A boring track plan at Chadwick Model Railway. | 72.
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- I'm starting to wonder if I could have a better model railway if I change the track plan.
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Hello Charlie,
my suggestin is to turn the TMD about 180° and run the two track main line in the back of the TMD and not routin one track in front and on on the back of the TMD. I also like the terminus idea. But if possible I would start the incline after Chadwick Parkway, so that you still have the possibility to change tracks in Parkway station for shuttle services to the central station.
The turning of the TMD boards is brilliant. God bless CZcams.
Charlie, I have just started my model railway after 48 years and I'm starting from scratch . Many thanks for all the information that I have learnt from you I'm now going to start laying track , I have been planning for months now and know what I will be doing , and expecting a great deal of mistakes but I keep looking at your videos and learning. Incedently I am going the CDC route, many thanks again . Roy age 76 phew.
That’s great news, Roy, and I wish you well with your new project. Regards, Charlie.
Man, I would love to one day have anywhere near the quality of your "boring" layout!!!
Thanks Ali, I feel humbled.
You can use the risers to give sufficient support for a thin board (e.g. balsa wood) on which you can place your double track.
Good point David
Another idea is to not use it on the layout itself, just as a template and guage Maybe down the road, you'll be able to use it again with a different curve and also have the 4% grade as a guage to indicateaximum rise.
My mantra is "Build your own train garden." Yours is yours and I love it.
Thanks Karts, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hey ho, we live and learn. Truer words were never spoken.
Too true Daniel.
Re the width of the poly incline - either glue some 5mm polystyrene on top of the risers to create the required width roadbed and have an overhang which could be supported (if necessary) with scraps OR slice the risers in half lengthwise and glue the risers to the centre of the required width roadbed ( again 5mm poly), thus giving support under the sleepers/rail. Both options might need fettling to get the height right.
Sound advice, thanks David.
Hi Charlie I used one of those inclines for a double 00 track slope and put a piece of thin light ply on top to widen it enough for a twin track then used plaster cloth and plaster to make an enbankment along the length.
Sound advice, cheers mate.
I have to say you are really doing a lot of remodeling. As for the double elevation, “it is your railroad” as Steve Brown says, do what you want to do. I feel it will look awesome. I am looking forward to seeing that built. Thanks for sharing. Ken
Thanks Ken, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Another great video, Charlie. Thank you. The elevated terminus is a brilliant idea. 4% gradients, although practical for space reasons, might look a bit too far from prototypical, even if all your trains will go up them. Perhaps you might consider having them hidden by scenery (at least partially). It may help to disguise the steepness. Keep up the great work!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and many thanks for your points.
Just found video on track ballasting thought it was excellent gone on to find more. What a great man easy to listen to great tips and very practical. Will follow more of his videos. Thanks very much.
Thanks Chris, it’s great to have you onboard
Greetings from Canada. The Woodland scenic grade system is designed for single track HO/OO. Creating a 2 level area is a viable option but ensure that you can access your lower level for operation / maintenance. I love your modeling and appreciate your videos. A 4%grade is steep.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy the videos. I’m going to try 3% and see how that looks.
Hi another enjoyable and informative video. My loft layout is a figure of eight layout with two inclines hidden by a large hill. My locomotive plus a small rake of wagons runs from the station into a tunnel mouth going a short distance up an incline out of another tunnel mouth along the raised level above the station it started from then down the other incline into another tunnel mouth of the said hill to its lower level then through the final tunnel mouth onto the station it started from. To the purist my inclines are far to steep and my layout ideas a bit silly but all of my Lima and early Hornby models cope with it very well. I do wish CZcams was going when I started to build my model railway because your videos plus other peoples videos have educated me tremendously. I look forward to many more.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Michael,
Your layout is amazing Charlie and I am quite sure that whatever you decide to do will be superb, thank you for the inspiration that you give.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Philip.
Have you ever thought about a moduler system? Here in America we have the NMRA modules. We can build a home layout, and then take it to a club or exhibition and join up with other modules to make a large layout.
Sorry but that’s not a regular thing over here, interesting point though.
One of my favourite channels - Keep them coming, Charlie.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed them Richard.
Very rare to see anything like this - so thank you. It's quite hard trying to imagine how interesting to operate a layout will be. I am struggling a bit with that myself. What you are proposing seems a good idea - I hope it works.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Another great video. Thanks. When I added a terminal station onto a small 5ft x 6ft layout I just used 1/4” ply supported on blocks of wood of varying thickness. Worked treat. (00 gauge). Also avoids the environmental issue of using polystyrene.
Jim
Sound advice, thanks Jim.
