I don't often comment on RUclips but I wanted to say thank you for all you do with Chadwick Model Railway Charlie, it really is appreciated. You help people like me who can't have a layout access the hobby in a really entertaining way. This is just what I needed after a hard week at work
Me too. I live vicariously through Charlies videos as I live in a flat in London. We are planning to move to the country soon with a plan to have a train room and workshop. I had a brain wave yesterday, there’s nothing stopping me planning a layout e.g. what will I model , what era etc? These videos are great to keep the mind active and the dreams alive. All the best
I have plenty of room for a layout, but the last thing I need is another expensive, time consuming hobby. So Chadwick, Chandwell and Everard Junction are my virtual layouts 😊.
Another entertaining video Charlie. A little tip if you ever need to make a template around track again is to hold a pencil against the side of a small wagon and run it back and forth along the rails to draw a line. If you hold the pencil on the centre of a coach instead, it can be a helpful tip when you need to make sure there's clearance in curves.
@@ChadwickModelRailway For coaches use different coloured pens - one line drawn from the centre, the other colour drawn from the coach end. That way you can see where they intersect to avoid any fouling. I'd love to take credit for that tip but it belongs to the late Bob Symes.
Nice bit of 'working through the problems' as you go Charlie good to see you did it all on camera rather than rehearse it and cut out the problems. Live is good and gives us a better understanding.
Another great video. I've run a felt tip over the rail to get a mark on the board I was going to fit next to the track. I just wipe it off the track afterwards. Keep them coming. G
Another useful and entertaining video again Charlie. Thank you. There is another video to be made suggested by a story a very old lady told me some 30 years ago. As a child in Eire, she was a passenger on a steam-hauled train when the Crew pulled up saying the coal was running low. The passengers helped pull up the lineside wooden fencing that was fed into the firebox as the train went along. She was a very good Catholic lady and would never tell a lie.
I have noticed that this series of Chadwick is slowly turning into "Blue Peter does model railways " the how-to version with Uncle Charlie, All we need is Shep to make an appearance and one I made earlier slot. This is time-consuming work with off-the-cuff problem-solving, Another entertaining video thank you. looking forward to part 2.
"Not as easy as you think." I believe you have just created a new motto for railway modelling! For my platforms, on the sub-base I used SMS 2'x3' concrete paving with their steam era platform edging, all 1mm thick, and came out with a nice looking platform after weathering. The key to success is obviously careful measuring and calculations. I used a standard platform height above the top of rail of 12mm, and the coping facing at 11 mm out from the inside face of rail, all of which was easy to do on the straight platforms. Then, I did as you did and compared it against various coaches, especially the occasional Siphon G with bits hanging down.
Another great video Charlie Chadwick’s new station is really taking shape now with the use of the foam which will when completed with paving will look as good as the branch line station the Ryobi hot wire tool made a great job of the ramp bring on part 2 Take care Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Very good, one thing I would do before doing any more to the embankment is get the Station Building and footbridge. Move them around and work out where they are going so I can then make the embankment to suit before I end up putting it in, only to rip it out because I've taken it too far! lol. Something to note is the signal position. Ensure it's before the fowling point at the end of Platform 2 so that trains from Platform 3 can enter and depart. At times, you placed your mockup one too close to the point. Personally, I'd also not be worried about getting all the coaches in the platform, there used to be many which are too short for the trains that served them. As you mentioned about the fence, less health and safety back then, you were expected to look before you opened the door and jumped out!
Great platform build. Love the view of the project from the eyes of the locomotive driver! It's a joy watching you build your model. Railway. Brings back memories of when I was doing the same thing 50 years ago. Now I get to enjoy others seeing their build. I'm reminded of the Stanley tools that I heard in USA some years ago, " Stanley. We want to make you do things right." Bill and Janet from Central California.
Great little how to video, glad you’re doing all the trial and error to help save us some hours! Nice to see that heritage train make a rare appearance on the channel to, even if only a cameo on the fiddle yard
Great progress on a great layout! Good choice on the Ryobi - my tool chest is filled to the brim with their gear, including still some of the blue & yellow stuff from way back when. If you take care of those tools, they'll take care of you. Have a great couple of weeks! ~Maarten
Hi Charlie, I think that this just shows how a slight curve to a platform gives it an extra realism as of course dead straight platforms are not that common! 😄 In terms of the embankment, I wondered if you might consider putting a building in that corner with the bay platform as the start to the retaining section? This way, the back wall of the building would be part of the retention structure and perhaps incorporate some steps for staff to access the branch in case of emergency or if a freight was held and it gave the drivers access t make a call of nature or cup of tea from the facilities 😉 Great stuff as ever. Foam is a great lightweight alternative to plastic or wood 👍🍻
I like the way you tell us your thought process, even when it doesn't work out and you show your 1st attempts. I have always understood that marking platform curves a marker held against a piece of rolling stock gives a more constant gap.
Very inspirational Charlie .My model layout mojo has been very low after the passing of my Father at Christmas but thanks to your enthusiastic approach and informative video its coming back . Keep up the good work .The platforms look good and very simple to build
Could watch this all day everyday if i had the time. ✌👍✊ But i've got my own simple twin track layout to look after too. Have a peaceful weekend everyone from Paul & Kathy in GB🤝👍😊 Always full watch for you 👍
I did a very similar thing on my n-guage layout. I used a belt sander to wear down the foam surface to get the tapered ends. It worked great to form the ramp tapering to a point.
