Hi Charlie, you so like me, in that you answer your own questions when i’m trying to reason with myself as to why they need to be done a certain way. You made me laugh when you said about @19:50 having come down to hit a parallel plato section of erm... incline [pause] it wouldn’t be a Parallel if it was an Incline... made me laugh out loud for real. Love to watch your progress, and whatever you do will be great to watch. I also feel your pain, which you hinted out several times throughout your blog about the hundreds of hours of work you are throwing away but see it more in... those many learning hours of fully understanding DCC technology and all the components that goes with it and for that it as been a good adventure road to have gone down to learn about all its faults and NOW... much better ways of doing it al again. Well for us onlookers you have saved us all a lot of hours and a wast of time, if that is of any comfort to you lol hehe (oh great thanks, I hear you say NOT) Great blog Charlie as always, I personally don’t understand anyone who doesn’t hit the Thumbs Up and Subscribe to your channel if it’s a channel you/we or I watch on a regular basis. I 👍Thumbs Up 👍and normally try to comment where I can or feel that Charlie is nearly crying here and finding it hard to pull this old layout apart (note, I never expect any answer back from any RUclipsr but am highly honoured when any of you YTer’s do, so huge Thank You) and it’s time to let Charle know just how much we love you as a blogger and your wife will love your, your mother for sure Charlie, never forget that. In the words of Only Fools and Horses, “I bet you wish you went private na don’t cha” 🔔Subscribe🔔 Guys and smash that 👍LIKES👍 for Charlie. Keep ya pecker up Charlie, who know this time next year... we could be... smashing this layout up again hahah 👌👍👍👌😡😆😡😆🤔🤔🤔
I started watching your videos about 2 years ago, about a month before the helix was announced (when still a crawl under). Finally had time to start at the beginning this last few days and found myself surprised at mentions of Chadwick TMD and integration into the new layout... What OLD TMD I kept asking. This video was why I have gone through 72 episodes... Love the work and will continue to watch as you put out newer stuff
With regard to swapping black and red wires about, I had a similar problem when I wired some point motors back to front, instead of rewiring them I used heat shrink tubing to change the colour about, only used about inch on the wires open ends, worked very well and saved a lot of soldering.
Very interesting update, especially your recognition of emotional baggage we all have attached to certain elements or items that actually prevent us from moving on and making the right changes!
I think your ideas are really good. You have a lot of area to cover and it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Inspiration from your subscribers helps, I'm sure. Scrapping the older part of your layout will be hard, as we all know how much time, effort and emotion goes into our layouts. I am inspired by your videos and I always look forward to watching, thank you Charlie!
Yes, definitely bite the bullet and go for a rebuild. Richard from Everard Junction did this to eliminate original construction flaws and he got track running while the work progresses. Love your videos and enjoy watching your build.
Hello Charlie, A good idea to get trains running while you finalise your plans for the different elements of the layout. One point I would like to bring up is the positioning of points off the main line into the different areas. If you could incorporate these breakout points while laying the main would mean you would not have to surgically graft them in at a later date. Getting train running over your brilliant viaduct would surely lift the spirits.
hi charlie, this is a prime example of what makes the hobby so special is the collaboration of your subscribers and followers were else could you get this input i often say this but this is the internet at its very best all the best al 👍👍👍👍😀
After giving your layout a bit of a thinking about, I've come up with this idea. No need to feel obligated to answer. The incline is the main thing to get right, so build an up and a down loop. Then position a signal box at the far end of the viaduct from your main passenger station and commence your incline (in the opposite direction to your initial thoughts) raising up to a medium sized country station, from which a branch line continues around and over a bridge at the left end of your mainline station to an high level terminal station. You could leave room for a goods avoiding line if that's still important (I think it would be interesting) by bringing it to the front rather than the back of the main line station. having a passenger bridge connecting low and high level stations which could have been built by two different rail companies in totally different styles. Connections to and from the incline would be less congested and more prototypical. Thanks for making such interesting videos and possing such questions.
I agree with the decision to get the mains running as a priority. It's what I did with my layout and now I'm going back to finish the freight branch. Beyond the fact that it got trains running faster (we all love running trains) it gave me time to rethink how the branch and the yard were going to work. Hopefully focusing on the mainlines will allow you to come up with a plan for the TMD that's designed around what you want instead trying to fit what you want around the existing plan. Good luck! -Also Charlie
Similar here, finally connecting up two halves of my layout and seeing trains running around gives you a 30 minute boost of enthusiasm that can last days ;-)
Charlie. I'm not a model railway constructer as I do not have the space, the area available to me is taken up by my music interests. But I do enjoy your affable ability to present your immense knowledge of your hobby, as a 77yr old it gives me pleasure to say thank you for the privelage.
Hello, Charlie. I discovered your videos last night while doing research for my own track plan, and I am now your newest fan. You make it all look like so much fun. Your tips and tricks are extremely helpful, and your creativity and open mind toward suggestions is refreshing. Thank you for your videos, and thank you for your service in the Navy. Best regards, Eric
As an aspiring railway modeler, I have been watching your videos for some time now Charlie and enjoyed them very much indeed. I have even made a start on a building or two and I totally recognise the point you make about actually having a train or two to run whilst development of the layout takes place. I need to actually get a baseboard built and some track down so I can enjoy seeing some 'movement' to keep the motivation going. I shall be revisiting all your videos again and again as I hopefully make some sort of progress after many, many years away from model railways.
You have got the right idea about getting trains running, it most definitely will keep you motivated and you can have some fun while figuring out your next move. Hope you don't mind me saying but I would keep the girder bridge I think it would look brilliant.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I thought that after I had posted. I think you can get a single track version from. in the greenwood. on ebay, they also have a website. Whatever bridge you put there will look good.
I do not know who suggested the two continuous running lines but absolutely go for it! As you have already indicated, it could be as long as two years, give or take, before the project is to your satisfaction. During this time it is far too easy to lose focus and surrender to despair. It ends up with "Oh knickers, didn't want to do this anyway. #*!@**!!!" Running your stock will always provide unique insights and ideas as you continue to enjoy your hobby - running trains!
Thank You for your instructional videos, I really enjoy them and would give you encouragement to continue on. I know about the emotional attachment, my train set has followed me from the West Coast, to the East Coast, to Canada, back to the West Coast, and finally to the Midwest. In all that time I've only had it up and running maybe three or four times. Being almost 70 years old it is time for me to get busy and build my dream layout. Watching your videos helps me a great deal towards that goal. Once again thank you for your efforts. Yours truly,' for ever dreaming' PS I know you're busy no need to reply
Hi Charlie, just a big shout out from the beautiful valley of the Six Mile Water in County Antrim , Northern Ireland. I have to admit I have been extremely interested in the history and current work on your railway. I have been binge watching your videos over the past few weeks and between watching those, and those from fellow RUclipsr Simon's Shed, they have invigorated my interest in model railways. I have a large (22'x12') garage that I will be clearing out and I am now planning to build a model railway there. So thank you for your detailed videos. On a separate note, when I met the girl that eventually became my wife, she was living in Chadwick Street in Belfast. It looks like the omens are there for a great building experience. I look forward to the next video and in the meantime, take care and stay safe. Pete.
Glad you are progressing all your ideas are sounding grand, I think perhaps a general freight yard with a Petroleum section and a staging area for coal trains and a TMD the branch line idea also sounds ace....good luck , it's hard tearing down boards that you've invested so much time and effort on but I think it's the best way forward and once it's done you will feel happier.....all the best Charlie look forward to seeing whatever you decide take shape
Another great one Charlie. DCC and all that wiring strikes a huge chord with me. For the last two years or so I have been working with another MERG member who also lives in southern France and our joint quest has been to remove as much wiring as possible from a DCC layout. At first it seemed a huge task but as it evolved it started to get simpler and simpler. The key has been to throw out all thought of a single computer control for the entire layout and instead run a very cheap and simple micro-controller in each block. The micro-controller only looks forward to the next two blocks and only one train is allowed in each block. The key to the almost total ellimination of wires is that each micro-controller, point and signal controller takes power directly from the DCC bus. It gets a little more complex than that as we had to ensure that the traction bus would never get overloaded. Well to cut a very long story short we have managed to create total automatic block control around a seven termini double track layout using only the two DCC traction buses and the usual dropper wires, alll inter-block comunications is done using the DCC Bus as the network. Nothing is centralised, everything is driven by traffic within a block. All points or servo driven, so very quiet and a standar very small PCB is glued to each servo with two wires to the DCC bus which also powers the point and all associated signalling. The total cost is under two euro per block and a wire connected to each of the blocks DCC droppers. In fact my associate's Double-O layout has only two DCC conections and no other wires longer than 2cm, if that. Ok so that is a bit extreme and some of the code is a bit complex in the micro-controllers. For my layout all the code has been written on an arduino and is very simple. Every block control code is identical apart from a small addition for each terminus or goods yard. Once the code was completely tested it was quickly duplicated and installed on a single chip mircro-controller befor being attached under each track block. All very easy, simple and no wires other than the DCC Traction Bus and its dropper wires. Oh and by the was each point controller (Servo and PCB) has cost less than 3 euros and about ten minutes to make and mount using a magnet/steel washer as its mounting, it only protrudes below the baseboard by less than 15mm. Pity you have such an investment in conventionmal kit already as it is so, so quick and easy to install plus very, very cheap. I have over 100 points so I had to find a cheap solution. Really looking forwards to how your track plan is going to evolve. I have been following McKinley for a couple of years now and it is trully incredible, you are very lucky to be part of such an undertaking.
Wow Bruce, what an interesting comment. In another life I used to be an aircraft electrician but my electronics knowledge is minimal. I do try to use conventional products as it’s easier to inspire folk if I use “of the shelf” products. Good luck with your endeavours, regards Charlie
I would suggest that for a track plan that you go out rail spotting. Most modelers’ ideas come from something which they have seen on the prototype railways. Watch how the various train movements are choreographed. This will give you some good ideas on a workable placement for points and crossovers, to facilitate the required movements. This same method may well give you ideas for your goods yard and loco sheds. Although you don’t like the snapping sound of the Peco point motors, I wouldn’t necessarily write them off. In many high traffic areas they use fast acting motors. This way the points line and lock faster, which permits quicker succession of movements.
Hi Charlie, hope you are well. Glad to see some more progress on your layout. A suggestion for your branch platform on the incline. Not all platforms in real life are level and some are actually situated on an incline. You may not need to level an area of track to match the platform, instead match the platform to the incline. This creates (in my eyes) an interesting effect and something a little different having done this with an old layout of mine. Don't forget though, that any buildings/details are still built vertically (I don't mean to try and teach you to suck eggs). That is where the interesting effect comes from where they are on concrete bases that are horizontal. It would be a challenge to achieve but could save you those few additional inches required to add a level track section. Completely agree with you on getting the two loop lines in before continuing with the rest of the layout. It good to still be able to "play" trains whilst building and keeps the enthusiasm going during its construction. All the best Dan
You certainly are making progress. Very tidy and neat wiring under those boards. Reminds me when I was taught how to loom and lace wiring looms when I first joined the RAF as an electronics tech way back in 1987. I know it will be painful to undo all that hard work, but by the sounds of it you have better ideas on the horizon. I am not a big fan of solenoids either and all my track on my previous layouts (Layoutless at the moment) have been hand built and don't stand up to the some what violent nature of a solenoid. The idea of a marshalling yard as opposed to a fiddle yard will give you more movements and the chance to marshal freight trains. Tyne yard on a smaller scale perhaps?