A great tour and explanation on what your thinking and doing with the layout. First and foremost it’s your layout and hobby so do what you want to. We all have different wants or needs that we want out of our layout. The station entry and exit looks great. It’s not complex but not dull. Only thing I would want is some more of a goods area to allow shunting puzzles. The fiddleyard is going to give some much needed storage and your idea of having a terminus could accommodate such a freight yard. I used the inclines from woodland scenics in the past and the 3% grade worked well with my steam locomotives pulling 4 coaches. I didn’t test any longer at the time as this was a branch line. One piece will handle only one piece line of track so if you want two lines, you will need to double the width. I’d love a terminus so would love to see it develop on your layout. All the best, Clint
Clint, I’m so grateful for such constructive input.
If you think it's boring Charlie then it is. You are the one who will look at it 24/7 so you need to be content with the final outcome. As for the inclines and upper level, well go for it. Brilliant idea, I am thinking of doing the same myself so please plenty of videos of your progress. I am looking forward to seeing progress. Regards Kevin
Thanks Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
1. Two single risers for double track, or if you go edge to edge you may have triple track.
2. Have a period of regular passenger and parcel trains (parcel trains on the back-most track for freight) and then dedicate a special train to be your Chadwick Central Express with an opening charter season, and then start regular service.
3. Perhaps include a dedicated point to point transit/tram (passengers only) from one end to the other.
These ideas may be a bit out of order, but maybe it would further excite your purpose for your building upgrade (literally and figuratively) new line.
Cheers! John
Sound ideas John, many thanks.
Charlie, I’d keep your viaduct and start your risers off (curved?) interchange points either side of that for a longer upper run. That might allow a (less steep?) climb up a cutting through your planned hill to the right of the viaduct. Presumably the fiddle-yards would branch from the viaduct via a tunnel to the rear of the mountain. Parkway might need a slight rethink to accomodate, or start that riser on the left end of the station, over ‘the gap’ (hidden?). A strategically placed road bridge or two might add interest.
Sound advice, cheers mate.
A issue that you may like to consider before the gradient is installed is the overhead clearance between the fiddle yard and the upper station area. I model in N scale and have a triple shelf layout. I have only left 200mm or 8 inches between the middle and lower shelf. I find this no where enough vertical clearance. I use the lower shelf as a staging yard (American Fiddle yard) so understand the difficulties of rerailing and doing other such chores. A clearance of at least 300mm or 1 foot would be the minimum vertical distance I would require nowadays.
Neil W
Sound advice, cheers mate.
I.
What makes the countryside boring is the very absent from molehills and cowpats on the golf hole green like hill before & behind the cut to the viaduct. It is fun to make them from greenish brown coloured pva and the other from earth coloured gypsum. Richard Bardsley and Tony Hill both wrote books about landside modelling and realistic landscapeing.
II.
All buildings usually have a bit or more of a wreath of weed in the 90° edge between pavement and wall.
III.
Grass isn't everywhere the same. There are flowered areas, muddy, dry.
IV.
Let's add some tree stump by cuttung a branch at the point so you get a breather end to the floor side.
V. The bridge and viaduct are too clean on the side. With a bit of Citardel camoshade ink you get a green touch with sepia or darkearth you get two brown inks to give some realistic touch to the bridge and all the buildings. Beware of a weaving of the cardboard buildlings at the overuse of ink in one single weathering.
VI. There are no limited clearance singns on the bridge. Bob Alderman wrote a wounderful book about bridges and their details.
Excellent points Gorg but please remember that the details are not complete. I’ll check out Bob Alderman’s book, thanks for the tip.
@@ChadwickModelRailway pleas check your FBmasseges immediately I didn't want to post at public
Hi Charlie, great in-depth walk round of your excellent slowly progressing layout. I love your station length for proper length rakes. 👍Thumb Up 👍
Thanks Jamie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
The risers are single track for 00/HO. They are designed to fit the trackbed with a little bit of play either side for blending into scenery with plaster cloth. Woodland scenic have some great videos on their site showing how to use their subterrain system. Worth a watch if you haven't already seen them.
I’ll check them out James
Hi Charlie.You could use a pair of risers side by side,or glue some thin customwood to the risers to support double track. the grade is very steep. For mains I use 2.5%,single track branches 3.5%,rack sections up to 7.5%. Long trains only on 2.5% or less,some double or triple heading. Can I suggest angling track to walls where possible or using gentle S curves ,creates more illusion of distance,,. as well as leaving spaces for scenery or structures. Also in front of backscenes use building "flats",then low relief.then 3-D, and some of a smaller scale in places further back.Hope this helps.
Sound advice, cheers mate.
Haven't long found this channel but don't know how I missed it - it's now one of my favourites!
If I'm understanding correctly, only caution I'd have with a terminus on top of the fiddle yard is if it makes manual access to the fiddle yard difficult. Not something you may need often, but you ideally don't want to be cursing the few times that you do!
Sort of related to the above, have you considered making the incline a single track branch line, maybe with a passing loop half way so you can still run two trains back to back? (That could also make for some very cool automation if you want to go down that route!) It could make a smaller terminus station above the fiddle yard more "believable" so it'd be less in the way physically, and also make it look a bit less crowded at the Chadwick parkway end.
