New Route Layout

[DescendingSadly]

Hi folks,
Me and my dad are going to build a layout up in the loft in the next few years, we used to have a model railway but it was really bad as I was really young and ruined it. This time we want to get it as realistic as possible, with all signals in the right places, AWS ramps, speed boards, depots the whole she-bang.

Could you possibly direct me to places where I can buy decent signals and trackside objects, and give me hints on how to start this mammoth task?

 

[Dennis]

My helpful tip for starting out.....make a plan!

What scale / gauge is the layout to be?

 

[DescendingSadly]

Hi Dennis, would you recommend a drawing of what I want it to look like or something?

It will be 00 gauge.

 

[Dennis]

I'd suggest first sketching out a few rough plans while thinking carefully about the operational aspects (as well as considering such things as ease of access for maintenence, possible future expansion etc) and then progressing onto a more formal plan.

If you are planning on using conventional DC control, careful consideration also needs to be given to the electrics of the layout whilst at the planning stage, although this is probably not as critical with DCC.

Regarding buying signals etc, I would suggest visiting exhibitions and asking exhibitors for details about any items that take you fancy. Also, there are plenty of specialist shops around, most of these advertise in the railway modelling magazines.

I found that visiting model shops was often a good excuse for a day out as well a providing an opportunity to shop around and talk to like minded people.

Unfortunately, my model railway doesn't see much use these days as I spend what little spare time I have coding for BVE, but I always used to find it really satisying building it, especially when it all works!

 

[Nathan]

If you are planning on using conventional DC control, careful consideration also needs to be given to the electrics of the layout whilst at the planning stage, although this is probably not as critical with DCC.

Only so long as the whole of the layout is electified at the same time for DCC, which makes it in some aspects slightly easier than having to make a control board to isolate sections at a time.

 

[Gizmogle]

http://www.expressmodels.co.uk/

 

[Jordy]

http://www.ehattons.com/stocklist/productsbyscale.aspx?ScaleID=1

 

[Nick]

Peco do AWS ramps 2 for about £1.50.
Hornby do some Scaledale lineside stuff which is quite good.
Knightwing do a lot of modern image ideal stuff so well worth a look with them (can be sourced from Gizmogles expressmodels link). Signs of the Times (closed last month sadly) was am excellent modern image resource selling modern speedposts, signs, cars, however you can contact some of the companies who amde otehr bits here http://usefulsigns.bizhosting.com/signs_of_the_times.html

Aside from that Mdoern Structures in Minature do some HO kits which look very good http://www.m-s-i-m.co.uk, I've used there 2 road shed for my 1970s Diesel Depot although still havent got round to painting it.

As usual any more info you need drop me a line.

 

[Beaker]

What code track are you using?

 

[DescendingSadly]

Thanks guys,

i'm not sure! I didn't know track had a code! (as you can see, im a newbie)

me and my dad have decided on a simple oval with a through station and some terminus platforms, a basic 2 platform station and a little branchline that runs through the centre of the oval.


any recommendations? is it too complex?

 

[Nathan]

me and my dad have decided on a simple oval with a through station and some terminus platforms, a basic 2 platform station and a little branchline that runs through the centre of the oval.


any recommendations? is it too complex?

How big is your loft?

 

[DescendingSadly]

Not got the measurements, but we could fit a table maybe 3 times the size of a snooker table in there.

 

[Nathan]

Not got the measurements, but we could fit a table maybe 3 times the size of a snooker table in there.

If fullsize then thats huge! which would perhaps be a simple a plan if there is lots to play with in terms of space.

 

[Nick]

I would advice you to use as much space as you have and stay away from set track becuase after a while the tailchasing layouts get boring. Mine is a loop with a station, goods yard and depot nestled inbetwwen with scenic breaks makes it interetsing to watch.