Model Layout re-build blog
more to follow...
more to follow...
6th-9th June 2025
Having returned from a two week holiday, I got stuck in to wiring the Hornby Dublo 3-rail track.
On the 10th June the first train ran on the Dublo tracks.
23rd May 2025
Sidings added to the Hornby Dublo down lines
22nd May 2025
Isolation track pieces added to two bay platform tracks, platforms one and two.
5th-20th May 2025
Due to a two week trip to the UK to collect new locomotives and wagons for my layout. There has not been any developments to the layout recently. The last few days have been taken up with adding spare parts to locos.
3rd May 2025
An "inspection pit" or "ash pit" was needed on the sidings, so I cut out a slot in the layout and fitted this overhead hopper unit into the gap.
25th April 2025
Some parts of the track had "dead zones" where trains were stopping or slowing down. Cables being installed to bridge these gaps.. Later the conectors will be painted and lineside bushes will cover them.
14th-17th April 2025
More cables added under the table, so not much to see on top of the layout. But two tracks useable for locomotives.
11th-13th April 2025
Cables being added for power supply to the tracks and during this time more work on points and defective fishplates.
7th April 2025
Clearance from masts and platforms are checked by pushing a test coach over the track, fishplates are also double checked.
5th-6th April 2025
All track is pinned or screwed down, catenary masts are also added.
4th April 2025
Turntable in position and entrance to engine sheds (out of shot left).
3rd April 2025
New track plan, not yet pinned down ( waiting for my wife to finish night shifts). Anyway, happy with the new track layout.
1st April 2025
Undercoat is dark grey, this will cover any paint gaps in the road or track ballast later. Half is painted, when dry the track will be moved over, so the second half can be painted.
1st April 2025
Laying out a track plan. The track will be close to the edge well within reach. Left of the station will be a street with buildings.
31st March 2025
Layout boards cleared for a new start. It took 6 months to build, but less than a week to dismantle.
30th March 2025
Wiring removed, now I can work on the layout boards.
28th March 2025
I spent the best part of a year on and off, building my layout, however, I made several mistakes that have only come to my attention in the last few weeks.
1. The wiring using 16volt AC (Märklin) and 12 volt DC (Triang), became far too complicated.
2. Track plan, I tried to use everything that I had collected, instead of keeping it simple and reliable.
3. I tested the track with a simple 0-6-0 shunter, when I came to run the layout I found that large express locos with tenders had problems and meant that they could only use half the layout.
4. This time I wish to add scenic items.
5. I spent 5 weeks trying to "make do" with what I had, but I would not have been happy in the long term.
6. Wish me luck and here goes.
