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  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.

GWR Branch Terminus Journey

Quick reply >

LittleWestern

Member
Location
Slovakia
Hi all,

Allow me to introduce myself, I'm James a soon to be GWR modeller hailing from the South UK but living in Slovakia. I'm re-joining the hobby of modelling after over a decade of absence and have decided to go down the route of relative realism when creating this new layout as opposed to simply using set-track and such.

A friend of mine suggested that the Templot program would be of great use to me when it came to planning not only the layout but specifically making my own trackwork from templates moving forward, which is exactly the level of detail I'm looking for. Not only that but he also suggested muddling through the forum posts for additional information, so far I've had a browse through a few and I'm quite impressed, not just by the level of detail in the topics but the knowledge the community can provide.

My plan is to create an 1930's GWR Branch Terminus, and eventually branch line, with realism being the striving goal. I will use this thread to post progress and potentially questions for opinions and criticism. Please if you see or read something that you believe to be wrong, call me out on it, I will not be offended. I am here to learn and evolve, I'm also well aware this adventure will take months if not years to achieve it's goal.

Thanks for all the information provided here already and to that which is provided in the future.
(First progress post/information will follow this post)
 
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So my first job has been to research Branch Terminus locations for key factors, take those factors and comprise a trackplan that would fit in my available space. Current spacing is a maximum of 3500mmx600mm split currently into 4 baseboards across that area.
Factors to include have been:
- A single platform at roughly 105m in length (1381mm scaled down)
- A run-around loop to move locomotives from tail to the head of a train.
- A relief ahead of the platform and runaround turnout for locomotive staging or movement
- A headshunt on the runaround for staging or movement
- Separated Yard area including:
- Long line for good shed and yard​
- 1 or 2 long sidings for wagon/coach storage​
- If big enough, a locomotive shed and facilities (though I have opted for this off of the runaround loop)​

In inclusion of this I have created a backstory seeing as it is a fictional station on a fictional branchline. It will serve 2 local industries that originally built the line in the early 1900s. In Early 1920s it was brought, ran and updated by the GWR. With the factories still operating their own traffic into yards for the GWR to transport further afield.

While this research is still ongoing, there are some things I would like to experiment with moving forward one of those is Templot!
I started with the turnouts for the Run-Around section of the line, a simple 300mm straight as the loco relief, 2x 16ft Curviform LH GWR Old Type Heel Switches (Attached). The ultimate goal will be to eventually lay each piece of trackwork with Bullhead Stainless Steel rails, Timber Sleepers and the correct chairs for GWR lines. This does seem to mean that for sections in between turnouts, there are a few places to acquire the correct chairing, albeit a relatively costly method. As for turnouts themselves, I have been able to source a manufacturer of Slide Chairs (Modelu), Running L1 and S1J Chairs (C&L Finescale) & Exactoscale via Scalefour. (Thank you Stephan Freeman for that information) It's very possible I will eventually get around to teaching myself how to design them in 3d and print myself but that is down the road a ways.

So I am planning to buy some rails in the coming month and attempt to 3d print Templot provided REA chairs so I can:
1) Get used to Templot, printing and it's controls
2) Create my first hand-made turnout using all intended materials as a proof of concept
3) Use these experiences to hone my skills and find my weaknesses
4) For enjoyment!
I have already prepared to order the required track gauges and tools needed to move forward and simply now want to get stuck in!

Of course the research never ends, several modellers and users here have pointed me towards David Smith's books regarding GWR Modelling and you can be assured those will be on order also in the coming weeks and months.

There is a low possibility of having any locomotives running for the foreseeable future but for me that is only part of the fun, I am looking forward to the journey of how I can recreate an accurate (or as accurate as possible) representation for the GWR in 4mm Scale (OO Gauge)

Please feel free to drop whatever information, criticism or questions regarding my comments and progress you may have.
 

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If you've not already got a copy you will find the GWSG book on "GWR SWITCH AND CROSSING PRACTICE" very useful.

