Be Proud Richard, your modelling skills give all the encouragement to do better. Excellent handy work. Your layout is an inspiration to us all. Well done Richard. Always a pleasure to watch your videos, really looking forward to your work in 2015/16. Kind regards. John.
Just returning to modelling after looooong time away....these videos have been so helpful and have inspired me to create my own scenic layout in 2015 - albeit on a lesser scale - initially, so, thank you for sharing your amazing skills. Happy Days
Richard, I absolutely love your layout! Thank you so much for all of the videos you do. I watch them over and over again and I get excited when you post a new one. It has inspired me to create my own layout in my garage.
What a layout this was. I like the design of the station building up above on the street, something often seen in real life. Also like the two DMUs stabled in the same platform on separate trains, something you see at stations like Shrewsbury
Yet another brilliant update Richard, the running session at the end just shows up how well you layout looks, such attention to details and great observation skills of real life and converting it into a model, well done, it's fabulous work. Looking forward to what you will be doing in 2015. ..............Graham
Graham Foulston Thanks Graham. Its all starting to come together now. If I can get the rest of the layout looking as good as the countryside section I'll be a happy man.
Good update and a plan for whats next. I visited a shop in Lynmouth that was a model railway set. It was in need of a bit of tlc to say the least. Absolutely covered in dust and cobwebs, I though I would be there for a few hours but was only minutes. Looking forward to the electronics etc for the signaling. Des.
Great vid as always. Lovely to see those scrap wagons finished, they look the part. Looking forward to all of the new vids for 2015 and keep up the great work. Last thing happy new year and have a great and fantastic 2015. Cornish Gateway
HI there. Very inspiring. Great videos. Learning all sorts from the updates. My layout Bean Junction will be starting in 2015 so I look forward to more from Everard Junction soon. Happy 2015 to you... :)
The station is looking fine and when complete will be a perfect match to the contemporary theme of your layout. Lookingh forward to future updates. Happy 2015!
Happy New year everard junction! Can't wait to see your station populated and brought to life, I am sure you will come up with some great little platform scenes and it will make your running sessions even more awesome.
Good update Rich...the station building will come good towards the end mate.when i scratch build it never looks like how i want it whilst in the build process but i persevere with it and find it starts to look right when im painting it. it looks as tho you have a lot to do on the layout during 2015 so im expecting lots of updates often lol. Anyway matey its all looking fantastic as always and looking forwards to all the plans taking shape throughout 2015. Happy new year!!! Terry
Just found this - great layout, thank you. I'm particularly impressed by the weathered track appearance - it's just as I remember the WR was like in the 80s/90s, and something I'd like to apply to my new layout. Hopefully I'll find a video where you talk about how you did it! I've seen that the HST execs are now out - various suppliers have them (not Hattons yet). Rails in Sheffield are the cheapest I've seen so far - hope I'll be able to pick up a set before they all disappear in the next few months! Looking forward to see more updates.
Love the video parts where trains intersect left/right over the canal bridge at 26:27. Have you done a video on how you schedule trains to run automatically without crashing while you record. It seems like you have more than a few schedules featured in different video segments?
Great vids ! Thinking of setting a layout up in my loft ..as a beginner and novice your videos are a help and inspiration for me to start. Would like have a loop of 4 lines maybe? And a large sidings ! But just not sure on wot power supply I need in order to power sidings and 4 trains plus a big siding etc ??
Great layout update! I liked the introduction at the start, it gave the video a nice atmosphere. I also look forward to watching some more layout updates as the attention to detail is superbly shown. Well done mate :-)
Great update Richard Im enjoying your clips and running sessions.The station is looking good and im sure will be fantastic when its done and fitted out.I hit the like button for this one mate keep them coming..Thank you .
Excellent update and running session, really looking forward to seeing all the upcoming projects you've got planned. The canal looks really good too, I wondered whether it might benefit from a mirror at the back of the canal tunnel? It would give the illusion that it comes out the other side and you'd see daylight when looking down it - just an idea :)
Thanks, I won't be starting it for a while as I have to insulate the garage first, plus some other stuff to turn it into a proper room. I am doing a little oo guage GWR branch line layout in my spare room at the moment though, which I will be posting some videos of shortly. I was wondering if I could make a suggestion for a little addition to your layout? Being somewhat of an angler myself I think a fisherman sitting by your canal would look really cool! Howard.
Nice video and some great shots at the end showing the trains running. I'm interested to see how you do your back scene, it should really bring that section to life. All the best for 2015 :-)
Great video again. I too has those Executive livery Mk3s. Such a shame about the restaurant/buffet roof vents. Also from my memory of the 80s and 90s the Executive livery 125 buffet coaches also had 'Restaurant-Buffet 125' on the side only changing when the Swallow livery was painted over them.
MansfieldCS Yeah I've read that the buffet branding may be wrong. Bit annoying that over 20 years after these coaches were designed they are still being produced with errors. Still they are much better than the new MK2Es. I would avoid those if you can as they have multiple errors with livery, window size and solebar. I'm hoping the bachmann effort will be better.
hi well done on the lay out and great videos :) I actually really like the station..reminds me of dun loaghaire station in dublin. it sits over the track like that
You might want to have a look at Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Australia. It is one of the most iconic train stations in the country and happens to be mostly built over the rails, like what you are trying to do.
I love your layout it looks amazing and i love all the work you have put into it. Just an idea for you but what would give it more realism is to have something that auto stops certain trains at certain stations. Like the power cuts out they sit there for a few seconds before they start back up and carry on with the journey. :)
+Angus Glassford You know I have no idea but i believe if you could get a piece of track that when the train goes over it this would break the electric circuit stopping the train and then some how having something on a timer that re completes the circuit of power after so many seconds which starts the train back up. I believe it could be done if you studied electronics or just googled a way to do it. I know you have track that can auto decouple trains from coaches so i'm pretty sure you could do something similar to stop trains.