In any case, great video and keep up the good work!
And hopefully you’ve subscribed too Berry.
Of course!
Great idea, if you want to extend it, there is always the option of making it go around the whole room (maybe just one track) with removeable segments - or a hole thru the wall to another room
but its definitely not boring this way!
Thanks very much for your advice L.
like the idea Charlie , fairly different to what you had ,it wont have a lot to see but will be a great working platform.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it John.
Looks grand! Now thanks to your help I am building my own model railway!
I feel honoured. Thanks mate
Hi Charlie, that’s a neat idea adding a terminus station above the fiddle yard giving you more playability in the layout. The risers do look steep but I imagine once blended in with scenery they won’t look so acute. One thought I have with regards positioning is running the incline at the far end on that section between the two main scenic areas. Your point work currently sitting at the station will allow those local trains to arrive as they are before departing up the incline to the terminus. This would particularly benefit trains entering from right to left and then using that crossover to access the branch. Of course all this only works if you have the required length on the joining section and, if so, will the train have any additional struggle climbing that gradient when on a curve. Nothings ever simple in model railways! 😆 I look forward to your developments whatever you chose to do. Paul
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul, still scratching my head!
Charlie, at present I don't have a layout. Just sections waiting for space to become available. I did have a nice operating layout. I used by single track 4 percent grades for the first 3 switchbacks and the last two switchbacks I used double track 2 percent. I modeled in HO scale. My trains were all DC . Using 2 locomotives on head end followed by 10 or 12 40 ft open coal hoppers. My base mainline was 52 inches from the floor. My branch Line to the coalpit started at 52 inches then rose another 3 feet. I worked out all the elevations myself until I was happy with the operations. I used a modified cookie cutter idea for rise in elevations. I referred to Jim Mc Cleahands book. Modeling Coal Roads. Unsure of the publisher. The risers we're all wood blocks cut to width then screwed to risers cut to length. Following Jim's table of inclines per gradent.
Good luck in your pursuits.
You have right idea.
Thanks James, valuable advice
Hi Charlie exciting times ahead with your terminus station idea. I’ve no experience of inclines so I’m not much help. For me “Enjoyability” I say “Playability”. A great layout that isn’t fun to operate soon dulls your enthusiasm it must keep the Operator entertained. 👍 Ps I love the viaduct great feature.
Thanks Colin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Charlie, A Terminus on the other side of the room would be very nice, indeed. With the inclines in the states a lot of modellers now cover the top surface with wide masking tape then glue the track bed to it. The tape stops the track ballast falling through the gaps I can see we're all in for interesting times. Cheers, Chris Perry.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris.
Hi Charlie, You've given so much help in the past, so I'm pleased at last to be able to share a little experience in return. I'm using the woodland scenic's risers and double track. I've got a branch line going upwards and the two main lines going downwards so that the main lines which lead to the fiddle yard are under the branch line which is my scenic area on that side - opposite the main station something like yours. I'm using 2% (with a bit of 3% starter kit). I bought double quantity for the double main line, because a) of the extra room needed on the curves for the carriages swinging out, and b) on the curves, the outer track is obviously longer (a wider radius), so that they both finish at different times - especially as the distance between the tracks had to increase for the carriages. In terms of pulling, I've got a Bachmann Director class (GCR) pulling 7 coaches, but it struggles a bit. It needs more weight in the loco - so that if I just put a little finger pressure on it it's fine. I'd be worried about doing 4%. Your test gave confidence that it might be the loco I'm using rather than the incline or the number of coaches. PS. I'm still working on the fiddle yard and found your track plan discussion in your other video very helpful. I'm planning a variation on that, adjusted for reality as I go. Thanks again for the videos - not least that it takes only 15 seconds to get into the action - unlike some channels. Brian
Hi Brian, what a terrific contribution.
I am so grateful. Stay tuned I’m already making up my mind!
Great idea, not at all boring
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bob.
Charlie, scary but true i thought you should do what you said even before i finished watching the full update go high and make central a focal point as for the risers hot knife in half then card on top ! love the plan go for it ! John from Chichester .
Thanks for your encouragement John.
I am using the 4% incline on the HOn30 portion of my layout. Because it is narrow gauge I will not be running long trains, so I can't help you with your engine question. I did cut the riser width to help with the very small radius turns and space requirements. I do love your idea to add some interest to the layout. Looking GREAT!!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Larry
hi charlie i have used theses risers and found them very useful never boring great video as always all the best al 👍👍👍👍😀
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video LJ
Very interesting. Keeping in mind a good few branch type lines will run with inclines randomly spread across the route, guessing they were always designed for slower moving trains, makes sense to add an incline rather than digging out further just to keep the line as flat as possible.
My layout is full of inclines ranging in various lengths and nothing struggles on any of them. All were fully tested with 12 coaches.