Link: https://www.gwsg.org.uk/GWSG_Publications.html

cvr_track_400px.jpg
 
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@LittleWestern

Hi James,

A couple of things.

1. don't use stainless steel rail. Just don't. Hi-Ni nickel-silver is fine. Mild steel is ok.

2. for the type of finescale model you describe, most 00 modellers would nowadays go for 00-SF rather than the 00-BF standard you have in your file. The improved running of kit wheels and better appearance of the flangeways will be noticeable.

00-SF gauges are available from C&L.

Here is a very attractive GWR layout in 00-SF, although as far as I know not using GWR chairs or old-type switches:


More about the layout: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/112547-stoke-courtenay/?do=findComment&comment=4781643

cheers,

Martin.
 
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@LittleWestern

Hi James,

A couple of things.

1. don't use stainless steel rail. Just don't. Hi-Ni nickel-silver is fine. Mild steel is ok.

2. for the type of finescale model you describe, most 00 modellers would nowadays go for 00-SF rather than the 00-BF standard you have in your file. The improved running of kit wheels and better appearance of the flangeways will be noticeable.

00-SF gauges are available from C&L.

Here is a very attractive GWR layout in 00-SF, although as far as I know not using GWR chairs or old-type switches:


More about the layout: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/112547-stoke-courtenay/?do=findComment&comment=4781643

cheers,

Martin.
Not quite true, I think. The double and single slips definitely do have 2 bolt chairs. I still have the boxfile for them but can't tell from the information what the original basis was. Not sure about the rest of the layout but I think it might have 2 bolt chairs on the visible part, though the turnouts are probably B6. Perhaps ask on Johns RMWeb thread?
 
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Hi James,

Welcome to the club. I have just had a quick look at your turnouts and I see that you have used 16 foot switches with the 1 in 7 crossing, from memory the usual switches are 12 foot, but I don't have the book to hand to double check, that. I will check it at lunchtime, when I will have the book to hand.
 
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@LittleWestern

Hi James,

A couple of things.

1. don't use stainless steel rail. Just don't. Hi-Ni nickel-silver is fine. Mild steel is ok.

2. for the type of finescale model you describe, most 00 modellers would nowadays go for 00-SF rather than the 00-BF standard you have in your file. The improved running of kit wheels and better appearance of the flangeways will be noticeable.

00-SF gauges are available from C&L.

Here is a very attractive GWR layout in 00-SF, although as far as I know not using GWR chairs or old-type switches:


More about the layout: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/112547-stoke-courtenay/?do=findComment&comment=4781643

cheers,

Martin.
Hi @Martin Wynne,

Thank you for the information.
1) I'm guessing the avoidance of stainless is rust? I will simply look for an alterative stocking of Hi-Ni segments then (y) cheers.
2) 00-SF, from my understanding, it's 16.2mm as opposed to standard 16.5mm doesn't that make it, less accurate? (please remember I am a novice who has been used to SetTrack. I want to hear your wisdom.
I'm guessing these are the gauges you recommend:
- https://www.clfinescale.co.uk/online-store/4MM-ROLLER-TRACK-GAUGES-SF-16-2MM-PAIR-p128178426
- https://www.clfinescale.co.uk/onlin...O-SF-3-POINT-TRIANGULAR-RAIL-GAUGE-p128178431
3) Thanks for the video link for inspiration. This kinda of information is exactly what I need while on my journey.

Cheers,
James
 
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Hi @Martin Wynne,

Thank you for the information.
1) I'm guessing the avoidance of stainless is rust? I will simply look for an alterative stocking of Hi-Ni segments then (y) cheers.
2) 00-SF, from my understanding, it's 16.2mm as opposed to standard 16.5mm doesn't that make it, less accurate? (please remember I am a novice who has been used to SetTrack. I want to hear your wisdom.
I'm guessing these are the gauges you recommend:
- https://www.clfinescale.co.uk/online-store/4MM-ROLLER-TRACK-GAUGES-SF-16-2MM-PAIR-p128178426
- https://www.clfinescale.co.uk/onlin...O-SF-3-POINT-TRIANGULAR-RAIL-GAUGE-p128178431
3) Thanks for the video link for inspiration. This kinda of information is exactly what I need while on my journey.