There's always more than one way to skin a cat. The method I was shown to get the curve right and get the appropriate clearances, was holding a pen or pencil against your longest piece of rolling stock, be it a loco or wagon. At the end for an inside curve and in the middle for an outside curve. The clearance depends on what you are using for edging, so you may need to shim the pen/pencil. Still a very informative video. Cheers
Hi Charlie. To work out where everything should be, everything revolves around what is called the "Clearance Point". That is the point where a train in (say) the Bay Platform is clear of a train passing on the main line. Vice versa, the clearance point for the bay siding is where a main line train could be standing and not hit an arriving or departing bay platform train. Once you know that point, you'll need to put either an rail section insulator or another position detector (light detector?). These detectors or track sections will then confirm that the turnout is clear for a train to pass by one waiting in the other platform. Leave some margin as locos will overhang their wheels - so even if the track section records the wheel clear, the overhang of the loco may be foul. Once you've identified that spot, that then shows where the gantry needs to go - the signal has to either line up with the section gap/detector as a minimum or be further into the platform. Only then can you determine where the train stopping point is. In your configuration - unless there is a problem sighting a platform mounted signal (which there shouldn't be with a sweeping right hand curve), a platform mounted signal will give you more platform space as a driver can pull up closer to it without craning their neck or being unable to see it whilst waiting. A gantry needs trains to stop further back = loss of platform room. Another comment made mention of the 200 yard overlap distance - this is a good point but wouldn't be a consideration in a normal signalling layout - the interlocking will prevent a train arriving on the main line while a move is going to/from the bay platform and vice versa - in case the main line train over-runs the signal. I don't know how detailed / realistic you want your signalling to be but following the above (if it makes sense!) will add to the realism of your layout. Cheers for the videos - sorry about the long run of text!
I very much like the platform. It looks immediately 'real', so you got it right first time! Just a few thoughts Charilie. I was a guard in the late 70;s, if you remember from my previous comments. If you did want a seventh coach on the train, you could, because in that time period, having a coach 'off the platform' was a normal occurence, and passengers were advised at the starting poin to travel in the first so many coaches to alight at, say, Chadwick Parkway. The guard or ticket inspector would reiterate this to any passenger travelling in yhe back coach when checking tickets. Another thing. I liked the 'drivers eye view' of the entering of the platform, but fr future reference, the camera was a little low. needs a little packing to bring it up to eye height, otherwise, perfect. well done. Regards, Paul.
Hi Charlie, another great set of hints and tips whist being very enjoyable. A couple of small suggestions if I may, I’ve worked with foam board and close structure foam for many years. Be very careful with the Fatic glue, it is a superglue and not stated as foam safe. This can show straight away or do the ticking bomb thing! There are foam safe glues available. Your idea of the wooden slants was great, personally I would have used the actual plastic sides, they can take a bit of heat. Also start half way along so you can cut at an even speed or you get ripples. Half upwards, half downwards. Lastly, when cutting foam with knives, you want as oblique angle as possible, more blade in touch so smoother finish. This does however increase the danger of your blade going off true and vertical. In order to counter this take a full snap off blade set out of the knife, place at the best angle you can and superglue to a block of wood on the side, a simple blade sled, much easier and nicer cuts. Anyway just my two pennies worth. Kindest regards Timo.
The take away from this video for me is planning. Planning how you can work on multiple things at a time to fast track some of the work. E.g. switching tasks so you are constantly adding to what you are doing. Doing everything sequentially is fine but it will take a lot longer. However don’t do too many things at a time else you will trip over yourself. Charlie you have mastered this. I do it all the time at work, I move and translate data, so while something is running, I switch to another tasks, then switch back. All the best
Hi Charlie, Great progress!! Hope you are unaffected by the storm sweeping through the country Good method for cutting the foam. I liked the traction engine lurking in the farmyard corner!! Interesting to see the fence removal. This came up in another forum recently and a comment was made that the landowners wanted the fences to keep the railway people off their land!! Look forward to the next episode. Have a great weekend.
Thanks Charlie, an interesting approach to creating a platform and station area. I particularly like the hot wire cutting approach to the sloped platform ramps, that worked really well and have a particularly nice looking ramp. I’m some way off creating my first large station, but this has definitely given me inspiration as to how to approach it. One of the stations on my upper level will cross a lift out section (to allow me access to the centre of the railway) and this foam board approach will be perfect as it will allow for an easily created straight join across the platform. And yes you’re right about the fence on that upper section behind the station, there wouldn’t have been one back in the day and I can think of examples where I’ve worked along railway embankments. In fact, one such example is associated with a very funny story about a cable drum, a dog and a fish pond - though it didn’t feel very funny at the time 🤣 Must tell you about it sometime, one of the many antics my colleagues and I got up to in the good old days ! Take care mate !
I've had a similar experience with two Woodland Scenics hotwire foam cutters, as they aren't of the most robust quality. Thanks for showing the Ryobi model, (and your excellent technique, which I will now try).
Love it .. i had lost my mojo haven't touched my layout for months .. but your inspiring me , I do look forward to your and I think its called grandads train room ( beachcroft) I think .. brilliant 👍
Really interesting Charlie. Many stations on my local Sydney to Newcastle mainline are too short for the trains that Sydney Rail run. The trains are usually 8 car trains. My local station is only a 4 car platform length. The Guard always warns as we approach, to use the last 4 cars to alight. There is one station that is only a one car platform. “Please use the last car” is heard on approach 😁
Charlie, the platform worked out really well. I am impressed by how it is going. A tip I picked up from Elle Towan was when cutting the foam by knife, use a long retractable knife, and use a metal square section as a guide, I picked up a metre length of a 2 inch by 1 inch aluminium box section, and it works really well, rest the knife against the edge, and hey, it is square. And do multiple passes, a but deeper each time. The new Ryobi hot wire cutter looks like a good investment, and using the MDF on each side worked a real trick, thank you for that great tip. I look forward to the next section, and what you use for the tall retaining wall. Great job, thank you for sharing, stay safe, and Happy Modelling, Michael
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. I do remember a video from ET in which a metal block was used, but I can’t remember which one! Do you? Regards Charlie
Good evening Charlie I very much enjoyed your latest video especially from the camera train. It all look great. Not quite sure about doing a platform for my train but we will see but it’s a slow job trying to fit flexible track which I’ve never done before but thanks again. You’re a great guy David.
Excellent! That hot wire tool looks the business. Maybe using a loco+5 for the stoppers would be a bit better - it is unusual for train to EXACTLY fit the platform. It would also allow for crew changes etc. I know that we all try to avoid “wasting” space, but giving a bit of slack would add to the spaciousness you have achieved so. Your call, obviously! The final camera run was lovely and showed just how much you’ve achieved.
Hi there to get a marck parallel to the track I've held a pencil against a wagon to move it further off add some packaging, to get a little closer add a little packaging to the top of the wagon. It works for other claeanses with coaches
Hi Charlie! This was brilliant! I'm planning on using XPS foam for my platforms when I get to that stage, and have even purchased the same RYOBI foam cutter! However, I was at a loss as to how I was going to use it to cut the platform ramps! Now I know! Thank you! :) Cheers, Ian..