I like the idea of inclines as it adds a great dimension to a flat layout.
Great encouragement, thanks mate.
Hi Charlie. Given I'm around the same vintage as you, time teaches you a great deal when it comes to modeling and building layouts. My biggest lesson was understanding the KISS principle, so my final layout is really very simple. One thing easily overlooked is the atmosphere you can create. That in itself can make a single line branch just as absorbing as a quadruple main line section. For me, I'd go with your original idea and not the elevated section. Focus on creating a solid atmosphere with scenery as you have with the viaduct section. Also think about how many people will be needed to fully operate the layout effectively. Oh, and don't be afraid of curved points. I have quite a few on my layout (Peco streamline large radius) and they have given no trouble at all. Anyway mate, keep up the great work and I'll leave with a final thought that my dear old dad would often say to me..."think, there must be a harder way to do it!" Yes very tongue in cheek but often so true!
Sound advice, cheers mate.
Great idea for the terminus station and how to maximise impact with another level. My layout is essentially 2 levels where the inclines are mostly hidden in tunnels or behind back-scenes. Seeing the incline on your layout in full view against the wall with the shelf, baseboard and back-scene horizontals in near proximity does tend to emphasis the steepness of the gradient. A method I take is to use the entire length available between each level. For example if the length from the starting point (lower level by platform) to the end point (upper level above fiddle yard before entering terminus) is 12' and the height difference was 6", then I would evenly spread the incline over this distance. I suspect this would give you a far more realistic incline. Of course this might mean the risers are redundant as I would make a series of wooden supports, say every 6" with each height calculated by the total number of supports to get an even gradient. On the topic of the track-bed width (if you use the risers), I would just use the one set and lay some thin MDF (3mm) over the top at the track-bed width required. Gosh, that a lot for my very first comment on a CZcams channel.
Sound advice, cheers mate.
From parkway I'd be tempted to having the line to central depart on to a flyover so that you don't get conflicting movements.
A fair point Andrew
Good idea. Go for it.
Thanks Peter
Hi Charlie, great video, wish my layout was that advanced.
One point on your train movement description: the crossover would normally be trailing, not facing, and at the other end of the Station.
A DMU would enter the Station to unload then pull forward to reverse into the opposite platform to load.
Sound advice, thanks PG.
I've used the Woodland Scenic inclines and they work really well. One word of caution, be careful when using the foam. You will need to think about how the incline starts and how the foam will transition at the base of the incline. You need to maintain the gentle start to the gradient. Any lumps or bumps will cause issues.
Sound advice, thanks Mr B
I do enjoy the look of Chadwick Parkway as it stands; a simple station is often quite appealing. Personally, I would remove Chadwick TMD and put the large station there instead, as Chadwick TMD would probably be the part of the layout I'm least fond of. Loving the videos, though! Keep up the good work!
Sound advice, cheers mate.
Hey Charlie. Great video. Those inclines are single track, to sell more. Surely the idea has been put out there, but get a hot foam cutter and use these as template.
Great video. Look forward seeing the terminus under construction
Thanks, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Great ideas! Marvelous opportunity for more interesting terrain. Carry on...
Thanks Chris
An incline was exactly what I thought would really good, prior to you saying so; especially from your own perspective in that room as it will bring the trains further up to your eye level, where the base board is already fairly high. So often one looks down at the layout. Would look amazing :)
Sound advice, cheers mate.
I like the idea of introducing relief into the landscape, I have tried to do that with my own layouts. It does not necessarily have to be the track that changes elevation the landscape can change around it as you did with the viaduct
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Mark.
Yes, this is really 'boring' Charlie !..... Not ! Great video again, thanks, I love your stuff.
Thanks Jon.
Yep. Double track and Central is the way to go. Incline does look a little steep, but with the right scenery you will get away with it. (You should see mine!) I did the same thing with the Woodland packaging 😂😂😂😂😂
But ...... you’re dead right, it’s too steep.
Another great entertaining video Charlie (and I like the haircut!). My layout plans are going through the same machinations as yours. My layout was going to be a tail-chaser, but I didn't want a lift up section or have to crawl underneath to access the centre, so I'm changing it to a "U" shape with return circles at each end to give me up and down fast and slow lines through a "Nottingham Victoria" style main station. But the main running lines are all going to be at +100mm and I need to get down to the base level at +0.00 for the MPD and fiddle yards, so your experiments with inclines were extremely useful. Keep up the good work and the videos.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and found it useful Geoff.
it is your train layout there is a lot of work time and money so sit back and enjoy playing trains we are aii getting older regards John Robertson from australia
Never a truer word Rob. Stay safe, regards Charlie
I do agree with you, after doing that wonderful 3D area around the viaduct, the station does look a little 2 dimensional. It is a shame that the platforms are long and straight. I think a station in front of the slope would benefit from a slight S curve especially if there any lines by-passing the station. I do wonder if 4% is a little steep as a visual effect and whether double track is a good idea and that a small terminus like Cheltenham St James or Bath Green Park could then feed into single track up and down the slope with points doubling the track at the bottom connecting to the RH end of the station. It would certainly make it more interesting operating at two different levels. You do like making trouble for yourself but it is my favourite channel and I can't wait for your next video, whatever you choose to do.