Cheers,
James
The avoidance of Stainless steel is not because of rust, it doesn't but more because it is more difficult solder to. I have used it and providing a decent flux and lead-free solder is used with a hot iron (probably hotter than is normally used, which has it's own problems) is possible.

No, the main problem for me, that needs to be taken account of is it's maleability. It is very soft and bends easily (too easily for me), which makes it difficult to cut, forget trying to use any Xuron cutters with it. Best cut with a disc or piercing saw.

Visually though it does look a lot more realistic than any type of Nickel Silver or ordinary steel.
 
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Hi James,

Welcome to the club. I have just had a quick look at your turnouts and I see that you have used 16 foot switches with the 1 in 7 crossing, from memory the usual switches are 12 foot, but I don't have the book to hand to double check, that. I will check it at lunchtime, when I will have the book to hand.
Hi @Phil O,

It was from my brief understanding that for my time period and history of the branch. I should be aiming for:
- Old Type Heel Switches (pre1930s GWR) These can be in the Yard and the Branch itself, although I could use Group 3 from Templot and claim they were "Updated" for the branch line and Platforms but not the Yard.
- 1:7 from reading seems to be the standard for crossings, please correct me if I am wrong.
- I used 16ft as really a test bed, I'm sure the correct sizes will be apparent when I purchase the book! Any insight you can provide will be much appreciated!

These turnouts are for the Run-Around at the end of my proposed platform but honestly I wanted to 1) Try and create something 2) Print something to get a rough idea of size, how to do it and start modelling something, whether it would end up being used or not.

Cheers,

James
 
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message ref: 4123
The avoidance of Stainless steel is not because of rust, it doesn't but more because it is more difficult solder to. I have used it and providing a decent flux and lead-free solder is used with a hot iron (probably hotter than is normally used, which has it's own problems) is possible.

No, the main problem for me, that needs to be taken account of is it's maleability. It is very soft and bends easily (too easily for me), which makes it difficult to cut, forget trying to use any Xuron cutters with it. Best cut with a disc or piercing saw.

Visually though it does look a lot more realistic than any type of Nickel Silver or ordinary steel.
Thanks for clearing that up! I'll take that into consideration. My eventual hope is to only be soldering wire droppers and not track to copper clad sleepers but we will see!
 
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Hi @Phil O,

It was from my brief understanding that for my time period and history of the branch. I should be aiming for:
- Old Type Heel Switches (pre1930s GWR) These can be in the Yard and the Branch itself, although I could use Group 3 from Templot and claim they were "Updated" for the branch line and Platforms but not the Yard.
- 1:7 from reading seems to be the standard for crossings, please correct me if I am wrong.
- I used 16ft as really a test bed, I'm sure the correct sizes will be apparent when I purchase the book! Any insight you can provide will be much appreciated!

These turnouts are for the Run-Around at the end of my proposed platform but honestly I wanted to 1) Try and create something 2) Print something to get a rough idea of size, how to do it and start modelling something, whether it would end up being used or not.

Cheers,

James
As Phil says, there is a mismatch in switches and crossings. There is a table in the book on page 16:

9ft switches 1 in 4.5 to 1 in 5.25
10ft " 1 in 5.5 to 1 in 6.25
12ft " 1 in 6.5 to 1 in 8
14ft " 1 in 8 to 1 in 8.25
15ft " 1 in 9 to 1 in 9.5
16ft " 1 in 10 to 1in 10.5
 
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message ref: 4125
1:7 from reading seems to be the standard for crossings, please correct me if I am wrong.
I used 16ft as really a test bed, I'm sure the correct sizes will be apparent when I purchase the book! Any insight you can provide will be much appreciated!
@LittleWestern

Hi James,

There is no such thing as a standard size for crossings. It depends on what fits the site, the type of traffic, and the line speed.