For your signals Charlie just remember you need a 200 yard overlap from the collision point on the points back towards the platforms so you are gonna have to get the gantry probably over the end of your ramp you could put your bay platform one on the embankment side of the platform!
Hi again Charlie Very clever. Foam certainly seems the best way to create the required shape. Love the improvisations ,on line for all to see. I made mine from balsa , albeit mostly straight. Don't know how they will age though. Sanded ramps quite easily but a bit uneven compared to yours. Thanks again. Enjoy watching every episode. Stay safe Howard
Now, techniques differ--that's what makes this all so interesting. I would have taken the template and T-pinned it down to the blue foam and scribed the foma to the template with the hot wire cutter. I have considerable hot wire experience, too (back in the 90s DIY using an old MRR transformer and nichrome wire was pretty state-of-the-art). I would have also used toothpick or skewers (possibly chopsticks) to align the blue foam bits for gluing together. That's what /my/ reflexes would be. Your results are yours and are quite remarkable. IIRC, you'll need to remember to put an end-of-rail stop on the short #3 line, which may or may not need lighting on your layout.
Nice work, Charlie. I have made a 3D-printed pencil holder that I have attached to Con-flat. The holder has a slot across the width, so you can adjust where you want to draw a line next to the rail. I am currently using it to show me where the ballast limit is. I would have used PVA glue. Martin. (Thailand)
Charlie I love your channel. I am not an active modeler but I am fully engaged. I remeber being taken around some London stations when we had to change on route from Birmingham to Minehead. I can't give you any definitive evidence. But I remember being taken to see Golden Arrow. I have a memory of the engine being in a dead end with steps going down to the buffer for inspection. I remeber ask g my father what it was for and he said inspection. Thinking back, I do not know whether he meant the buffer or the loco. I do remember looking down and seeing litter between the buffer and the platform at the bottom of stone steps. Sorry I can't be any more specific. ❤
Hi Charlie- A great job building the platforms and they have really come out well and does look good from the camera shots track level. Cheers for now Kev
Charlie, I held my breath during the operation with the box cutter, a tool I have a shaky relationship with. After a whisky, for nerves, I admired the whole process immensly. The thought then occured ' have you allowed clearance for steam loco cylinders?' This little item has brought me undone more times than I wish to remember and in you case and era perhaps the odd steam excursion with King George V, Nunney Castle or Evening Star etc could ruin all your meticulous planning by entering the platform and the cylinders riding up the ramp edge.... Just a genuine worry as I did not hear you mention this item in your planning. Great video, waiting for part 2.
Been there, done that. After days of careful templating, checking, cutting (I used 18mm MDF) I found that NOT ALL of my locos cleared my curved platform. And watch out for the real oddballs, like GUV vans with a step!
Another nice video Charlie. When i first attempted a curved platform i did the thing where you fix a cut down pencil to the side of your longest coach, that was a bit of a nightmare too. On my present layout I did something similar to you, I used a piece of thickish paper which i laid over the track to make templet, I am happy with the result and a lot easier.
to enhance your concreted wall, when your grey is dry put some heavily thined (5:1) japanese navy greenover the top in places nearer the bottom of the wall. It ages concret very well
Good stuff Charlie. This looks like a method I could use myself to sort out platforms. Many thanks. That hot wire cutter ain’t cheap though, need to think hard about that investment.
Another Outstanding Video Charlie....! I Really Enjoyed Watching Part 1...! Good Clear Advice & Recommends As Always....! It Will Be VERY INTERESTING To Watch & Learn How To Simulate & Cover The Station Surface In A Tramac Effect & With Surface Markings As Well ( I f Any...! ) Can't Wait To See That..!👍👍 & I Can't Wait For Part 2.....! Your Layout Is Looking Awersome...! Keep Up The Great Work Charlie....!👍
Excellent Charlie, most of scenery is that XPS foam, similar price here in Australia but sold as a sheet. I found i could use a very course file to shape it noticed it almost has a grain where it cuts better one way than others. I also found i could use PVA to attach it to the board. As always very enjoyable and starts my Saturday morning off nicely with a cupper.
Excellent. Not without its hilarious moments! There are a couple of chaps round here who will pop round with some tarmac for your platform(s). Greatly interesting seeing it being built up.
Following my slightly negative comment re the fencing, where i had clearly only watched the start; I have to say, now having watched the video all the way through, this was a truly absorbing installment! Great work, and whilst im not sure if there are any issues with foam, my choice of adhesive is the trusty Evostick, it seems to glue anything to anything! Looking forward to part two!
Hi Charlie, Excellent progress and so much simpler than the trials and tribulations you went through with the 'straight forward?' branch station platforms! Could you give an overhead view that shows a train against the platform and the clearance between coach and platform. It looks really nice and tight with no long jump involved for your passengers boarding or leaving the train. Looking forward to part 2. Cheers Jon
Fantastic video as always Charlie. Never thought of using the XPS foam for the "core" of the platforms. Just a suggestion. To glue plastic to card or wood, I use Deluxe Material's Speed Bond.... It has a 5 minute working time, and grabs pretty much straight away. Keep up the good work. P.s apologies if this comment appears twice, I couldn't find my original post.
Hi there to cut the ramp if you clamp some wood straps to both sides then have a 6-8 inch square of wood with some 80 grit sandpaper glued on and rubb it away a bit dusty but on a budget and can be used for other jobs
Hi Charlie, I feel that your signal gantry should be at the absolute stopping point - by placing the gantry ON the junction drivers can stop their trains where it is technically allowed but will actually be physically fouling the junction.
Thank ypu for another great informative video. Might I suggest painting the bottom underneath the edging of the blue foam black. When you took the camera train into the station ypu could see some blue underneath the edging.
Happy New Year, Happy Australia Day and thanks for another great video! Just a small idea depending on how much rivet counting you want to do - where the embankment meets the platform there would be a swale or drain to intercept and collect water running down the bank. And did I hear you say “Extra Phallic Glue”?? 😂🤪 Cheers!
