Thanks for the update. Some interesting reflections on your progress so far there. Since you asked, I'd leave the engine shed where it is: I rather like an interrupted view of trains, as that's what you get in real life - no railway company ever thought "oh we mustn't build there, because it'll interrupt people's view of the trains." But, if you are pulling the running line to the centre of the layout, then I agree, provided you can make the gradients work, you could drop it down a little: an intermediate level would add more interest too. I'd actually be tempted to take the shed all the way back and onto that corner of what's now the non-door garage mode end board. Not sure how to describe how I can see that working in exhibition mode without gesticulating and/or drawing on the back of a beermat, but it would involve some baseboard reconstruction at that end.
Hi, I just wanted to say; THANK YOU! I have been in a creative Malaise lately, and watching your vids has popped me out of that. Your logic and reasoning are quite visible in your videos. We sometimes tend to overthink issues to the point of stagnation through indecision. I recently retired from a railroad career and have about a sixth of my basement for a future layout in N-Scale. I am not a fanatic, but enjoy the operation and scenery of Model railroading. The area of my build is a little smaller than your garage layout ,however my scale is smaller as well. I intend to model an American freight railroad circa 1970-1998. A double track mainline with a switching secondary connected by a small "fiddle" yard are in the pre-plan design. Gathering track and supplies currently. Thanks again. Great work!
From an exhibition video/photo perspective, it's far more interesting seeing the trains passing through the scenery rather than dominating it. For that reason, i'd have the loco facilities and other scenic features in the foreground.
Some good thinking. One thing you might be able to utilise with extending the station siding around towards the engine shed, is that if put them both on the same side (inside or outside) of the heritage line, then it becomes a separate link between the two areas, and passing loop, particularly in exhibition mode when they will be adjoining. While something is running on the heritage mainline you could have movements between the second platform/headshunt and the shed area for extra activity/visuals without blocking the mainline. If that siding will hold a full train then you could also; bring a service into the platform to terminate, then on into the siding while other activities happen in the station, then detach the loco to move into the shed area for water/refuelling, then run that loco back around the train via the mainline, so the train has reversed ready to go back the way it came from. If the heritage line is also "theoretically" connected to the modern mainline, then a "visiting" railtour coming off the mainline could have 10 coaches by occupying the platform and siding while the loco was serviced as above, and still leave a platform free for heritage mainline trains. Could also use a shunter to grab wagons or coaches off the back of a stopping train and drag them back into the siding without blocking that shunter in a deadend. Plus if you orientate the points correctly you could make it possible for trains going in both directions to be able to have access into and out of the siding/shed area without having to stop on the mainline and reverse. Hopefully would add to the play factor by increasing possible movements!
Richard good to see the progress, you reaching out for ideas and showing the development process. I agree on coming up with a nominal train length and then building your platforms, loops etc to accommodate this - definitely better play value. For my layout I used the rule of 1/3s so if the layout is 12 foot long the longest formation is 4 foot in length anything longer can over power the modelling. Personally I would move the shed to the inside to make it easier for you shunting the yard. However may be the defining factor could be how it relates to the mainline above and what allows the mainline to flow best. Keep up the good work and from my daughter more shots of Lulu please 😊
This is the most exciting phase. Totally agree - get some trains running ASAP! Not only highlights faults but also gives you encouragement to crack on. Excellent photography as always Richard, a cracking layout in the making.
I’d say keep the shed at the front, real life is full obstacles that block your view (I’d cut the trees opposite my house down if I had my way) and it’s something I quite like at exhibitions as it forces your perspective to look at a layout a certain way (especially when trying to film a layout). If it’s possible to lower it I think that may add to the realism, after the all the earth is not flat, and I think it would give that felling of that desperate attempt to try and see the trains but only catching a glimpse of the roofs, it adds to the anticipation I think. You layout is looking great so far, I look forward to the next instalment. James
Well that was great, you have been busy! I really like the way you are taking us through your thought process and the running changes. Great touch with the rail replacement bus btw! As for the shed scene, I quite like a bit of view blocking. Trains aren't clearly visible all the time in real life and it's nice sometimes to look through a scene to find the trains. Looking forward to the next installment!
I'm new to the hobby, and been practicing on tiny diorama boards to improve my skills before attempting a proper layout. I've hit a motivational brick wall with that, so recently made the decision to start building 'the' layout just so I can actually run trains, and then figure it out from there. Your lesson there is both timely and pertinent to me personally. Good video.
1M72 in the period that Class 37 is modelled is the 07:17 Harwich to Manchester Boat Train, ran on the ECML too :) liking progress Richard going to enjoy watching you build it.
Hi Richard. Another excellent video. There’s so much to learn from your reflections so thank you for sharing them so openly. No doubt some experimentation will make the final positioning of the engine shed clear. As I loved the first New Junction, there would be an argument for maintaining a link with that layout by placing the shed as you did before. That’s a sentimental point, of course, but may be worth considering. Looking forward to future episodes. Kind regards. Chris Moss
Great to see trains running again Richard. The balance with the heritage line is really interesting. It cannot detract from the main line and the sweeping curves in garage mode but it also has to keep the play factor as thats where you'll have the interesting slower movements as the main line is predominantly continual movement of long trains. I'm really enjoying you talking us through it all, my personal preference would be to swap over the shed to the inside but looking forward to see what you create.