If you use the F5 size mouse action to change the size of turnouts, Templot will automatically select a suitable switch size in each group, to match the V-crossing angle:

f5_gwr.png


As I've mentioned so many times over the years, it really is better to learn the basics of Templot before getting into the nuts and bolts of a specific prototype project or layout plan. No-one ever takes any notice. :)

p.s. to change the V-crossing angle without affecting the switch size, use the F9 mouse action instead. For both mouse actions you can choose whether to have an infinite adjustment, or snap to 1/4 RAM steps.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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As Phil says, there is a mismatch in switches and crossings. There is a table in the book on page 16:

9ft switches 1 in 4.5 to 1 in 5.25
10ft " 1 in 5.5 to 1 in 6.25
12ft " 1 in 6.5 to 1 in 8
14ft " 1 in 8 to 1 in 8.25
15ft " 1 in 9 to 1 in 9.5
16ft " 1 in 10 to 1in 10.5
Thanks, good to know. I'll take this into account later when I've gotten used to Templot and begin to make a layout plan. The book is now on order.
 
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message ref: 4127
@LittleWestern

Hi James,

There is no such thing as a standard size for crossings. It depends on what fits the site, the type of traffic, and the line speed.

If you use the F5 size mouse action to change the size of turnouts, Templot will automatically select a suitable switch size in each group, to match the V-crossing angle:

View attachment 3515

As I've mentioned so many times over the years, it really is better to learn the basics of Templot before getting into the nuts and bolts of a specific prototype project or layout plan. No-one ever takes any notice. :)

p.s. to change the V-crossing angle without affecting the switch size, use the F9 mouse action instead. For both mouse actions you can choose whether to have an infinite adjustment, or snap to 1/4 RAM steps.

cheers,

Martin.
Hi @Martin Wynne,

Thanks again for your insight! That is really the point of me creating and printing that first template, and posting here on the forum. So I can learn before fully committing :) Also thanks for the tips regarding changes to crossings and such. I'll take those into consideration also.

Cheers,
James
 
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James,

1 in 7 crossings and 12 ft switches is perfectly adequate for a branchline loco release. At Cranmore on the ESR the shed crossover has those turnouts and they were regularly used by std class 4, 4-6-0 & 9f, also a visiting Castle, H15 and a west country. The only loco that caused us any problems was a 56xx.
 
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James,

1 in 7 crossings and 12 ft switches is perfectly adequate for a branchline loco release. At Cranmore on the ESR the shed crossover has those turnouts and they were regularly used by std class 4, 4-6-0 & 9f, also a visiting Castle, H15 and a west country. The only loco that caused us any problems was a 56xx.
That's good to hear! Pity regarding the 56xx, I will have one maybe on the layout :D I was aiming to run/showcase Blue Axel Class locomotives as I've been told my layout size would not warrant anything higher than that. Maybe because its a single track potentially 1 in Steam line.

I am tempted to try and make it dual line up the branch to further stations and eventual junction while leaving the terminus single platform only.
 
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That's good to hear! Pity regarding the 56xx, I will have one maybe on the layout
@LittleWestern

Hi James,

Phil was referring to prototype locomotives. 00 gauge models will go round very much sharper curves, down to train-set sizes if you are sticking with 00-BF.

Martin.
 
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I wouldn't worry about the route classification too much. As ever there is a prototype for everything. For instance the single line to Kingswear was rated to take Castles and I think Kings. It all depends on the construction of the line.
 
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That's good to hear! Pity regarding the 56xx, I will have one maybe on the layout :D I was aiming to run/showcase Blue Axel Class locomotives as I've been told my layout size would not warrant anything higher than that. Maybe because its a single track potentially 1 in Steam line.