That's a very very nice platform Charlie, nicely done! I must confess that on my son's layout, I just used Hornby platform... but in my defence, he's far too young for a properly scenic model railway. One small tip, as someone else has mentioned in the comments - if you gaffer tape a fine Sharpie to a 4-wheel truck (I used a 7-plank wagon), and run that alongside your not-quite-trimmed foamboard, you'll get a perfect line to cut along.. Much easier than the finger technique IMHO. But - let's not take anything away - your method worked really well too. That final footage of the train was superb (I assume you'll be putting some ballast down between the Woodland Scenics foam and the platform edge, once the platform is nailed down, just to fill that last little gap? Or maybe that's a good place to put some scenic electrical cabling, which I assume would live down there in the '60s/'70s era? Looking forward to part 2! I bet it'll look amazing once you've got the asphalt paint down.
Barrow crossings were still a thing in the 2000's Charlie. I worked quite a few signal boxes where phone calls would often be received from staff wishing to use the crossing. Not for barrows these days, but mostly for wheelchairs and baby buggys/prams.
Great video as usual Charlie. I was looking for a concrete colour paint for my own platform walls for weeks, having tried various combinations of grey and cream Revell paints mixed in various proportions, but finally settling on...... Tamiya XF 55 Deck Tan! If you've also gone for it, I can't be far wrong. I agree with your comments on foam cutting - not at all as easy as it looks. I eventually formed my cores from 12mm ply, but getting the edges aligned to my gently curving platform tracks (seemed like such a good idea at the time.....) was no easy task. As for platform surfacing (and perhaps more of a tip for continental modellers) take a look at Juweela "Flexyway" herringbone paving - comes ready-coloured in red or grey, and can be laid seamlessly. I found it to be a great material
Hello there Charlie I must admit I’ve not been happy with my platform now I’ve seen this I’m going to give it another go using the peco platform edge I think it looks so much better than the metcalfe that I currently have. Thanks for the inspiration. Nat🚂👍
I don't often comment on RUclips but I wanted to say thank you for all you do with Chadwick
Model Railway Charlie, it really is appreciated. You help people like me who can't have a layout access the hobby in a really entertaining way. This is just what I needed after a hard week at work
Thanks Lewis, his comment such as yours and make the whole thing worthwhile. Regards, Charlie.
Me too. I live vicariously through Charlies videos as I live in a flat in London. We are planning to move to the country soon with a plan to have a train room and workshop. I had a brain wave yesterday, there’s nothing stopping me planning a layout e.g. what will I model , what era etc? These videos are great to keep the mind active and the dreams alive. All the best
I have plenty of room for a layout, but the last thing I need is another expensive, time consuming hobby. So Chadwick, Chandwell and Everard Junction are my virtual layouts 😊.
@@MrAsBBBHey Mr A. I do hope you can escape that place as soon as you can and get your train room! 👍🙂
Another entertaining video Charlie.
A little tip if you ever need to make a template around track again is to hold a pencil against the side of a small wagon and run it back and forth along the rails to draw a line.
If you hold the pencil on the centre of a coach instead, it can be a helpful tip when you need to make sure there's clearance in curves.
Thanks, Alan, sound in advice indeed. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway For coaches use different coloured pens - one line drawn from the centre, the other colour drawn from the coach end. That way you can see where they intersect to avoid any fouling. I'd love to take credit for that tip but it belongs to the late Bob Symes.
Nice one Charlie. You can even make watching glue dry quite interesting.
With all that static grass in place, watching glue dry, compared to grass growing, is quite the adrenaline fueled past time. 😉
That’s most kind professor. Regards, Charlie.
It's amazing when you look at the finished product and then watch how you made it. Really professional job.
Thanks Timothy, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Nice bit of 'working through the problems' as you go Charlie good to see you did it all on camera rather than rehearse it and cut out the problems. Live is good and gives us a better understanding.
Thanks Arthur, videos are much better when they’re truthful. Regards, Charlie.
Another great video. I've run a felt tip over the rail to get a mark on the board I was going to fit next to the track. I just wipe it off the track afterwards. Keep them coming. G
That’s a useful tip, Graham, thank you. Regards, Charlie.
Another useful and entertaining video again Charlie. Thank you. There is another video to be made suggested by a story a very old lady told me some 30 years ago. As a child in Eire, she was a passenger on a steam-hauled train when the Crew pulled up saying the coal was running low. The passengers helped pull up the lineside wooden fencing that was fed into the firebox as the train went along. She was a very good Catholic lady and would never tell a lie.
Thanks Rodney for sharing a delightful tale. In this country, the fences may well have been falling apart already!
Regards Charlie
I have noticed that this series of Chadwick is slowly turning into "Blue Peter does model railways " the how-to version with Uncle Charlie, All we need is Shep to make an appearance and one I made earlier slot. This is time-consuming work with off-the-cuff problem-solving, Another entertaining video thank you. looking forward to part 2.
Thanks Orion, I take it that you like the pace. Regards Charlie
"Not as easy as you think." I believe you have just created a new motto for railway modelling!
For my platforms, on the sub-base I used SMS 2'x3' concrete paving with their steam era platform edging, all 1mm thick, and came out with a nice looking platform after weathering. The key to success is obviously careful measuring and calculations. I used a standard platform height above the top of rail of 12mm, and the coping facing at 11 mm out from the inside face of rail, all of which was easy to do on the straight platforms. Then, I did as you did and compared it against various coaches, especially the occasional Siphon G with bits hanging down.
An excellent strategy Jack.
Regards Charlie
Another great video Charlie Chadwick’s new station is really taking shape now with the use of the foam which will when completed with paving will look as good as the branch line station the Ryobi hot wire tool made a great job of the ramp bring on part 2
Take care Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Brilliant vid .....always a pleasure to watch what you do around your layout.
Lloyd
Thanks Lloyd, it’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Very good, one thing I would do before doing any more to the embankment is get the Station Building and footbridge. Move them around and work out where they are going so I can then make the embankment to suit before I end up putting it in, only to rip it out because I've taken it too far! lol.
Something to note is the signal position. Ensure it's before the fowling point at the end of Platform 2 so that trains from Platform 3 can enter and depart. At times, you placed your mockup one too close to the point. Personally, I'd also not be worried about getting all the coaches in the platform, there used to be many which are too short for the trains that served them. As you mentioned about the fence, less health and safety back then, you were expected to look before you opened the door and jumped out!