Prototype for your branch line before joining onto the main should have a head shunt or catch point just in case there was a runaway down the hill. Looking good. Like the idea of high level platform. Possible idea might be to have the branch run on a shuttle unit.
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, but you could push the TMD boards back a few inches so you can have larger radius curves running into that section. You could put some points in at each end of the existing passing loop on the main line on the TMD to create two tracks running along the front. Then you can still have the storage yard behind and keep the TMD mostly how it is. Great video by the way, hope this helps.
Hi Charlie, considering your layout is on the baseboard it might be hard to achieve, however, when you would grade the station lead slightly downwards it would create even more visual interest. Also it would create a more eased grade length on your branch line. The idea of a sloped local platform is a very interesting one. I personally think it would look better than a level one in the middle of the grade. Our visual aptitude doesn’t always allow for slope, where the prototype does use such inclines wherever they’re available or hard to avoid. The difference between the real world and our model world the amount of length we can work with to make it look good. For a sloped platform I would suggest a platform edge following the exact grade, paralleled by a small wide terraced walkway. Provided you have the room of course.
From one Charley to another Charlie, don’t despair, in May 2016 I had a 4.1m square log cabin built for my model railway. I am still working on 48 steam locos fitting sound & working headlamps, firebox glow and an LED in tender for L/E running plus fitting Kadee to all stock. I hope to start laying track next April, so still a long way off. The layout is loosely based on Bath Green Park Stn with 2 island platforms, MPD, turn table & 5 rd shed, extra sdgns for ash, coal plants. 10 rd fiddle yd and a passing loop on main line for freight working loco exchange. I will be using DCC Concepts points, gps & associated control panels along side my ECos command station. Loads to do !
I use Anyrail for all my planning of track work, buildings and scenery. It cost me about £30 a good few years ago so £50 will be the best money you have spent for a long time, apart from Traincontroler which speaks for its self. Regarding Woodland Scenics inclines I started off with 4% and then changed to 3%. The difference in performance is quite staggering. Thank's Charlie and keep it up!
That is a very brave decision Charlie in scrapping the original Chadwick but on balance IMHO you are making the right choice rather than shoehorning to fit. That 3% looks a lot better and love the idea of the branch crossing over the main line. The idea of a branch terminus appeals to my GWR tendencies as well, what about a little industry there if you have room to generate a little extra freight interest? A Hemyock type dairy or perhaps a small brewery or even a quarry. The idea of building the round first is sensible, we all love to play trains as well! Hope it goes well mate, Cheers Steve
I think getting your Up and Down lines in soon is a good idea! You might inspire yourself with ideas once the main lines are in and trains are running. It's much easier to visualise your final layout from a perspective where you have moving trains.
Another good one Charlie. 1. 3% then flat for the halt, then over the mainline gets my thumbs up. 2. get the two mains running and concentrate on the platform area. 3. the goods train to make area will come to you as will your TMD. 4. Look back at your old TMD and note the best bits and copy. 5. at your platforms you have a line for goods, with a head shunt, have I missed something as what is the point of a head shunt for one line? Barry.Devon
"That's another thing that's... up in the air." Best gag by far, I saw the twinkle in your eye. :D I am a returning modeller and love how RUclips is helping illustrate new techniques and the journeys people are taking with their layouts. Your method of 'getting the two lines in' is bang on. Nothing moving is no fun. I also applaud your decision to 'let go' and redo the TMD/marshalling yard area - the new area itself will be a product of your experience and all the times you've looked at something and said 'I wish I'd done that' - case-in-point(!) the point length - you can apply those lessons learned on the fresh board. I've decided DCC is the way to go, and computer control would be nice, but I needed a strong cup of tea after seeing the underside of your board - and wiring scares me less than many! My other challenge for myself is that I'm hoping to create a OO garden railway. I do wonder if people would enjoy the design, development and execution process of this layout as a RUclips channel?..
You're bound to shed a few tears when the old TMD goes but think how much you've learned since you started that build. I would imagine that most of the gizmos can be re-used, maybe without rewiring some of them. That, coupled with the extra experience you now have, should make the job easier and a bit quicker this time. The flyover above the station could become another centrepiece(can you have two centrepieces?) along with your epic viaduct. There are some great "prototypes" out there for inspiration, places like Doncaster, Peterborough, Paddington spring to mind. I'm sure some trickery can be used to disguise the incline a bit too. Good Luck going forward...... and upwards. All the Best, Dougie.
Looks much better ,Charlie.Keep up the good work.Best of luck with further planning & ideas. I agree with you it's better to focus on getting trains running. I have started many sections but having trouble connecting them for various reasons. Interest is lost if you try to complete and detail everything. Ciao
Stand back and give it all some thought, you've done just that! The incline will look more natural and a bridge over the mainlines really does give it a reason for being there. Look forward to seeing the re-developed TMD. Good stuff as always. Tim.
Hi just starting out at rail modelling ,followed the soldering tips and fixed my first half dozen droppers. I will watch you instal this incline with interest as it will add a lot of interest to the lay out. I might have a go on my own layout in the future as my space is 1.2 m wide but 6 m long giving me space for the 3% or Evan 2% incline
Hi Charlie, I’m glad to hear you are willing to let go of a part of the layout you spent so much time and effort into. In the end it may turn out way better then you could have ever imagined given the chance .. Great update ... until next time . Cheers ,Jim
I suspect others have mentioned this to you for track planning software for iMac, which I use, is Railmodeller Pro. I used it to design my layout and it seems to be a match for the PC based products. The app is available in the app store for Mac. There is I think an express version which is free if you want to give it a go. I was able to print the plan out full size (although my printer didn't thank me) and that made track laying, particularly with the flexitrack around the curves much easier. Hope this helps. Stephen
Good episode as always, Charlie. Thank you for sharing the emotional part of model railroading - you get attached to what you invest your life, interest and efforts into. Of course that is some kind of mourning involved as you let some things go as something new is born.
Charlie, Regarding your latest track play thoughts involving an incline - - Time and time again, I was warned about steep inclines and to hold the grade to 2%. Yes, I know, space is a concern. So I used Anyrail and a laser to lay in an incline that elevates a bit over 5 inches. For this, you need a run of 1 inch high for every 50 inches of length, or about 250 running inches. I then want to get my whole train up to this level, before I hit the switch into an elevated reversing loop with a bridge on it, flying over my industrial service area. Also sav es a TON of tack coming back down the same way. So actually this elevated reversing loop flys over a lower reversing loop underneath it. This gives a hugh running length of tack before you get back to your starting point. So, get up to your level before y0u hit a curve. Also if you know of a way for me to send you my Anyrail PDF file, I will be glad to show you this concept. The loops swing around over a deck that is about 55 inches square (S gage). This gives me 3 triangular corners on the outside of the loop to the edges of the deck. I can scenic the lower level corners, or the upper level corners with either scenes, or perhaps mountain corners. One mountain can contain a tunnel on the lower trunaround while the upper leverl travels thru an outside cut in the mountain. Lots of thoughts. Regarding wiring - Plus(or RED) normal is associated with the engineer in the cab's directioin. Or - take a wagon and a piece of tape on its side marked RED. Gather up a pile of black and red pins. Set the wagon down and decide the polarity at that pont, sticking in your red and black pins on the rails accordingly. Push the wagon around and lay down your pins every 5-6 feet. This will keep you honest. Finally, lay down track every 5-6 feet "loosly", and run your trains over it, switches and all. When it is solid, finish up this section of installation, connecting your buss and droppers perhpas with allegator clips and then solder them afterwards. Nothing worse than unsoldering a mistake. So about that PDF file??????? Keep it up - you are very interesting to watch as I am in the same phase with mine. Regards, Bob S
Hi Charlie. Interesting points raised. The Tmd boards, I would just turn both boards by 180 and change the wires to suit the rest. This will save a lot of work for you that's my thoughts on it. 3 percent incline like it. The bridge idea great, got to it. It completely changes and improves the view.
Great ideas Charlie. I like the concept of a two level Chadwick Parkway station to accommodate the incline at the rear of the board. It could be an attractive scenic feature. And seeing the viaduct in the background reminded me of what a wonderful bit of scenery you created. Keep it up!
idea? at Chadwick Park Station in the foreground place a passenger car service station with small engine shed. Also you could add a line off bridge end to go under the hill to the incline adding a small tunnel for added effect. At old TMD put your staion above your staging yard leaving your old freight yard in foreground and running your upper line to corner and placing a turntable or turn around for return service.
I don't know about anyone else but I really like to look of having that bridge you used to show your idea for the station area Charlie, I think it would look fantastic
Chadwick Model Railway glad we are in agreement. I’m planning a rather ambitious project for a diorama since I lost all motivation to make a full layout. Instead I’ll be making dioramas inspired by places I know and attempt to make a lot from scratch. Keep up the awesome work :)
You have motivated me to start an encirceling R'wy in my hobby room. You pointed out to start with a track circle that is useable and add the scenery step by by step. Thanks for this idea... it will be used on a freelance 0-9/0n15 (gauge 390mm).
