These videos are on another level in terms of production and quality, very enjoyable. I quite like the 4 track mainline as long as you can blend the sceney in well to accommodate it. Definitely space the sleepers, it will look a lot better in the long term. I think it's always that battle for realism against play value, at the end of the day you've got to be comfortable operating it for 8hrs + at a show without getting bored! Chris
Space the sleepers all the way. They will improve the look of the track and put it into scale for later then the scenery starts to take form. Will also make the track detail look ‘right’. You’ll thank yourself later for the effort you when into in the initial stages.
I was finally able to watch this installment in your layout series. Great post as always! I model O-scale 3 rail in the States, and I really enjoy seeing how someone overseas builds a layout and tackles some of the hurtles that present themselves when creating a model railroad. I must say you are doing great work and I am enjoying each episode.
Great video. I would definitely make the effort to space the sleepers. You will thank yourself when you get to the scenics later because it will look so much better. Especially where you have the bullhead correctly spaced alongside. Everard Junction is a great example where this work has paid off
Hi I am at the planning stages of building a model railway for the first time in 40 years. The choices available and advancement in technology is overwhelming and to be honest there are allot more things to think about in the layout stages (DCC is now what I am thinking) the than the planning of the layout. Anyway back to today I came across your series three days ago and now at the end of series 5, I have allot of questions / ideas answered and a vision finalised but not written in stone. Living in S Yorkshire the east coast mainline is going to be the main focus of the layout and loosely based on Doncaster station. Due to space restrictions I will be using N gauge. I would like to thank you for the series and giving me so many ideas. My last layout had inclines to make two levels now I can just make two levels giving the same effect with allot less stress on the locos. I was planning an end to end branch line now it will be a loop entwined around the main line. As in the past the main lines were an oval now it will be offset and yes the main line will have 4 lines through the station with two outer lines of the station for slower passenger trains or goods trains to wait to go out one the main line. My mind is running wild 🙂🙂 get the pen and paper out. Many thanks again and I cant wait to see your episode on wiring the layout for DCC which definitely wasn't around when I did my layout 40 years ago.
Love the new look for the layout and keeping it real for the mainline is awesome, keep up the great work and showing us different way to build a layout and also use the shaping tool sir
I think this stage is really the best stage of any build. I imagine lots of viewers will suggest you slave away adjusting all those sleepers. Personally, I'd leave them alone.
Too right! If track is of major importance, then consider EM gauge or ProtoFour instead of 00. Best way to improve realism of 00 gauge track is to paint it.
Space the sleepers before you fit the track! Can you imagine being a year or more into the build & regretting not doing it before & having to rip up all the track, ballast etc? Now you have the means to do the job, it'll play on your mind forever until you do it!
Hi Richard - very enjoyable update. I'd agree re having the 4 track mainline. Don't think I'd go as far as respacing the sleepers though. Once ballasted don't think most people would notice or really care as to the spacing between sleepers. Cheers Euan
For the sleeper spacing, I would say try it on one section of track, put a train on it and take pictures from all angles and zoom levels. You could even put some loose ballast down to see what difference that would make. This way you can tell if there is any difference that you would care about - other than making the spacing exactly to scale.
Space the sleepers out, mate. It looks great on Everard Junction. If you are asking the question it means that you want to do it. If you don't do it now it will bug you later and by then it will be too difficult to change. Love the video and the build :)
Being in the states (Pennsylvania to be exact) I love the 4 track main because that's what the Pennsylvania railroad did from Philadelphia PA to Chicago IL. I think it gives some awesome photo opportunities like you shown with the Flying Scottsman. I like your idea of a heritage railway and a main line but I wouldve left the heritage line where it was and created a bridge for the farther 2 mains to go over it at the corner again for some interesting photo opportunities. And as far as the tie (sleeper) spacing goes I don't think many people would notice the difference. I personally prefer switching layouts but I would definitely have fun running on a layout like this. Can't wait to see the final product!
Great ideas for a more real looking layout with some functional value as well. Food for thought; I always thought a jig for making things was to make each one as close as possible to the first one. This would mean that you insert your pieces into slots so they will not move as well as the piece you are attaching to them, being sure they are all uniform.