Thanks Don, great thoughts mate.
I was always told put the track down before you do anything else and run the track, you will soon realize if you are going to get bored. I know this theory works as I did this when I first started. Interesting video.
Sound advice Mark.
If it was me. I’d rotate Chadwick TMD 180 degrees, as you can then have a two track mainline in the background up against the arches quite easily, with nice sweeping curves at each end. Meaning you might get away with not having any form of scenic break. Your branch could be a single track line on a double track bed leading from a junction outside of Chadwick Parkway. the junction could be modelled to be a simplified version of its predecessor, leading to a rundown terminus that could have at one time had four tracks, three platforms and a decaying overall roof etc. As this would nicely represent BR’s lack of money and simplification projects of the era.
This is purely my view on how I would tackle the project, take or drop any ideas you wish. Either way I look forward to seeing what you do with it as I’m sure it will be fantastic.
Wow NNR, that’s a great comment.
I need to study it more beside the layout for a better understanding.
This depends on if you want a tail chaser or a point to point layout at our club here in Rangiora we have a Ho scale American layout that runs DCC through a wifi unit to our cell phones using JMRI and engine shed and an OO scale that is a tail chaser and an N scale layout that is also a tail chaser members have a choice whether they want to operate on each layout
Interesting options Kevin.
I made my inclines using hardboard because I was working with a curve, but the process was pretty simple. Working backwards from the rise I calculated the length of run for a 3% incline and made a simple tapering jig for the table saw to cut the rising sections. I then cut spacer pieces in 1cm increments in height plus some narrow 5mm and 2mm pieces. A quick curing wood glue and tape for assembly was fine. It made a very solid base for the incline. It also means, as someone else has said, that you can make it whatever width you need.
Some good food for thought Richard, many thanks.
I see a couple of people have suggested what I was thinking. Lay cork or some other thin material on the incline.
I think it does look a little steep, but with a retaining wall in front it would look good. It's also a perfect excuse to have a banking engine!
Thanks CSX, but it is a little too steep.
I confess that I did not read. the 717 comments before I started to write. May be that someone already had the same idea. First of all: quite an impressing layout, even now when it is under construction. I think you love long trains driving along long tracks. Now for my point. You mentioned that you miss "the depth". Yes, because there is about 1,5 feet free space, then you find the tracks Behind them a little bit of background, pressed into the gap between tracks and the wall. No matter which track plan you have: if you try to bring the tracks a bit closer to the front rim of the board you will automatically create more depth.
Coming to the ramp: as far as I understood the situation there should be no problem to install both of them because that part that is too much should disappear in the mountain or whatever there is behind the ramp. The "2 centimeters": put the ramps on a board which is 2 cm thick and on the low end of the ramps just build another ramp with 4% which leads from 2 to 0 cm.
Hopefully I didn't bore not bother you. Good luck and all the best from Germany! Matthias
Thanks Matthias, you’ve made some very good points. Thanks for the advice. Regards Charlie
I can't speak to boring, because that viaduct will be the visual focal point of the layout, and trains rolling across it will always be stunning. Turning the TMD as others have suggested will solve one area. As far as the rise, it is a shorter stretch, but your thoughts work. I might have just had a small rise going though a valley or scenic break (buildings/terrain on both sides). The trains either flash through intermittently or disappear for a moment, but it creates a drama visually.
Sound advice, thanks Anthony.
Scenic scetion above the fiddle will always be a bonus. would suggest using the old engine shed area as a goods yard area. if you think the inclinenis too steep can always reduce the gradient and have it come around on he far corner. adding interest
Sound advice, thanks TB
I would use the 3 % grade for the rise 4 % may cause a problem when the track levels out. Also I would not run all the tracks parallel to the edge of the table. If you just use a simple angle and slightly curve it will look more organic and not laid out. I used just over 2.5 % grade on my n scale and it looks prototypical. Anyway nice video.
Sound advice, cheers mate.
One way to keep it from being boring is to raise everything up closer to eye level.
... or to sit down when playing trains.
With regards your woodland scenic risers / incline, in order to get a double track you could glue some plasticard or something similar onto the top of the risers which would give you the required width and if necessary you could glue some supports onto the side of the incline to provide support for the plasticard. Another interesting video and with an important lesson which is, always remember to do your arithmetic off camera.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Andy.
G’day Charlie, I’ve been using the Woodland Scenics incline on my layout for a couple of years now. I used matte board (the stuff used for mounting photos) because I had stacks about. After gluing the incline in place I cut the board large for two tracks and glued it to the incline. It has been working a treat sine I installed it. Hope that this helps.
