Thomas Visits Bride Bay

[joshv8]

Well worth the bump Dad-1. I spent somd good time reading through this thread. And as for getting people interested in the hobby it shows a multitude of scenic displays which ,as with everything you achieve, are modelled to a brilliant standard. Its a great railway layout.
Josh

[Sparkster]

Hi Dad-1,

I read both your folding Thomas threads last night - brilliant!

I'm looking to create a model railway for my son, 4 and a half (as he tells me). I have younger children - but not quite at the age yet!!

I had considered creating a folding layout - but in effect making the 'box section' deeper - which might allow me to run an elevated section, possibly including a bridge, however, looking at the intricacies of inclines - roughly 1400mm to rise the desired 80/90mm - so that is on the back burner for now! Although not inexperienced in woodworking - I've not built a model railway of any great substance for at least 25 years (and me ol' dad did most of the work there!) but Its something I'm really considering.

Our house is just big enough for us - and we're hoping to convert the loft next year - which might give me a small hobby room - but I doubt it, as Mrs Sparkster has her eyes set on a walk in wardrobe and a big bath!

With that in mind, I'm contemplating this build as a stop gap - but it may remain something of a more permanent setup.

My plan is to mount casters on the base to enable it to be rolled around and then manufacture some folding legs with adjustable feet which will allow it to be raised up to the appropriate height. In warmer weather (as current!) I'd like to be able to put it on some old saw horses outside - which I think would be a nice way of enjoying it!

I've not managed a sketchup diagram as yet - but I'm envisioning a deep box...

Am I being unrealistic?

If i suitably secured scenery - do you think it would withstand being moved around - or should I be thinking simpler!?

Love the work!

Tom

[Dad-1]

Hi Tom,

First thanks for the compliments.

Whatever you do it's always full of compromises. You say about deeper section sides, but with that comes additional weight
as well as increased storage requirements. Lighter sides can be made, but then not strong enough for secure leg fixing, which
you'll need even more if you try to fit castors.
I'd certainly have preferred fixed scenery, but that would increase the depth of a folded layout so much, as well as needing all
scenery to be heavily secured to withstand being bumped around when on it's side.
Our compromise is to have a stock box into which all the buildings, people, stock, track rubber, cloth skirting is packed. It's
also strong enough for mall children to stand on, or even us sitting on it !! It has a lift out shelf giving double depth storage.
Because all the electrics are used with other layouts we just pack into a convenient sized cardboard box, seen here sitting on
the layout.

Always best to keep as simple as you can, particularly if younger children are to use, and that IS the point, to play not watch.



Here it is in my shed ready for the van to collect at lunch time.

Geoff T.

[Sparkster]

Hi Geoff!

Thanks for your reply!

I think, on reflection it might be a bit much to include the scenic aspects. So like you, I think the best idea is to leave them separate. Perhaps I could make anchor points for buildings and whatnot!

I’m hoping to make a start. And would like the boxes and track completed before Christmas! (Not forgetting the two alcove cupboards I’ve promised to finish for the boss!)

I’ll keep browsing the forums and hopefully make a build log when I start!

Tom

[NedFlanders]

Absolutely brilliant!

Everything about this is wonderful, I hope one day i have the skill set to do something similar.

If I had a hat i would doff it to you sir.

Ned.

[glencairn]

A lovely layout for 'the kid in us'.

Glencairn

[Dad-1]

I didn't know exactly where to put this, but as it was running on the Thomas layout I thought this
the best place to put it ?

My new Hornby 'Ruston' having it's first running. More muscle in this tiny loco than one might expect.
Look at the length of 'Percy's'' train.





I'm currently shattered after 2 day at the Wimborne exhibition - The last one for some time I fear.

Geoff T

[Dad-1]

Here we are, still using Thomas and I decided to indulge myself !!
Built 2014-15, now having done 45 public showings after last evening 10/12/22
in the Seaton, Devon library.
This video is from the Weymouth MRA exhibition at the end of October when I found
a little time. I regret the video was rather rushed & I had to get between some visitors
and the layout, not always the best viewing locations.
It's now done 45 trips out and I hope to crack 50 before I retire both Thomas and myself !!

A well made layout can give so much fun for so many years.

https://youtu.be/72qwzHSzMeg

Geoff T.

[Bigmet]

...It's now done 45 trips out and I hope to crack 50 before I retire both Thomas and myself !...

I have the plot for a static diorama, which would enable a static display, so much simpler: I will PM to you, and you can decide whether to share...

[Dad-1]

OMG, Old layouts never die.

Dunno about the owners - NO I'm NOT going just yet.

Built Child Resistant, like a brick out-house except ?
All the delicate stuff was put outside small arm reach and psychologically it worked.
They know they can't reach things so don't even bother.
Well so it seems after another 2 day exhibition last weekend. The Wessex Association
event a Wimborne. For once during a quiet spell I caught this shot 'Dad's authority given'
of a brother & sister running Thomas & Percy.



It is my intention to retire from any more 2 day events after Frome in January '25.
Even 'Thomas' may retire as it was heavily built and at my age it's getting too much.
In the future bookings - Weymouth - 1st W/E November; Frome 1st W/E January;
Club 1 day on 2nd W/E January.

10 years use - not bad going.

Geoff T.

[Phred]

Aah - Thomas still has the power to mesmerise.

[Mountain]

Lovely little layout. Are the curves sharper than 1st rad or is the photo deceptive?

[Dad-1]

Hi Mountain,

The inner track 180 bends are Hornby 1st Radius set-track.
All the rest is Peco flexi with the outer track being tighter than 2nd radius, just
enough gap to clear the short 'Thomas' stock & locos. Except Douglas who is too
long with too much overhang to clear the bridge structure.

phred,
I'm now looking at the Rapido 'Ivor the Engine' set. I don't want to 'Grow Up'

Geoff T.

[aleopardstail]

Hi Mountain,

The inner track 180 bends are Hornby 1st Radius set-track.
All the rest is Peco flexi with the outer track being tighter than 2nd radius, just
enough gap to clear the short 'Thomas' stock & locos. Except Douglas who is too
long with too much overhang to clear the bridge structure.

phred,
I'm now looking at the Rapido 'Ivor the Engine' set. I don't want to 'Grow Up'

Geoff T.

actually tempted by the Ivor set myself I have to say

[Phred]

Dad-1 wrote:
I don't want to 'Grow Up'

Growing up is boring (and not compulsory).