Thanks mate, for some very useful advice. Regards, Charlie.
Great platform build. Love the view of the project from the eyes of the locomotive driver! It's a joy watching you build your model. Railway. Brings back memories of when I was doing the same thing 50 years ago. Now I get to enjoy others seeing their build. I'm reminded of the Stanley tools that I heard in USA some years ago, " Stanley. We want to make you do things right." Bill and Janet from Central California.
I would've thought that using a straight edge would've made cutting the foam a lot easier?
Thanks Bill and Janet, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Great job as always Charlie 👍
Thanks Lee, so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Lovely stuff. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks Charlie.
Thanks, robot monkey, glad you enjoyed it.
Great video Charlie - For somebody who doesn't view scratchbuilding as their"thing", you make a pretty good scratchbuilder...Cheers from Aus.
Thanks Greg, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Great little how to video, glad you’re doing all the trial and error to help save us some hours! Nice to see that heritage train make a rare appearance on the channel to, even if only a cameo on the fiddle yard
Good spot Luke. I need to test her on the platforms. Regards, Charlie.
Great progress on a great layout! Good choice on the Ryobi - my tool chest is filled to the brim with their gear, including still some of the blue & yellow stuff from way back when. If you take care of those tools, they'll take care of you. Have a great couple of weeks! ~Maarten
Thanks Maarten, regards Charlie
Hello Charlie. It's time for me to venture forth onto the surface of the planet amongst all this fresh snow.
Greetings from Colorado Springs.
Good luck out there Dave.
Hi Charlie, I think that this just shows how a slight curve to a platform gives it an extra realism as of course dead straight platforms are not that common! 😄
In terms of the embankment, I wondered if you might consider putting a building in that corner with the bay platform as the start to the retaining section? This way, the back wall of the building would be part of the retention structure and perhaps incorporate some steps for staff to access the branch in case of emergency or if a freight was held and it gave the drivers access t make a call of nature or cup of tea from the facilities 😉
Great stuff as ever. Foam is a great lightweight alternative to plastic or wood 👍🍻
Thanks, Tim, for an excellent suggestion. Regards, Charlie.
Thank you for another brilliant and informative video, and for showing the stages involved in the platform
, as well as possible t challenges.
Thanks librarian, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
I like the way you tell us your thought process, even when it doesn't work out and you show your 1st attempts. I have always understood that marking platform curves a marker held against a piece of rolling stock gives a more constant gap.
My dad used a pencil cut in half lengthways back in the 1950s. It worked.
Thanks, Dave, we got there in the end thankfully. Regards, Charlie.
A nice addition Charlie and another major step forward in bringing the parkway to life. Cheers, Arthur
Thanks Arthur, so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent as always, and the platform looks spot on 👌🏼 very timely too as I am tacking the platforms for my railway at the moment as well!
That’s great news, James, I wish you luck. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, excellent video on platform building. Had never thought of using foam, one to remember for a future build.
Thanks Roger, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks for a great video Charlie. I hadn't come across the platform walls before, very handy ! You learn something every day !😊
Thanks Kev, so pleased you found it useful. Regards, Charlie.
Another great update looking forward to seeing how the station looks when completed
Thanks DS, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Awesome demonstration. It is a great scene in the making. Looking forward to part 2.
Thanks Bob, it’s great to have you on board. Regards, Charlie.
@ Glad to be here!
Very inspirational Charlie .My model layout mojo has been very low after the passing of my Father at Christmas but thanks to your enthusiastic approach and informative video its coming back . Keep up the good work .The platforms look good and very simple to build
Thanks David, that’s very kind of you to say so. Hopefully these difficult times will pass. Regards, Charlie.
@@davidmathie9512 hi
My trains keep me sane. Hard times mate.
Good luck.
Could watch this all day everyday if i had the time. ✌👍✊
But i've got my own simple twin track layout to look after too.
Have a peaceful weekend everyone
from Paul & Kathy in GB🤝👍😊
Always full watch for you 👍
Thanks guys, that’s most kind. Have a great weekend, regards Charlie.
I did a very similar thing on my n-guage layout. I used a belt sander to wear down the foam surface to get the tapered ends. It worked great to form the ramp tapering to a point.
Now there’s an interesting alternative. Regards, Charlie.
Great video, as always, Charlie 👍
There's always more than one way to skin a cat. The method I was shown to get the curve right and get the appropriate clearances, was holding a pen or pencil against your longest piece of rolling stock, be it a loco or wagon. At the end for an inside curve and in the middle for an outside curve. The clearance depends on what you are using for edging, so you may need to shim the pen/pencil.
Still a very informative video. Cheers
Yes, Davie, but it’s such a gentle curve. I don’t believe it would’ve mattered. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie. To work out where everything should be, everything revolves around what is called the "Clearance Point". That is the point where a train in (say) the Bay Platform is clear of a train passing on the main line. Vice versa, the clearance point for the bay siding is where a main line train could be standing and not hit an arriving or departing bay platform train.
Once you know that point, you'll need to put either an rail section insulator or another position detector (light detector?). These detectors or track sections will then confirm that the turnout is clear for a train to pass by one waiting in the other platform. Leave some margin as locos will overhang their wheels - so even if the track section records the wheel clear, the overhang of the loco may be foul.
Once you've identified that spot, that then shows where the gantry needs to go - the signal has to either line up with the section gap/detector as a minimum or be further into the platform. Only then can you determine where the train stopping point is.
In your configuration - unless there is a problem sighting a platform mounted signal (which there shouldn't be with a sweeping right hand curve), a platform mounted signal will give you more platform space as a driver can pull up closer to it without craning their neck or being unable to see it whilst waiting. A gantry needs trains to stop further back = loss of platform room.
Another comment made mention of the 200 yard overlap distance - this is a good point but wouldn't be a consideration in a normal signalling layout - the interlocking will prevent a train arriving on the main line while a move is going to/from the bay platform and vice versa - in case the main line train over-runs the signal.
I don't know how detailed / realistic you want your signalling to be but following the above (if it makes sense!) will add to the realism of your layout. Cheers for the videos - sorry about the long run of text!
Great video with lots of useful tips as usual Charlie. Thanks for sharing. Roy.
Thanks Roy, so pleased that you found it interesting.
I very much like the platform. It looks immediately 'real', so you got it right first time!