Great update can you tell me how you made the scrap bales pleas I am looking forward to the videos to come wishing you and yours a happy new year Regards Len
Len Evans Thanks Len. The bales are made from kitchen foil. I put them into a mold and then compress it with a vice. Its a lengthy process, but they do look good.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic layout again. I'm sure it will inspire modelers worldwide. If you don't mind saying I'm interested in what type of camera you use. Looking froward to the next update. Stew
Thanks for the Cam info. I checked it out and found a used one for sale locally for,in your money 75 quid are there any problems I should look out for that you've come across
Happy New Year. Great update as always. Very much look forward to your updates. Keep them coming. A question if I may, what is the gap between the two levels and did you make a viseo on the construction of the boards and space etc? I have seen the one on the Helix, but am planning a new layout after moving last year and am interested in what you did there. Any help greatly appreciated. Thks, Rob
Rob York Thanks Rob. The gap between the two levels is about 7 inches. Unfortunately I don't have a construction video as I had finished all the baseboards before I started filming for UA-cam.
Only just started watching your videos, but find them fascinating. With reference to your "over track" station. There is a main line station near to where I live where the ticket office is above the platforms. The station is Gillingham in Kent. Just a suggestion for you, but it is possible :-)
Thank you for showing how to programming picaxe18m2 for signals. First class video Marks out of 100.---99. you only missed opening the pin 1 low box, we need to know if you set it high or low. I have now the same setup as you and I have programmed the signals to be controlled by the point switch, signals only operate in the direction of the points, the other side of the points signals stay red. Thank you once again. JAMES.
Stewart Reid I am presently working my way through your videos, very informative enjoying them very much, like you I'm limited for space, have you uploaded your track plan with sizes, would find it interesting.
+Stewart Reid I have a track plan on RMweb. It doesn't have sizes though. They layout has undergone various extensions during it's life. At present I don't know exactly how big it is. Trackplan link is below. www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/87264-everard-junction-br-1988-1990/
Your station reminds me of Crewe which is also on a bridge in the same way as yours is and always has been... You cant get a more classic station that Crewe!
Hey Richard, will you be weathering your class 08? Not sure how many you have but the one at 25:20? Also Love the layout it is amazing keep up the amazing work
EverardJunction The Eastern Region (blue and gray) restaurant-buffet car has the roof vents on it in pretty good detail, as does the western region version from somewhere around 2010-2011 that I have.
oorail.com Good to know. This error must be a very recent thing then. I would expect all new releases of MK3s to have the same issue from now on. Unless hornby bother to fix the problem.
If you think about it, your railway may have been there for a hundred years or so (in the real world), and stations on this type of line may have been quite grand in appearance. the road out side of it may show signs of the space that was there before.
Hi, just thought I'd say the work you do is fantastic. Amongst the plethora of stations you could look at which are similar to what you are trying to achieve - have a look at Bromley South. Plenty of google images, 1980's single storey build with steps immediately down to the platforms.
Have a look at Keighley Station in West Yorkshire it looks something like what you are trying to do, where the station is on a main road and the platforms are below
1:76th canal boats are quite easy to find from good model shops. I have a dockyard layout myself, and I want an OO scale tugboat, which is more difficult. Maybe other viewers could recommend somewhere in which I could find such a thing? Otherwise I shall make one from plasticard or something
just gonna say that your layout is amazing the level if detail is amazing and so is everything else but as it goes a railway is never finished. also could I use varnish thinners with enamel paints? just wondering
Regarding the gap between the carriages. Are there no flexible joints you can add to the doors so they are physically connected to each other? possibly with magnets, do they even exist?
My grandad has some (quite old) kits that had made of some coaches that had corridors built into them, they would flex and stretch to accordance of the curve but they were still of the desireable gap as they were the old 'proper' couples!
William Tregurtha It just seems strange that the manufacturers put so much effort into the realism of the models yet forget the look of them joined up. A Flexible corridor using rubber would be very simple to make and heighten the realism.
Daniel Gregory They do exist and I may get them. They don't solve the main issue though. The coaches are simply too far apart even if they are connected by gangways. In reality they are much closer together.
Hey why not have the station over the platforms..sort of like a mezzanine grand central sort of thing.....btw love your layout and the ammound of detain you put in is amazing..keep it going
.that sounds cool...still love the layout and the detail work...i live in nyc so i would love to model a subway except space is a huge issue. do you have any plans for maybe a underground?
would you suggest to bring my trains in the house in the winter. As my layout is in the shed still under construction but I do run the trains. followed your layout now caught up to date, pinched many ideas. Stewart
+stewart boughen Mine have been ok in loft during winter. Might be a good idea to bring yours in though as the shed is not the most secure place to store expensive models.
Thank you for your reply. I was going to take them in. Just a bit worried about them not running, for a long period. But have now set a shuttle line up, so I will be able to run them. Plus give them a service. Thank you again,and keep doing updates.
Hi Richard, I have those MK3 exec livery, and like you I am waiting for the HST exec to come out. I think the gangway doors were yellow throughout their careers in BR. The coupling is its weakest area, but its a small annoyance to me. Hornby don't seem to be in a hurry to change this as they've just 'modernised' the mk3 with the tinted glazing. My blue grey buffet cars do have the vents on the roof. I have to say I haven't noticed my exec livery roof...off to check now!! See the retaining arch walling, is it from International models?...how thick is it, depth wise? On the reverse side of it (at the top) does it have any brick work detail? I need a short length for my raised section that's on a slight curve and I want to be higher than the track level and therefore need it to be brick texture on the opposite side of it, if you know what I am trying to explain?! I see they selling brick sheets to match this retaining wall, but if you could let me know what it's like at the other side at the top that would be great! As for the MK2e from Hornby. They are selling in large quantities. They are the best that have been out so far, much better than their MK2D's. While they aint perfect I got a rake as I don't see Bachmann's ones coming any time soon. They were announced in 2013 and yet still no examples nearing production. Yes they will be better, but I can see them hitting £40 a coach, which would be ridiculous. Worth noting, I also have a rake on pre order lol!! Good update, enjoyable as always! Dave
DaveClass47 Hi Dave, The retaining walls are from international models. They are formed from 2 foam parts and are about 10mm thick. Just blank on the other side and unpainted. Should take some plasticard quite well though as they are quite smooth. If you have the same exec ones as me then I'm afraid your buffet will be wrong. Also if you got an exec TGS then hold it up to light and you'll see through the windows that it has a buffet car interior!!?? This blocks off two of the windows!!! Hornby have acknowledged the issue with the mk3 buffet roof vents and their response isn't encouraging... "Hornby has been in the process of moving it's manufacturing from one supplier to several others. During the course of this, a number of toolings have been found to no longer be available. When the run of Mk3 coaches was commissioned, it was not appreciated at the time that the buffet car roof was one of these toolings. When it became apparent, a decision was taken to manufacture the coach with the roof that was available, rather than hold up the entire run of Mk3's for an indefinite period. As a result, the buffet car does indeed have an incorrect roof. We have checked with Engineering, and there is no intention at present to produce a replacement body for this vehicle". I've had a good read through the mk2e thread on rmweb and while they are much better than the nasty old mk2ds I have decided to give them a miss due to the roof vent and window issues. The issues with my mk3s has also put me off hornby at the moment. Sorry for the Hornby rant but i'm not exactly pleased with them at the moment. They don't seem too bothered about railway equipment newer than 1968. I'm only planning for one aircon rake at present so will save up for the bachmann ones. At the rate they're going i'll have plenty of time!
