, Up Main Calling On, Up Main , Down Main/Goods Relief  with Indicator, Calling on Arm

At busy junctions GWR used mechanical route indicators backed by a white screen (later these were illuminated). I havent been able to find out exactly how the routes were indicated so I have opted for platforms……the Bay accesses Platforms 1 thru 3 and the Down Line Platforms 5 and 6, Engine Shed Road and Coal Line  

In position



For the first time in weeks we actually had a sunny day which has made shots towards the window somewhat mediocre. Hopefully,however this gives a general idea

 



The precipice beyond the gantry is where I have started work on the terminus board

For the next few weeks posts will be somewhat limited as sailing intervenes and I focus (totally…..no diversions) on completing the circuit

Kind Regards from a sunny Vancouver

 

 

Coming along, John.  :thumbs   The signal gantries deserve a high possum or maybe a low elephant.  Do you move them manually as the scene progresses?

I'm a bit worried about the bullet holes in the wall, though.  :shock:    Do you want me to arrange someone to come around and discuss your personal protection?  I know people.  (Check out the suit).  :cool:

John your signal gantry looks as though it grew there really good:thumbs

Hi John,

I'm catching up on YMR as the software gets on with profiling.  I am always amazed at the way you are combining superb landscaping and modelling with a practical operational layout.  Those signals really look the part, to me they give it the feel of a real railway.

regards,

Brian

They really do John (look the part). :thumbs

It's amazing what a difference they make and for me, I don't understand where which type should be but they bring it all to life, particularly the gound signals.

I have no idea how people get those Ratio signals to work - they're good models but very delicate.  That corner looks so realistic now and the shot with the ground signals could have been taken on a late summer evening as the sun neared the horizon. :cheers