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hopefully I'm not deheaded as typical for GB ;).... CHADD & WIGG LIGHT RAILWAY As I am a follower of Charlie's Chadwick TMD I wanted something similar but also individual. And so I thought what to do... but due to the size of my flat (and my purse) my possibilities are minimalized or microsized compared to Mr.Bishop's. So there will be 10 - 12 points (all hand animated), no DCC, no big signaling without the maintenance yard there will be no need for a signal box. So as in prototype a rural and reductive layout and straightforward kind of managing the railway. So I desided to rebuild my modelling room for a railway layout. So there is now an important decision to be made: the scale. I have got the good old Peco OO-9 track, points, N chassis and a plenty of boogies. So I can build 4mm/ft Scale also known as 1/76 or I can went further on to 7mm/ft what will bring us up to 1/43.5 as factor. (There may be a stop between on 1/64 what is S but this is something so specific I don't think I will find even figures for it. So due to my bad eyesight I do chose 7mm/ft - but staying with the 00-9 Peco track. So we do come out at "0n15" ( it is Scale 0 representing 15inch gauge rail) - normaly called On18 in the US or O-9 on the British isles. As we are very very precise in Germany this would be 0p ("P" is for park rwy. gauge below 400mm in O scale). To show the copyright of Charlie clearly I'll call the Layout the Chadd & Wigg Light Rwy. At Chadd there is the sand pit and Wigg is the sand sieve mill for foundery sand. So we do need some things for this circle traffic: a waterway for the mill, a sandpit, a maintenance for the locos, and a small country station for weekend traffic to the seaside. There will be some very little passenger/workers traffic and an huge amount of open wagons with persanning for the dry sand bringing to the foundery, for coal for the sand drying oven and the steam engine. And as the hole layout took place in the years 1903-13 there are first diesel engines. (This hole narrowst gauge started 1997 with the idea of a foundery model with some lines for fluid iron transport to the ship engines moulds.) The layout will be placed along the wall. But I do not want to fix against the wall, the rest will be in Ikea book shelfs of the Ivar line. So I could build layout as an exhibitional layout, too. As I want to bring something in the FREMO team the modual ends will be all to be combines with each other. Certainly I think there will be a trial to build a second layer on the left hand wall. But this is not clearly definited at the moment as the ramp for the reaching of the 2nd layer is a problem. The main idea I have picked from Charlie is to build on a living layout. Being able to have some trains driving in an unfinished scenery. So with me there will be some traffic on bare wooden bookshelfs in the very beginning. The main problem is the door, as I have to enter and left the room (that's evident) I have to build something removable. I thought about a bar with a pair of angels as in a policestations front desk barrier. But I stopped this plans as if it falls down by bad luck (devil is allways on my side) inside the door isn't to be opend without serious damage. So I decided to use an eyecatcher in there: the mill pond viaduct in a hanging valley. But before I can start I have to removal in my flat so I have got enough book shelfs and enough space in this hobby room. And I think of using my Gorg channel at youtube to do some documentary of the build. This would be the only non-OO layout in the internet showing its progress. I hope you will like it. Best wishes from Berlin is sending Christian Heinrich Pichmann
Hello , and yes the 3 percent grade with a flattened out section for the station would be a nice addition. Also a bridge at an angle across the tracks gives the layout different perspectives and brings into the layout. Also you could make a board like a home fuse panel for all you dcc components. That way you could keep that the same and just plug it up to different layouts as you make new ones. ..any nice video
Hi Charlie - thanks for your latest. My couple of thoughts were about your future goods features. I just wondered if there was mileage in putting a goods facility on your branch - that might help to explain why it's avoided the attentions of the good Doctor. Perhaps an oil depot for your wagons? It might add some operational interest getting the goods on and off the mainline. Your freightliners could then have a terminal next to the TMD - though that might be a squeeze. Perhaps the board edge could be a quay then? A TMD to service it could make 'sense'? Oh, and the girder bridge you used in your mock up looked nice. Shades of Battledown perhaps? Or Bishops Road Bridge at Paddington given you're a WR kind of guy? Open girders would frame the trains beautifully, I think. Good luck. Hope these idle musings are helpful in some way.
Hi Charlie, I've been following and viewing your channel for the last few months as I'm building my first - modest -layout and a lot of what you say and demonstrate has been hugely helpful. As a fellow photographer I also congratulate you on the quality of filming and editing, and your occasional bits of humour! You don't need to respond to this - I'm happy just to see more of your work. Cheers, Terry
I think that you are correct in what you say about completing the loop. I did that with my layout as I have 2 levels upper and lower levels, it was more satisfying planning and working on the lower section with the upper functional even if not fully "decorated" yet still leaves room for thought but trains running is definitely more satisfying. Your idea for that Passover with the town scene in the corner is a keeper, there's a lot you can do with that. I look forward to seeing your progress. 👍
Hey Charlie this all looks like good fun I saw a guy on you tube last night who had a Hornby Dublo layout which he had dcc controlled trains, semaphore signals, points and turntable, all without any complicated wiring, he was an electronics designer though and was able to program his own chips, by the way I have no idea how it all worked but thought it impressive all the same.
Hi Charlie. Have you considered moving the incline and bridge over your tracks to the west of Chadwick Parkway, keeping intact the line behind the platform as your branch platform and not changing the eastern point-work? I'm sure you have enough space judging on the length of your viaduct board. The bridge could then be used as your scenic break? One last point would be to sit down and write down a list of priorities of what you want from your layout and how to incorporate your existing collection of models to make your track plan. It is advise that helped me in the past. Thanks for the great video's. Keep up the great work. Regards Paul.
Great video Charlie. My one comment, as I have found to my cost in the past, is never to over complicate track work, where simple track work will suffice. I also totally agree with your thought of getting two tracks running round. Hving nothing running in a situation where you could is very soul destroying, Cheers for now, Bob
The 3% looks far better and at least you're not wasting the 4% as it can be repurposed. I had envisioned the raised branch line running parallel to the existing track but the bridge is a great idea and gives plenty of visual interest. I spent what I thought was sufficient time planning my layout only to be the master of changing my mind! With hindsight I could have saved a lot of time by just putting track on boards and letting it evolve. Whatever you do will work out for the best because you are the one who has to be satisfied with it. I am no expert but perhaps you could keep many commenters "happy" with a paragraph or two pinned to the top of the list covering the most commonly raised points? I certainly wouldn't take the huff if I didn't receive a reply every time. Keep some of your energy for layout building! Cheers
I have been a garden railroader for 25 years and now occupy one of my children's bedroom for a 4 x 12 n scale layout. Over the years I have learned that elevating a layout and providing for many crossovers makes your layout so much more interesting. Adding S-curves, tunnels and having the trains hanging at the edge of cliffs makes the layout exciting and visually compelling. Much of what I have seen in the layouts indoors is that most are simply flat. What's exciting about that? Yes, the buildings, streets and towns are lovely, but they are not exciting. Once built-out the layout becomes boring (please take no offense). To keep interest, it seems that you just start over or add new sections, new levels with strange devices such a helices. The layout never gets done. In the most exciting places to visit for railfans is the Tehachapi Loop where a long train crosses over itself to gain elevation. I think you would incorporate similar structures into your layout you would relieve the boredom somewhat. On my current build, there is little straight track, there are loops within loops, hidden tunnels, no one really knows where any one train is going. The other aspect of a layout that I feel is important is to have the trains hug the very edge of an elevated line where you begin to fear that it might fall off but never does. This is exciting. In my layout I will have no buildings, no industries, but a lot of scenery, rock structures, valleys, tall geologic fixtures similar to the famous Monument Valley, with all the warm and colorful hues of the high desert. Good luck on your project. I wish you great success.
Some very interesting points MC. You are of course right which is why I always avoid prototypical layouts. They are of great interest if you understand the location but somewhat boring to operate.
Thanks for this update Charlie, yeah I think starting with two running lines so you've got something to run your locos on and than gradually develop the remaining trackwork is probably the right way to go. I'm quite sure your layout will be fun to see being built and lovely to behold when finished! Cheers my friend, Joachim
Charlie, you certainly have your hands full here. Have you considered to use AnyRail which is a CAD program to lay out tracks, elevatons, scenery, etc. If I had to keep ripping up track, it would make me crazy. Many hours have been saved by using this program which will scalae to .1 inch. It will keep you honest with curves, bends, elevations, so you can not make a design error. Set your structures down in outline form, mounds, trees, etc. When all is in place, drop it all in place and you are done. Bob S
Another nice video Charlie, I am in the thick of similar relaying all the SMP track on the UK outline part of my layout. Re your TMD, instead of taking it all to pieces, why not try and sell it to a club member and make a clean start...Also total concur re DCC, but I use EcoS and ESU Switchpilots with Brimal distribution boards. Very simple and the Ecos recognises the SP's immediately and automatically, plus they have servo control as well as switches for feeding your Tortoise motors. The DE part of the layout is all Fleischmann with FL and some Roco points and they are just so simple and quiet for solenoid actuators. I have Cobalts for all the SMP / Peco Finescale turnouts. In conclusion - you can use Anyrail free up to about 50 track pieces IIRC so I just broke down my plan into 2 sections. Its a great piece of software. Good luck
I think now you got a bigger layout it makes sense to have nice bigger loops also you could perhaps spread those 16 sections over the larger loops and do block signalling 3 or 4 aspect where train chases another round under computer control. Keep up the good work and it will probably be quicker to rewire now you know how to do it.
Hello Charlie. Yet another fun and in-depth video. I love the idea of the flyover - very dramatic. It reminded me of Worting Junction near Basingstoke. All the best. Simon
Charlie, I would certainly recommend AnyRail. I’m currently trying to plan a layout for a new shed and whilst I am no expert I am having fun learning with it and trying to see what I can fit into the space. It’s a user friendly package and in my opinion well worth the £50 fee
Hey Charlie Great video as always just bare in mind that you’ll need a good bit more clearance underneath the branch terminus for point motors etc so you’ll need to raise it a bit more after the lines cross the bridge, I’m sure you’d considered that anyway but just thought I’d mention it
Hi Charlie. Great video as always. If I may a couple of ideas (not too late I hope). At first I would suggest if space allows to do an inverted 8 in your mainlines with them disappearing underneath, making a full circle and reappearing on eye-level, that way you actually double your running distance and time and it takes longer for a train to pass in front of the viewer, giving the impression of an actual railway. But, it has some space limitations and it's costly (lots of more track). So, second suggestion : The main lines that (will) pass in the back of old TMD, put them on a very slight elevation and a continuous wide curve with cant/superelevation. That way the lines will be visible behind the - new - tmd and you move away from the curve-straight-curve-straight-curve-straight which our houses force us to do. Not sure if it makes sense but I tried :p One more thing : I have seen in a branch line station which is immediately after a steep descent of the track that right before the station there is a sort of "trap" point switched permanently to the trap section and the trains actually stop there (so we know that brakes work) and the point is set to straight before they enter the station. That should give some realism and operation interest. Cheers
I think the 3% looks better. I agree that the bridge across provides a depth of field, which was lacking. Think about the road bridge on the south side of Bristol Temple Meads. It is at an angle slurred across the track, and this would be the effect of a rail bridge across. It could even be given a slight incline to raise the level if required. I feel for you about the original board undoing all that work then re-doing it. If you do decide to do that, it does give you the reason to increase point radii, and install quiet point motors. I wonder if in your storage sidings it would be useful to have 2 storage through roads and two removable cartridge lines on slide, where you could remove trains and alter them. This way you could either run through to different sections or an easy way to change complete trains. I do agree get trains in a circuit so you can run them. You wouldn't want to finish your model railway would you!
Charlie, The 3% grade, visually looks much better to the eye. If your still thinking about track plans, Peco published a small booklet called, " Track plans for larger layouts" I don't know if you can get hold of a copy but it might give you more 2 level idea's. Plus how to marry a goods and loco yard into you design. anyway thanks for the update, alway's good.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Nice one for taking the ideas on board charlie. If i was you, i would try and skew the main platforms over a little away from the wall, allowing you a bit more room at the back for the incline to sweep out a touch before it comes back accross. Look at nuneaton station for what im getting at, the platforms ect would all be in a similar position and the incline there is straight(ish) at the platforms and then curves right, before curving back left and accross the mains. drive through it every day and think it would make an interesting layout, may give you an idea or two about the contruction of the bridge ect too. Also why not split the freight yard and TMD? You could have your branch line terminus up above the freight yard and then a small spur off of the back of it for a headshunt into a TMD area, would give you a bit more operational interest when swapping locos out ect.