EverardJunction Hi Wow, thanks for that insight in to Hornby's attitude to their MK3 coaching stock. I cant understand this attitude. The MK3 is thee iconic coach design success story to come from BR. Its been going for nearly 40 years and there is no sign it will end in the next decade or so due to an ongoing refurbishment program! Hornby spend so much time on their MK1, MK2 rolling stock so I dont know why they cant give equal attention to the MK3. I have to say I was really surprised to see the vast array of MK3 coaching stock to appear in 2014's range. It cost me a fortune as I invested in 2 rakes of Blue Grey with lights and 2 rakes of exec MK3 (for running with the forthcoming exec power cars and for mix and matching with the blue grey stock to show a transitional period, as was the case in the 1980's). I plan to run 3 HST's when the latest power cars are released. You are spot on when you say Hornby aren't interest in anything after the 1960's. With exception of the HST, CL50, 56 and 60's the rest of their modern image stuff is with railroad or ex lima guff. As for the MK2E...I wanted a Swallow livery set and the bachmann ones will be the lower type face exec livery. I am getting these also, and a Scotrail DBSO to run with my Scotrail Express push pull services. I will take a look at the MK2E in my next video. I am a big fan of Hornby, but they drive me MAD a lot of the time. The small errors they make and the lack of commitment to retooling modern stuff. The CL91 is a example. When electrics are becoming ever more popular it would be sensible for them to re tool the 91 to modern standards. It looks fine, but lacks details. I was really disappointed that they chose to launch the 91 in east coast without a retool. I might get the MK4's and mk4 DVT (also in need of re tooling) to run with my Battle of Britain liveried 91. Its not my era, but the livery is attractive. There isnt much else in the 2015 range to excite me to be honest! I will just have to save up my £££'s for Model Rail Scotland next month. Always worth a visit to pick up some supplies!
EverardJunction Oh, another thing....do the arches come with a finish on them, or just bare shiny plastic? If so, how are you going about painting and then weathering them? Cheers
DaveClass47 The arches on the walls come painted grey or brown depending on what you've ordered. I've painted all mine to remove any evidence of the blue foam. They also need weathering which I'll probably do with the airbrush. I was a huge hornby fan until about 2009. Back in 2004/2005 it seemed nothing could stop them. Modern stock was being retooled as much as the steam stuff. The 31 was good and the 50, 56, 60 and HST power cars are brilliant. After that it all stopped and eventually the new 67 (which has its problems) turned up around 2012. The rest of the ex lima has mostly been lost to other makers. The 142 or 156 will probably be next I still find it very odd that they never thought to do a decent 37 or 47 back in 2003/4. The way things are going I think another manufacturer will announce a retooled mk3 in the next few years. Bachmann might as it would go with their new 90. If the 90 sells well I think there may well be a case for someone to retool the 91.
EverardJunction It would actually be a shame for someone else to move in on the mk3..its Hornby's 'property' if you like, they are the only ones who have done it since Lima's demise. The coach itself is fine, the interiors could do with a freshen up, but with the correct tint now being applied to the glazing you don't see inside that much anyway, so its not an issue for me. The bogies perhaps need retooling to allow for NEM close couplings like we see on the MK2E, and most Bachmann stock. I hope the 90 sells well (I will be getting the swallow livery one to run with Hornby mk3s) Maybe then Hornby will wake up and realise there is a market for electrics. I can actually see Bachmann do the 91 and have a go at the MK4 and DVT. I think they will attempt this if Hornby don't redo the 91 in the next few years. The MK4 coaches are pretty decent if I am honest, a facelift wouldn't do them any harm. I would like to see Margate re-release the MK3 DVT in swallow livery. These ask a premium on ebay and would sure to be popular. With so much duplication in the market place now I think we are 'stuck' with Hornby's MK3 coaches for a several years at least. I don't think even Bachmann can risk taking Hornby on with those rolling stock. I am just sad that I wasn't in the hobby in 2005. I only came back in to the hobby and re-started my interest in 2009, when Hornby's swallow HST that you have was out, god I wish I'd bought one at the time! I still await its re-release!!! the 37/47 issue is a bizarre one. A 47 with the same level of detail as Hornby's 50 or 56 would have resulted in a truly market beating model. However Bachmann's 47 is great and my collection keeps growing. Interesting times ahead in the hobby I am sure. I will just keep building my layout..due to be completed in 2022 (Rough guess!!), by which time Hornby might have solved its supply issues!!
The more realistic its looking the more detail you look for ! Not sure if mentioned here or in any other video, are you going to fill the carriages with passengers, even someone looking out the front window ?! they all look like ECS but that's just my finical self !
Mangotsfield Mike I have plans to add people at some point. People are quite expensive so I 've been focusing on other things . Will get round to it eventually.
