BCN-Pete
Western Thunderer
Here is my entry for the MRJ/Wild Swan Cameo layout competition due May 2019.
Thurso (an extract) in 2mm Finescale
Era circa 1979 - 1985
The idea for the layout has been in my head for some years now but it was after reading the requirements for the competition I decided to get a wiggle on and try and build it.
It originlly started as another potential box file layout whilst I was living in a Barcelona. A small mock up was made in white card and some sketches were produced 0f a layout 1200mm long by 150mm wide.
It also occurred to me that it could fit onto the other end of my then 'in progress' box file layout Kyle of Lochalsh (another extract) which has since had a number of makeovers.
A mock up in white card was duly made...
Originally it was to include the bay siding which was on the viewing side but I felt there was too much track and little else...so it was shelved...back in the box if you like
Following completion (ish) of Kyle and a brief toe dip with 7mm (ongoing) the idea resurfaced and was developed recently. The intention is that it can be a stand alone layout using the existing Fiddle Yard or the two layouts presented as an overall composition. The bay platform was omitted as I felt that it could be a good counterpoint to view across the platform rather than against the platform as is with KoL.
A mock up was built in card and foam board with the overall dimensions of the width and fascia tuned to match KoL. There is a separate thread on here which outlined the design development of the train shed and viewing which will feature later in the build.
Last week the designs were drawn in CAD and being an Architect I get to use the laser cutter at the studio when it's not busy with projects. I decided to use 3mm ply as previous foamboard constructions have resulted in some twisting despite bracing. It took some time to work out where all the tabs needed to be in the components but the model shop team at work were very helpful in their advice. Here are the components cut out on a Friday afternoon and laid out on the DRT ready to do a test assemble.
Using just masking tape, the whole lot went together in about 30 minutes...I was well chuffed that all the tabs had ended up where they were supposed to be...
This was then assembled yesterday using PVA glue and a few 'Architectural volumes' were added to provide the necessary muscle. This morning the whole thing is pretty rigid and sturdy.
Front viewing side withe cantilevered corner...
Rear side - Holes will be drilled for turnout operation and uncoupling methods...more on that soon
The underside incorporates the necessary holes to run the wires.
The next job is to install the lighting. I have ordered 3 kitchen type fittings as used on KoL which can plug together and are concealed by the fascia.
I have also decided that I will build the track offsite on a base which can be dropped into place afterwards.
To be continued...
Thurso (an extract) in 2mm Finescale
Era circa 1979 - 1985
The idea for the layout has been in my head for some years now but it was after reading the requirements for the competition I decided to get a wiggle on and try and build it.
It originlly started as another potential box file layout whilst I was living in a Barcelona. A small mock up was made in white card and some sketches were produced 0f a layout 1200mm long by 150mm wide.
It also occurred to me that it could fit onto the other end of my then 'in progress' box file layout Kyle of Lochalsh (another extract) which has since had a number of makeovers.
A mock up in white card was duly made...
Originally it was to include the bay siding which was on the viewing side but I felt there was too much track and little else...so it was shelved...back in the box if you like
Following completion (ish) of Kyle and a brief toe dip with 7mm (ongoing) the idea resurfaced and was developed recently. The intention is that it can be a stand alone layout using the existing Fiddle Yard or the two layouts presented as an overall composition. The bay platform was omitted as I felt that it could be a good counterpoint to view across the platform rather than against the platform as is with KoL.
A mock up was built in card and foam board with the overall dimensions of the width and fascia tuned to match KoL. There is a separate thread on here which outlined the design development of the train shed and viewing which will feature later in the build.
Last week the designs were drawn in CAD and being an Architect I get to use the laser cutter at the studio when it's not busy with projects. I decided to use 3mm ply as previous foamboard constructions have resulted in some twisting despite bracing. It took some time to work out where all the tabs needed to be in the components but the model shop team at work were very helpful in their advice. Here are the components cut out on a Friday afternoon and laid out on the DRT ready to do a test assemble.
Using just masking tape, the whole lot went together in about 30 minutes...I was well chuffed that all the tabs had ended up where they were supposed to be...
This was then assembled yesterday using PVA glue and a few 'Architectural volumes' were added to provide the necessary muscle. This morning the whole thing is pretty rigid and sturdy.
Front viewing side withe cantilevered corner...
Rear side - Holes will be drilled for turnout operation and uncoupling methods...more on that soon
The underside incorporates the necessary holes to run the wires.
The next job is to install the lighting. I have ordered 3 kitchen type fittings as used on KoL which can plug together and are concealed by the fascia.
I have also decided that I will build the track offsite on a base which can be dropped into place afterwards.
To be continued...