Just a few thoughts Charilie. I was a guard in the late 70;s, if you remember from my previous comments. If you did want a seventh coach on the train, you could, because in that time period, having a coach 'off the platform' was a normal occurence, and passengers were advised at the starting poin to travel in the first so many coaches to alight at, say, Chadwick Parkway. The guard or ticket inspector would reiterate this to any passenger travelling in yhe back coach when checking tickets.
Another thing. I liked the 'drivers eye view' of the entering of the platform, but fr future reference, the camera was a little low. needs a little packing to bring it up to eye height, otherwise, perfect. well done.
Regards, Paul.
Many thanks Paul, I’ll take a look at the camera height. I had thought of having a GUV on the back end.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another great set of hints and tips whist being very enjoyable. A couple of small suggestions if I may, I’ve worked with foam board and close structure foam for many years. Be very careful with the Fatic glue, it is a superglue and not stated as foam safe. This can show straight away or do the ticking bomb thing! There are foam safe glues available. Your idea of the wooden slants was great, personally I would have used the actual plastic sides, they can take a bit of heat. Also start half way along so you can cut at an even speed or you get ripples. Half upwards, half downwards.
Lastly, when cutting foam with knives, you want as oblique angle as possible, more blade in touch so smoother finish. This does however increase the danger of your blade going off true and vertical. In order to counter this take a full snap off blade set out of the knife, place at the best angle you can and superglue to a block of wood on the side, a simple blade sled, much easier and nicer cuts. Anyway just my two pennies worth. Kindest regards Timo.
Thanks Timo, I’m so pleased you enjoy the video. I do appreciate your advice, which is well thought out. Regards, Charlie.
The take away from this video for me is planning. Planning how you can work on multiple things at a time to fast track some of the work. E.g. switching tasks so you are constantly adding to what you are doing. Doing everything sequentially is fine but it will take a lot longer. However don’t do too many things at a time else you will trip over yourself. Charlie you have mastered this. I do it all the time at work, I move and translate data, so while something is running, I switch to another tasks, then switch back. All the best
Thanks Mr. AB, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Super Phallic , Oooo you are naughty Charlie !!.
Good spot, Steven! Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, Great progress!!
Hope you are unaffected by the storm sweeping through the country
Good method for cutting the foam. I liked the traction engine lurking in the farmyard corner!!
Interesting to see the fence removal. This came up in another forum recently and a comment was made that the landowners wanted the fences to keep the railway people off their land!!
Look forward to the next episode. Have a great weekend.
Many thanks for your concern, David, luckily down south we have avoided most of the storm. Regards, Charlie.
Well I enjoyed that charlie be a great help when we put our platforms in 😂😂😂😂❤
Thanks Robert, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
I have to say, whilst I didn't want to say anything about the fencing, my thoughts were 100% exactly what you said at the beginning of your video!
I told you so !!!
Yes, I was wrong. I’ll cope.
Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, an interesting approach to creating a platform and station area. I particularly like the hot wire cutting approach to the sloped platform ramps, that worked really well and have a particularly nice looking ramp. I’m some way off creating my first large station, but this has definitely given me inspiration as to how to approach it. One of the stations on my upper level will cross a lift out section (to allow me access to the centre of the railway) and this foam board approach will be perfect as it will allow for an easily created straight join across the platform.
And yes you’re right about the fence on that upper section behind the station, there wouldn’t have been one back in the day and I can think of examples where I’ve worked along railway embankments. In fact, one such example is associated with a very funny story about a cable drum, a dog and a fish pond - though it didn’t feel very funny at the time 🤣 Must tell you about it sometime, one of the many antics my colleagues and I got up to in the good old days !
Take care mate !
ThanksBryan, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Your tale will have to wait until we next meet up.
Regards, Charlie.
I've had a similar experience with two Woodland Scenics hotwire foam cutters, as they aren't of the most robust quality. Thanks for showing the Ryobi model, (and your excellent technique, which I will now try).
Thanks Av, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Love it .. i had lost my mojo haven't touched my layout for months .. but your inspiring me , I do look forward to your and I think its called grandads train room ( beachcroft) I think .. brilliant 👍
Thanks Steve , that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Fantastic Charlie, you make everything seem so simple, really enjoyed this one.
Hi Charlie an excellent tutorial video really helpful and informative
Thanks, Michael, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Fantastic work Charlie
Thanks Jade, that’s very kind.
Really interesting Charlie. Many stations on my local Sydney to Newcastle mainline are too short for the trains that Sydney Rail run. The trains are usually 8 car trains. My local station is only a 4 car platform length. The Guard always warns as we approach, to use the last 4 cars to alight. There is one station that is only a one car platform. “Please use the last car” is heard on approach 😁
Thanks red bank, it was common here in the UK too during the 60s and 70s. Regards Charlie.
Charlie, the platform worked out really well. I am impressed by how it is going.
A tip I picked up from Elle Towan was when cutting the foam by knife, use a long retractable knife, and use a metal square section as a guide, I picked up a metre length of a 2 inch by 1 inch aluminium box section, and it works really well, rest the knife against the edge, and hey, it is square. And do multiple passes, a but deeper each time.
The new Ryobi hot wire cutter looks like a good investment, and using the MDF on each side worked a real trick, thank you for that great tip.
I look forward to the next section, and what you use for the tall retaining wall.
Great job, thank you for sharing, stay safe, and Happy Modelling, Michael
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting.
I do remember a video from ET in which a metal block was used, but I can’t remember which one! Do you?
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I will investigate Charlie, and let you know. Michael
That's most kind Michael.
marvelous Charlie as always
Thanks, Geoff, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Good evening Charlie I very much enjoyed your latest video especially from the camera train. It all look great. Not quite sure about doing a platform for my train but we will see but it’s a slow job trying to fit flexible track which I’ve never done before but thanks again. You’re a great guy David.
Thanks, David, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent! That hot wire tool looks the business. Maybe using a loco+5 for the stoppers would be a bit better - it is unusual for train to EXACTLY fit the platform. It would also allow for crew changes etc. I know that we all try to avoid “wasting” space, but giving a bit of slack would add to the spaciousness you have achieved so. Your call, obviously!
The final camera run was lovely and showed just how much you’ve achieved.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, Mike, and many thanks your advice. Regards, Charlie.