Hi Richard happy new year, like the idea of the platforms going under the town, I'm doing exactly the same with mine, as it will hide the fact I can't get a full rake train in my station, and make the station appear bigger. The only thing I'm not sure about is your station building, hope you don't mind me saying that, as your layout is set Oxford/Reading area (Western Region) if it was the original station building would it not be a dressed stone building I know space permitting it's really hard, just not sure it fits with the housing and the street scene you have, the job you have done on the building is fantastic, just not sure it's the correct building for your layout, I really hope you don't mind me saying that. The back scenes will give your layout a lot more depth and looking forward to see that, if your adding a boat and it's going to be static, have you thought about adding some mooring points on the bank so it can look like its tied up. Andy
Andy Hudson Thanks Andy. The station isn't going to be ideal. I'm trying to go for some sort of cheap prefabricated look rather than an original building. Hopefully with plenty of NSE signage and some weathering to tone it down it will look ok. Cheers
EverardJunction Hi Richard spent a while thinking about this but I have decided to rip my layout up and start again, short story is I have a few issues with the boards sagging, not enough supports under the chipboard causing trains to uncouple and derailments, also with a lack of planning on my part I can't connect the fiddle yard to the rest of my layout so pointless having it. My layout is in the loft like yours, whats the best type of board to use mdf, chipboard or ply. What is the gap you use between your fiddle yard and your running section, going to have a similar set up to you, in the middle of planning things properly this time, the first attempt will treat as a learning exercise. Thanks Andy
Andy Hudson Hi Andy. The best board to use is ply as it's very resistant to warping. Properly supported it will last for many years. I leave a gap of about 6 to 7 inches between my two layers. You don't want to go any lower than that as access will get very difficult for wiring. Good luck with the new layout.
don't know if you gone down south East London but looks a bit like the old Woolwich arsenal before dlr can you do a video on your lower level might be the storage as I just started and would like to link up multiple layers
how big is the layout it ? seems great just wondering as i am start to build a layout myself. i have a space of 5 metres to 2 metres i am just wondering if i will be alright just checking :) and also you don't have a clear shoot of all lay out i guess its quite big. thanks!
Thanks. I looked back through your videos to find the specifics on the product you used. I tried the link you provided with no luck. It seems they've gone out of business. Thanks again. I've enjoyed your videos and have used a few of your methods and ideas on my own layout. The yard you've been working on has given me several ideas and I'm actually considering "fiddling" with that Wills interlocking rod kit. Keep up the great work and please keep posting!
hi,..im a new subscriber...great videos and a wonderful railway.what scale are you running.and are all trains and cars from hornby? keep up the good work...cheers from sweden..:)
Hi Richard, another welcome video. I have a non railway question. On your Mothercare warehouse, you have the original logo. I worked for the studio in London that produced it. Do you have a connection with Lenart Advertising or Studio Venture? Barry. Devon.
OBowner Hi Barry. I have no connection to them. I just researched the old branding and managed to find a decent image of the old logo. I used an old BRS promo film to get the branding for the trucks right.
hi.....the Hornby MK3 will now be fitted with NEM couplings! The latest GWR coaches are listed on the website with NEM. Hornby have confirmed this. This is great news. I only hope Hornby can allow us to buy new bogies with NEM couplings. These will be easy to fit, as I cannot see Hornby having re-designed the mechanism for fitting the bogies to the chassis! I don't suppose it will suddenly render our non NEM coaches obsolete but its good to see Hornby are now listening and taking the fight to Oxford Rail and their MK3 coaches. The MK3 is a very simple looking coach and I cant see the Oxford's version being mind-blowingly better, due to the simple lines of the MK3. dAVE
Be Proud Richard, your modelling skills give all the encouragement to do better. Excellent handy work.
Your layout is an inspiration to us all. Well done Richard. Always a pleasure to watch your videos, really looking forward to your work in 2015/16. Kind regards. John.
Just returning to modelling after looooong time away....these videos have been so helpful and have inspired me to create my own scenic layout in 2015 - albeit on a lesser scale - initially, so, thank you for sharing your amazing skills.
Happy Days
Richard, I absolutely love your layout! Thank you so much for all of the videos you do. I watch them over and over again and I get excited when you post a new one. It has inspired me to create my own layout in my garage.
Howard Sugars Thanks, good luck with your layout.
What a layout this was. I like the design of the station building up above on the street, something often seen in real life. Also like the two DMUs stabled in the same platform on separate trains, something you see at stations like Shrewsbury
Yet another brilliant update Richard, the running session at the end just shows up how well you layout looks, such attention to details and great observation skills of real life and converting it into a model, well done, it's fabulous work. Looking forward to what you will be doing in 2015. ..............Graham
Graham Foulston Thanks Graham. Its all starting to come together now. If I can get the rest of the layout looking as good as the countryside section I'll be a happy man.
EverardJunction I'm sure you would be a happy man, I know I would!! .........Graham
Another first class update. I can't wait to see the scrap yard finished and those scrap wagons really look the part.
Good update and a plan for whats next. I visited a shop in Lynmouth that was a model railway set. It was in need of a bit of tlc to say the least. Absolutely covered in dust and cobwebs, I though I would be there for a few hours but was only minutes. Looking forward to the electronics etc for the signaling.
Des.
Great vid as always. Lovely to see those scrap wagons finished, they look the part. Looking forward to all of the new vids for 2015 and keep up the great work. Last thing happy new year and have a great and fantastic 2015. Cornish Gateway
HI there. Very inspiring. Great videos. Learning all sorts from the updates. My layout Bean Junction will be starting in 2015 so I look forward to more from Everard Junction soon. Happy 2015 to you... :)
Excellent update Richard, the scrap wagons came out a treat, really do look the part. I hope you get the station how you like it :)
All the best
The station is looking fine and when complete will be a perfect match to the contemporary theme of your layout. Lookingh forward to future updates. Happy 2015!
Great update. 2015 is going to be a busy year. Happy new year.
Scott
Happy New year everard junction! Can't wait to see your station populated and brought to life, I am sure you will come up with some great little platform scenes and it will make your running sessions even more awesome.
Great update look forward to your signal how to video and all the best for 2015! Cheers, Matt
Nice ideas there, will be good to track it as they come together. Happy New Year. Cheers, Dan
Happy new year Richard another great update will look forward to your future videos
Cheers
Graeme
Good update Rich...the station building will come good towards the end mate.when i scratch build it never looks like how i want it whilst in the build process but i persevere with it and find it starts to look right when im painting it.
it looks as tho you have a lot to do on the layout during 2015 so im expecting lots of updates often lol.
