I found this forum while looking for something else, so I thought I'd stop by and share my latest project.
Roath Goods is my long term P4 layout that is based in the Roath/Cathays suburbs of Cardiff, depicting a relatively small yard which acts as an interchange between the Welsh Capital and the Valleys. The progress you see here is the result of 4 months work and around 3 years planning. Set in summer of '71, there will be a good selection of blue and two-tone green on show as well as a good amount of grime. The yard itself sees a lot of general merchandise traffic, as well as coal and steel traffic that South Wales is so famous for. The rail-served warehouse to the left of the plan is hoped to be a focal point for the layout. All rolling stock will be fully prototypical for the area and era, so along side the older vacuum braked stock, the first signs of the air-braked fleet will be apparent. It's hoped that Roath should be 'finished' around Winter 2010. This photos form a bit of a timeline, but I hope they're of interest.
Above - The original rough sketch for Roath, which featured a representation of the line upto Radyr. Since this was drawn the idea of the running line has been abolished as it just didn't look right when mocked up. Beside, it should of been double track to represent the 'Valley line' properly
Above - The trackplan and point templates drawn out in Templot. Having had a proper sit down with Templot, I can't rate it enough. There's no way I'd be able to do the flowing curves without it!
Above - This left hand C10 point, built from the excellent Exactoscale components, forms one half of the crossover at the right hand end of the plan. It all went together very easily, but it's still a bit testing threading all the chairs onto the rail. In the photo I've placed a standard Peco medium radius point next to it for comparison, please excuse the mess that is my workbench...
Above - A photo from the first play session. Looking from the left hand end of the layout should give some idea of the overall view, the rear siding in this view will serve the warehouse on the original plan.
Above: The layout seen from the other end at the same time.
Above: The first of the terraced house front fresh out the mould. With the prospect of having to build 40-odd of them, the decision was made to spend the time to get one just right then cast them. They're based upon the 'prototype' in Flora Street which is roughly where Roath would be if it were real. I haven't got my photos to hand, but here's an image of one of the houses in neighbouring Minny Street http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/240 ... 3c.jpg?v=0, which are very similar although every other house is a mirror image of the one next to it. The resin mouldings the very basic shell of the building, all the details and slight variances are still to be added. I might also cast another of the same house to get a bit of variety in the stone work.
Above: A more recent view of the right hand end of the layout. Most of the recent work has concentrated on this end to date. Next tasks are to build finish the abutments and then apply the 'Brains' lettering. The odd block of 2 houses is just a place holder until I get round to building the laundrette that will take its place. It's hoped that as the trackbed is at eye-level, any rolling stock will be glimpsed between the various chimneys and TV aerials. It's also hoped that because of the height, just the tips of the houses behind the yard will be viewable - just like the real thing.
Above: A close-up of the terraced houses seen above. The house in the centre has had the front modelled open and I'm slowing building the hall interior. I'm quite looking forward to getting some really dated looking curtains inside all the houses. The fronts are just posed at present - the horrible join lines won't be there when I'm finished!
Above: A view from the end of the street. The shop has progressed a little since I last showed it, the staircase can just about be seen inside. It will become a newsagent eventually, featuring all the suitable magazines from the era. The end of the row is just temporary - I've got a little something planned for the finished article.
Above: The most recent view I have. Over the last few days I've been playing around with some new slimline tubes lights for Roath. Initially the light was way too bright and also far too 'sharp', so any illusion of natural daylight was utterly destroyed. However, I spent yesterday playing around with colouring the diffuser and, using a mixture of white and beige, I think I'm starting to get a better result. The lights much softer and more radiant but still in need of more experimentation I feel. A quick snap anyway, just a rough one from a small compact digi-cam as my proper one is packed away. It all looks a bit odd as it's still mostly bare plaster or resin, but I hope it gives an idea.
I'm forever after more information on the Cardiff area in the early 70s to aid the project, so if anyone can help, I'd love to hear from you. Sites such as Brian Tucker's dearly missed one were a gold mine - luckily I managed to get in touch with Brian (purely by a fluke meeting in a model shop!) to obtain a CD of his photographs.
Pixie
..infact i would lobby for longevityt mate! ...i am very impressed with that, i particularly like the brdge with brains on it lol. it's developing very well, all the best with it and keep us updated. 