Layouts coming along great. Really look forward to your videos. You always come across very clear in them. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next update.
Hi Charlie and thanks for another great insight into your railway. I must completely encourage you to invest in 'Anyrail' ..its excellent.!! I have been dithering with my track plans for ages .. and then the usual space issues to get the best out what I have to play with. With this app. you can just sit... to plan ' COST FREE' at your convenience. Its all to scale..that can be printed off 1:1 Dare I say with the amount of money you seem to be prepared to invest into your project ie tortoise/ digitrax etc ...this will maybe, save you a lot of money and moreover heartache in the long run...well that's my plan too.. Look forward to your next one Daz
I take my hat off to you Charlie, for all the work you have done so far with the Spaghetti Junction wiring under your base board, which would give me nightmares, if something stopped working. I think your future track plans will be better than what you have it now, but you are going to have to do a lot work to change all that wiring and those modules, and I wish you well. It's what you want from a layout that really matters and as far as my layout is concerned I have had to first, make do with what space I have available. Second, what I wanted to include in my layout and lastly, what I could afford to spend within my means. DCC was out for two reasons, firstly the actual cost of everything and secondly, I just wanted to keep everything simple, as long as it works and I can enjoy watching my trains/trams to run from nowhere to somewhere. lol. As I think you already know, I have incorporated a tramway into my layout, based on the steam era from around the early to late fifties, which is the period that I grew up in and remember so well. In this modern age, running analogue dc, to some people may classed as, past it's sell by date, but it's simple, it works, and I am happy with it. I am not against DCC, by any means, because it's the way to go in this day and age, but for me, I just couldn't afford to convert all my stock and control equipment. Looking forward to your progress Charlie........take care Regards Geoff
Hi Charlie, I would suggest you wouldn't need much of a horizontal section at the main station for the branch platform - just enough to cater for a two-car DMU or, at worst, a tank engine and two carriages, hence a pretty short platform. Then you could complete the 3% incline up to a single track bridge over the four tracks, space permitting of course. I do like the idea of a bridge over the main tracks, I think that would look really good. Regarding Chadwick TMD; it seems to me that you've already decided deep down that it needs to go. It''ll be a lot of work but you'll get a clean slate and you'll be rid of the Peco solenoid point actuators. I enjoyed the video as ever Charlie - that's why I subscribe. BTW take no notice of me - I know nothing. As ever, it's your layout so do what you want, prototypical or not. No need to reply, I don't expect it. Thanks Charlie, Mike
I thought I would say Hello from Northwest Louisiana. I have been watching your videos with interest. You do have a good way of explaining things in simple terms and I have gained some useful tips. I have been a long time model railroader and I'm in the process of building another layout. I am not modeling high-speed British Rail. I will not employ a computer as you have mentioned. Digitrax and Z21 will be my controllers. Turnouts will be operated by BullFrogs by FastTracks. I'm using Peco O-16.5 track for what we call On30 to model an Arizona desert mountain mining railway. Sort of along the lines of the Morenci Southern Railway. The Morenci Southern Railway was nicknamed "The Corkscrew to America." My layout is on 4% inclines climbing up a mountain to reach the high mine at the top of the mountain. 20" above the lowest level. I probably have more curving track than straight track. There is a lot of vertical scenery in this layout. At the top of the layout will be another layout running what we refer to as "baby gauge" to service the high mine. Baby gauge uses N scale track as On18. I already have the On18 Porter tank engine using a N scale drive. I understand when you talk of the emotional baggage with a previous build. Previously I was an N scale modeler. My interests laid with Southern Pacific during the Billboard Reefer period. I had a huge collection of engines and cars. That was hard to give up, however, the draw to narrow gauge was stronger. I did some growing up in Norfolk at RAF Feltwell. My days of building WWII model aircraft. Keep the good info coming. Den
Hello Charlie, regarding the platform at the incline. I think that the branch line must not be level at the platform, but it could have the 3% grade like the other parts of the incline. I think a good example could be Craigendorran. The platforms on the line from Glasgow to Helensburgh are level, but the former platform on the line from Glasgow to Fort William looks like to be on a grade.
Charlie been following the layout a while. My suggestion would be to add some industries to the areas. Since you are removing the original Chadwick you don't really have any switching operations like you used to and industries will add the to the layout. It doesn't have to be a huge industry. It also gives more depth to the layout because suddenly you have justifications for certain trains and why they need to be there. Breaths more life into a railway. Try something small like coal or maybe gas (petrol). I personally like iron ore and steel industry but mine are based more on U.S. industries.
Charlie, I have been advised by an old train main on the new york central, that most tracks in real life run at about 1 percent. Every modeler I have run into tell me to hold my elevations to 2 % Also for the most part, 4 % is not prototypical. Rail on! I also volunteer on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, and it climbs a grade to the next town at only 2 percent max. Bob S
The amount of times I've built something and regretted it is well I stopped counting needless to say it might come back up when I pluck up the courage to lol ,good luck in your next stage of your build Charlie will look forward to seeing what you have planned
Hi Charlie, your layout is far from meagre,and the new ideas sound great. On a personal note, you may rememeber that I had to give up modelling because of a disability which was iin fact bad sight. However a recent trip to the wonderful Manchester Eye Hospital (shout ou there) sees me booked in for an operation on one eve before Christmas and the other in the new year. Perfect sight no. Ability to model buildings and scenary for people fingers crossed. Good luck and thanks for wonderful videos. Tony.
I'm in the middle of a house move, so planning stage for my layout is becoming more solid. I'm planning (as you said) to start with a double loop, then add complexity over extended time, it strikes me as a good plan - though I might consider placing pointwork where the station and yards will be, so I don't have to do major surgery installing them later. My personal modelling period is 1930-40, so most stations have some sort of local delivery railyard, possibly a small goods shed and a couple sidings where a drop or pick up short freight would be in order. Obviously during the early BR period these were being pulled up, but not necessarily being replaced - you could therefore consider either a reduced or removed goods yard by the main station, maybe with derelict goods shed and/or cattle dock still in evidence, old sleepers still in place, but with the metals removed. Now were you modelling a later BR period, you could be building a large Tesco's or Sainsbury's on the site :) I'm one who likes to look along old railways and figure out what used to be, before it was modernized - something seen on the Western Region is having the platforms wider apart than the normal 4' 8.5" guage would call for, because it was originally built for 7' guage - which either leaves a wide waste area in the between, or has a single central passing track.
Charlie, build the rest of the boards and complete the circuit of track so trains can run. Then work on the new TMD / Storage yard board, working back towards the main station to bring the branch line in. The overbridge idea is nice, but the radius may restrict the positioning of the planned upper platform for the DMU. It would be nice to have that in place as it will give depth and more interest. Looking forward to the developments
you hit the nail correctly, run some trains, otherwise its possible the enthusiasm dwindles. I have had a layout down for two years and still actually yet to decide where everything should go. thanks for filming
Good evening again Charlie. I just wanted to say Thank You for letting me know about McKinley Railway. The videos about it are very informative and entertaining. I would never be able to help run it, The information they provide on improving running stock and the actual running of the layout is immense. I suffer from the debilitating effects of TIAs or more commonalty known as mini strokes. But it is a joy to watch the videos. Helps keep my brain working I think. Such as it does. lol. I am patiently waiting for your next installment. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again.
Charlie yep it does hurt to destroy something your built, but after ripping two layouts apart you get over it because the investment in the old layouts helps you improve and make something better out of it. So all the best, because whatever you do it will always be better and more interesting. - Kevin
Good evening Charlie. I have just finished "binge"watching all of your videos on you tube. It took me 4 days. Whew. I have watched quite many of them, but not all and not in order until now. Now I can proudly say I have done so. And I can say I have enjoyed it immensely. I wish I could do something close to what you have achieved through your long hours and determination to get it right. Your self deprecation and humor add a nice touch of levity to the videos, making them more enjoyable. I do not model anymore myself. I wish I could but money is a problem as I'm sure it is for most people. But if if I ever win the lottery [lol] I thank you for all the valuable information you have given me along with the entertainment. And many thanks to your wife for the towels, stockings nail polish, and support for you. Again I want to Thank You. I wish you good health and Happy Modeling.
"...higher level...". Charlie, you're thinking on a higher level. Your track at a higher elevation! Your thinking is still sharp and planning is acute. That's why stepping back back to think--read--think is validation to your efforts. Good show! Enjoy your outdoors afresh. It's turkey weekend in Canada. Cheers! John
Hi Charlie, you so like me, in that you answer your own questions when i’m trying to reason with myself as to why they need to be done a certain way. You made me laugh when you said about @19:50 having come down to hit a parallel plato section of erm... incline [pause] it wouldn’t be a Parallel if it was an Incline... made me laugh out loud for real. Love to watch your progress, and whatever you do will be great to watch. I also feel your pain, which you hinted out several times throughout your blog about the hundreds of hours of work you are throwing away but see it more in... those many learning hours of fully understanding DCC technology and all the components that goes with it and for that it as been a good adventure road to have gone down to learn about all its faults and NOW... much better ways of doing it al again. Well for us onlookers you have saved us all a lot of hours and a wast of time, if that is of any comfort to you lol hehe (oh great thanks, I hear you say NOT) Great blog Charlie as always, I personally don’t understand anyone who doesn’t hit the Thumbs Up and Subscribe to your channel if it’s a channel you/we or I watch on a regular basis. I 👍Thumbs Up 👍and normally try to comment where I can or feel that Charlie is nearly crying here and finding it hard to pull this old layout apart (note, I never expect any answer back from any RUclipsr but am highly honoured when any of you YTer’s do, so huge Thank You) and it’s time to let Charle know just how much we love you as a blogger and your wife will love your, your mother for sure Charlie, never forget that. In the words of Only Fools and Horses, “I bet you wish you went private na don’t cha” 🔔Subscribe🔔 Guys and smash that 👍LIKES👍 for Charlie. Keep ya pecker up Charlie, who know this time next year... we could be... smashing this layout up again hahah 👌👍👍👌😡😆😡😆🤔🤔🤔
It’s comments such as yours Jamie, that make it worthwhile.
Wow it’s amazing to watch how the layout has changed since this video was made.
I’m so pleased that you could join me on the journey Andrew. Regards Charlie
I started watching your videos about 2 years ago, about a month before the helix was announced (when still a crawl under). Finally had time to start at the beginning this last few days and found myself surprised at mentions of Chadwick TMD and integration into the new layout... What OLD TMD I kept asking. This video was why I have gone through 72 episodes...
Love the work and will continue to watch as you put out newer stuff
It’s been a hell of a journey Kieran and it’s great to have you onboard.
With regard to swapping black and red wires about, I had a similar problem when I wired some point motors back to front, instead of rewiring them I used heat shrink tubing to change the colour about, only used about inch on the wires open ends, worked very well and saved a lot of soldering.
A good point Glenn
Hi Charlie. Thanks for surgesting watching Mckinley railway. What a railway.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Very interesting update, especially your recognition of emotional baggage we all have attached to certain elements or items that actually prevent us from moving on and making the right changes!
