I have long had a niggling desire to build a layout representing a steam era locomotive depot, or 'MPD'.

Not just a tiddly little branch line engine shed, ten-foot turntable plus a water tower MPD, you understand, but a HUGE absolutely filthy yard with workshops, gantries, sheds and plant of all shapes and sizes. Ash pits, water treament plants, coal sprayers, coaling towers, etc. etc.

Not that I'm really planning to build it, :cool wink but I did think it could be fed from a short off-scene fiddle yard because only lots of big locos and a few trucks would be needed on the roster. No long trains here!

I envisage it all being painted in shades of grey from almost black to medium grey; a very dark, almost foreboding, atmospheric scene.

Would there be enough operating potential? I think so. I love running 'light engine' movements anyway and shunting up and down to the turntable or into the workshops at crawling speed would be my idea of heaven.

Why haven't I started this already?…………………

Perry

Perry that is one hell of an idea,the modelling and running potential
heaven.

:doublethumb;-):cool:

perry has an itch, perry has an itch, perry has an itch and it won't go away

[user=17]Perry[/user]
Why haven't I started this already?…………………

Methinks it's just a matter of time before ….

Perry,
       There's a layout that fits the description perfectly doing the rounds of the exhibition circuit called "Maindee",and its full of lovely gimmicks like welders'torches and smoke rising everywhere.
It was featured in both Railway Modeller and BRM magazines.I've seen it in the flesh 2or 3 times now,and its beautiful….it always attracts crowds of admirers.

       Its a great idea to build one…..go for it,my son!!!:twisted::twisted::twisted:

Cheers,John.B.

[user=201]georgejacksongenius[/user] wrote:

Perry,
       There's a layout that fits the description perfectly doing the rounds of the exhibition circuit called "Maindee",and its full of lovely gimmicks like welders'torches and smoke rising everywhere.
It was featured in both Railway Modeller and BRM magazines.I've seen it in the flesh 2or 3 times now,and its beautiful….it always attracts crowds of admirers.

       Its a great idea to build one…..go for it,my son!!!:twisted::twisted::twisted:

Cheers,John.B.
 

I have a copy of the BRM featuring it, it is outstanding, a very subtle minimalist backscene, it's got to be the one to judge other similar efforts by.

[user=17]Perry[/user] wrote:

Why haven't I started this already?…………………

Perry

You Have …………………………….:hmm

It's all in your brain.

Looking forward to seeing this one grow, as it will be masterpiece, and it will get rid of that nasty itch at the same time.

I really should know better than to voice an idea for a project on here. :shock:

You lot always gang up on me and make me do it.  

This one really is only a pipe dream at present. I had enough of a struggle finding room for the East Walsham layout and certainly don't have room for another - at the moment……..:cool wink

This link is interesting though:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&p=489927

Perry

Not that I'm going to build an MPD you understand, but can anyone tell me which issue of BRM featured Maindee, please? I just might be able to obtain a back number and see what's involved. Thanks.

Perry

Perry

That will make a great project Mpd`s are really interesting and give you a great deal of modelling scope and with your scratchbuilding skills we could see a superb buit engine shed with a lift of roof to see the inner detail:doublethumb

cheers Brian

There are some great pictures in that link you gave Perry, fine modelling.

[user=17]Perry[/user] wrote:

Not that I'm going to build an MPD you understand, but can anyone tell me which issue of BRM featured Maindee, please? I just might be able to obtain a back number and see what's involved. Thanks.

Perry

[user=52][/user]

Nov 2005 Vol 13, No.8 [then £3.10p]

Cheers, Doof.

I'll see if I can get a copy after the holidays. I may have a local source…..:cool wink

Perry

I've been trying to see if that layout is on the internet but I can only find bits and pieces. Anyone got a good link?

I tried too, Bob, but had the same problem; only bits and pieces.

The bad news is that BRM don't have the old issue of the magazine I want in stock anymore, so I'll have to try a few local sources, I guess.

I wonder if the layout is still doing the exibition circuit?

Perry

Perry

In the Hornby magazine issue 11 May 2008 there is an article Modelling locomotive sheds.it is over six pages and is very informative if you have a copy or can get your hands on a copy it is worth looking at if you cant perhaps i can scan it and email it to you obviously i cant post it on here fro copywright reasons.

cheers Brian

Thanks Brian,

I'll have a search through my collection of mags and see if I already have it. I'll let you know.

:cheers

Perry

Brian,

I don't have this mag, but Hornby back issues department does, so I've put one on order this morning.

Thank again for the info.

I'm starting to get the feeling that there's a conspiracy within the forum aimed at getting me building this MPD layout. lol:

Perry

Conspiracy - who :question us :question  no way - it is just your imagination.

I must admit i am toying with the idea of making a a rectangular roundhouse and using my Heljan turntable to do it i think i would have to make the roof removable other wise it would be difficult to have operations.

As i aid just toying at the moment I think you have already been voluntered to do an MPD Perry

cheers Brian