Sound advice, thanks Tom.
Charlie, I've found in my journey with model railroading, when my skills improve with a project I am wont to go back and apply those skills to the old stuff I did before. You are finding the same thing. I really do feel your viaduct scene is a huge step up for you; it is exceptionally well done, and it provides a ton of visual interest for your viewers/visitors. While building that scene, you also learned that the scene improves if your track (and structures, for that matter) is not parallel to the edge of your boards. Looking at all of your old trackage, it seems all of that breaks that rule. You might want to rethink your overall plan, with the idea of continuing to step up your game with each new area you model. You're a great modeler, and you are very thoughtful in how you proceed with new things. You're at a crossroads with your scenery skills - find a way to make the rest of your railroad empire equal or exceed what you've done with the viaduct scene.
Pat, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Nice idea, it'll add more interest I think. You're very lucky having so much space.
Thanks Simon, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie,
I have watched the real life videos of the York to Newcastle or King’s Cross to York journeys, and most of real life is “boring”! That’s just the way it is. Hours of watching a real-life journey video at 125 mph! I will endeavour to get a life one day, lol.
It’s only where you model a huge station like King’s Cross, Liverpool Street or Paddington that it gets overly complicated. But all of it is good. It’s just what makes you happy 😊 that counts. I always enjoyed curved major platforms like Newcastle and Edinburgh Waverley, so would model something similar to those, plus something as good as complicated as King’s Cross, Liverpool Street or Paddington as a terminus, if space and budget and skill allowed.
It all depends on your space, your abilities and your budget. What you’re doing looks fantastic, and if mine ends up half as good I will be more than happy with that.
Thanks Charlie.
Regards,
Jim
Hi Jim, what a heartwarming comment, thank you.
Good luck with your project, regards Charlie.
All sounds exciting , look forwards to future uploads . Your ideas make good sense and can only enhance the layout .
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Definitely , there are a few of you on here who have inspired me to have a go myself . Thank you
My grandfathers layout consisted of a lower loop, with incline to a mainline terminus. Stations sized for 5 carriages and a mainline loco. The terminus was 5 lines with a small goods yard. Initially at the bottom of the ramp we entered the lower station... But we found that some of the locos couldn't manage the gradient (especially on the turn), so it was later modified such that the ramp joined the lower loop after the station.
You're not entirely clear on the extent of your terminus - whether you're going for an example like Stourbridge (Junction-Town) which had a 121 shuttle service when I was there back in the 80's, or Romford-Upminster (which in my day was serviced by a venerable 101, though more recently has been electrified as is served by a modern unit), OR if you're going to go with a more substantial terminus supporting both mainline and multiple unit traffic. I would think if you're going with a mainline, you might skip a shuttle service - unless mainline from the terminus doesn't have direct access to Parkway, in which case a shuttle service to a raised platform at parkway could add some interest.
Were I doing this, I would consider preemptively adding magnets on the ramp (at least UP), so that if you do find locos with traction issues, you can make use of them.
DaveClass47 has used the Styrofoam ramp on his layout, and has some how to videos in his youtube catalogue.
Sound advice, thanks Neil
Charlie I model in N and use the Woodland Scenics inclines on double track. Certainly it isn't suited for OO double track. My concern is the incline. 4% is very steep. I tried that during construction last year and have just ripped it up. Not only do locos have problems with a long load, but it doesn't look great. I went back to 2% - and expanded the layout to accommodate my folded dog-bone.
Sound advice, thanks Ken.
I’m building my first OO gauge DCC layout and use the 4% woodland scenic inclines. A great product but you would need two sets side by side to ‘safely’ carry your double track lines to Chadwick Central.
An elevated station would be a great idea to ‘hide’ the fiddle yard, as long as you build in easy access for ageing hands and eyesight!! (from personal experience)
You could also run a line, ‘elevated’, through Chadwick Central and connect back down an incline with your beautiful new viaduct.
Thanks for the great video production and interesting topics.
The most important thing though is, would YOU enjoy that layout?
Thanks John, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile
Hi Charlie, I model in N scale and I have a double track layout set on the 2% inclines. Firstly, I had lots of problems with steam engines running up them and I know that won’t effect Chadwick, but I have also seen OO gauge HST’s refusing to climb the 4% ones. Can’t remember who is was but he ended up fitting the DCC Concepts magnet system to help and it fixed it. On the size side, I would suggest some 1” foam sheets, cut to the profile of the incline with you’re wire cutter (great investment) and glued to the side to give you the extra width for double track. It is also worth noting that you need to cover the inclines before ballasting otherwise you lose it through the gaps.obviously.. I used plaster cloth but have seen others use masking tape. If you look at my channel you can see the inclines in use and they are very very easy to work with. Great idea with Chadwick central but such a shame to chop it about. Whatever you do I am sure you will, as always do a fabulous job of it. Cheers for now, Chris
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris and thanks for your pointers too.