I am tempted to try and make it dual line up the branch to further stations and eventual junction while leaving the terminus single platform only.

@LittleWestern

Hi James,

Phil was referring to prototype locomotives. 00 gauge models will go round very much sharper curves, down to train-set sizes if you are sticking with 00-BF.

Martin.


Indeed, I am talking 12 inches to the foot, the 56xx could and did negotiate the 1 in 7, 12 ft switch turnouts, but at a cost in maintenance, due to the length of "rigid "wheelbase, as far as a 00 model is concerned, it's not a problem as most RTR models will negotiate less than prototype radius curves. Your model can possibly negotiate 1st radius curves and will definitely negotiate 2nd radius curves, there's very few of us have the space for fully prototypical radii and turnouts.

I look forward to the day they pick my numbers out, on the lottery and can afford a 25 x 10 metre shed with house attached, until such times, I will have to be content with 8ft by 1ft 6ins.
 
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I wouldn't worry about the route classification too much. As ever there is a prototype for everything. For instance the single line to Kingswear was rated to take Castles and I think Kings. It all depends on the construction of the line.
See this is what I like to hear, hearing some say 'no that would never work on that size board' almost talked me out of going for a good deal of realism.

Thanks,

James
 
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James,

1 in 7 crossings and 12 ft switches is perfectly adequate for a branchline loco release. At Cranmore on the ESR the shed crossover has those turnouts and they were regularly used by std class 4, 4-6-0 & 9f, also a visiting Castle, H15 and a west country. The only loco that caused us any problems was a 56xx.
Interesting!
A GWR Circular of 1943 of which I have a photocopy, says the minimum radius for a 5600 is 5 chains, or 4½ "Slow speed", whereas for a "Castle" the figures are 8 chains and 7 chains respectively.

John
 
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Hi John,

We thought that, too! Weight distribution may have played a part, but the 56xx has gone now, so no longer a problem.
 
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So a small update to the layout on my side:
- Chairs for branch and siding track has been sourced, those for switch rails (2 bolt heels) have also been sourced, I will have to bodge for certain chairs and likely use REA check rail chairs where need be. But I am still researching this.
- I took the time to create a small industrial yard that will hopefully extend from the BLT in future but for now allows me to practice my track laying etc.. 1100mmx300mm
- I've decided to use OldType GWR 10ft turnouts at 1:5.5. and it's allowed me to get the correct dimensions for usabilty in the aviable shelf space.
- To save on space I've used a 3-way Double Tandem turnout, not sure if it is correct so thought I would drop it here and feel free to critise away! It's still possible I will leave it as a standard crossing and add another turnout in the gap between.
1651773719299.png

- Other than that, some books have been ordered, chairs, rails and gauges for building are ready to order and I'm ready to get stuck in.
- Having this first project "as realistic as possible" is not the end goal as it's mostly a chance to practice building. I can always redesign it later for a more realistic trackplan.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and thanks for all your previous help!
James - LWR
 

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James

If you are using 3 bolt chairs, then there are a whole array of normal and special chairs, for GWR 2 bolt the special chairs can still be used, sometimes by modifying them with 2 bolt inner and outers

C&L

As well as standard and slide chairs their new sprues include both bridge and joint chairs in both 2 bolt and 3 bolt

Exactoscale

The standard L1 and M1 chairs are available E4CH 201A / 203A

Additional switch chairs E4CH 501A
Common crossing chairs E4CH 502A
0.8 Check chairs 4CH 403A

For the 3 way you may have to choose chairs by eye, might even be worth buying a packet of obtuse chairs 4CH 503A for the odd part

Look at the track parts/position pages
https://exactoscale.com/track-components/chair-positions/

These chairs were designed for the old P4 company turnout kits, some positions like the PL2 position have to be altered as designed around the kits. Plus they are for 3 bolt, but modifications can be done

Modelu

3D printed 2 bolt slide chairs
 
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@Hayfield
This was going to be my approach, using 3bolt specials and modifying them. C&L is where I will be buying these 2bolt sprues in bulk (for future projects also)
Thanks for the additional information I will take a look into that as well :)
Actually, the plan is to use 1.6mm thick ply sheets and cut sleepers out and glue chairs in place. any special chairs I'm sure I can get 3 bolt varients to actually hold rails in place correctly and doctor 2bolt outers and inners in place.