Anyway matey its all looking fantastic as always and looking forwards to all the plans taking shape throughout 2015.
Happy new year!!!
Terry
Glebe Road Junction Cheers Terry. I'm hoping the station will come good with some signage and a load of weathering.
Good update......Like the attention to detail, will be interested to see your how to video on signalling...
Just found this - great layout, thank you. I'm particularly impressed by the weathered track appearance - it's just as I remember the WR was like in the 80s/90s, and something I'd like to apply to my new layout. Hopefully I'll find a video where you talk about how you did it!
I've seen that the HST execs are now out - various suppliers have them (not Hattons yet). Rails in Sheffield are the cheapest I've seen so far - hope I'll be able to pick up a set before they all disappear in the next few months!
Looking forward to see more updates.
Love the video parts where trains intersect left/right over the canal bridge at 26:27. Have you done a video on how you schedule trains to run automatically without crashing while you record. It seems like you have more than a few schedules featured in different video segments?
Great vids ! Thinking of setting a layout up in my loft ..as a beginner and novice your videos are a help and inspiration for me to start. Would like have a loop of 4 lines maybe? And a large sidings ! But just not sure on wot power supply I need in order to power sidings and 4 trains plus a big siding etc ??
Great layout update! I liked the introduction at the start, it gave the video a nice atmosphere. I also look forward to watching some more layout updates as the attention to detail is superbly shown. Well done mate :-)
Great update Richard Im enjoying your clips and running sessions.The station is looking good and im sure will be fantastic when its done and fitted out.I hit the like button for this one mate keep them coming..Thank you .
***** Thanks
Excellent update and running session, really looking forward to seeing all the upcoming projects you've got planned. The canal looks really good too, I wondered whether it might benefit from a mirror at the back of the canal tunnel? It would give the illusion that it comes out the other side and you'd see daylight when looking down it - just an idea :)
tjf4375 Thanks. There are a few places that could do with a mirror. I'll be looking into it once all the backscenes are in place.
Thanks, I won't be starting it for a while as I have to insulate the garage first, plus some other stuff to turn it into a proper room. I am doing a little oo guage GWR branch line layout in my spare room at the moment though, which I will be posting some videos of shortly. I was wondering if I could make a suggestion for a little addition to your layout? Being somewhat of an angler myself I think a fisherman sitting by your canal would look really cool!
Howard.
Happy new year to you good update looks like your going to be busy this year , like the scrap wagon loads look very effective cheers Kevin
kevintregunna Thanks Kevin
Nice video and some great shots at the end showing the trains running.
I'm interested to see how you do your back scene, it should really bring that section to life.
All the best for 2015 :-)
Enjoyed the update. Hope you had a Merry Christmas as well. And a Happy New Year to you.
i'm just getting in to this and let me tell you what.. i love your whole setup!!! everything looks great!!! keep the vids coming
Great video again. I too has those Executive livery Mk3s. Such a shame about the restaurant/buffet roof vents. Also from my memory of the 80s and 90s the Executive livery 125 buffet coaches also had 'Restaurant-Buffet 125' on the side only changing when the Swallow livery was painted over them.
MansfieldCS Yeah I've read that the buffet branding may be wrong. Bit annoying that over 20 years after these coaches were designed they are still being produced with errors. Still they are much better than the new MK2Es. I would avoid those if you can as they have multiple errors with livery, window size and solebar. I'm hoping the bachmann effort will be better.
My Lima Mk3s from 1986 were far more detailed and accurate than these!!
Video update marvellous as always Richard.....all the best...Steve
Love you,re layout and happy new year from the Netherlands
A great update as always - plenty of interesting stuff to come from your channel :)
Have a great New Year!
Lloyd
***** Thanks mate
Not sure if you done it already, but you should add currents and foam to the river as it looks very flat and still.
Great update, still looking good, I like the improvements to the station, cheers, Dave
Happy New Year awesome update the layout looks brilliant cant wait for the next one about the signalling
hi well done on the lay out and great videos :) I actually really like the station..reminds me of dun loaghaire station in dublin. it sits over the track like that
You might want to have a look at Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Australia. It is one of the most iconic train stations in the country and happens to be mostly built over the rails, like what you are trying to do.
In Belfast central station, NI, the main station area sits above the 4 tracks so it would be perfectly normal
I love your layout it looks amazing and i love all the work you have put into it.
Just an idea for you but what would give it more realism is to have something that auto stops certain trains at certain stations. Like the power cuts out they sit there for a few seconds before they start back up and carry on with the journey. :)
+Angus Glassford You know I have no idea but i believe if you could get a piece of track that when the train goes over it this would break the electric circuit stopping the train and then some how having something on a timer that re completes the circuit of power after so many seconds which starts the train back up.
I believe it could be done if you studied electronics or just googled a way to do it. I know you have track that can auto decouple trains from coaches so i'm pretty sure you could do something similar to stop trains.
Great update can you tell me how you made the scrap bales pleas I am looking forward to the videos to come wishing you and yours a happy new year
Regards
Len
Len Evans Thanks Len. The bales are made from kitchen foil. I put them into a mold and then compress it with a vice. Its a lengthy process, but they do look good.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic layout again. I'm sure it will inspire modelers worldwide.
If you don't mind saying I'm interested in what type of camera you use.
Looking froward to the next update.
Stew
Stewart D Thanks Stew. I use a panasonic HDC-SD60 for most of the filming on the layout.
Thanks for the Cam info. I checked it out and found a used one for sale locally for,in your money 75 quid are there any problems I should look out for that you've come across
Stewart D None that I'm aware of. Its a solid bit of kit.
There is a canal near me that actually has a thin line of grass and reeds on the canal side of the path.
Happy New Year. Great update as always. Very much look forward to your updates. Keep them coming. A question if I may, what is the gap between the two levels and did you make a viseo on the construction of the boards and space etc? I have seen the one on the Helix, but am planning a new layout after moving last year and am interested in what you did there. Any help greatly appreciated.
Thks,
Rob
Rob York Thanks Rob. The gap between the two levels is about 7 inches. Unfortunately I don't have a construction video as I had finished all the baseboards before I started filming for UA-cam.