Looks good I like the idea of the 2 tracks becoming a 4 track Mainline and regards to potentially separating the concrete sleepers only you will really know and be glad or regret not spending 100s of hours spacing them
Nice one Richard! I would say the spacer is well worth the effort mate. Handy little tool that which I may have to buy at some point in the future 🤓 I like your hands on approach to layout logistic solutions 😜 Truly, it’s the only way to ensure yards, stations and junctions ‘look right’ in practice, since some fantastic designs end up looking right duds when you lay them out and have a ‘practice run’. Plus of course, you inevitably find something that looks and works better anyway! 😅 Cheers matey, looks like it is going to be another belter of a layout 😎👍🍻🍀
A big yes to the 4 track main. It gives variation in running and means you can keep movement of trains all the time while having some stop and start, it just adds interest. On the subject of sleeper spacing, I was kind of "meh" until I watched the laborious work that Everard Junctiion put into his sleeper spacing. I truly think it made a huge difference when trying to 'trick' the eye. Watch his videos on it then make your own decision.
Awesome video mate , really enjoyed it. I absolutely love the new layout track plan. It is really coming together. I think a 4 way mainline would be great and also try the sleeper accessory I think it's good to get as realistic as possible. thanks for sharing 😊
Great walk through of your thought and re-thinking process, Richard. Obviously, this is the time to sort these potential issues out, and your previous layouts and work and Hornby have clearly extended your forward vision, if I may be so bold to suggest that. Nice to see the layout coming along.
I’m my opinion for a Mainline you should have 4 loops all the way round, doesn’t mean they have to be directly next to each other but if you wanted to run some slower longer freight trains, you have to wait for it to come all the way round and pull into the station (which would be a bit strange for a freight train to do anyway) before you could send off a faster train like the 800’s or a 390. Maybe you could have two passenger lines drop down and run next to the heritage lines like seen at SVR, Crewe HC, Paignton, etc… Re the sleeper spacing I personally would leave it as is, when you’ve added the ballast and all the scenery the track is the last thing you’ll be focusing on 👍🏻
Captain Hindsight here! If you find a suitable width of timber for the elevation you want, use the bought width for your height rather than rely on your cutting the same height every time. You are facing similar problems to me, I am trying to have a dc and a dcc system on two levels without too much hidden track. Nice series of videos.
Excellent update and fabulous progress. Well done! It looks like the upper deck above your right shoulder at 13:50 could be cut back to the inner double track alignment, exposing more of the heritage line. It would also be fascinating to see if the embankments, retaining walls and bridge structures on the New Junction section of track can look more modern than the "original" alignment - telling a story about the staging and engineering advancements.
Nice update Richard. It is starting to take shape nicely. Space the sleepers if you can, I think it does look better and it's easily done, if a tad laborious. It will make a nice time lapse video! The question is, will you have to commit to gluing them down to hold them in place?
Nice video Richard. I like the idea of having 4 tracks as it will add some verity when it comes to running sessions. Look forward to the next one. Nicholas.
It’s up to you Richard but I would say No because concrete sleepers look really nice as there are. But that’s me. At the end of the day it’s down to you. One thing I will say Richard!! I really enjoy your channel. Bye for now from St Micheal’s junction.
@@NewJunction Thanks very much for replying Richard to my comment. Like the work you are doing so l subscribe to your channel to improve mine to get some great ideas. Thanks DD.
Great update Richard, I do like the improvements and alteration of the heritage line, lots of potential camera angles there. I also agree get trains running asap so easy to spot irregularities, imperfections and whether the layout will ‘work’ for you, ie does it fulfil requirements.
Who's been a busy bee then? Great to see such progress on the layout. I think the double junction and four track main line will look the dogs### giving a feel of the ECML. If you don't re-space the sleepers on the main will you regret it later as it may look odd viewed along side the bullhead. Decisions, decisions! Catch you soon buddy, regards Bobby 'T'.
Got so immersed watching this that I felt quite sad when you said that was it for another episode! haha. The layout is coming along very nicely, interested to see how you will make the scenery work around the tracks in the future. Cheers, Dave
You're making good progress now Richard. I do think the correctly spaced track will look great especially for exhibition mode. Having said that I've not got the spacing on my layout and I still think it looks good, it's about enjoying the layout and trains mainly. On a side note you're really nailing the editing on your videos (for both magazine and new junction channels). Hope you're keeping well and keep up the great work Cheers James
May I recommend 2 drills - one for the drill bit and one for the screwdriver? Massively reduces time and fiddling swapping between the drill and screwdriver bits.
