6x4 Starter layout - For sale?

[smallman28]

I like the upper level,almost gives me an idea for my new N gauge layout
Unless I missed it in reading is the upper section done on some kind of foam base?

[egroeg93]

The original layout in the first pictures I thought looked very professionally planned, I liked it a lot and I like what your doing with it even more.

[jamest]

I like the upper level,almost gives me an idea for my new N gauge layout
Unless I missed it in reading is the upper section done on some kind of foam base?

Hi - yes the base is two layers of finest insulation foam from wicks. I can't remember the trade name now - its something like celotec or something. It has a silver foil lining on the faces which I removed. It is a little difficult to stick together but it kept the whole thing light and it is very easy to form with a knife.

If I did this again I might consider splitting the board - despite my efforts it is quite difficult to move alone - and I'm 6'8" tall!The wife is getting better at helping me lug it around though!

Cheers,
James

[Hammy]

Wow, what a fantastic little setup!

makes me wish i still had my 6x4!

i really like the raised up depot in the middle. its a layout on a layout!

and the use of scalescenes

[jamest]

Hi again,

Little more progress on the upper level.
I have decided to cheat a little and I have bought a ready to plant refuelling point from the scenecraft range. I have attached some power to the upper level and made a hole in the back scene which will lead to the upper storage area. I've run my class 20 around it, where I can, to test and everything seems to be fine - I've just got to cut and place the correct length sidings now.
I used dowels to control the lower level scenic points but on a recent trip to Exeter I saw some wire and tube on sale - so I thought I'd give it a try. The wire is very thin but remarkably effective when housed in the tubing, even when you are 'pushing' the point. The tube is PTFE and is flexible so you can bend the line to suit the surroundings. At £10 For two packs of wire and two packs of tube (6 metres in total) its pretty good value in my opinion.
Enough with the talk and on with the pics:

New refuelling point

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Exit to upper storage (notice point wire and sleeving)

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Overall view of upper level - sometime I'll try to photograph it in the daylight!

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Cheers,
James

[jamest]

Hi all,

Right - bit more progress 'behind the scenes' and this time I've managed to take some photos in daylight!

I had a rethink on the fiddle yard and managed to get in a siding that I could enter from either direction. But the siding wasn't big enough to take an engine and three coaches so I added little headshunts at each end so I can enter, go to the end to clear the back point, reverse into the opposite headshunt, and drive out again when I want. It really makes a difference when you are operating the layout. I've also offered up the upper level fiddle yard but nothing is 'nailed down' yet.

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I've also changed the 4 scenic points at the signal box end to solenoid control. The dowels were damaged when I moved into the conservatory for winter (sod's law dictated I rested the layout on the end where they were sticking out!). They are also a bit stiff and you cannot operate them from the front because of that - sometimes my son is out front and likes to use the hand of God - he can, if he likes, with point motors. I've also soldered the power wires to the track to replace the hornby power feed - well out of sight so you can't see the quality!

Here is my high tech control panel:

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And heres my attempt at a 'real life' shot!:

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Cheers,
James

[smallman28]

I like the hidden top section,so much so I might steal that idea and dispense with my plan for a gradient.

[craw607]

Hi james
The layout is coming on leaps and bounds some good ideas there.
John

[Road Stone]

Very interesting to see what can be done with limited room, the upper level is very clever. I like the retaining walls, are they Scalescenes?

Cheers, Jerry

[1djspikey]

WOW you done a pretty tidy job there keep it up

[villan]

I think your layout is really coming on. I like the added height and the fact the loop is hidden. Thats a couple of things I wished I'd done with mine.

Some nice work with Scalescenes as well.

How do you find the Select controller?

[jamest]

How do you find the Select controller?
I think your layout is really coming on. I like the added height and the fact the loop is hidden. Thats a couple of things I wished I'd done with mine.

Some nice work with Scalescenes as well.

How do you find the Select controller?

Hi Villan,

I am very happy with it - I got it with my first 'set' the hornby pendolino but I think you can pick one up for around 40/50 quid on ebay. My friend recently got the bachmann EZ basic controller and in my opinion it is nowhere near as good. The horndy has an aux power output for accessories and you can number a loco from 01-99 (the baccy only does 1-10). You can have around three trains running at once with lights, but any more and performance struggles a bit - but thats plenty for most people.
I also have a bachmann dynamis wireless controller because I started in the garage before I set my sights a little lower on a 6x4 to 'learn' railway modelling. That has a higher amp output and a few more features but the only real advantage is the 'wireless' capability. But if you 'hide the controller from the reciever (like putting yourself in the way!) for 10 secs or so, the trains will stop- I can see why, but it gets annoying.
If you are looking for a start in DCC I would reccomend the select - it is easy, cheap and it will be a while before you out-grow it. The EZ one is only slightly cheaper but no where near as good.

Hope this helps,
James

[trainsandco]

wow, good work there james

Keep up the good work!!

Ben

[jamest]

Hi All,

Update on my progress over the last few days:

I have cut all the sidings to length on the upper levels and placed the pit in one line under the shed. I then masked off the business end of the points and sprayed with railmatch sleeper grime - I've still got to go around the masked areas carefully with a brush and then clean off the tops of the rails.
I've also glued up some 'sky' paper on the backscene and started on my 'bridge' over the entrance. I have used my scalescenes retaining wall prints to come up with my walling on the backscene and I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far.
I've also stretched my era further by purchasing a two-tone green class 47 from ebay! Couldn't resist!

Here are some piccy's:
Painted track & blue backscene:

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New bridge! I plan to have a wall spanning out at the lower height across the backscene:

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My new baby!

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Cheers,
James

[trainsandco]

wow good work!