Hi Richard, I’m also building a new layout, my first in 45 years. I’ve got pro-built baseboards but only 9’x4.5’. My track plan is also evolving after the initial track lay, and so I found your fourth video especially helpful and made me think again in a few instances. Thanks!
This is largely been the motivation for me to do my layout I have even taken a huge influence from the base board design that u had done to make mine I have also gone down the heritage route but have base mine on the Bodmin general and Parkway railway but with a continuous double trck circuit that is largely hidden but can allow for a train to be running round the outer line and the inside line can simulat a train going out and back ps I also have the same dog and she is almost identical in colour all balck and white belly love your channel its helped me to not give up when things where for me where in a bad way but it has help to to saty positive and focused on a goal and that's keep me going
Hi Richard - all this planning will certainly pay dividends. Agree about having sidings/ loops long enough to take your longest trains. Its something I've done on my new additional circuits for my two helixes. Re your engine sheds - personally I'd swap them to the back but they would still work as currently laid out. Cheers Euan
To make a less tight curve up that end you could start the curve earlier for garage mode and then solve the problem of the curve in exhibition mode by making an additional board each side to switch out when using as exhibition. Does mean storing two boards somewhere though when in garage mode.
Awesome work - have a 10ft x 8 ft shed layout flat boarded out and looking for inspiration .. i would like two running loops outside and an little branch with sidings inner .. your work is helping clear the block
Great update, thanks. I would like to get trains running sooner too. I think it give impetus to your thoughts. Having read many articles I think the shed in front of the running line creates an illusion of distance as the train passes from one opening to another. It also makes the trains seem longer. Real trains pass behind obstacles to vision too . . . As you say, it's your railway 👍👍👍
Looking good Richard, great to see trains running. Great advice to try out the track and see if it works and how things will go. I cant wait to see the mainline track once you get it up and running.
Enjoyed seeing the progress and the fact that you are running trains! I can’t agree more with you about the importance of running trains early and re-thinking things. I’m about to rip up a section of my layout because it just doesn’t work, should have done it long before I got the landscaping done!
Great stuff Rishard. The heritage looks great! and its nice to see some trains running on it as well. Gives me a bit of motivation to keep going at my layout. Look forward to the new locos too. - Nicholas.
I think keeping the engine shed where it is will be fine. If the mainline is raised then it shouldn’t interrupt the view of trains there but I do agree on making it slightly smaller to give a ‘less of more’ feel. After seeing how good that track looks I’m tempted to switch to that before I lay anything down permanently!
Looks great. Especially love the bus's display. But that freight train needs a brake van... You could keep the engine shed on the viewing side, but swap it round so the back of the shed goes against the station section, so the locos run into the headshunt then back into the shed instead of straight into the shed then out into the headshunt.
Hi Richard, It’s all starting to come together. Well done. As you say, running the trains as you go through the various construction phases will confirm if there are any modifications that will need to be made. It is also a great excuse of course to simply ‘play trains!’. Reference the engine shed, if you move the heritage line over, will there be enough room to fit this in as you mentioned the mainline is yet to go down…..
Great job…. You could flip the engine shed to the right hand end of the board and this would give you longer open run for single track back to the station … In real life trains run behind other locos so you lose them for a short while anyhow… keep up the good work…👍
Personally, I would keep the shed at the front. I think sometimes model railways can look to contrived by having all the running lines front and center with uninterrupted views. If you go to a heritage railway, it is very rare that trains can be seen with a completely clear grand-stand view, part of the interest is seeing the trains passing through their environment! Great project either way though... can't wait to see it develop!! :)
Awesome as ever Richard. I love watching the progress. A possible idea for the garage boards with the tighter curves. Maybe the likes of Morpeth and south of Durham, on the ECML, may be of inspiration for you: Morpeth having the tight curve through housing, and the area I mention for Durham, having the remains of a triangular junction from disused routes and industry (between Crossgate Moor & Stone Bridge) Always great you see your updates, Best regards
Great progress :) Here's my 0.2c. Push each of the heritage line main tracks out several inches from the centre of the layout. It will give smoother and wider curves on the 'garage' door end of the layout. This would move the engine shed/yard to the inside of the layout viewing side and personally I would rather see a train passing true 3D perspective building, rather than running behind them. It would give a greater sense of depth. This would create a sweeping exit to your heritage station rather than a sterile "straight out". Keep up the great work ! I'm envious I dont have nearly as much of an area to rebuild my layout. :(
Running trains is important to check for issues, but it is also a motivator to keep going, to remember WHY you are building in the first place; or in my case, to not need to go further, as I have trains running. lol Obviously, laying things out for a modular system is even more important to find points over joints and other issues.
tbh i think the layout would be perfect with just the heritage line tbh. but ofc its your layout so you do what you want as you are the one spending the moola
I'd flip the shed to behind the heritage line, and bring that line forward - as a consequence you'll need to mirror that at the station, with an outward curve after the station, but this will bring the storage siding (garage mode) into alignment with the engine shed lines in exhibition mode.. this would then be modelled as sitting on the redundant half of the double running line...