So true Liam.
Thats true, but. When something is gone. Something better is coming.
I think your ideas are really good. You have a lot of area to cover and it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Inspiration from your subscribers helps, I'm sure. Scrapping the older part of your layout will be hard, as we all know how much time, effort and emotion goes into our layouts. I am inspired by your videos and I always look forward to watching, thank you Charlie!
Thanks CL, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Yes, definitely bite the bullet and go for a rebuild. Richard from Everard Junction did this to eliminate original construction flaws and he got track running while the work progresses. Love your videos and enjoy watching your build.
Thanks Alan, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Hello Charlie,
A good idea to get trains running while you finalise your plans for the different elements of the layout. One point I would like to bring up is the positioning of points off the main line into the different areas. If you could incorporate these breakout points while laying the main would mean you would not have to surgically graft them in at a later date. Getting train running over your brilliant viaduct would surely lift the spirits.
Thanks Frank.
hi charlie, this is a prime example of what makes the hobby so special is the collaboration of your subscribers and followers were else could you get this input i often say this but this is the internet at its very best all the best al
👍👍👍👍😀
So true Al, good on you.
After giving your layout a bit of a thinking about, I've come up with this idea. No need to feel obligated to answer. The incline is the main thing to get right, so build an up and a down loop. Then position a signal box at the far end of the viaduct from your main passenger station and commence your incline (in the opposite direction to your initial thoughts) raising up to a medium sized country station, from which a branch line continues around and over a bridge at the left end of your mainline station to an high level terminal station. You could leave room for a goods avoiding line if that's still important (I think it would be interesting) by bringing it to the front rather than the back of the main line station. having a passenger bridge connecting low and high level stations which could have been built by two different rail companies in totally different styles. Connections to and from the incline would be less congested and more prototypical. Thanks for making such interesting videos and possing such questions.
Thanks Stephen, very interesting options.
I agree with the decision to get the mains running as a priority. It's what I did with my layout and now I'm going back to finish the freight branch. Beyond the fact that it got trains running faster (we all love running trains) it gave me time to rethink how the branch and the yard were going to work. Hopefully focusing on the mainlines will allow you to come up with a plan for the TMD that's designed around what you want instead trying to fit what you want around the existing plan.
Good luck!
-Also Charlie
Thanks Charlie, sound advice.
Similar here, finally connecting up two halves of my layout and seeing trains running around gives you a 30 minute boost of enthusiasm that can last days ;-)
Charlie. I'm not a model railway constructer as I do not have the space, the area available to me is taken up by my music interests. But I do enjoy your affable ability to present your immense knowledge of your hobby, as a 77yr old it gives me pleasure to say thank you for the privelage.
Thank you David that’s very kind of you to say such a heartwarming comment. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Hello, Charlie. I discovered your videos last night while doing research for my own track plan, and I am now your newest fan. You make it all look like so much fun. Your tips and tricks are extremely helpful, and your creativity and open mind toward suggestions is refreshing. Thank you for your videos, and thank you for your service in the Navy. Best regards, Eric
What a heartwarming comment Eric, it’s so good to have you on board.
Regards Charlie
As an aspiring railway modeler, I have been watching your videos for some time now Charlie and enjoyed them very much indeed. I have even made a start on a building or two and I totally recognise the point you make about actually having a train or two to run whilst development of the layout takes place. I need to actually get a baseboard built and some track down so I can enjoy seeing some 'movement' to keep the motivation going. I shall be revisiting all your videos again and again as I hopefully make some sort of progress after many, many years away from model railways.
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile, many thanks.
You have got the right idea about getting trains running, it most definitely will keep you motivated and you can have some fun while figuring out your next move. Hope you don't mind me saying but I would keep the girder bridge I think it would look brilliant.
Thanks mate but it’s twin track.
@@ChadwickModelRailway I thought that after I had posted. I think you can get a single track version from. in the greenwood. on ebay, they also have a website. Whatever bridge you put there will look good.
I do not know who suggested the two continuous running lines but absolutely go for it! As you have already indicated, it could be as long as two years, give or take, before the project is to your satisfaction. During this time it is far too easy to lose focus and surrender to despair. It ends up with "Oh knickers, didn't want to do this anyway. #*!@**!!!" Running your stock will always provide unique insights and ideas as you continue to enjoy your hobby - running trains!
Great points Paul.
Thank You for your instructional videos, I really enjoy them and would give you encouragement to continue on. I know about the emotional attachment, my train set has followed me from the West Coast, to the East Coast, to Canada, back to the West Coast, and finally to the Midwest. In all that time I've only had it up and running maybe three or four times. Being almost 70 years old it is time for me to get busy and build my dream layout. Watching your videos helps me a great deal towards that goal. Once again thank you for your efforts. Yours truly,' for ever dreaming'
PS I know you're busy no need to reply
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it BF
Hi Charlie, just a big shout out from the beautiful valley of the Six Mile Water in County Antrim , Northern Ireland. I have to admit I have been extremely interested in the history and current work on your railway. I have been binge watching your videos over the past few weeks and between watching those, and those from fellow RUclipsr Simon's Shed, they have invigorated my interest in model railways. I have a large (22'x12') garage that I will be clearing out and I am now planning to build a model railway there. So thank you for your detailed videos. On a separate note, when I met the girl that eventually became my wife, she was living in Chadwick Street in Belfast. It looks like the omens are there for a great building experience. I look forward to the next video and in the meantime, take care and stay safe. Pete.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos and I wish you luck with your layout. You could even start a RUclips channel!
Thank you very much, Charlie.
Glad you are progressing all your ideas are sounding grand, I think perhaps a general freight yard with a Petroleum section and a staging area for coal trains and a TMD the branch line idea also sounds ace....good luck , it's hard tearing down boards that you've invested so much time and effort on but I think it's the best way forward and once it's done you will feel happier.....all the best Charlie look forward to seeing whatever you decide take shape
Thanks Leslie
Another great one Charlie. DCC and all that wiring strikes a huge chord with me. For the last two years or so I have been working with another MERG member who also lives in southern France and our joint quest has been to remove as much wiring as possible from a DCC layout. At first it seemed a huge task but as it evolved it started to get simpler and simpler. The key has been to throw out all thought of a single computer control for the entire layout and instead run a very cheap and simple micro-controller in each block. The micro-controller only looks forward to the next two blocks and only one train is allowed in each block. The key to the almost total ellimination of wires is that each micro-controller, point and signal controller takes power directly from the DCC bus. It gets a little more complex than that as we had to ensure that the traction bus would never get overloaded. Well to cut a very long story short we have managed to create total automatic block control around a seven termini double track layout using only the two DCC traction buses and the usual dropper wires, alll inter-block comunications is done using the DCC Bus as the network. Nothing is centralised, everything is driven by traffic within a block. All points or servo driven, so very quiet and a standar very small PCB is glued to each servo with two wires to the DCC bus which also powers the point and all associated signalling. The total cost is under two euro per block and a wire connected to each of the blocks DCC droppers. In fact my associate's Double-O layout has only two DCC conections and no other wires longer than 2cm, if that. Ok so that is a bit extreme and some of the code is a bit complex in the micro-controllers. For my layout all the code has been written on an arduino and is very simple. Every block control code is identical apart from a small addition for each terminus or goods yard. Once the code was completely tested it was quickly duplicated and installed on a single chip mircro-controller befor being attached under each track block. All very easy, simple and no wires other than the DCC Traction Bus and its dropper wires. Oh and by the was each point controller (Servo and PCB) has cost less than 3 euros and about ten minutes to make and mount using a magnet/steel washer as its mounting, it only protrudes below the baseboard by less than 15mm. Pity you have such an investment in conventionmal kit already as it is so, so quick and easy to install plus very, very cheap. I have over 100 points so I had to find a cheap solution. Really looking forwards to how your track plan is going to evolve. I have been following McKinley for a couple of years now and it is trully incredible, you are very lucky to be part of such an undertaking.
Wow Bruce, what an interesting comment. In another life I used to be an aircraft electrician but my electronics knowledge is minimal.
I do try to use conventional products as it’s easier to inspire folk if I use “of the shelf” products.
Good luck with your endeavours, regards Charlie
I would suggest that for a track plan that you go out rail spotting. Most modelers’ ideas come from something which they have seen on the prototype railways. Watch how the various train movements are choreographed. This will give you some good ideas on a workable placement for points and crossovers, to facilitate the required movements. This same method may well give you ideas for your goods yard and loco sheds.
Although you don’t like the snapping sound of the Peco point motors, I wouldn’t necessarily write them off. In many high traffic areas they use fast acting motors. This way the points line and lock faster, which permits quicker succession of movements.
Sound advice Brian
Hi Charlie, hope you are well. Glad to see some more progress on your layout.
A suggestion for your branch platform on the incline. Not all platforms in real life are level and some are actually situated on an incline. You may not need to level an area of track to match the platform, instead match the platform to the incline. This creates (in my eyes) an interesting effect and something a little different having done this with an old layout of mine.
Don't forget though, that any buildings/details are still built vertically (I don't mean to try and teach you to suck eggs). That is where the interesting effect comes from where they are on concrete bases that are horizontal.
It would be a challenge to achieve but could save you those few additional inches required to add a level track section.
Completely agree with you on getting the two loop lines in before continuing with the rest of the layout. It good to still be able to "play" trains whilst building and keeps the enthusiasm going during its construction.
All the best
Dan
Thanks Dan, sound advice.
Always enjoy your videos, and the little notes across the bottom bring a chuckle. Good luck.
Thanks Jeff, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
You certainly are making progress. Very tidy and neat wiring under those boards. Reminds me when I was taught how to loom and lace wiring looms when I first joined the RAF as an electronics tech way back in 1987. I know it will be painful to undo all that hard work, but by the sounds of it you have better ideas on the horizon. I am not a big fan of solenoids either and all my track on my previous layouts (Layoutless at the moment) have been hand built and don't stand up to the some what violent nature of a solenoid. The idea of a marshalling yard as opposed to a fiddle yard will give you more movements and the chance to marshal freight trains. Tyne yard on a smaller scale perhaps?
I’m so pleased that you understand my pain Nige.
Prototype for your branch line before joining onto the main should have a head shunt or catch point just in case there was a runaway down the hill.
Looking good.
Like the idea of high level platform. Possible idea might be to have the branch run on a shuttle unit.
Good points Andrew.
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, but you could push the TMD boards back a few inches so you can have larger radius curves running into that section. You could put some points in at each end of the existing passing loop on the main line on the TMD to create two tracks running along the front. Then you can still have the storage yard behind and keep the TMD mostly how it is.
Great video by the way, hope this helps.
Comments are always welcome MS
Hi Charlie, considering your layout is on the baseboard it might be hard to achieve, however, when you would grade the station lead slightly downwards it would create even more visual interest. Also it would create a more eased grade length on your branch line. The idea of a sloped local platform is a very interesting one. I personally think it would look better than a level one in the middle of the grade. Our visual aptitude doesn’t always allow for slope, where the prototype does use such inclines wherever they’re available or hard to avoid. The difference between the real world and our model world the amount of length we can work with to make it look good. For a sloped platform I would suggest a platform edge following the exact grade, paralleled by a small wide terraced walkway. Provided you have the room of course.