Looking really good. When joining the sections of foam together, you could perhaps have used toothpicks to join them as well as the glue.
A good point Lee. Also, I should have used foam pins (which I have) to hold the templates, as I drew around them.
Regards Charlie
Is it weird that I watch your videos twice once on a Thursday, then again on a Friday 😂
Wow Tez, that’s dedication.
I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting.
Regards, Charlie.
Looks pretty good. Great job
Thanks Bruce, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
Well done it looks really good
Thanks, James, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Hi there to get a marck parallel to the track I've held a pencil against a wagon to move it further off add some packaging, to get a little closer add a little packaging to the top of the wagon. It works for other claeanses with coaches
Thanks, Paul, sound advice. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie! This was brilliant! I'm planning on using XPS foam for my platforms when I get to that stage, and have even purchased the same RYOBI foam cutter! However, I was at a loss as to how I was going to use it to cut the platform ramps! Now I know! Thank you! :) Cheers, Ian..
Thanks Ian, I’m so pleased that you found the method useful. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie what a interesting video,I am learning so much from you I can’t wait for your next video
Thanks C9249, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
For your signals Charlie just remember you need a 200 yard overlap from the collision point on the points back towards the platforms so you are gonna have to get the gantry probably over the end of your ramp you could put your bay platform one on the embankment side of the platform!
Great advice CRL. Regards Charlie
Hi again Charlie
Very clever.
Foam certainly seems the best way to create the required shape.
Love the improvisations
,on line for all to see.
I made mine from balsa , albeit mostly straight. Don't know how they will age though. Sanded ramps quite easily but a bit uneven compared to yours.
Thanks again.
Enjoy watching every episode.
Stay safe
Howard
Thanks Howard, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Curved platforms are certainly a challenge. Regards, Charlie.
A very interesting and useful video Charlie!! Thanks for sharing mate! Cheers Onno.
That’s most kind Onno, regards, Charlie
Now, techniques differ--that's what makes this all so interesting. I would have taken the template and T-pinned it down to the blue foam and scribed the foma to the template with the hot wire cutter. I have considerable hot wire experience, too (back in the 90s DIY using an old MRR transformer and nichrome wire was pretty state-of-the-art). I would have also used toothpick or skewers (possibly chopsticks) to align the blue foam bits for gluing together. That's what /my/ reflexes would be.
Your results are yours and are quite remarkable.
IIRC, you'll need to remember to put an end-of-rail stop on the short #3 line, which may or may not need lighting on your layout.
Many thanks, Captain Mac, sound advice indeed. Regards, Charlie.
Nice work, Charlie. I have made a 3D-printed pencil holder that I have attached to Con-flat. The holder has a slot across the width, so you can adjust where you want to draw a line next to the rail. I am currently using it to show me where the ballast limit is. I would have used PVA glue. Martin. (Thailand)
Many thanks,Martin, useful advice indeed. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie. 👍
Thanks, Peter, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie I love your channel. I am not an active modeler but I am fully engaged. I remeber being taken around some London stations when we had to change on route from Birmingham to Minehead. I can't give you any definitive evidence. But I remember being taken to see Golden Arrow. I have a memory of the engine being in a dead end with steps going down to the buffer for inspection. I remeber ask g my father what it was for and he said inspection. Thinking back, I do not know whether he meant the buffer or the loco. I do remember looking down and seeing litter between the buffer and the platform at the bottom of stone steps. Sorry I can't be any more specific. ❤
Another brilliant video Charlie! Looks to be coming on great!
Thanks, MLS, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie- A great job building the platforms and they have really come out well and does look good from the camera shots track level.
Cheers for now Kev
Thanks Kev, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, I held my breath during the operation with the box cutter, a tool I have a shaky relationship with. After a whisky, for nerves, I admired the whole process immensly. The thought then occured ' have you allowed clearance for steam loco cylinders?' This little item has brought me undone more times than I wish to remember and in you case and era perhaps the odd steam excursion with King George V, Nunney Castle or Evening Star etc could ruin all your meticulous planning by entering the platform and the cylinders riding up the ramp edge.... Just a genuine worry as I did not hear you mention this item in your planning. Great video, waiting for part 2.
An excellent observation, Paul. As I recall the 08 shunter produces similar difficulties, and I’ll test it tomorrow. Regards, Charlie.
Been there, done that. After days of careful templating, checking, cutting (I used 18mm MDF) I found that NOT ALL of my locos cleared my curved platform. And watch out for the real oddballs, like GUV vans with a step!
Gloves…oh please, gloves…
Another nice video Charlie. When i first attempted a curved platform i did the thing where you fix a cut down pencil to the side of your longest coach, that was a bit of a nightmare too. On my present layout I did something similar to you, I used a piece of thickish paper which i laid over the track to make templet, I am happy with the result and a lot easier.
Thanks Chris, clever minds ….
Regards Charlie
to enhance your concreted wall, when your grey is dry put some heavily thined (5:1) japanese navy greenover the top in places nearer the bottom of the wall. It ages concret very well
Thanks, Tomo, sound advice indeed. Regards, Charlie
Good stuff Charlie. This looks like a method I could use myself to sort out platforms. Many thanks. That hot wire cutter ain’t cheap though, need to think hard about that investment.
Indeed Duncan, don’t buy one unless you really need one. Regards, Charlie.
Another Outstanding Video Charlie....!
I Really Enjoyed Watching Part 1...!
Good Clear Advice & Recommends As Always....!
It Will Be VERY INTERESTING To Watch & Learn How To Simulate & Cover The Station Surface In A Tramac Effect & With Surface Markings As Well ( I f Any...! )
Can't Wait To See That..!👍👍
& I Can't Wait For Part 2.....!
Your Layout Is Looking Awersome...!
Keep Up The Great Work Charlie....!👍
Thanks, Steve, that’s exceptionally kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent Charlie, most of scenery is that XPS foam, similar price here in Australia but sold as a sheet. I found i could use a very course file to shape it noticed it almost has a grain where it cuts better one way than others. I also found i could use PVA to attach it to the board. As always very enjoyable and starts my Saturday morning off nicely with a cupper.
Thanks four Oaks, I didn’t realise you could use PVA regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Will take longer to dry but works well.