Really enjoying your new build, I think the shed maybe better on the inside mate. You’ve given me kick start into planning my second layout here at Beechwood, I’m having a 00 gauge heritage plus a 009 layout all in one. 🚂👍
Great update and video as ever Richard. I seriously love the raised track bed you have done, will look fantastic once it's fully scenic. I'd be tempted to remove the headshunt on your shed all together, then you can still have a double track shed and have an open view of trains passing by (you could even make use of the track from the headshunt and put a 3rd line that sits besides the engine shed on the viewing side to showcase more of your locos off in exhibition mode). You're doing a fantastic job though and nice to see you having trains and enjoying running them once more. Keep up the great work as ever Cheers James
another great video and layout update. as for the engine shed area, like you said, it's your layout to design as you want. if it was me, i'd have the shed on the other side of the tracks so that we can see the train moving by. but it could also be an interesting view to see the engine passing behind. a third concept (and this is just my brain thinking since it knows nothing of heritage lines) would be splitting the view with a crossing and the train shed train split in 2 (one end for the locomotive shed and the other end for something like car maintenance). whatever you decide to do, i'm sure it's going to be great, and i can't wait to see more trains running!
Good bit of progress Richard. I know what you mean about getting things running and being flexible. Though I followed an established track plan my main station has ended up about 3' from where I thought it would be. One plus is that it's now completely on a bend and potentially more interesting than a straight platform station!
As for the "garage mode" end, why not hide a good deal of one line or the other, so that the visible line looks more realistic? It's evolving very nicely. Cheers
You are making great progress Richard. My vote on the heritage shed area is to leave it blocking the view. Things often get in the way in real life and on the model it will make people view the station area from different vantage points along the length of the layout.
Relating to the engine shed I personally think it's nice when the trains momentarily disappear behind a building or some other lineside structure as in real life. I personally think that far from detracting from the layout it adds interest.
Hi Richard I think why not have both. Put the engine shed on the other side but keep that siding and use it for old out of use wagons / flatbed wagons. Great progress though. Looking forward to seeing the new locos
Hi Richard brilliant update mate looking good I'm excited to see the next one if you don't mind me saying I think I would like to see the heritage shed the other side so it doesn't block the view of the mainline. Can't wait to see your east coast rolling stock running on the layout. Take care mate hope the young one is ok and the wife and happy modeling 👍
It's interesting to see you show that running trains is important, so you can implement the changes if needed to add play value. I'd move engine shed as an option. Great update Richard. All the best. Brian @The Angels.
Mate, not only is it perfectly fine for you to change your plans, it is absolutely essential! I mean, where’s the fun in getting it right first time? 🤷🏻♂️ Chances are you’ll change it all at least in part- if not entirely- again before you build the main line and you’ll still end up thinking “I wish I’d thought to do THAT instead!” 🙄 Agree about the sidings issue. One long siding is better than three small ones. I have seen a few layouts where I have wondered why they seem to want to have three or four sidings yet you can barely fit a short steam age country mixed traffic rake or a couple of carriages 🤔 As for the engine shed and yard, I don’t think you need worry about the positioning too much. But then, as you say, running trains before you commit to the track plan helps with this. Perhaps the practical road access for low loader lorries etc could be another factor to consider when siting it? 😉 I suspect you may do similar, but I always found knocking up a few cardboard ‘sighter buildings’ came in handy when trying to picture how a design can potentially look 🤓 Oh, and it was very nice to see Witherslack Hall too. The real one is probably my favourite engine (I sometimes refer to her as “The other wife” when I mention her to the missus 😂) and I recently bought the new Bachman model. Looks like she runs lovely but I’ll have to bide my time before I can run mine sadly 😔 Cheers Richard, great fun as ever! 👍🍀🍻 Give Lulu a hug from us 🖤
Such a good update, changes are sometimes the challenge all for the better, leave the engine shed as is. Think the shortening to increase the sweeping curve will work best, the shed will provide interest. Nothing better than getting the trains running, looks great. Best regards Marc
Hi Richard I'd say in relation to your engine shed scene is leave it on the viewing side (exhibition mode) but when you said reduce the size I would reduce it to one board size. Personally I don't mind a running shot of a stationery loco with another one running behind plus you've got the potential of a diorama scene in the engine sheds but at the end of the day rule one, its your layout you can do what you feel is right
Lower the engine shed a bit would make a massive difference, even if it means you can only see the top half of the trains going past. Being a heritage line, it could be the engine shed is built on a bit of vacant land rather than original formation as there was no railway depot here in ye olden days, and you could even use an old barn for the loco shed rather than an original railway depot building, as a heritage line would “make do” and repurpose. That way the depot also won’t look like every other depot on every other layout
While the engine shed will block a bit of the line running if you are utilizing it during a display I think it will not be a major problem having it in front.
