Tag Archives: Layout design

Next job, ballast the main line.  The secret of ballasting, I think, is to do a bit at a time.  Try and do metres at a go, and one gets careless and starts to make mistakes.  I’m pretty happy with … Continue reading →

Next job was to fit end plates to transport the modules and protect the track ends.  Nothing clever here, just thumbscrew bolts and retaining nuts.  All very carefully marked out, but of course they weren’t as square as they might … Continue reading →

And all the track is down, and the joints soldered.  I have to admit, that laying PECO code 80 is really rather easy, compared to code 55 and even easier than hand laid track.  Next job, wiring, then a coat … Continue reading →

A major step forward as track laying starts on the modules.  I’ve got the main track lengths in place on one board.  I am very happy with the way that the two sets of lines sweep across the board. I … Continue reading →

A little more progress on the modules.  Hinges have been fitted between the two boards.  Despite great care in setting them out parallel and square, the boards didn’t quite shut square.  A little basic geometry and similar triangles allowed me … Continue reading →

Just a quick update.  The new boards are complete, painted (apart from the sides to be a darker colour) and standing on its own legs.  I should be laying track next week. And just a few more legs to keep … Continue reading →

Many moons ago, just before the first 2020 lockdown Derek Apps used the end of the plywood we used for the new ESNG fiddleyard to cut me the parts for two 4′ x 1′ boards, to make ‘super’ dashboards for … Continue reading →

Another couple of diversions from the true faith of N gauge trains…… Firstly, I spotted this plastic kit a while back.  It took a while for it to arrive from deepest China, as the model is sold out in the … Continue reading →

It’s not wise to make New Year resolutions – they just get broken (see yesterday’s post.)  But is also seems wise to put together a list of railway projects for 2022.  I need a list and some direction to get … Continue reading →

I was just getting back into my Minories, and coming to terms with the Finetrax points and making the point blades.  Then I saw this (I thought it must be coming, as Wayne Kinney has already done it for a … Continue reading →