Wheezy Palace N gauge I believe Dean Park used magnets.
Hi Charlie , I have faced the same dilemma , to certain degree you are probably the only one who think's it's boring due to the fact you've been staring at it the most ! You are also limited to a certain degree by the constraints of your room size/shape (aren't we all) , what I wanted on my layout was the ability to have a hidden staging area with some automation allowing different mainline trains to appear/disappear , whilst I have the ability to do shunting in the yard point to point. At some point I may add a top narrow shelf single scenic line. I think the key point here is to have variation as to what trains you are constantly watching (with any layout). Cheers.
Thanks HK, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Interesting video Charlie. I see someone has already told you the answer to the riser width question. It's great that we can help each other.
As for further mod's/additions, well, I guess you need to consider what you envisioned when you started building.
Some questions:
What do you actually most enjoy doing with your trains?
Have your ideas changed as you've gone along? (Mine certainly have as have many others' I'm sure).
Are you set on having so many station tracks?
Does the station have to be so far away from the front of the layout?
Are you likely to run any (modern) freight, might you consider it?
Where would it go to/from?
What handling facilities would be required?
I think I'd sit down with a pencil and paper and consider my options one by one. I would think some of your CZcams followers will have suggestions too. Good luck........David 🙂
Some interesting points David, where’s the pencil!
Agree about 1st radius more can go round than is advertised, it has its uses for out of sight areas
Too true Anthony
a plan view drawing would help me to see the concept. I like what you are doing.
Thanks Roger
I'm facing similar issues on my layout re the incline double width issue. In an attempt to aviod doubling costs on a parallel incline, I'm considering using 3mm ply cut to railwidth needed and placing that onto the single incline structure. As always the issue of cost verses time is a factor. I'm now going to wait and watch you! 😜
Oh, no pressure on me then RCR! 😜
I have made inclines on my layout by using wood cut to size increasing 0.5 cm a piece for pillars and layed a layer of plywood on top finished with corck. Easy and you get to decide the width yourself. I have also made curves whit inclines. I have used 15 cm width for 2 tracks. I use standard trackspacer to have a constant spacing.
Thanks HS, much appreciated.
Hello,
Really looking forward to seeing more videos on the incline project. The new station will definitely add to your great railway.
Thanks Robert, you’re too kind.
@@ChadwickModelRailway hello, have you considered moving the incline anti clockwise a bit on to the curve? Although, I am not sure if the trains will run better on a straight incline.
Yes curves do need greater power.
Hi Charlie looks great the incline it's what you like not others mine has a single incline the fiddle yard will be a great idea it doesn't look to steep to me looks great keep up the great work cheers Paul
Thanks Paul, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting
My suggestion would be a flyover at some point, there is nothing like a variety of trains appearing from various directions to add interest. Terrific series, keep them coming!
Thanks Alan. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Your demonstration of how NOT to open the riser box made me almost snort my tea out of my nose; I'd do exactly the same thing! Followed and bell dinged and I look forward to seeing this progress. As others have said you could use the risers as a form to cut your own from thicker material, or place a wider top on it as well? I love the look of the layout and think the raised terminus is a really good idea also :) cheers!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it BK and thanks for subscribing too.
Hi Charlie, I'm at the stage of completing a major build (5.4 m x 1.2 m) with an incline similar to yours. I didn't use the full 4% rise. However I have a curve incline/decline around a small mountain (2) curve, all curves are (2). Issues are long coaches disengage couplings & some like to jump the rails up & down.
COVID has caused me to get everything piecemeal. So I think the Hornby Steam Engine "Brown Jack" might climb it but the coaches are an issue. I think they will be confined to the flat areas. I'm yet to wire up so all the daunting stuff is ahead. A rebuild could be on the horizon. Regards Tom
Sorting out these inclines can be a dreadful to ask Tom. Good luck and do keep me posted, regards Charlie
Great vid as always Charlie I think to be honest you have figured out how you would want it to look. My only suggestion is that the incline looks to steep, is there away if you have the space to incorporate a tunnel leading to the elevated terminus. Dave at Dean Park model railway has an elevated section leading into his TMD. That way you could hide the incline. As with the other subscriber comments could you turn the TMD section 180 degrees. Nothing wrong with the viaduct it looks great.
Sound advice, thanks Mark and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thanks Charlie.
I'm about to start on a new 8x9 around the room layout (Planning stage at the moment) and I am thinking of having a small branch line run around the outside of the layout and to a small terminus at the top.
Mostly I'll only use a Lima 117, Hornby 153 and a Lima 156 to run on that line but there maybe the odd smaller Lima locos (classes 26, 27, 31) that will run small passenger or freight train there and back down again. Looks like the 4% is the one I'm after.