Just watching the use of a hand saw I can recommend a Japanese pull saw as they are low effort to use, very accurate and very fast cutting, I now prefer it to using power tools such as my mitre saw
I know a chap who built a gauge 1 garden railway, four running tracks . Cost a fortune in wood etc. But he failed to check the radius of the curves at any point. No Loco's could get around any of his curves, nothing ever ran. Eventually had to destroy the whole thing.
Hi Richard anther great video mate I really injoy it every interesting iit will help me with my new layout when I start it so mate now have a new hornby APT/p train I still have one of the old hornby APT trains to goodbye for how clive in N Ireland
that's my experience to...after the "original" plan and idea, follows the reality check, which usually means simplifying things and "straightening things out to look more realistic. Often one can't put all the ideas and a lot of trackwork into the project.....but then the prototype is often all straight with little curces as well.... ps i have observed everardjunctions progress lately....he'sdone some great work...i.e. smoothing his curves and straights out too...it just looks better and more realistic....plus trains run better as well....
The only thing I would say about your passing the loop in the tunnel is how will you know where to stop your train in the correct position if it is fully covered up you will either need some form of electronic gizmo to stop it in position or you are going to need some form of camera system to be able to see it
Morning Richard. That’s a fantastic update on what’s going to be a really interesting project 🤩 I think it’ll be the only model railway on RUclips with a heritage railway with a modern railway along side 👍🏻 Well done for bringing that idea to the world of model railways 😀 Cheers Stevie
Great video as always, I think leave the engine shed as is, it will give some opportunity to have some comings and goings whilst main line goes by in the background more interesting when in exhibition mode than just watching one train go by, I was thinking you could model the engine shed area on Didcot Heritage Centre, giving opportunity for all sorts of movements including the demonstration line, not to mention some legitimate use of old buildings, water towers etc, in with the modern main line you have planed.
It looks good so far, in regards to your engine shed conundrum when it's in exibition mode you'll have mostly a long straight line and it'll be alright where you've got it. Personal opinion anyway
Very Interesting, I think sometimes people overload their layouts with over amounts of track routes and everything , but actual open space which truth most railways are surrounded by in reality. the feel of a true landscape is often abandoned. All the best large scale layouts I have seen don't do this. Space around a railway is equally important to a layout as the track itself to creating an atsmosphere. I have a number of model trains but no layout, so do understand the space issue
I would almost say swap the engine shed side so the mainline is in front Plus if you do that the storage/shunting tracks at both the station and engine shed will already be lined up Where as the way you have it set up currently, the storage track at the engine shed is at the opposite side of where the station storage track is
Hi Richard. I have a hidden siding area with many tracks and use a USB CCTV camera hooked up to a TV to see what's happening in them. It would let viewers see "behind the scenes" as well. Dave
Great job! Love the channel. Why don’t you extend the with on the ends? So the space in between the long ends gets bigger. Let’s say 50 cm modules. Gives you a bit more running space and maybe some less sharp curves. Have fun with the build!
Don't forget you can support the channel here:
www.patreon.com/NewJunction
Thanks
Thanks for the update. Some interesting reflections on your progress so far there.
Since you asked, I'd leave the engine shed where it is: I rather like an interrupted view of trains, as that's what you get in real life - no railway company ever thought "oh we mustn't build there, because it'll interrupt people's view of the trains." But, if you are pulling the running line to the centre of the layout, then I agree, provided you can make the gradients work, you could drop it down a little: an intermediate level would add more interest too.
I'd actually be tempted to take the shed all the way back and onto that corner of what's now the non-door garage mode end board. Not sure how to describe how I can see that working in exhibition mode without gesticulating and/or drawing on the back of a beermat, but it would involve some baseboard reconstruction at that end.
Hi, I just wanted to say; THANK YOU! I have been in a creative Malaise lately, and watching your vids has popped me out of that. Your logic and reasoning are quite visible in your videos. We sometimes tend to overthink issues to the point of stagnation through indecision.
I recently retired from a railroad career and have about a sixth of my basement for a future layout in N-Scale. I am not a fanatic, but enjoy the operation and scenery of Model railroading. The area of my build is a little smaller than your garage layout ,however my scale is smaller as well. I intend to model an American freight railroad circa 1970-1998. A double track mainline with a switching secondary connected by a small "fiddle" yard are in the pre-plan design. Gathering track and supplies currently.
Thanks again. Great work!
My pleasure, glad the ramblings made sense haha
From an exhibition video/photo perspective, it's far more interesting seeing the trains passing through the scenery rather than dominating it. For that reason, i'd have the loco facilities and other scenic features in the foreground.