Maybe a bit late in the day, but get yourself a cordless screwdriver. It'll save you having to swap out the drill and screwdriver bit constantly. Most are a bit smaller than your drill, so don't expect it to work forever without a charge. The four track section has the potential to look impressive and you have the space, so why not! Can't believe you had to explain play value! ;-) Sleeper spacing! Personally I couldn't be bothered, but I'm not running a UA-cam channel or potentially taking my layout to exhibitions. So, back to you Richard in the studio!
I have the smaller guide from laser lines, I wish I had the longer one but it is worth spacing the sleepers, albeit a bit of a pain, but makes a great improvement.
Hi Richard, Another cracking video. I'd space the sleepers on the concrete track - if you don't (as you've considered it) it'll ALWAYS niggle. Sorry if that means more work, but it'll then be on a par with the new PECO bullhead track. If you don't space the sleepers, imho, it'll look incongruous and toy like.
Hi Richard, I am not really sure I should suggest anything because we have such different ideas/tastes when modelling railways. However, (if I had your space!) I would have made a modified Colton Junction - two tracks towards Leeds and four tracks towards Doncaster and London. I would have probably based the layout in the era just after Colton Junction was opened too. However, I prefer late BR/early privatisation which one could term as a new juncture for the railways hence New Junction. I know that sounds a little twee or a little too-clever-by-half, but a lot of model railway names are descriptions rather than stories and the model railways that tell a story tend to be my favourites. The storage for passenger trains could be a scaled down York station itself with an avoiding line or two for freights. Plenty of steam-era rail tours stop in York too (either as a final destination or going to Scarborough. Implicitly I would leave out a weaving preserved line. Not illegal, but not my taste. We would be building for different purposes. You are also making the layout for exhibition rather than just for home operation/play (I would be doing the opposite). I am not sure how the layout would work as one might need to put in tight curves for a loop on the York-Leeds line as well as risking space for the York-Doncaster-London lines. Anyway, I hope you do not mind me writing what I would have done (rather than a this is what you should do) suggestion. I heard East Coast Main Line, four tracks and junction (especially with the way you are currently planning your junction at the bottom left of the layout as viewed at the end of the video) and my mind instantly went to Colton Junction where I photographed Bittern on the final leg of the 2013 Great Britain rail tour. I like model railways and enjoy your videos, so I will watch when I can whatever you decide. I hope things go well for you. Regards, Jonny.
Hi Jonny, thanks for taking the time to write that! In fact Colton junction is a big inspiration for my own junction, I just need to find a plan that fits
Looking good mate, done bit more since we visited, sleeper spacing would be great but I feel your pain, 26ft on my layout, I wasn't gonna do all that, well done to people that have. Have to come and actually do lots of wiring this time instead of playing trains lol
I think you need the 4 tracks on the mainline to act as some kind of storage if you are not including a fiddle yard or station. Otherwise it will become frustrating removing the longer trains off the 2 track mainline every time you want to change them over!
Awesome. Memories of when I got Ashbrooke Central's upper level in for the first time about 5 years ago. However, I'm moving out of my parents' house in 2 weeks, and the layout will be unused for ages. The likelihood is that it'll never move, and instead get stripped out for a new project.
I’m not a train guy Richard but find the videos fun to watch. If you get yourself a little sander to go over all the cut wood it will make it better to look at and handle.
Hi Richard, really liking the look of the new layout and 4 main lines is the way to go as GCSEs what you really want to recreate so I would have no questions there. As it’s planned to be an exhibition layout I would go with correctly spaced sleepers otherwise I think you will regret it further down the line 😉. Really enjoyed the video and looking forward to see this develop! Cheers Gary
does sleeper space really make that much difference, by the time you have ballasted/put your sleeper grime etc down and look at it from couple feet away doubt if many people will be counting sleepers, enjoying the vids. ian from Hinckley...............
hi new to your channel enjoy very much i like the idea of two tracks going into four, i have that on my layout ,look forward to next video thanks Nigel
Although time consuming I think prototypical sleeper spacing makes a huge difference, I’m currently building my 4mm layout using C&L flexi which has the correct spacing and it looks great, I am using have build points though. Keep up the great work buddy
So many changes yet so much progress! Coming along very nicely. Definitely go for the four track mainline (it's what I want to do eventually once a bigger space becomes available) it will look ace. At this stage, if you have the opportunity to space the sleepers correctly, I think it's probably worth doing, especially as otherwise you will have a mix of incorrect and correct. Looking forward to seeing how you are going to lose the edges of the upper baseboards with your scenery.
