During previous versions, I had thought of doing a reasonably major change to the main station of Tawnton by reducing the width of the baseboard from 39 back to 33 inches but did not do it as I was happy with the track plan.

Well ,over the last couple of operating sesssions, in the difficulty of actually shunting  such a long station & complex movements & coupled with trying to reach to do scenery, etc, some changes are looming.

The next 3 photos show the  corners & the main area.



Requiring a reach of 48 inches.

 




a reach of 43 inches & the next one of the main is 39 inches




Discussed this with my mate Robbo ( ex UK signal man) & the current concept of a large station will go & be replaced with two smaller terminal stations. Continous running still to be used - in fact the main dead end storage will be first modified with a couple of tracks made continous. Careful planning will see this evolve so that operations can still be carried out.

One thing that will happen is that long passenger trains of 7 coaches will reduce to 5 & from 3 trains back to 2.


 

So... out with the axe?

Hmmm I had wondered why you hadn't landscaped that corner

Mike

I was working my way to that corner & that is one reason I really stopped to think about it. Max saw it all today.
The Axe will be used in part.

I'm saying nothing.  :roll:

After an operating session here today with the gang & discussing the planned changes, it has been decided ( & I must admit I am happy with it - a lot cheaper) - NOT to demolish Tawnton but get stuck into & build the centre peninsular as double decks.  The shunting problems can be sorted by re-arranging the card system.  Reaching to do scenery is, really, a once off effort & the trackage currently behind Tawnton will be hidden by a backboard of at least 12" high so low relief buildings can be used.

Some of the existing storage tracks will be made through running to assist in operations.

Phew!

Now… just relax your grip, easy does it, there… I'll go and put the axe away in the cupboard for a bit then!

In Hobart, Tasmania, there is a big shed filled with an O gauge alpine railway. Can't remember what it's called or where it is exactly…. and I mean filled, an old packing shed or factory unit or somesuch, 4m ceiling to floor mountain scenery.
They had a workmans plank suspended from the ceiling on a pulley and track system so that they could build the scenery from above!
Something to consider maybe? hehehe

Marty exclam:  :Red Card   You know what he's like.  Don't encourage him.

Now if you take up Martys suggestion Ron we dp want phoyos of you suspended from the plank

brian

Just for consideration, Ron:
There is a ladder system meant for use on stairs.
I don't see why it couldn't be used to span your layout.
They are lightweight and not very expensive.
Just a thought.

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-2-1800-928-titan-aluminium-3-way-ladder.asp?iCategoryID1=1800

Or one of these
http://www.micromark.com/TOPSIDE-CREEPER-STEP-LADDER-SUPPORT-SYSTEM,8854.html

I will work something out.

Well the never-ending saga of the Devan & Summersett takes yet another fascinating turn.  

What ever the outcome I am sure it will give you and the regular operators lots of pleasure.  Not to mention the challenges of building it up as you wish.

Watching with interest here.

That guy on the topside creeper could have reached the part he wanted to from standing on the floor in front of the layout?

 Ron what are those small objects lining the front of your baseboards ? are they to do with points?

Yes Reg, point operating switches, post #46  on http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=1733&forum_id=6&page=3

Ah right . Thanks Ron i had forgotten that those were there .:oops:

Even though the major change of ripping up Tawnton has been shelved. some of the other changes has started.

It was planned to alter 3 dead end storage sidings to through running & this needed some additional pointwork & where the first point to come off the mainline that runs through the "sceniced " part of Barnstable - I had some fun.

The first photo has two holes for the Tortoise ( surplus ex Max's turtle farm) to be able to conmnect into the tiebar. The first hole with the blue cross I thought was well clear of any underneath woodwork but Murphy dictated - "NO WAY" so that is the reason for the second hole.




The next shot has the first hole covered, point in temporary position with the wire rod to be moved by a Turtle ( when it is released from the Farm)




All fitted now - it was fun connecting Code 83 to Code 100 each end, flattened Code 100 metal fishplates & soldered to both rails - works like a dream !!l  Getting the angles/alignment was fun considering it is 32 "/ 80 cm  in from the baseboard edge.




The next two photos show the new points where they will be installed to make the 3 dead end into through running - coaches are on the outer two tracks. These will use above mounted Peco motors.







 

Got the timber today for the centre peninsula - 3.3m x 0.4 m ( 10'10"  x 1'4") - two levels - 6 track storage under & a station on top - a couple of my "mates" reckon it should all be done by next weekend exclam: December maybe .

two holes for the Tortoise ( surplus ex Max's turtle farm)

They are entirely different species, Sol, and should not be confused!

[user=316]Gwiwer[/user] wrote:

two holes for the Tortoise ( surplus ex Max's turtle farm)

They are entirely different species, Sol, and should not be confused!

Sorry Rick, I was stepping on Petermac's shoes.

 

Re Tortoise v Turtle - I don't care what species as  long as they move the point tiebar when given a touch of electricity ( as their food) ;-)

Looking forward to seeing the Peninsula develop. :thumbs keep it coming.

Looking forward to seeing what you have in mind. Shall we say Sat this week for pics of the finnish place :twisted:

Phill