Great comment Vincent, I’ll certainly check out the options.
From one Charley to another Charlie, don’t despair, in May 2016 I had a 4.1m square log cabin built for my model railway. I am still working on 48 steam locos fitting sound & working headlamps, firebox glow and an LED in tender for L/E running plus fitting Kadee to all stock. I hope to start laying track next April, so still a long way off. The layout is loosely based on Bath Green Park Stn with 2 island platforms, MPD, turn table & 5 rd shed, extra sdgns for ash, coal plants. 10 rd fiddle yd and a passing loop on main line for freight working loco exchange. I will be using DCC Concepts points, gps & associated control panels along side my ECos command station. Loads to do !
Stop Charley and start laying track, now. 😜
Charlie yet again a video that answers many what ifs ...for us novices ... I very much look forwards to the next phase ... cheers Steve
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and it’s great to have you onboard.
I use Anyrail for all my planning of track work, buildings and scenery. It cost me about £30 a good few years ago so £50 will be the best money you have spent for a long time, apart from Traincontroler which speaks for its self. Regarding Woodland Scenics inclines I started off with 4% and then changed to 3%. The difference in performance is quite staggering. Thank's Charlie and keep it up!
Thanks Steve for your very encouraging comment.
That is a very brave decision Charlie in scrapping the original Chadwick but on balance IMHO you are making the right choice rather than shoehorning to fit. That 3% looks a lot better and love the idea of the branch crossing over the main line. The idea of a branch terminus appeals to my GWR tendencies as well, what about a little industry there if you have room to generate a little extra freight interest? A Hemyock type dairy or perhaps a small brewery or even a quarry. The idea of building the round first is sensible, we all love to play trains as well! Hope it goes well mate, Cheers Steve
Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
I think getting your Up and Down lines in soon is a good idea! You might inspire yourself with ideas once the main lines are in and trains are running. It's much easier to visualise your final layout from a perspective where you have moving trains.
Thanks, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Another good one Charlie. 1. 3% then flat for the halt, then over the mainline gets my thumbs up. 2. get the two mains running and concentrate on the platform area. 3. the goods train to make area will come to you as will your TMD. 4. Look back at your old TMD and note the best bits and copy. 5. at your platforms you have a line for goods, with a head shunt, have I missed something as what is the point of a head shunt for one line?
Barry.Devon
All good points Barry
"That's another thing that's... up in the air." Best gag by far, I saw the twinkle in your eye. :D I am a returning modeller and love how RUclips is helping illustrate new techniques and the journeys people are taking with their layouts. Your method of 'getting the two lines in' is bang on. Nothing moving is no fun. I also applaud your decision to 'let go' and redo the TMD/marshalling yard area - the new area itself will be a product of your experience and all the times you've looked at something and said 'I wish I'd done that' - case-in-point(!) the point length - you can apply those lessons learned on the fresh board. I've decided DCC is the way to go, and computer control would be nice, but I needed a strong cup of tea after seeing the underside of your board - and wiring scares me less than many! My other challenge for myself is that I'm hoping to create a OO garden railway. I do wonder if people would enjoy the design, development and execution process of this layout as a RUclips channel?..
An interesting challenge Mark but I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video
You're bound to shed a few tears when the old TMD goes but think how much you've learned since you started that build. I would imagine that most of the gizmos can be re-used, maybe without rewiring some of them. That, coupled with the extra experience you now have, should make the job easier and a bit quicker this time.
The flyover above the station could become another centrepiece(can you have two centrepieces?) along with your epic viaduct. There are some great "prototypes" out there for inspiration, places like Doncaster, Peterborough, Paddington spring to mind.
I'm sure some trickery can be used to disguise the incline a bit too.
Good Luck going forward...... and upwards.
All the Best,
Dougie.
Thanks Dougie, sound advice, many thanks.
Looks much better ,Charlie.Keep up the good work.Best of luck with further planning & ideas. I agree with you it's better to focus on getting trains running. I have started many sections but having trouble connecting them for various reasons. Interest is lost if you try to complete and detail everything. Ciao
Just run trains Simon.
Stand back and give it all some thought, you've done just that! The incline will look more natural and a bridge over the mainlines really does give it a reason for being there.
Look forward to seeing the re-developed TMD.
Good stuff as always.
Tim.
Thanks Tim, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Hi just starting out at rail modelling ,followed the soldering tips and fixed my first half dozen droppers. I will watch you instal this incline with interest as it will add a lot of interest to the lay out. I might have a go on my own layout in the future as my space is 1.2 m wide but 6 m long giving me space for the 3% or Evan 2% incline
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Roger. Good luck with your layout regards Charlie.
Great idea having two working loops to keep you happy whilst construction continues
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
wow you have made a bold step there changing it that much
In fir a penny Glynn
Hi Charlie, I’m glad to hear you are willing to let go of a part of the layout you spent so much time and effort into. In the end it may turn out way better then you could have ever imagined given the chance ..
Great update ... until next time . Cheers ,Jim
Thanks Jim. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Oooooh the bridge over the mainline is going to look good. Excellent video as always good sir.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
I suspect others have mentioned this to you for track planning software for iMac, which I use, is Railmodeller Pro. I used it to design my layout and it seems to be a match for the PC based products. The app is available in the app store for Mac. There is I think an express version which is free if you want to give it a go. I was able to print the plan out full size (although my printer didn't thank me) and that made track laying, particularly with the flexitrack around the curves much easier. Hope this helps. Stephen
Good advice, thanks Stephen
Good episode as always, Charlie. Thank you for sharing the emotional part of model railroading - you get attached to what you invest your life, interest and efforts into. Of course that is some kind of mourning involved as you let some things go as something new is born.
A great emotional insight.
Charlie,
Regarding your latest track play thoughts involving an incline - -
Time and time again, I was warned about steep inclines and to hold the grade to 2%. Yes, I know, space is a concern. So I used Anyrail and a laser to lay in an incline that elevates a bit over 5 inches. For this, you need a run of 1 inch high for every 50 inches of length, or about 250 running inches. I then want to get my whole train up to this level, before I hit the switch into an elevated reversing loop with a bridge on it, flying over my industrial service area. Also sav es a TON of tack coming back down the same way.
So actually this elevated reversing loop flys over a lower reversing loop underneath it. This gives a hugh running length of tack before you get back to your starting point.
So, get up to your level before y0u hit a curve.
Also if you know of a way for me to send you my Anyrail PDF file, I will be glad to show you this concept.
The loops swing around over a deck that is about 55 inches square (S gage). This gives me 3 triangular corners on the outside of the loop to the edges of the deck. I can scenic the lower level corners, or the upper level corners with either scenes, or perhaps mountain corners. One mountain can contain a tunnel on the lower trunaround while the upper leverl travels thru an outside cut in the mountain. Lots of thoughts.
Regarding wiring - Plus(or RED) normal is associated with the engineer in the cab's directioin. Or - take a wagon and a piece of tape on its side marked RED. Gather up a pile of black and red pins. Set the wagon down and decide the polarity at that pont, sticking in your red and black pins on the rails accordingly. Push the wagon around and lay down your pins every 5-6 feet. This will keep you honest.
Finally, lay down track every 5-6 feet "loosly", and run your trains over it, switches and all. When it is solid, finish up this section of installation, connecting your buss and droppers perhpas with allegator clips and then solder them afterwards. Nothing worse than unsoldering a mistake.
So about that PDF file???????
Keep it up - you are very interesting to watch as I am in the same phase with mine.
Regards, Bob S
I totally agree with your thoughts
Bob. However, I must use 3% to make it work in the space available
Hi Charlie, Thanks for the video. I agree, the 3% incline looks a lot more natural. Its nice to see things beginning to really firm up.
Firming up indeed Simon.
It’s now time to get to grips with the way it goes up and into the station.
Hi Charlie. Interesting points raised. The Tmd boards, I would just turn both boards by 180 and change the wires to suit the rest. This will save a lot of work for you that's my thoughts on it. 3 percent incline like it. The bridge idea great, got to it. It completely changes and improves the view.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it John.
Great ideas Charlie. I like the concept of a two level Chadwick Parkway station to accommodate the incline at the rear of the board. It could be an attractive scenic feature. And seeing the viaduct in the background reminded me of what a wonderful bit of scenery you created. Keep it up!
Thanks Trevor, you’re too kind.
idea? at Chadwick Park Station in the foreground place a passenger car service station with small engine shed. Also you could add a line off bridge end to go under the hill to the incline adding a small tunnel for added effect. At old TMD put your staion above your staging yard leaving your old freight yard in foreground and running your upper line to corner and placing a turntable or turn around for return service.
Great ideas Mark
I don't know about anyone else but I really like to look of having that bridge you used to show your idea for the station area Charlie, I think it would look fantastic
So do I Matt
Chadwick Model Railway glad we are in agreement. I’m planning a rather ambitious project for a diorama since I lost all motivation to make a full layout. Instead I’ll be making dioramas inspired by places I know and attempt to make a lot from scratch. Keep up the awesome work :)
You have motivated me to start an encirceling R'wy in my hobby room. You pointed out to start with a track circle that is useable and add the scenery step by by step. Thanks for this idea... it will be used on a freelance 0-9/0n15 (gauge 390mm).
Good plan Gorg.
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Hopefully I'm not deheaded as typical for GB ;)....
CHADD & WIGG LIGHT RAILWAY
As I am a follower of Charlie's Chadwick TMD I wanted something similar but also individual. And so I thought what to do... but due to the size of my flat (and my purse) my possibilities are minimalized or microsized compared to Mr.Bishop's. So there will be 10 - 12 points (all hand animated), no DCC, no big signaling without the maintenance yard there will be no need for a signal box. So as in prototype a rural and reductive layout and straightforward kind of managing the railway.
So I desided to rebuild my modelling room for a railway layout.
So there is now an important decision to be made: the scale. I have got the good old Peco OO-9 track, points, N chassis and a plenty of boogies. So I can build 4mm/ft Scale also known as 1/76 or I can went further on to 7mm/ft what will bring us up to 1/43.5 as factor. (There may be a stop between on 1/64 what is S but this is something so specific I don't think I will find even figures for it. So due to my bad eyesight I do chose 7mm/ft - but staying with the 00-9 Peco track. So we do come out at "0n15" ( it is Scale 0 representing 15inch gauge rail) - normaly called On18 in the US or O-9 on the British isles. As we are very very precise in Germany this would be 0p ("P" is for park rwy. gauge below 400mm in O scale).
To show the copyright of Charlie clearly I'll call the Layout the Chadd & Wigg Light Rwy. At Chadd there is the sand pit and Wigg is the sand sieve mill for foundery sand. So we do need some things for this circle traffic: a waterway for the mill, a sandpit, a maintenance for the locos, and a small country station for weekend traffic to the seaside. There will be some very little passenger/workers traffic and an huge amount of open wagons with persanning for the dry sand bringing to the foundery, for coal for the sand drying oven and the steam engine. And as the hole layout took place in the years 1903-13 there are first diesel engines.