Only just started watching your videos, but find them fascinating. With reference to your "over track" station. There is a main line station near to where I live where the ticket office is above the platforms. The station is Gillingham in Kent. Just a suggestion for you, but it is possible :-)
Thank you for showing how to programming picaxe18m2 for signals. First class video Marks out of 100.---99. you only missed opening the pin 1 low box, we need to know if you set it high or low. I have now the same setup as you and I have programmed the signals to be controlled by the point switch, signals only operate in the direction of the points, the other side of the points signals stay red. Thank you once again. JAMES.
The station is similar in design to crewe station, in that the ticket office area etc goes over the rails.
EverardJunction great video Richard, I'm also starting my own 00 gauge layout and it is based in did cot around the 1990 ..... sam
Sounds like you will be busy this year with the station then. Great update.
Stewart Reid
I am presently working my way through your videos, very informative enjoying them very much, like you I'm limited for space, have you uploaded your track plan with sizes, would find it interesting.
+Stewart Reid I have a track plan on RMweb. It doesn't have sizes though. They layout has undergone various extensions during it's life. At present I don't know exactly how big it is. Trackplan link is below.
www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/87264-everard-junction-br-1988-1990/
Very Great Railway, i like it and your Videos!!! I love the Signal Box, from who is it ??
I love your job in the layout.
Excellent stuff, keep up the good work.
Your station reminds me of Crewe which is also on a bridge in the same way as yours is and always has been...
You cant get a more classic station that Crewe!
Excellent as always and omg did you say "get 'er done" at 17:50?!
Watching the trains is so mesmerizing wait was that a near miss at 24:01?
Nice review and some fun running sessions as well.
Hey Richard, will you be weathering your class 08? Not sure how many you have but the one at 25:20? Also Love the layout it is amazing keep up the amazing work
PotatoChipz I will be weathering that. Its one of the few locos left that needs weathering.
Cool, can't wait to see it all done
Great update, thanks for sharing.
Gérard.
You could maybe make the station stand out more with a second storey?
EverardJunction The Eastern Region (blue and gray) restaurant-buffet car has the roof vents on it in pretty good detail, as does the western region version from somewhere around 2010-2011 that I have.
oorail.com Good to know. This error must be a very recent thing then. I would expect all new releases of MK3s to have the same issue from now on. Unless hornby bother to fix the problem.
If you think about it, your railway may have been there for a hundred years or so (in the real world), and stations on this type of line may have been quite grand in appearance. the road out side of it may show signs of the space that was there before.
Hi, just thought I'd say the work you do is fantastic. Amongst the plethora of stations you could look at which are similar to what you are trying to achieve - have a look at Bromley South. Plenty of google images, 1980's single storey build with steps immediately down to the platforms.
***** Thanks, thats the sort of thing I'm going for. I've since done some more weathering and its starting look better.
Have a look at Keighley Station in West Yorkshire it looks something like what you are trying to do, where the station is on a main road and the platforms are below
1 dislike... someone's jealous!
Amazing layout and update mate also looking forward to more!
Happy new year!
can i suggest, when you redo the station, you reduce the length of the canopy to have open areas.
47606odin Its on the cards as I planning on making a number of changes. The station will get lots of attention in the spring.
1:76th canal boats are quite easy to find from good model shops. I have a dockyard layout myself, and I want an OO scale tugboat, which is more difficult. Maybe other viewers could recommend somewhere in which I could find such a thing? Otherwise I shall make one from plasticard or something
just gonna say that your layout is amazing the level if detail is amazing and so is everything else but as it goes a railway is never finished. also could I use varnish thinners with enamel paints? just wondering
RailFreight 23 Thanks. Varnish thinner probably wont work. I would stick to enamel thinner as much as possible.
ok thanks :)
Regarding the gap between the carriages. Are there no flexible joints you can add to the doors so they are physically connected to each other? possibly with magnets, do they even exist?
My grandad has some (quite old) kits that had made of some coaches that had corridors built into them, they would flex and stretch to accordance of the curve but they were still of the desireable gap as they were the old 'proper' couples!
William Tregurtha It just seems strange that the manufacturers put so much effort into the realism of the models yet forget the look of them joined up. A Flexible corridor using rubber would be very simple to make and heighten the realism.
William Tregurtha A Fellow "Empty Box I- Racing Subscriber" here- Hi Will ...
Daniel Gregory They do exist and I may get them. They don't solve the main issue though. The coaches are simply too far apart even if they are connected by gangways. In reality they are much closer together.
Hey why not have the station over the platforms..sort of like a mezzanine grand central sort of thing.....btw love your layout and the ammound of detain you put in is amazing..keep it going
Christopher Strunk The plan is to run the platforms under so the station looks like its over them. Also makes the platform appear longer. Thanks
.that sounds cool...still love the layout and the detail work...i live in nyc so i would love to model a subway except space is a huge issue. do you have any plans for maybe a underground?
Mass sun bathing in the road outside the station!
Thought it was a scene from Midsummer Murders. Great update as always.
AVFCAM They got bored of waiting for the station to be finished and collapsed!
you should look into sound decoders for future trains
Nate b55 That is possible for some future items. I don't find the sound all that convincing which is why none of the current locos have it.
would you suggest to bring my trains in the house in the winter. As my layout is in the shed still under construction but I do run the trains. followed your layout now caught up to date, pinched many ideas. Stewart
+stewart boughen Mine have been ok in loft during winter. Might be a good idea to bring yours in though as the shed is not the most secure place to store expensive models.
Thank you for your reply. I was going to take them in. Just a bit worried about them not running, for a long period. But have now set a shuttle line up, so I will be able to run them. Plus give them a service. Thank you again,and keep doing updates.
did u buy the escalators in the station?Great layout update and like the new platform idea going under the town scene
CGC HD Yes, I bought them from hattons. Exclusive first editions make them.
Hi Richard,
I have those MK3 exec livery, and like you I am waiting for the HST exec to come out. I think the gangway doors were yellow throughout their careers in BR. The coupling is its weakest area, but its a small annoyance to me. Hornby don't seem to be in a hurry to change this as they've just 'modernised' the mk3 with the tinted glazing.
My blue grey buffet cars do have the vents on the roof. I have to say I haven't noticed my exec livery roof...off to check now!!