Some good thinking. One thing you might be able to utilise with extending the station siding around towards the engine shed, is that if put them both on the same side (inside or outside) of the heritage line, then it becomes a separate link between the two areas, and passing loop, particularly in exhibition mode when they will be adjoining. While something is running on the heritage mainline you could have movements between the second platform/headshunt and the shed area for extra activity/visuals without blocking the mainline.
If that siding will hold a full train then you could also; bring a service into the platform to terminate, then on into the siding while other activities happen in the station, then detach the loco to move into the shed area for water/refuelling, then run that loco back around the train via the mainline, so the train has reversed ready to go back the way it came from. If the heritage line is also "theoretically" connected to the modern mainline, then a "visiting" railtour coming off the mainline could have 10 coaches by occupying the platform and siding while the loco was serviced as above, and still leave a platform free for heritage mainline trains.
Could also use a shunter to grab wagons or coaches off the back of a stopping train and drag them back into the siding without blocking that shunter in a deadend.
Plus if you orientate the points correctly you could make it possible for trains going in both directions to be able to have access into and out of the siding/shed area without having to stop on the mainline and reverse. Hopefully would add to the play factor by increasing possible movements!
Richard good to see the progress, you reaching out for ideas and showing the development process. I agree on coming up with a nominal train length and then building your platforms, loops etc to accommodate this - definitely better play value. For my layout I used the rule of 1/3s so if the layout is 12 foot long the longest formation is 4 foot in length anything longer can over power the modelling. Personally I would move the shed to the inside to make it easier for you shunting the yard. However may be the defining factor could be how it relates to the mainline above and what allows the mainline to flow best. Keep up the good work and from my daughter more shots of Lulu please 😊
This is the most exciting phase. Totally agree - get some trains running ASAP! Not only highlights faults but also gives you encouragement to crack on. Excellent photography as always Richard, a cracking layout in the making.
Engine shed in front, good to block view of the movement of trains on the mainline, I feel it captures interest.
I do like this concept where you can have a home and exhibition layout, excellent work and video 👍
Thanks Chris
Great stuff Richard 👍💯👍 coming together nicely 👍
Coming along nicely Richard
Thanks North!
Despite owning the best dog in the world, I think I have fallen in love with yours. Thanks for the videos, they are very enjoyable.
Ha thanks Nigel!
I’d say keep the shed at the front, real life is full obstacles that block your view (I’d cut the trees opposite my house down if I had my way) and it’s something I quite like at exhibitions as it forces your perspective to look at a layout a certain way (especially when trying to film a layout). If it’s possible to lower it I think that may add to the realism, after the all the earth is not flat, and I think it would give that felling of that desperate attempt to try and see the trains but only catching a glimpse of the roofs, it adds to the anticipation I think. You layout is looking great so far, I look forward to the next instalment. James
Well that was great, you have been busy! I really like the way you are taking us through your thought process and the running changes. Great touch with the rail replacement bus btw! As for the shed scene, I quite like a bit of view blocking. Trains aren't clearly visible all the time in real life and it's nice sometimes to look through a scene to find the trains. Looking forward to the next installment!
I'm new to the hobby, and been practicing on tiny diorama boards to improve my skills before attempting a proper layout. I've hit a motivational brick wall with that, so recently made the decision to start building 'the' layout just so I can actually run trains, and then figure it out from there. Your lesson there is both timely and pertinent to me personally. Good video.
1M72 in the period that Class 37 is modelled is the 07:17 Harwich to Manchester Boat Train, ran on the ECML too :) liking progress Richard going to enjoy watching you build it.
Looking good. It is always good seeing trains running on a layout. Thanks for sharing, stay safe. Ken
I see a cheeky Monday Club wagon pulled by your Hall. Great update 👍🏻
Hi Richard. Another excellent video. There’s so much to learn from your reflections so thank you for sharing them so openly. No doubt some experimentation will make the final positioning of the engine shed clear. As I loved the first New Junction, there would be an argument for maintaining a link with that layout by placing the shed as you did before. That’s a sentimental point, of course, but may be worth considering. Looking forward to future episodes. Kind regards. Chris Moss
I'm a fan of model Railways. My husband had one as well.
Great to see trains running again Richard. The balance with the heritage line is really interesting. It cannot detract from the main line and the sweeping curves in garage mode but it also has to keep the play factor as thats where you'll have the interesting slower movements as the main line is predominantly continual movement of long trains. I'm really enjoying you talking us through it all, my personal preference would be to swap over the shed to the inside but looking forward to see what you create.
Hi Richard, I’m also building a new layout, my first in 45 years. I’ve got pro-built baseboards but only 9’x4.5’. My track plan is also evolving after the initial track lay, and so I found your fourth video especially helpful and made me think again in a few instances. Thanks!
Enjoying the development
It’s good to see things progressing and evolving, Richard. Good luck with your plans and I shall keep watching with keen interest. Take it easy.
This has just given me some great ideas..