(This hole narrowst gauge started 1997 with the idea of a foundery model with some lines for fluid iron transport to the ship engines moulds.)
The layout will be placed along the wall. But I do not want to fix against the wall, the rest will be in Ikea book shelfs of the Ivar line. So I could build layout as an exhibitional layout, too. As I want to bring something in the FREMO team the modual ends will be all to be combines with each other.
Certainly I think there will be a trial to build a second layer on the left hand wall. But this is not clearly definited at the moment as the ramp for the reaching of the 2nd layer is a problem.
The main idea I have picked from Charlie is to build on a living layout. Being able to have some trains driving in an unfinished scenery. So with me there will be some traffic on bare wooden bookshelfs in the very beginning.
The main problem is the door, as I have to enter and left the room (that's evident) I have to build something removable. I thought about a bar with a pair of angels as in a policestations front desk barrier. But I stopped this plans as if it falls down by bad luck (devil is allways on my side) inside the door isn't to be opend without serious damage. So I decided to use an eyecatcher in there: the mill pond viaduct in a hanging valley.
But before I can start I have to removal in my flat so I have got enough book shelfs and enough space in this hobby room. And I think of using my Gorg channel at youtube to do some documentary of the build. This would be the only non-OO layout in the internet showing its progress.
I hope you will like it.
Best wishes from Berlin is sending Christian Heinrich Pichmann
Thanks CHP, very enlightening.
Good luck with your project.
I really like that girder bridge that you are not going to use. I think it looks good there.
Only because I need a single track one Fred.
Hello , and yes the 3 percent grade with a flattened out section for the station would be a nice addition. Also a bridge at an angle across the tracks gives the layout different perspectives and brings into the layout. Also you could make a board like a home fuse panel for all you dcc components. That way you could keep that the same and just plug it up to different layouts as you make new ones. ..any nice video
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Adrien
Hi Charlie - thanks for your latest. My couple of thoughts were about your future goods features. I just wondered if there was mileage in putting a goods facility on your branch - that might help to explain why it's avoided the attentions of the good Doctor. Perhaps an oil depot for your wagons? It might add some operational interest getting the goods on and off the mainline. Your freightliners could then have a terminal next to the TMD - though that might be a squeeze. Perhaps the board edge could be a quay then? A TMD to service it could make 'sense'?
Oh, and the girder bridge you used in your mock up looked nice. Shades of Battledown perhaps? Or Bishops Road Bridge at Paddington given you're a WR kind of guy? Open girders would frame the trains beautifully, I think.
Good luck. Hope these idle musings are helpful in some way.
Hi Nick, thoughts are most welcome, thank you.
Charlie, your wiring is a work of art, I feel your pain in deciding to undo it all!!!! Look forward to seeing (and learning) what you come up with.
Thanks WTS, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hey Charlie, love the idea of the bridge going over, that'll certainly add a layer of interest!
Thanks SJ, much a Ho appreciated
Hi Charlie, I've been following and viewing your channel for the last few months as I'm building my first - modest -layout and a lot of what you say and demonstrate has been hugely helpful. As a fellow photographer I also congratulate you on the quality of filming and editing, and your occasional bits of humour! You don't need to respond to this - I'm happy just to see more of your work. Cheers, Terry
I’m so pleased that you enjoy the videos Terry and good luck with your endeavours.
I think that you are correct in what you say about completing the loop. I did that with my layout as I have 2 levels upper and lower levels, it was more satisfying planning and working on the lower section with the upper functional even if not fully "decorated" yet still leaves room for thought but trains running is definitely more satisfying. Your idea for that Passover with the town scene in the corner is a keeper, there's a lot you can do with that. I look forward to seeing your progress. 👍
Thanks SR, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hey Charlie this all looks like good fun I saw a guy on you tube last night who had a Hornby Dublo layout which he had dcc controlled trains, semaphore signals, points and turntable, all without any complicated wiring, he was an electronics designer though and was able to program his own chips, by the way I have no idea how it all worked but thought it impressive all the same.
Thanks Barry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie. Have you considered moving the incline and bridge over your tracks to the west of Chadwick Parkway, keeping intact the line behind the platform as your branch platform and not changing the eastern point-work? I'm sure you have enough space judging on the length of your viaduct board. The bridge could then be used as your scenic break? One last point would be to sit down and write down a list of priorities of what you want from your layout and how to incorporate your existing collection of models to make your track plan. It is advise that helped me in the past. Thanks for the great video's. Keep up the great work. Regards Paul.
Interesting options Paul
Great video Charlie. My one comment, as I have found to my cost in the past, is never to over complicate track work, where simple track work will suffice. I also totally agree with your thought of getting two tracks running round. Hving nothing running in a situation where you could is very soul destroying, Cheers for now, Bob
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bob
The 3% looks far better and at least you're not wasting the 4% as it can be repurposed. I had envisioned the raised branch line running parallel to the existing track but the bridge is a great idea and gives plenty of visual interest. I spent what I thought was sufficient time planning my layout only to be the master of changing my mind! With hindsight I could have saved a lot of time by just putting track on boards and letting it evolve. Whatever you do will work out for the best because you are the one who has to be satisfied with it.
I am no expert but perhaps you could keep many commenters "happy" with a paragraph or two pinned to the top of the list covering the most commonly raised points? I certainly wouldn't take the huff if I didn't receive a reply every time. Keep some of your energy for layout building! Cheers
Thanks Davie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Definitely start again, plan it of software and then create what you really want
Sometimes David, we have to learn the hard way. Regards Charlie
I have been a garden railroader for 25 years and now occupy one of my children's bedroom for a 4 x 12 n scale layout. Over the years I have learned that elevating a layout and providing for many crossovers makes your layout so much more interesting. Adding S-curves, tunnels and having the trains hanging at the edge of cliffs makes the layout exciting and visually compelling. Much of what I have seen in the layouts indoors is that most are simply flat. What's exciting about that? Yes, the buildings, streets and towns are lovely, but they are not exciting. Once built-out the layout becomes boring (please take no offense). To keep interest, it seems that you just start over or add new sections, new levels with strange devices such a helices. The layout never gets done.
In the most exciting places to visit for railfans is the Tehachapi Loop where a long train crosses over itself to gain elevation. I think you would incorporate similar structures into your layout you would relieve the boredom somewhat. On my current build, there is little straight track, there are loops within loops, hidden tunnels, no one really knows where any one train is going. The other aspect of a layout that I feel is important is to have the trains hug the very edge of an elevated line where you begin to fear that it might fall off but never does. This is exciting. In my layout I will have no buildings, no industries, but a lot of scenery, rock structures, valleys, tall geologic fixtures similar to the famous Monument Valley, with all the warm and colorful hues of the high desert.
Good luck on your project. I wish you great success.
Some very interesting points MC. You are of course right which is why I always avoid prototypical layouts. They are of great interest if you understand the location but somewhat boring to operate.
Thanks for this update Charlie, yeah I think starting with two running lines so you've got something to run your locos on and than gradually develop the remaining trackwork is probably the right way to go. I'm quite sure your layout will be fun to see being built and lovely to behold when finished! Cheers my friend, Joachim
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it JPA
Charlie, you certainly have your hands full here. Have you considered to use AnyRail which is a CAD program to lay out tracks, elevatons, scenery, etc. If I had to keep ripping up track, it would make me crazy. Many hours have been saved by using this program which will scalae to .1 inch. It will keep you honest with curves, bends, elevations, so you can not make a design error. Set your structures down in outline form, mounds, trees, etc. When all is in place, drop it all in place and you are done. Bob S
I’m on it Bob but a Mac equivalent for now.
Another nice video Charlie, I am in the thick of similar relaying all the SMP track on the UK outline part of my layout. Re your TMD, instead of taking it all to pieces, why not try and sell it to a club member and make a clean start...Also total concur re DCC, but I use EcoS and ESU Switchpilots with Brimal distribution boards. Very simple and the Ecos recognises the SP's immediately and automatically, plus they have servo control as well as switches for feeding your Tortoise motors. The DE part of the layout is all Fleischmann with FL and some Roco points and they are just so simple and quiet for solenoid actuators. I have Cobalts for all the SMP / Peco Finescale turnouts. In conclusion - you can use Anyrail free up to about 50 track pieces IIRC so I just broke down my plan into 2 sections. Its a great piece of software. Good luck
Many thanks for your enlightening comments and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Love the new plans. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a low level/high level station modelled before so definitely something unique and different.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
I think now you got a bigger layout it makes sense to have nice bigger loops also you could perhaps spread those 16 sections over the larger loops and do block signalling 3 or 4 aspect where train chases another round under computer control. Keep up the good work and it will probably be quicker to rewire now you know how to do it.
Good points DC
Hello Charlie. Yet another fun and in-depth video. I love the idea of the flyover - very dramatic. It reminded me of Worting Junction near Basingstoke. All the best. Simon
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Simon
Charlie, I would certainly recommend AnyRail. I’m currently trying to plan a layout for a new shed and whilst I am no expert I am having fun learning with it and trying to see what I can fit into the space. It’s a user friendly package and in my opinion well worth the £50 fee
Thanks Stewart , I’m onto it.
Hey Charlie
Great video as always just bare in mind that you’ll need a good bit more clearance underneath the branch terminus for point motors etc so you’ll need to raise it a bit more after the lines cross the bridge, I’m sure you’d considered that anyway but just thought I’d mention it
Hi TT, yes I had thought about but a good point though.
Hi Charlie. Great video as always. If I may a couple of ideas (not too late I hope). At first I would suggest if space allows to do an inverted 8 in your mainlines with them disappearing underneath, making a full circle and reappearing on eye-level, that way you actually double your running distance and time and it takes longer for a train to pass in front of the viewer, giving the impression of an actual railway. But, it has some space limitations and it's costly (lots of more track).
So, second suggestion : The main lines that (will) pass in the back of old TMD, put them on a very slight elevation and a continuous wide curve with cant/superelevation. That way the lines will be visible behind the - new - tmd and you move away from the curve-straight-curve-straight-curve-straight which our houses force us to do.
Not sure if it makes sense but I tried :p
One more thing : I have seen in a branch line station which is immediately after a steep descent of the track that right before the station there is a sort of "trap" point switched permanently to the trap section and the trains actually stop there (so we know that brakes work) and the point is set to straight before they enter the station. That should give some realism and operation interest.
Cheers
Some great points H69
I think the 3% looks better. I agree that the bridge across provides a depth of field, which was lacking. Think about the road bridge on the south side of Bristol Temple Meads. It is at an angle slurred across the track, and this would be the effect of a rail bridge across. It could even be given a slight incline to raise the level if required. I feel for you about the original board undoing all that work then re-doing it. If you do decide to do that, it does give you the reason to increase point radii, and install quiet point motors. I wonder if in your storage sidings it would be useful to have 2 storage through roads and two removable cartridge lines on slide, where you could remove trains and alter them. This way you could either run through to different sections or an easy way to change complete trains. I do agree get trains in a circuit so you can run them. You wouldn't want to finish your model railway would you!
