wenlock
Active Member
Evening all,
I thought by way of an introduction I'd post some pictures taken during the construction of my layout Sherton Abbas. I've had a blog on "another railway modelling forum" for some time now, but been persuaded to post my ramblings on Western Thunder. Its rather photo heavy, but I've been told that's a good thing!
I've dabbled in Railway Modelling for 50 years or so, progressing from Triang Hornby OO, through EM and finally to this first effort in 7mm scale.
I started by drawing up a list of requirements for the proposed layout.
Once this was finalised doodling track plans could begin
Once happy with the track plan a 1/7th scale mock up was made from foam board, which really helped visualise the finished layout.
After deciding that I was happy with the way things were progressing a full size track plan was drawn out on lining paper. It was at this stage I realised quite how big 7mm models are in comparison to my previous 4mm scale projects!
The baseboards were constructed using beams made from strips of MDF with soft wood blocks glued and screwed between them a la Barry Norman. In retrospect I should have used plywood, the MDF although stable weighs a lot and the resultant boards will one day I'm sure do me a mischief!
Track was constructed using plywood sleepers, 2 bolt chairs from C&L , Nickel Silver rail and laid to 31.5mm gauge.
The track was laid on top of cork sheet and fixed in position using Copydex rubber solution. This was used in an attempt to help sound deadening, which I'm pleased to say I think it has done!
It looks like I've reached the limit of photos for one post, so Ill leave it there for now and continue adding pictures over the next few days.
Happy Easter!
Best wishes
Dave
I thought by way of an introduction I'd post some pictures taken during the construction of my layout Sherton Abbas. I've had a blog on "another railway modelling forum" for some time now, but been persuaded to post my ramblings on Western Thunder. Its rather photo heavy, but I've been told that's a good thing!
I've dabbled in Railway Modelling for 50 years or so, progressing from Triang Hornby OO, through EM and finally to this first effort in 7mm scale.
I started by drawing up a list of requirements for the proposed layout.
- Great Western Railway circa 1907
- 7mm to the foot O gauge finescale
- Hand built track/pointwork to a minimum radius of 6 foot
- Branch line terminus
- Station platform facing viewing side
- Small goods yard with goods shed and cattle dock
- Engine shed
- Private siding leading to an off stage industry of some kind, Creamery, Brickworks,Brewery etc
- Not more than 18 feet long, including fiddle yard
- Sufficient width of base boards to allow decent scenic development.
- Sectional baseboards, enabling layout to be transported to exhibitions
- Elliptical layout design, with curved back scene avoiding any 90 degree angles
Once this was finalised doodling track plans could begin
Once happy with the track plan a 1/7th scale mock up was made from foam board, which really helped visualise the finished layout.
After deciding that I was happy with the way things were progressing a full size track plan was drawn out on lining paper. It was at this stage I realised quite how big 7mm models are in comparison to my previous 4mm scale projects!
The baseboards were constructed using beams made from strips of MDF with soft wood blocks glued and screwed between them a la Barry Norman. In retrospect I should have used plywood, the MDF although stable weighs a lot and the resultant boards will one day I'm sure do me a mischief!
Track was constructed using plywood sleepers, 2 bolt chairs from C&L , Nickel Silver rail and laid to 31.5mm gauge.
The track was laid on top of cork sheet and fixed in position using Copydex rubber solution. This was used in an attempt to help sound deadening, which I'm pleased to say I think it has done!
It looks like I've reached the limit of photos for one post, so Ill leave it there for now and continue adding pictures over the next few days.
Happy Easter!
Best wishes
Dave