See the retaining arch walling, is it from International models?...how thick is it, depth wise? On the reverse side of it (at the top) does it have any brick work detail? I need a short length for my raised section that's on a slight curve and I want to be higher than the track level and therefore need it to be brick texture on the opposite side of it, if you know what I am trying to explain?! I see they selling brick sheets to match this retaining wall, but if you could let me know what it's like at the other side at the top that would be great!
As for the MK2e from Hornby. They are selling in large quantities. They are the best that have been out so far, much better than their MK2D's. While they aint perfect I got a rake as I don't see Bachmann's ones coming any time soon. They were announced in 2013 and yet still no examples nearing production. Yes they will be better, but I can see them hitting £40 a coach, which would be ridiculous. Worth noting, I also have a rake on pre order lol!!
Good update, enjoyable as always!
Dave
DaveClass47 Hi Dave,
The retaining walls are from international models. They are formed from 2 foam parts and are about 10mm thick. Just blank on the other side and unpainted. Should take some plasticard quite well though as they are quite smooth.
If you have the same exec ones as me then I'm afraid your buffet will be wrong. Also if you got an exec TGS then hold it up to light and you'll see through the windows that it has a buffet car interior!!?? This blocks off two of the windows!!!
Hornby have acknowledged the issue with the mk3 buffet roof vents and their response isn't encouraging...
"Hornby has been in the process of moving it's manufacturing from one supplier to several others. During the course of this, a number of toolings have been found to no longer be available. When the run of Mk3 coaches was commissioned, it was not appreciated at the time that the buffet car roof was one of these toolings. When it became apparent, a decision was taken to manufacture the coach with the roof that was available, rather than hold up the entire run of Mk3's for an indefinite period. As a result, the buffet car does indeed have an incorrect roof. We have checked with Engineering, and there is no intention at present to produce a replacement body for this vehicle".
I've had a good read through the mk2e thread on rmweb and while they are much better than the nasty old mk2ds I have decided to give them a miss due to the roof vent and window issues. The issues with my mk3s has also put me off hornby at the moment.
Sorry for the Hornby rant but i'm not exactly pleased with them at the moment. They don't seem too bothered about railway equipment newer than 1968.
I'm only planning for one aircon rake at present so will save up for the bachmann ones. At the rate they're going i'll have plenty of time!
EverardJunction Hi
Wow, thanks for that insight in to Hornby's attitude to their MK3 coaching stock. I cant understand this attitude. The MK3 is thee iconic coach design success story to come from BR. Its been going for nearly 40 years and there is no sign it will end in the next decade or so due to an ongoing refurbishment program! Hornby spend so much time on their MK1, MK2 rolling stock so I dont know why they cant give equal attention to the MK3.
I have to say I was really surprised to see the vast array of MK3 coaching stock to appear in 2014's range. It cost me a fortune as I invested in 2 rakes of Blue Grey with lights and 2 rakes of exec MK3 (for running with the forthcoming exec power cars and for mix and matching with the blue grey stock to show a transitional period, as was the case in the 1980's). I plan to run 3 HST's when the latest power cars are released.
You are spot on when you say Hornby aren't interest in anything after the 1960's. With exception of the HST, CL50, 56 and 60's the rest of their modern image stuff is with railroad or ex lima guff.
As for the MK2E...I wanted a Swallow livery set and the bachmann ones will be the lower type face exec livery. I am getting these also, and a Scotrail DBSO to run with my Scotrail Express push pull services. I will take a look at the MK2E in my next video.
I am a big fan of Hornby, but they drive me MAD a lot of the time. The small errors they make and the lack of commitment to retooling modern stuff. The CL91 is a example. When electrics are becoming ever more popular it would be sensible for them to re tool the 91 to modern standards. It looks fine, but lacks details. I was really disappointed that they chose to launch the 91 in east coast without a retool. I might get the MK4's and mk4 DVT (also in need of re tooling) to run with my Battle of Britain liveried 91. Its not my era, but the livery is attractive. There isnt much else in the 2015 range to excite me to be honest!
I will just have to save up my £££'s for Model Rail Scotland next month. Always worth a visit to pick up some supplies!
EverardJunction Oh, another thing....do the arches come with a finish on them, or just bare shiny plastic? If so, how are you going about painting and then weathering them? Cheers
DaveClass47 The arches on the walls come painted grey or brown depending on what you've ordered. I've painted all mine to remove any evidence of the blue foam. They also need weathering which I'll probably do with the airbrush.
I was a huge hornby fan until about 2009. Back in 2004/2005 it seemed nothing could stop them. Modern stock was being retooled as much as the steam stuff. The 31 was good and the 50, 56, 60 and HST power cars are brilliant. After that it all stopped and eventually the new 67 (which has its problems) turned up around 2012. The rest of the ex lima has mostly been lost to other makers. The 142 or 156 will probably be next
I still find it very odd that they never thought to do a decent 37 or 47 back in 2003/4.
The way things are going I think another manufacturer will announce a retooled mk3 in the next few years. Bachmann might as it would go with their new 90. If the 90 sells well I think there may well be a case for someone to retool the 91.
EverardJunction It would actually be a shame for someone else to move in on the mk3..its Hornby's 'property' if you like, they are the only ones who have done it since Lima's demise. The coach itself is fine, the interiors could do with a freshen up, but with the correct tint now being applied to the glazing you don't see inside that much anyway, so its not an issue for me.
The bogies perhaps need retooling to allow for NEM close couplings like we see on the MK2E, and most Bachmann stock.
I hope the 90 sells well (I will be getting the swallow livery one to run with Hornby mk3s) Maybe then Hornby will wake up and realise there is a market for electrics. I can actually see Bachmann do the 91 and have a go at the MK4 and DVT. I think they will attempt this if Hornby don't redo the 91 in the next few years. The MK4 coaches are pretty decent if I am honest, a facelift wouldn't do them any harm.
I would like to see Margate re-release the MK3 DVT in swallow livery. These ask a premium on ebay and would sure to be popular.
With so much duplication in the market place now I think we are 'stuck' with Hornby's MK3 coaches for a several years at least. I don't think even Bachmann can risk taking Hornby on with those rolling stock.