Thanks Don, reassuring words.
Computer controlled wiring gives me shudders. Respect for you.
Just one wire at a time Karts.
Charlie, The 3% grade, visually looks much better to the eye. If your still thinking about track plans, Peco published a small booklet called, " Track plans for larger layouts" I don't know if you can get hold of a copy but it might give you more 2 level idea's. Plus how to marry a goods and loco yard into you design. anyway thanks for the update, alway's good.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Thanks Chris I’ll check it out.
Nice one for taking the ideas on board charlie.
If i was you, i would try and skew the main platforms over a little away from the wall, allowing you a bit more room at the back for the incline to sweep out a touch before it comes back accross.
Look at nuneaton station for what im getting at, the platforms ect would all be in a similar position and the incline there is straight(ish) at the platforms and then curves right, before curving back left and accross the mains.
drive through it every day and think it would make an interesting layout, may give you an idea or two about the contruction of the bridge ect too.
Also why not split the freight yard and TMD? You could have your branch line terminus up above the freight yard and then a small spur off of the back of it for a headshunt into a TMD area, would give you a bit more operational interest when swapping locos out ect.
Some valid points Eric
Layouts coming along great. Really look forward to your videos. You always come across very clear in them. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next update.
Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie and thanks for another great insight into your railway.
I must completely encourage you to invest in 'Anyrail' ..its excellent.!!
I have been dithering with my track plans for ages .. and then the usual space issues to get the best out what I have to play with. With this app. you can just sit... to plan ' COST FREE' at your convenience.
Its all to scale..that can be printed off 1:1
Dare I say with the amount of money you seem to be prepared to invest into your project ie tortoise/ digitrax etc ...this will maybe, save you a lot of money and moreover heartache in the long run...well that's my plan too..
Look forward to your next one
Daz
Sound advice Dan, thanks.
Sounds like a great idea Charlie, i hope it all goes to plan!
We live in hope Robert.
Chadwick Model Railway agreed, I’m not Robert though :P
charlie get a main line loop going round the layout and after a few days of running the perfect layout will come to you
Sound advice David.
I take my hat off to you Charlie, for all the work you have done so far with the Spaghetti Junction wiring under your base board, which would give me nightmares, if something stopped working. I think your future track plans will be better than what you have it now, but you are going to have to do a lot work to change all that wiring and those modules, and I wish you well. It's what you want from a layout that really matters and as far as my layout is concerned I have had to first, make do with what space I have available. Second, what I wanted to include in my layout and lastly, what I could afford to spend within my means. DCC was out for two reasons, firstly the actual cost of everything and secondly, I just wanted to keep everything simple, as long as it works and I can enjoy watching my trains/trams to run from nowhere to somewhere. lol. As I think you already know, I have incorporated a tramway into my layout, based on the steam era from around the early to late fifties, which is the period that I grew up in and remember so well. In this modern age, running analogue dc, to some people may classed as, past it's sell by date, but it's simple, it works, and I am happy with it. I am not against DCC, by any means, because it's the way to go in this day and age, but for me, I just couldn't afford to convert all my stock and control equipment.
Looking forward to your progress Charlie........take care
Regards
Geoff
Thoughtful words Geoff and sound advice too.
Makes me feel better at changing mid project. After seeing the experts do the same
Great video.
Thanks Mark.
Hi Charlie, I would suggest you wouldn't need much of a horizontal section at the main station for the branch platform - just enough to cater for a two-car DMU or, at worst, a tank engine and two carriages, hence a pretty short platform. Then you could complete the 3% incline up to a single track bridge over the four tracks, space permitting of course. I do like the idea of a bridge over the main tracks, I think that would look really good. Regarding Chadwick TMD; it seems to me that you've already decided deep down that it needs to go. It''ll be a lot of work but you'll get a clean slate and you'll be rid of the Peco solenoid point actuators. I enjoyed the video as ever Charlie - that's why I subscribe. BTW take no notice of me - I know nothing. As ever, it's your layout so do what you want, prototypical or not. No need to reply, I don't expect it. Thanks Charlie, Mike
Thanks Mike.
I thought I would say Hello from Northwest Louisiana. I have been watching your videos with interest. You do have a good way of explaining things in simple terms and I have gained some useful tips. I have been a long time model railroader and I'm in the process of building another layout. I am not modeling high-speed British Rail. I will not employ a computer as you have mentioned. Digitrax and Z21 will be my controllers. Turnouts will be operated by BullFrogs by FastTracks.
I'm using Peco O-16.5 track for what we call On30 to model an Arizona desert mountain mining railway. Sort of along the lines of the Morenci Southern Railway. The Morenci Southern Railway was nicknamed "The Corkscrew to America." My layout is on 4% inclines climbing up a mountain to reach the high mine at the top of the mountain. 20" above the lowest level. I probably have more curving track than straight track. There is a lot of vertical scenery in this layout. At the top of the layout will be another layout running what we refer to as "baby gauge" to service the high mine. Baby gauge uses N scale track as On18. I already have the On18 Porter tank engine using a N scale drive.
I understand when you talk of the emotional baggage with a previous build. Previously I was an N scale modeler. My interests laid with Southern Pacific during the Billboard Reefer period. I had a huge collection of engines and cars. That was hard to give up, however, the draw to narrow gauge was stronger.
I did some growing up in Norfolk at RAF Feltwell. My days of building WWII model aircraft.
Keep the good info coming.
Den
Hi Den, what an interesting comment.
Your journey across time and scales is fascinating. Good luck with your endeavours. Regards Charlie
and that is the reason I model a narrow gauge shortline using TT&TO; easy wiring!
A fair point.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Indeed! ;-)
Hello Charlie,
regarding the platform at the incline. I think that the branch line must not be level at the platform, but it could have the 3% grade like the other parts of the incline. I think a good example could be Craigendorran. The platforms on the line from Glasgow to Helensburgh are level, but the former platform on the line from Glasgow to Fort William looks like to be on a grade.
Thanks for the info mate.
Charlie been following the layout a while. My suggestion would be to add some industries to the areas. Since you are removing the original Chadwick you don't really have any switching operations like you used to and industries will add the to the layout. It doesn't have to be a huge industry. It also gives more depth to the layout because suddenly you have justifications for certain trains and why they need to be there. Breaths more life into a railway. Try something small like coal or maybe gas (petrol). I personally like iron ore and steel industry but mine are based more on U.S. industries.
Interesting options, many thanks
Charlie, I have been advised by an old train main on the new york central, that most tracks in real life run at about 1 percent. Every modeler I have run into tell me to hold my elevations to 2 % Also for the most part, 4 % is not prototypical. Rail on! I also volunteer on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, and it climbs a grade to the next town at only 2 percent max. Bob S
Thanks Robert but sadly at 2% it doesn’t fit. Life’s a compromise.
Thanks for showing the pr3 it's just the thing I need for a smart phone throttle. Saved me 250 bucks
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Adam.
The amount of times I've built something and regretted it is well I stopped counting needless to say it might come back up when I pluck up the courage to lol ,good luck in your next stage of your build Charlie will look forward to seeing what you have planned
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it FCMR
Hi Charlie, your layout is far from meagre,and the new ideas sound great. On a personal note, you may rememeber that I had to give up modelling because of a disability which was iin fact bad sight. However a recent trip to the wonderful Manchester Eye Hospital (shout ou there) sees me booked in for an operation on one eve before Christmas and the other in the new year. Perfect sight no. Ability to model buildings and scenary for people fingers crossed. Good luck and thanks for wonderful videos. Tony.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Tony and good luck with your surgery.
I'm in the middle of a house move, so planning stage for my layout is becoming more solid. I'm planning (as you said) to start with a double loop, then add complexity over extended time, it strikes me as a good plan - though I might consider placing pointwork where the station and yards will be, so I don't have to do major surgery installing them later.
My personal modelling period is 1930-40, so most stations have some sort of local delivery railyard, possibly a small goods shed and a couple sidings where a drop or pick up short freight would be in order. Obviously during the early BR period these were being pulled up, but not necessarily being replaced - you could therefore consider either a reduced or removed goods yard by the main station, maybe with derelict goods shed and/or cattle dock still in evidence, old sleepers still in place, but with the metals removed. Now were you modelling a later BR period, you could be building a large Tesco's or Sainsbury's on the site :)
I'm one who likes to look along old railways and figure out what used to be, before it was modernized - something seen on the Western Region is having the platforms wider apart than the normal 4' 8.5" guage would call for, because it was originally built for 7' guage - which either leaves a wide waste area in the between, or has a single central passing track.
Good points Neil. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Charlie, build the rest of the boards and complete the circuit of track so trains can run. Then work on the new TMD / Storage yard board, working back towards the main station to bring the branch line in. The overbridge idea is nice, but the radius may restrict the positioning of the planned upper platform for the DMU. It would be nice to have that in place as it will give depth and more interest. Looking forward to the developments
Malcolm, my thoughts exactly.
you hit the nail correctly, run some trains, otherwise its possible the enthusiasm dwindles. I have had a layout down for two years and still actually yet to decide where everything should go. thanks for filming
Thanks HH
Good evening again Charlie. I just wanted to say Thank You for letting me know about McKinley Railway. The videos about it are very informative and entertaining. I would never be able to help run it, The information they provide on improving running stock and the actual running of the layout is immense. I suffer from the debilitating effects of TIAs or more commonalty known as mini strokes. But it is a joy to watch the videos. Helps keep my brain working I think. Such as it does. lol. I am patiently waiting for your next installment. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again.
Your too kind Thomas.
I’m so pleased that both David and I have given you such entertainment.
Charlie yep it does hurt to destroy something your built, but after ripping two layouts apart you get over it because the investment in the old layouts helps you improve and make something better out of it. So all the best, because whatever you do it will always be better and more interesting. - Kevin
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Kevin
Good evening Charlie. I have just finished "binge"watching all of your videos on you tube. It took me 4 days. Whew. I have watched quite many of them, but not all and not in order until now. Now I can proudly say I have done so. And I can say I have enjoyed it immensely. I wish I could do something close to what you have achieved through your long hours and determination to get it right. Your self deprecation and humor add a nice touch of levity to the videos, making them more enjoyable. I do not model anymore myself. I wish I could but money is a problem as I'm sure it is for most people. But if if I ever win the lottery [lol] I thank you for all the valuable information you have given me along with the entertainment. And many thanks to your wife for the towels, stockings nail polish, and support for you. Again I want to Thank You. I wish you good health and Happy Modeling.
What a wonderful comment Thomas. I’m so pleased that you enjoy my channel. Regards Charlie
"...higher level...". Charlie, you're thinking on a higher level. Your track at a higher elevation! Your thinking is still sharp and planning is acute. That's why stepping back back to think--read--think is validation to your efforts. Good show! Enjoy your outdoors afresh. It's turkey weekend in Canada. Cheers!
John
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.