Hi Richard new junction is coming along great the double track that splits into 4 is a great way of holding more trains l did the same to create an island station and a fast through mainline it adds more running interest the E11R elizabeth ll looks great just like the real thing I saw in your hornby magazine video can’t wait for the next update Take care Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Exciting times. How will the 4 track mainline and the junction look when put together in exhibition mode? I assume you'll have a short two track section around the heritage shed but four tracks on both corners? Can you make it three tracks for additional play benefit and make it a longer new new junction? That is what gives the layout the name. Less crossovers and more point work perhaps? Heritage layouts can always have steeper curves but mainline will need straight or sweeping curves. I agree less is sometimes more and you have the heritage line already, will be interesting to see what you decide for the space you have.
Easiest way to add additional levels onto a sturdy original level is 15mm pipe. Its very easy to cut precise lengths using a pipe cutter and this ensures the levels are right. Also with a thin cross section easy to build into bridging structures. PS I would have no interest in spending the time to do correct sleeper spacing.
Great to see more progress on the layout, following your videos as I build my own O gauge loft layout. As for the sleeper spacer... I can't really see much of a bonus of the sleeper spacing as 99.9999% of people wont even notice! Once the ballast is laid you wont be able to tell anyway, that along with the fact it'll be very time consuming for the very little reward. Cant wait to see your layout develop further as its coming leaps and bounds already.
Great video there Richard, nice to see the layout getting more progress, mainlines so far look very nice and I like the 4 track section, when I can start building a layout 4 track mainlines are what I want to have, hopefully won’t be long now until we see some trains running on those mainlines, keep up the good work, as for sleeper spacing I would say do it, if your going for absolute realism then it will look good when completed.
If you find the Peco point printout isn’t printing to correct scale you can go into your print settings and adjust the % setting. It might take a bit of trial and error but once done you will know the correct setting.
Love the video and the four line track is a great idea. Tip with cobalt ip digital’s is to varnish where they are going so the sticky pads stick better to the baseboards. Another idea for securing in place is to use a hot glue gun. Keep up the great work and look forward to next video.
Modern concrete track has closer sleeper spacing, this was very noticeable when the line to the channel tunnel was relayed in the 1990's before HS1 opened so in that repect I wouldn't be too concerned by Peco spacing, it's the sleeper width that's undersize.
If the four lines fit okay for the curves, then yes would be a good idea giving more options for running trains - inside line on one circuit then outer one for second. Those peco paper points are good for n scale too. I got the express, medium and set track on A3 paper from a show and took them to a local printer who copied them for a couple of quid - far cheaper than what I would have had to spend buying them all at the show and not knowing how many would be needed.
Moving the heritage line is a good move, it would have been a shame if it were totally covered. I think the four track plan is the way to go as you have the space for it but not sure over the effort on the sleeper spacing. As we all know the sleepers can be put right but the track width is still wrong so is it worth it, the only deciding factor could be if you are using the bullhead track for the heritage line then the difference may be more noticeable side by side.
Good morning Richard. You said you have cunning plan for the point motors. When will you be installing them please ? I would like to start laying track on my layout in the next few weeks. So it would be great to know how you are going to tackle it, thanks Steve
It all looks very confusing to me Richard. I can't imagine how the scenery will blend it all in but I am looking forward to seeing it. I'd love four tracks. My model railway club in Mickleover has it and they split two tracks away and bring them back again really well. You can see it in my Royal and Pullman train videos. .
Definitely keep the 4-track mainline. Sleeper spacing sort of depends on what you want. Yes, the HO spacing isn't to scale, but if you look down a railway line from a bridge, the sleeper spacing quickly looks narrower than it is, so leaving it at the HO spacing means you get a bit of perspective, which will (IMO) make the tracks look longer, and if you're mainly running high speed trains on the mainline, then the train's not going to be around long enough to really clock the discrepancy (and anyway, the gauge is wrong for the scale anyway...). You'll also get more of a distinction with the heritage line. Depending on where scenic breaks will be, you could re-space the 2-track mainline, but leave the 4-track mainline at HO spacing for the perspective.