I agree with turning the TMD around 180 degrees.
Also looking at the inclines, someone mentioned hiding it. This is a good idea then you'll have the station (Parkway) in front if it ... This would give an illusion of a longer journey for each train.
Hi PTS, I am going to reduce my incline to 3% as 4% just looks to steep. The more gentle the rise the better but space will always decide for you!
Hi Charlie,
Thanks for all your videos, I really appreciate the time and effort you go to, I've picked up some great tips.
On the Inclines here's my tuppance for what its worth - I've just laid two sets of double track 4% ones.... - yes it does look a bit steep to me but that's the available space I have so Rule 1 applies.
I have tight curves ( R2 and R3) on my inclines and I found that once I put Powerbase under the Up lines I had no issues with a steam loco that previously had trouble bringing up itself and a coach, now it's as if there is no incline at all with the max length of train behind it - ergo, If i ever lay an incline again ( whether i have a curve on it or not) I will put in the powerbase anyway - that way if I get a loco that doesnt like the incline I can add the magnets to help it. If no locos need it, the powerbase is not that expensive to have put it in as an insurance policy.
On the one or two parallel foam inclines question - next time I will put just one foam incline in and put a wide base on it - ply or similar with extra supports at the edges. With curves on the inclines, one of the foam inclines ends up being shorter and so is at a different height at various points etc. etc. With a bit of judicious stretching and compressing I think the differences in height I have now are acceptable to me.
Also - two foam risers next to each other do seem to me to be a bit wide and I did consider thinning them but in the end I decided to leave them as is in order to keep my current construction momentum going.
As a long term fan of C.J. Freezer type plans - a high level terminus on a layout with a lower level loop - yup go for it
i like the idea of rotating the TMD 180 degrees as others have suggested.
Cheerio.
Ned.
Wow Ned, what a great comment. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video and thanks for your advice.
Regards Charlie
I watched with interest as i have a similar idea for mine ; which at the moment is just a shuttle service. but i am also considering a bigger turn round out into the garden; oh the joys of planning. good luck with yours.
Thanks Stewart, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Charlie I have those risers on my layout and I used plain brown hard board cut to into strips wide enough for 2 tracks and a little extra each side, you can lay the hard board rough side down and it will glue to the risers, the hard board is cheap and easy to cut and you can lay track on the smooth side.
A good tip SR, many thanks.
I love your approach Charlie, it makes me feel better about keep changing my own mind. Having said that I am 009 so no such thing as double track and 4%.. not an issue :-)
Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
You could still have Chadwick parkway station on the incline considering that you can get a lower powered train, from 0, up the gradient , you could fit a small station on the rise.
An interesting point Vincent.
A Parkway "High-Level" platform for through trains only with a (goods?) terminus on the level?
Something similar to platforms 6/7 at Nuneaton, they are on an incline up to a flyover alongside the 5 WCML platforms
Charlie, you absolute mad lad! I’m usually very supportive of what you do, because you do such a great job!
I’d normally say that this is a bad idea at this stage, but if Charlie Bishop is on the case, I’m sure it will actually be excellent.
Thanks for your support L, I just couldn’t live with a second rate design
Hi Charlie,
With your incline, from bitter experience with a 3% incline, I would strongly advise to only incline on a straight run and do not incline curves, the load on the loco increases significantly. If you want to increase the width of the incline to accept a double track you could lay a 3 mm thick ply wood top of course this may increase the noise level slightly.
Every good series of videos and the presentation comes over to me very well. We seem to talk the same sort of language.
Keep it up
gards
Nigel Collins
Hi Nigel, thanks for the info.
On the incline, I'm only thinking of DMUs and three coach diesel hauled trains.
I had planned some curve on the incline but very little.
I guess I'll have to keep my fingered crossed on this one.
Were you attempting to run longer trains?
Charlie I had a double incline on my previous layout. Had to lay two sets of the risers side by side. To be honest it didn't look too wide once I'd done the scenery around it.
Thanks for the encouragement GJ.
It would appear that others have already suggested that you use one incline and fix a wide enough board to accommodate two tracks and build up support from a retaining wall or embankment. I think DCC concepts make metal plates that can be laid under the track so that magnets fitted to steam locos can also use the slope. My name is Jim I’ve been following you for a good while, I’m new to all this. I’ve made a start to a layout and you can see it if you visit Durban Garden City. I unintentionally have two sites through error and can’t close one down. You will see which one is current.
Great HST video. If you can’t delete the other channel, rename it “test 1” or similar.
Chadwick Model Railway l seem to be stuck with it. I can’t access it at all. God only knows what password I used. Hopefully my videos will improve with experience.
Love your videos and layout. Your viaduct is fabulous! On the subject of your video - taking into consideration other's comments; think of adding interesting scenes rather than just adding track to make your layout more interesting or exciting as you say. Whatever you do I'm sure it will be great.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video K.