This is largely been the motivation for me to do my layout I have even taken a huge influence from the base board design that u had done to make mine
I have also gone down the heritage route but have base mine on the Bodmin general and Parkway railway but with a continuous double trck circuit that is largely hidden but can allow for a train to be running round the outer line and the inside line can simulat a train going out and back ps I also have the same dog and she is almost identical in colour all balck and white belly love your channel its helped me to not give up when things where for me where in a bad way but it has help to to saty positive and focused on a goal and that's keep me going
Very nicely done.Cheers from overseas THE UNITED STATES
Well done & good luck 🙂🚂🚂🚂
Hi Richard - all this planning will certainly pay dividends. Agree about having sidings/ loops long enough to take your longest trains. Its something I've done on my new additional circuits for my two helixes. Re your engine sheds - personally I'd swap them to the back but they would still work as currently laid out. Cheers Euan
Ooh looking swish Rich, certainly seems to be going to plan - As if we ever stick to plans lol. Great work budd - ATB Gazza
To make a less tight curve up that end you could start the curve earlier for garage mode and then solve the problem of the curve in exhibition mode by making an additional board each side to switch out when using as exhibition. Does mean storing two boards somewhere though when in garage mode.
Awesome work - have a 10ft x 8 ft shed layout flat boarded out and looking for inspiration .. i would like two running loops outside and an little branch with sidings inner .. your work is helping clear the block
Some great ideas 💡
Great update, thanks. I would like to get trains running sooner too. I think it give impetus to your thoughts. Having read many articles I think the shed in front of the running line creates an illusion of distance as the train passes from one opening to another. It also makes the trains seem longer. Real trains pass behind obstacles to vision too . . . As you say, it's your railway 👍👍👍
Thanks Robert!
Looking good Richard, great to see trains running.
Great advice to try out the track and see if it works and how things will go.
I cant wait to see the mainline track once you get it up and running.
Enjoyed seeing the progress and the fact that you are running trains! I can’t agree more with you about the importance of running trains early and re-thinking things. I’m about to rip up a section of my layout because it just doesn’t work, should have done it long before I got the landscaping done!
Great video.
Thumb up for Lulu !
Richard, all of your proposed changes sound sensible :)
Thanks Neil!
Great stuff Rishard. The heritage looks great! and its nice to see some trains running on it as well. Gives me a bit of motivation to keep going at my layout. Look forward to the new locos too. - Nicholas.
Love the videos. I can’t wait till EP5. Keep up the good work.
Cheers Alan!
Mate , love the layout so far ! U are a very talented modeller ! Take care from oz!
I think keeping the engine shed where it is will be fine. If the mainline is raised then it shouldn’t interrupt the view of trains there but I do agree on making it slightly smaller to give a ‘less of more’ feel. After seeing how good that track looks I’m tempted to switch to that before I lay anything down permanently!
Looks great. Especially love the bus's display. But that freight train needs a brake van...
You could keep the engine shed on the viewing side, but swap it round so the back of the shed goes against the station section, so the locos run into the headshunt then back into the shed instead of straight into the shed then out into the headshunt.
Brilliant work there Richard! Looking forward to what you do next!
Great update on the layout Richard good to finally see some track on it and having a train run on it.
Thanks David!
Love this channel can’t wait for the next video…🙂
Thanks Marcel, not long now 😊
@@NewJunction Looking forward to the next update.
Hi Richard,
It’s all starting to come together. Well done.
As you say, running the trains as you go through the various construction phases will confirm if there are any modifications that will need to be made. It is also a great excuse of course to simply ‘play trains!’.
Reference the engine shed, if you move the heritage line over, will there be enough room to fit this in as you mentioned the mainline is yet to go down…..
Engine shed on the view side, the main line is just a train passing by. At the engine shed all kind of interisting things are happening !
Great job…. You could flip the engine shed to the right hand end of the board and this would give you longer open run for single track back to the station … In real life trains run behind other locos so you lose them for a short while anyhow… keep up the good work…👍
I'd Move it to the far side, as you can see the engine shed fine when there isn't a train on the mainline and it doesn't block the view when there is.
awesome video
Personally, I would keep the shed at the front. I think sometimes model railways can look to contrived by having all the running lines front and center with uninterrupted views. If you go to a heritage railway, it is very rare that trains can be seen with a completely clear grand-stand view, part of the interest is seeing the trains passing through their environment! Great project either way though... can't wait to see it develop!! :)
Thanks Al
Awesome as ever Richard. I love watching the progress.
A possible idea for the garage boards with the tighter curves. Maybe the likes of Morpeth and south of Durham, on the ECML, may be of inspiration for you:
Morpeth having the tight curve through housing,
and the area I mention for Durham, having the remains of a triangular junction from disused routes and industry (between Crossgate Moor & Stone Bridge)
Always great you see your updates,
Best regards
Great progress :) Here's my 0.2c. Push each of the heritage line main tracks out several inches from the centre of the layout. It will give smoother and wider curves on the 'garage' door end of the layout. This would move the engine shed/yard to the inside of the layout viewing side and personally I would rather see a train passing true 3D perspective building, rather than running behind them. It would give a greater sense of depth. This would create a sweeping exit to your heritage station rather than a sterile "straight out". Keep up the great work ! I'm envious I dont have nearly as much of an area to rebuild my layout. :(
Hi Richard. Engine shed: I'm with Andrew Stevenson on this one.