I am just sad that I wasn't in the hobby in 2005. I only came back in to the hobby and re-started my interest in 2009, when Hornby's swallow HST that you have was out, god I wish I'd bought one at the time! I still await its re-release!!!
the 37/47 issue is a bizarre one. A 47 with the same level of detail as Hornby's 50 or 56 would have resulted in a truly market beating model. However Bachmann's 47 is great and my collection keeps growing.
Interesting times ahead in the hobby I am sure. I will just keep building my layout..due to be completed in 2022 (Rough guess!!), by which time Hornby might have solved its supply issues!!
I like that large logo blue class 56. I'm guessing its a repaint?
J Harrison It is indeed a repaint. Hornby have one similar due for release next year I think.
The more realistic its looking the more detail you look for ! Not sure if mentioned here or in any other video, are you going to fill the carriages with passengers, even someone looking out the front window ?! they all look like ECS but that's just my finical self !
Mangotsfield Mike I have plans to add people at some point. People are quite expensive so I 've been focusing on other things . Will get round to it eventually.
The signal box is a Bachmann scenecraft item #44-064
Hi Richard happy new year, like the idea of the platforms going under the town, I'm doing exactly the same with mine, as it will hide the fact I can't get a full rake train in my station, and make the station appear bigger. The only thing I'm not sure about is your station building, hope you don't mind me saying that, as your layout is set Oxford/Reading area (Western Region) if it was the original station building would it not be a dressed stone building I know space permitting it's really hard, just not sure it fits with the housing and the street scene you have, the job you have done on the building is fantastic, just not sure it's the correct building for your layout, I really hope you don't mind me saying that.
The back scenes will give your layout a lot more depth and looking forward to see that, if your adding a boat and it's going to be static, have you thought about adding some mooring points on the bank so it can look like its tied up. Andy
Andy Hudson Thanks Andy. The station isn't going to be ideal. I'm trying to go for some sort of cheap prefabricated look rather than an original building. Hopefully with plenty of NSE signage and some weathering to tone it down it will look ok. Cheers
EverardJunction Hi Richard spent a while thinking about this but I have decided to rip my layout up and start again, short story is I have a few issues with the boards sagging, not enough supports under the chipboard causing trains to uncouple and derailments, also with a lack of planning on my part I can't connect the fiddle yard to the rest of my layout so pointless having it. My layout is in the loft like yours, whats the best type of board to use mdf, chipboard or ply. What is the gap you use between your fiddle yard and your running section, going to have a similar set up to you, in the middle of planning things properly this time, the first attempt will treat as a learning exercise. Thanks Andy
Andy Hudson Hi Andy. The best board to use is ply as it's very resistant to warping. Properly supported it will last for many years.
I leave a gap of about 6 to 7 inches between my two layers. You don't want to go any lower than that as access will get very difficult for wiring.
Good luck with the new layout.
Thanks Richard
Happy New Year Everard the station is looking good Keep it up :-D
Layout looks great!
What about a clock tower for the station?
Philip
don't know if you gone down south East London but looks a bit like the old Woolwich arsenal before dlr can you do a video on your lower level might be the storage as I just started and would like to link up multiple layers
The gaps between my m3's seem not to bad. Are those Hornby or Bachmann? Mine are Hornby
how big is the layout it ? seems great just wondering as i am start to build a layout myself. i have a space of 5 metres to 2 metres i am just wondering if i will be alright just checking :) and also you don't have a clear shoot of all lay out i guess its quite big. thanks!
love the lay out very nice i would love to build something like is if i had the room :/
hi ..where is the retaining wall from.? Cheers. Jim.
What did you use for your cut stone retaining walls with the arches? Thanks.
+seagraver They came pre-made but I trimmed them to fit better with a very sharp knife. They cut easily as they are made from foam.
Thanks. I looked back through your videos to find the specifics on the product you used. I tried the link you provided with no luck. It seems they've gone out of business. Thanks again. I've enjoyed your videos and have used a few of your methods and ideas on my own layout. The yard you've been working on has given me several ideas and I'm actually considering "fiddling" with that Wills interlocking rod kit. Keep up the great work and please keep posting!
A narrowboat would look good in the water.
With the massive couplings and lack of vents, these seem more like a Railroad release rather than a standard release as the price suggests
AVFCAM Totally agree, they need a retool. I reckon bachmann will do them in the next few years if hornby don't do something.
hi I have watched a lot of your videos and need some advice I am looking to get a vitrain class 37 and wanted to know weather it is a good make
Congratulations on 20000 subscribers Richard
+Jack Brown Thanks. I can't believe the channel has grown so much!
hi,..im a new subscriber...great videos and a wonderful railway.what scale are you running.and are all trains and cars from hornby?
keep up the good work...cheers from sweden..:)
Hi. .wot paint did you use on the brick plasticard?
Will you add people to the station?
for the MK3 couplings check out the video I done on my channel on fitting the keen systems coupling units to MK2Ds but its the same for MK3s
Happy New Year
i am a kid i love your videos and i am starting a railway
Hi Richard, another welcome video. I have a non railway question. On your Mothercare warehouse, you have the original logo. I worked for the studio in London that produced it. Do you have a connection with Lenart Advertising or Studio Venture?
Barry. Devon.
OBowner Hi Barry. I have no connection to them. I just researched the old branding and managed to find a decent image of the old logo. I used an old BRS promo film to get the branding for the trucks right.
How do you do the concrete under the tracks?
Rhys Gregory Check out episode 13 of my how to series. That covers the whole process.
Ok thanks dude!! By the way I subscribed to your channel!! :)
hi.....the Hornby MK3 will now be fitted with NEM couplings! The latest GWR coaches are listed on the website with NEM. Hornby have confirmed this. This is great news. I only hope Hornby can allow us to buy new bogies with NEM couplings. These will be easy to fit, as I cannot see Hornby having re-designed the mechanism for fitting the bogies to the chassis! I don't suppose it will suddenly render our non NEM coaches obsolete but its good to see Hornby are now listening and taking the fight to Oxford Rail and their MK3 coaches. The MK3 is a very simple looking coach and I cant see the Oxford's version being mind-blowingly better, due to the simple lines of the MK3. dAVE