Cheers,

James - LWR
 
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Hi James.
Looking at your track plan, your run round loop is very short.
Before you commit to building anything, it would be a good idea to print out your track plan and place the stock on it to check what you want to do is possible and there is sufficient passing clearance. The facility to do this using the dummy vehicle function is also built into Templot if you know the rolling stock dimensions.
Regards
Tony.
 
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Hi James.
Looking at your track plan, your run round loop is very short.
Before you commit to building anything, it would be a good idea to print out your track plan and place the stock on it to check what you want to do is possible and there is sufficient passing clearance. The facility to do this using the dummy vehicle function is also built into Templot if you know the rolling stock dimensions.
Regards
Tony.
Hi @Tony W
This is exactly what I have done for the Industrial sidings and thus far placing my rolling stock and shunter locomotives in-situ and recreating some maneuvers/marking up clearances on each turnout, it seems to be sufficient for what I had planned as it is a micro-layout. I worked out I can fit a rake of 4 Coal/Clay/Oil wagons, in both the straight delivery siding and the run around (I used Ratio Kit Built GWR 5planks and 12ton vans as a measurement) to deliver then shunt, etc which in this space is possible and a challenge.
I will do some tweaking of the track plan after some other considerations and will try to use the Templot Feature moving forward.

Since my space is limited to 1100mm x 300mm, this current setup seems to be the only possible configuration. Considering I have to think about where the entrance to this micro layout is in relation to the BLT I am planning/researching for the future.
Thank you for your consideration.

James - LWR
 
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So after a long time, there have been some minor updates in terms of the branch line.
- The books regarding Switch and Crossing Practice, Signaling Practise, and modeling GWR branch lines have been ordered and should make their way to me eventually.
- I made my first small order to C&L Finescale to acquire some lengths of bullhead rails and several packs of GWR 2 Bolt chairs which include some of the special chairs needed for turnout, others are in the basket waiting to be ordered.
- Despite this I have had some issues with the order, I believe C&L is a one-man show and has been traveling and moving a lot recently, this project being a long one, I am hopeful it will be rectified shortly. But being out of the UK doesn't help.

- I will be moving to a slightly bigger room soon and as such will be making some slight adjustments to my thoughts as it comes to the branch line and associated industries.
- I have decided to 'start small' as it were when it comes to hand laying track, I want to start with an industrial section that will be serviced by the BLT I make in the future. Its dimensions are slightly smaller and contain fewer turnouts so this small project should provide some good modeling for the next few months while I hone my skills and get deeper into the hobby after so long.
Thanks for your continued support, knowledge, and patience.

James - LWR
 
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Last edited:
To all

The thing to remember with C&L is that Phil is a one man band. Normally it takes a few days for the order to be assembled after paying for the items. Also if he is at a show the Friday before and the Monday after is usually spent assembling the stock for the show and Monday is putting it all back

As you have also noticed Phil is finally moving house, looks like there is a last minute hiccup (which seemingly the norm with many house moves these days, I spoke with an estate agent yesterday and our conveyancing system is a mess) I will try and phone Phil over the weekend and update everyone.

Unlike the business changing hands, this move should be far less problematic, added issues are the Perth show and his holiday (I think we are passing each other as we will be in in the North East at the same time Phil is in Yorkshire).

Any issues please PM me but there is not much that I can do if he is closed/away

James

Well done for looking into the trackwork side of your layout so closely.
 