Running trains is important to check for issues, but it is also a motivator to keep going, to remember WHY you are building in the first place; or in my case, to not need to go further, as I have trains running. lol Obviously, laying things out for a modular system is even more important to find points over joints and other issues.
Excellent presenting skills too, could see your fronting a new series of 'Garden Railway' on Discovery! (showing my age there right)
How very kind, I did my own garden railway series here on youtube haha
tbh i think the layout would be perfect with just the heritage line tbh. but ofc its your layout so you do what you want as you are the one spending the moola
Very nice enjoyed your video thanks for sharing DD.
I'd flip the shed to behind the heritage line, and bring that line forward - as a consequence you'll need to mirror that at the station, with an outward curve after the station, but this will bring the storage siding (garage mode) into alignment with the engine shed lines in exhibition mode.. this would then be modelled as sitting on the redundant half of the double running line...
Really enjoying your new build, I think the shed maybe better on the inside mate.
You’ve given me kick start into planning my second layout here at Beechwood, I’m having a 00 gauge heritage plus a 009 layout all in one. 🚂👍
Great update and video as ever Richard. I seriously love the raised track bed you have done, will look fantastic once it's fully scenic. I'd be tempted to remove the headshunt on your shed all together, then you can still have a double track shed and have an open view of trains passing by (you could even make use of the track from the headshunt and put a 3rd line that sits besides the engine shed on the viewing side to showcase more of your locos off in exhibition mode). You're doing a fantastic job though and nice to see you having trains and enjoying running them once more. Keep up the great work as ever
Cheers
James
another great video and layout update. as for the engine shed area, like you said, it's your layout to design as you want. if it was me, i'd have the shed on the other side of the tracks so that we can see the train moving by. but it could also be an interesting view to see the engine passing behind. a third concept (and this is just my brain thinking since it knows nothing of heritage lines) would be splitting the view with a crossing and the train shed train split in 2 (one end for the locomotive shed and the other end for something like car maintenance). whatever you decide to do, i'm sure it's going to be great, and i can't wait to see more trains running!
Good bit of progress Richard. I know what you mean about getting things running and being flexible. Though I followed an established track plan my main station has ended up about 3' from where I thought it would be. One plus is that it's now completely on a bend and potentially more interesting than a straight platform station!
Ooo yes definitely better on a bend if a pain to do. 😊
As for the "garage mode" end, why not hide a good deal of one line or the other, so that the visible line looks more realistic? It's evolving very nicely. Cheers
You are making great progress Richard. My vote on the heritage shed area is to leave it blocking the view. Things often get in the way in real life and on the model it will make people view the station area from different vantage points along the length of the layout.
Nothing stopping keeping it on the side it is, but have just a couple of locomotives in situ.
great video, thank you
Relating to the engine shed I personally think it's nice when the trains momentarily disappear behind a building or some other lineside structure as in real life. I personally think that far from detracting from the layout it adds interest.
Love the Hall on your layout, looking good so far
Hi Richard I think why not have both. Put the engine shed on the other side but keep that siding and use it for old out of use wagons / flatbed wagons. Great progress though. Looking forward to seeing the new locos
great work. I would move the engine shed back. Would give a nice scene if some shunting was going on around it in exhibition mode.
Layout is amazing however I believe Lulu is the star of the show (love the rail replacement bus btw)
Hi Richard brilliant update mate looking good I'm excited to see the next one if you don't mind me saying I think I would like to see the heritage shed the other side so it doesn't block the view of the mainline. Can't wait to see your east coast rolling stock running on the layout. Take care mate hope the young one is ok and the wife and happy modeling 👍
Great stuff mate! You’re giving me a lot of motivation to get my layout up and running! Keep up the awesome work!
It's interesting to see you show that running trains is important, so you can implement the changes if needed to add play value. I'd move engine shed as an option. Great update Richard. All the best. Brian @The Angels.
