As Network rail are this weekend making humungous changes to the platforms at Bath Spa, I thought I ought to try and start the platforms at Launceston Road.
I bought some aluminium sheet for the purpose about five years ago, and I set to cutting it about to form potential platform surfaces etc. In the end, the viable cutting method I evolved was a cutting disc in angle grinder, cutting the marked out aluminium sheet laying on the lawn.
I have three large pieces, here seen flopped out in rough positions. The two main platforms end up being a bit short (about 3 1/2 coach lengths), I may live with this or add extensions or something. In this shot I hadn't yet cut the "down" platform surface to shape.
Having cut the second platform to shape, I thought I'd try folding up the bay platform into some sort of shape as it is a simple straight business. I ground out a fold line with the angle grinder and bent it up, which more or less worked.
As you can see, I didn't get an entirely "clean" fold, but by the time I have filed it and added the edging slabs on top etc I reckon it's usable. My basic platform wall height is 40mm from ground level, which seems about right visually.
I now have to get more side walls done, I think I will go back to my suppliers and see if they can't produce me some 40mm strip, ideally with an angle formed along one edge. I also want a section to form the upper row of blocks or concrete that sits under and supports the platform edging stones. Gluing wise it will be epoxy resin as usual, but I think I will probably also use copious amounts of epoxy car filler to back this up and make everything solid and robust.
The backs of nearly all the platforms sit over voids, e.g. embankment, so the support here also requires further thought. All in all it makes my brain ache
Rail replacement buses running through Bath this weekend, limited trains from tomorrow, I'll echo that as Dave Easto is over tomorrow, but D6319 is still failed awaiting parts from ABC/Swindon - you RTR box openers don't know just how lucky you are!!
Simon