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@Hayfield

Thanks for your input, I am very aware he is a one-man-band in this case and aware of the situation, given the length of time, my project will take I'm not too worried about lead time. I have already emailed regarding the concerns about my order so with some luck I will hear back before nothing can be done about it :D (It will likely come down to simply making a new order anyway)

As for the trackwork, the younger me couldn't care less about how it would look up close and at eye level, I just wanted to run trains! But now I'm fascinated by the workings and the engineering involved, the research, the nuances. To me this along with the manual laying is part of the experience, no matter how long it takes, in the end, I will feel better for saying "I did that and I did it (semi) right" :)

Cheers for your support,

James
 
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@Hayfield

Thanks for your input, I am very aware he is a one-man-band in this case and aware of the situation, given the length of time, my project will take I'm not too worried about lead time. I have already emailed regarding the concerns about my order so with some luck I will hear back before nothing can be done about it :D (It will likely come down to simply making a new order anyway)

As for the trackwork, the younger me couldn't care less about how it would look up close and at eye level, I just wanted to run trains! But now I'm fascinated by the workings and the engineering involved, the research, the nuances. To me this along with the manual laying is part of the experience, no matter how long it takes, in the end, I will feel better for saying "I did that and I did it (semi) right" :)

Cheers for your support,

James

James

Just a quick tip, Phil has said he suffers from dyslexia and sometimes suffers with emails, so a quick chat is always helpful if you have either queries or alterations, I will see if I can catch up with him over the weekend and your location will allow him quickly to recognise your order and remind him you hade since altered/queried the order. Having moved not so long ago the house move becomes all consuming and clouds ones memory

Good luck with your modelling
 
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James

Just a quick tip, Phil has said he suffers from dyslexia and sometimes suffers with emails, so a quick chat is always helpful if you have either queries or alterations, I will see if I can catch up with him over the weekend and your location will allow him quickly to recognise your order and remind him you hade since altered/queried the order. Having moved not so long ago the house move becomes all consuming and clouds ones memory

Good luck with your modelling
Hi @Hayfield
Thank you for the offer, any help is greatly appreciated. I fully understand his circumstances which I why I haven't pushed the situation :)
As for modeling, right now I'm 3d designing some jigs and track gauges to aid in frog creation and general track laying. Hopefully I'll be able to post a small update on this soon.
 
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James

Have you seen Martins 3D printed Vee jigs, they are superb, you could also design one for filing the backs of switches
 
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@Hayfield
Until you mentioned it, no? But now I will take a gander!
My hope is to make 16.2mm gauges (like tracksetta) for assistance with straights and curves. and basically anything I need to assist with layout track work.
Thanks for the suggestion
 
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So finally a layout update!

I have all the needed materials and tools to start making some track sections.
Based on the Branchline dimensions of 44' 6" 18 sleeper panels used Pre-WW1 by the GWR (and documented here, found in Templot, thank you very much - https://85a.uk/templot/martweb/pdf_files/gwr_track_panels.pdf) Panels will be created using Code 75 Bullhead rail lengths, C&L/Exactoscale 2 Bolt Chairs and plywood timbers.
QUESTION @Martin Wynne - correct me if I am wrong, I see from another Templot topic that S1J chairs were not used pre BR(W) days? Or was this just for turnouts? I checked the scalefour soc but since I am not a member (Yet) I came up short? Also checking some PWay information and drawings also bring me to this conclusion.

I am in the process of designing a track laying jig on TinkerCAD to assist in panel creation, allowing me to simply create and store many panels over time for use now and in the future (in between turnout creation)
The layout itself has changed fairly since previous iterations but is still a simple 3 siding industrial area and a visible stretch of branch in the rear.
I have decided to use the 10ft Old Type GWR turnouts with a crossing angle of 1:6 to be more typical for a yard construction of Pre-WW1 construction, and likely that any changes to rails would likely not have been high priority for the company before grouping. The branchline itself will be of a more modern setup with standard GWR type turnouts used.
Once construction has begun I will document here and likely on my YT panel so construction (and critic) can be shown in real time.

Full Steam Ahead finally!
 
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