Brilliant as always Charlie 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Thanks, Jim, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
@ Charlie I’m really enjoying your video’s whilst armed with a brew and some home baked biscuits ☕️👍🏼 keep up the great work 👏🏼👏🏼Jim👍🏼
Excellent. Not without its hilarious moments! There are a couple of chaps round here who will pop round with some tarmac for your platform(s). Greatly interesting seeing it being built up.
Thanks Roger, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Following my slightly negative comment re the fencing, where i had clearly only watched the start; I have to say, now having watched the video all the way through, this was a truly absorbing installment! Great work, and whilst im not sure if there are any issues with foam, my choice of adhesive is the trusty Evostick, it seems to glue anything to anything!
Looking forward to part two!
I’m pleased if you have come around to my way of thinking Keith. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, Excellent progress and so much simpler than the trials and tribulations you went through with the 'straight forward?' branch station platforms! Could you give an overhead view that shows a train against the platform and the clearance between coach and platform. It looks really nice and tight with no long jump involved for your passengers boarding or leaving the train.
Looking forward to part 2.
Cheers
Jon
Yes,Jon, I shall include it in part two. Regards, Charlie.
28:52 Super Phallic glue sounds dangerous, but I think that you will find that it is really Superphatic glue 😀
Well spotted Bob, a slip of the tongue! Regards Charlie
Fantastic video as always Charlie. Never thought of using the XPS foam for the "core" of the platforms.
Just a suggestion. To glue plastic to card or wood, I use Deluxe Material's Speed Bond.... It has a 5 minute working time, and grabs pretty much straight away.
Keep up the good work.
P.s apologies if this comment appears twice, I couldn't find my original post.
Excellent video Charlie 👍
Thanks, Alan, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hi there to cut the ramp if you clamp some wood straps to both sides then have a 6-8 inch square of wood with some 80 grit sandpaper glued on and rubb it away a bit dusty but on a budget and can be used for other jobs
A good tip Paul, many thanks.
Looking good Charlie, be interesting to see next instalment
ThanksMartyn, it’s great to have you on board. Regards, Charlie.
Looking great charlie 👍🏻
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, I feel that your signal gantry should be at the absolute stopping point - by placing the gantry ON the junction drivers can stop their trains where it is technically allowed but will actually be physically fouling the junction.
An interesting point Tim, and much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
Awesome Video Charlie
Thanks Christopher, much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.
I liked the way you used the guides for cutting the foam, I use PVA industrial glue for general uses, Card glue is PVA based I believe.
I must confess Sam, glues really do puzzle me. Regards, Charlie.
Thank ypu for another great informative video. Might I suggest painting the bottom underneath the edging of the blue foam black. When you took the camera train into the station ypu could see some blue underneath the edging.
👍 we don't have such platforms on the 1950's Santa Fe but enjoyed your video Charlie.
Thanks SL, and so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.
Happy New Year, Happy Australia Day and thanks for another great video! Just a small idea depending on how much rivet counting you want to do - where the embankment meets the platform there would be a swale or drain to intercept and collect water running down the bank. And did I hear you say “Extra Phallic Glue”?? 😂🤪 Cheers!
Good tip about the drain, Rod.
Yes, you did hear my slip of the tongue! Regards to Charlie.
great build on channel keep up the great vlogs thanks for share
Thanks, Annefield Road, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.
That's a very very nice platform Charlie, nicely done! I must confess that on my son's layout, I just used Hornby platform... but in my defence, he's far too young for a properly scenic model railway.
One small tip, as someone else has mentioned in the comments - if you gaffer tape a fine Sharpie to a 4-wheel truck (I used a 7-plank wagon), and run that alongside your not-quite-trimmed foamboard, you'll get a perfect line to cut along.. Much easier than the finger technique IMHO. But - let's not take anything away - your method worked really well too. That final footage of the train was superb (I assume you'll be putting some ballast down between the Woodland Scenics foam and the platform edge, once the platform is nailed down, just to fill that last little gap? Or maybe that's a good place to put some scenic electrical cabling, which I assume would live down there in the '60s/'70s era?
Looking forward to part 2! I bet it'll look amazing once you've got the asphalt paint down.
ThanksEM, for such an interesting comment. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
Barrow crossings were still a thing in the 2000's Charlie. I worked quite a few signal boxes where phone calls would often be received from staff wishing to use the crossing. Not for barrows these days, but mostly for wheelchairs and baby buggys/prams.
Thanks, Del boy, for keeping me in the picture. Regards, Charlie.
That blue foam board seems to cut real well. I had to cut some pink foam board this summer and it created small divots along the cut.
I’ve never tried it with the pink, but the blue is certainly decent stuff. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie
Great video your platfroms are .looking good
Thanks, Mark, that’s most kind. Regards, Charlie.
Great video as usual Charlie. I was looking for a concrete colour paint for my own platform walls for weeks, having tried various combinations of grey and cream Revell paints mixed in various proportions, but finally settling on...... Tamiya XF 55 Deck Tan! If you've also gone for it, I can't be far wrong. I agree with your comments on foam cutting - not at all as easy as it looks. I eventually formed my cores from 12mm ply, but getting the edges aligned to my gently curving platform tracks (seemed like such a good idea at the time.....) was no easy task. As for platform surfacing (and perhaps more of a tip for continental modellers) take a look at Juweela "Flexyway" herringbone paving - comes ready-coloured in red or grey, and can be laid seamlessly. I found it to be a great material
Many thanks for your comment Hans.
I had tried there ceramic tiles, but found them too brittle. Regards, Charlie.
Hello there Charlie
I must admit I’ve not been happy with my platform now I’ve seen this I’m going to give it another go using the peco platform edge I think it looks so much better than the metcalfe that I currently have. Thanks for the inspiration. Nat🚂👍
Thanks Nat, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent tips thanks Charlie. I just need to measure and see if foam-board comes in a perfect tt120 size..
I do believe that they come in various thicknesses. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent as ever Charlie. Could you tape a pen or pencil to a wagon to mark where to cut the board?
Thanks RD, many folks have suggested a similar idea. Regards, Charlie.
My main go to knife is the Stanley with break off blades, I have even used the smaller knife at full length and the blades haven't broken.
I imagine Sam, the same one that I used. Regards, Charlie.