Thanks Brian
Mate, not only is it perfectly fine for you to change your plans, it is absolutely essential! I mean, where’s the fun in getting it right first time? 🤷🏻♂️ Chances are you’ll change it all at least in part- if not entirely- again before you build the main line and you’ll still end up thinking “I wish I’d thought to do THAT instead!” 🙄 Agree about the sidings issue. One long siding is better than three small ones. I have seen a few layouts where I have wondered why they seem to want to have three or four sidings yet you can barely fit a short steam age country mixed traffic rake or a couple of carriages 🤔
As for the engine shed and yard, I don’t think you need worry about the positioning too much. But then, as you say, running trains before you commit to the track plan helps with this. Perhaps the practical road access for low loader lorries etc could be another factor to consider when siting it? 😉 I suspect you may do similar, but I always found knocking up a few cardboard ‘sighter buildings’ came in handy when trying to picture how a design can potentially look 🤓
Oh, and it was very nice to see Witherslack Hall too. The real one is probably my favourite engine (I sometimes refer to her as “The other wife” when I mention her to the missus 😂) and I recently bought the new Bachman model. Looks like she runs lovely but I’ll have to bide my time before I can run mine sadly 😔
Cheers Richard, great fun as ever! 👍🍀🍻 Give Lulu a hug from us 🖤
Such a good update, changes are sometimes the challenge all for the better, leave the engine shed as is. Think the shortening to increase the sweeping curve will work best, the shed will provide interest. Nothing better than getting the trains running, looks great. Best regards Marc
Thanks Marc
My club layout sections of the mainline hide behind stations and a couple of tunnels as well
Layouts cool. Dogs great. 🚂🐕
Hi Richard I'd say in relation to your engine shed scene is leave it on the viewing side (exhibition mode) but when you said reduce the size I would reduce it to one board size. Personally I don't mind a running shot of a stationery loco with another one running behind plus you've got the potential of a diorama scene in the engine sheds but at the end of the day rule one, its your layout you can do what you feel is right
Lower the engine shed a bit would make a massive difference, even if it means you can only see the top half of the trains going past. Being a heritage line, it could be the engine shed is built on a bit of vacant land rather than original formation as there was no railway depot here in ye olden days, and you could even use an old barn for the loco shed rather than an original railway depot building, as a heritage line would “make do” and repurpose. That way the depot also won’t look like every other depot on every other layout
While the engine shed will block a bit of the line running if you are utilizing it during a display I think it will not be a major problem having it in front.
Just watching the use of a hand saw I can recommend a Japanese pull saw as they are low effort to use, very accurate and very fast cutting, I now prefer it to using power tools such as my mitre saw
Great video Richard.
You mentioned your track plan a few times, can we see it in the next video please. Regards Charlie
Its in Episode 2 x
I know a chap who built a gauge 1 garden railway, four running tracks . Cost a fortune in wood etc. But he failed to check the radius of the curves at any point. No Loco's could get around any of his curves, nothing ever ran. Eventually had to destroy the whole thing.
Hi Richard anther great video mate I really injoy it every interesting iit will help me with my new layout when I start it so mate now have a new hornby APT/p train I still have one of the old hornby APT trains to goodbye for how clive in N Ireland
that's my experience to...after the "original" plan and idea, follows the reality check, which usually means simplifying things and "straightening things out to look more realistic. Often one can't put all the ideas and a lot of trackwork into the project.....but then the prototype is often all straight with little curces as well....
ps i have observed everardjunctions progress lately....he'sdone some great work...i.e. smoothing his curves and straights out too...it just looks better and more realistic....plus trains run better as well....
Great Video Richard , Engine shed at the back mate
Thanks David
The only thing I would say about your passing the loop in the tunnel is how will you know where to stop your train in the correct position if it is fully covered up you will either need some form of electronic gizmo to stop it in position or you are going to need some form of camera system to be able to see it
Awesome!
The best option is to drop it down by 8/16s. This should then create a lovely feel of the famous S&D also..
Best Wishes -
Jon
Morning Richard. That’s a fantastic update on what’s going to be a really interesting project 🤩 I think it’ll be the only model railway on RUclips with a heritage railway with a modern railway along side 👍🏻 Well done for bringing that idea to the world of model railways 😀 Cheers Stevie
Great video as always, I think leave the engine shed as is, it will give some opportunity to have some comings and goings whilst main line goes by in the background more interesting when in exhibition mode than just watching one train go by, I was thinking you could model the engine shed area on Didcot Heritage Centre, giving opportunity for all sorts of movements including the demonstration line, not to mention some legitimate use of old buildings, water towers etc, in with the modern main line you have planed.
It looks good so far, in regards to your engine shed conundrum when it's in exibition mode you'll have mostly a long straight line and it'll be alright where you've got it. Personal opinion anyway
Very Interesting, I think sometimes people overload their layouts with over amounts of track routes and everything , but actual open space which truth most railways are surrounded by in reality. the feel of a true landscape is often abandoned. All the best large scale layouts I have seen don't do this. Space around a railway is equally important to a layout as the track itself to creating an atsmosphere. I have a number of model trains but no layout, so do understand the space issue
I would almost say swap the engine shed side so the mainline is in front
Plus if you do that the storage/shunting tracks at both the station and engine shed will already be lined up
Where as the way you have it set up currently, the storage track at the engine shed is at the opposite side of where the station storage track is
Hidden siding is good but some people like me like to see the behinds The scenes section of layouts
Hi Richard. I have a hidden siding area with many tracks and use a USB CCTV camera hooked up to a TV to see what's happening in them. It would let viewers see "behind the scenes" as well. Dave
Great suggestions both, thanks!
Great job! Love the channel. Why don’t you extend the with on the ends? So the space in between the long ends gets bigger. Let’s say 50 cm modules. Gives you a bit more running space and maybe some less sharp curves. Have fun with the build!