Don't forget you can support the channel here:
www.patreon.com/NewJunction
I like the 4 tracks. Adds some variety from the double track loops and train my need to wait for another train to clear the junction
Yeah good point, might add some interest in exhibition mode too
These videos are on another level in terms of production and quality, very enjoyable. I quite like the 4 track mainline as long as you can blend the sceney in well to accommodate it. Definitely space the sleepers, it will look a lot better in the long term. I think it's always that battle for realism against play value, at the end of the day you've got to be comfortable operating it for 8hrs + at a show without getting bored! Chris
Thanks Chris!
Definitely the the 4 track option! It looks great! Really enjoying seeing this come together. Thanks for another great episode!
Awesome update Richard!!! Thanks for sharing this video! I choose the 4-track variation. Cheers Onno.
Thanks as always Onno
Space the sleepers all the way. They will improve the look of the track and put it into scale for later then the scenery starts to take form. Will also make the track detail look ‘right’. You’ll thank yourself later for the effort you when into in the initial stages.
Thanks
I was finally able to watch this installment in your layout series. Great post as always!
I model O-scale 3 rail in the States, and I really enjoy seeing how someone overseas builds a layout and tackles some of the hurtles that present themselves when creating a model railroad. I must say you are doing great work and I am enjoying each episode.
Thanks Grey fox
I think it's ultimately about the trains and having as much track as is possible while also looking sensible is the goal for my layout
Thanks!
Definitely 4 tracks. Great to see how it’s coming along.
Snap
That's just so brilliant what you're doing. Just looks fantastic, hope you're well new junction
Great video. I would definitely make the effort to space the sleepers. You will thank yourself when you get to the scenics later because it will look so much better. Especially where you have the bullhead correctly spaced alongside. Everard Junction is a great example where this work has paid off
Hi I am at the planning stages of building a model railway for the first time in 40 years. The choices available and advancement in technology is overwhelming and to be honest there are allot more things to think about in the layout stages (DCC is now what I am thinking) the than the planning of the layout. Anyway back to today I came across your series three days ago and now at the end of series 5, I have allot of questions / ideas answered and a vision finalised but not written in stone. Living in S Yorkshire the east coast mainline is going to be the main focus of the layout and loosely based on Doncaster station. Due to space restrictions I will be using N gauge.
I would like to thank you for the series and giving me so many ideas. My last layout had inclines to make two levels now I can just make two levels giving the same effect with allot less stress on the locos. I was planning an end to end branch line now it will be a loop entwined around the main line. As in the past the main lines were an oval now it will be offset and yes the main line will have 4 lines through the station with two outer lines of the station for slower passenger trains or goods trains to wait to go out one the main line. My mind is running wild 🙂🙂 get the pen and paper out.
Many thanks again and I cant wait to see your episode on wiring the layout for DCC which definitely wasn't around when I did my layout 40 years ago.
Il est fantastique ce gars!
Definitely the 4 track!! Running shots on that will be epic!!
My thoughts exactly
Awesome update really enjoyed watching some of the trains go by in this one
Love the new look for the layout and keeping it real for the mainline is awesome, keep up the great work and showing us different way to build a layout and also use the shaping tool sir
Scaled track spacing definitely, yes.
Some good tips there Richard the jig is a very good idea , yes play value that's something I'm getting to grips with on my layout.
I would say double track with a 4 track mainline as well. Looks great so far!!
Thanks
Good to see you put the boards you got to good use good to see you the other week look forward to seeing the process on the layout Richard.
Ha who knows we might bump into each other again when I require more timber 😆
Excellent progress, Look forward to seeing the next one 👍
Great update, Richard. Keep up the great work.
This is coming on a real treat Richard. A very enjoyable watch.
Thanks Anthony!
I think this stage is really the best stage of any build. I imagine lots of viewers will suggest you slave away adjusting all those sleepers. Personally, I'd leave them alone.
Thanks!
Too right! If track is of major importance, then consider EM gauge or ProtoFour instead of 00. Best way to improve realism of 00 gauge track is to paint it.
Looks great Richard! 4 track arrangement will look super with ECML expresses shooting past slow trains!
Thanks pal!
Good update Richard coming along lovely .You have done some work there. Top Man.
Thanks Allan
Space the sleepers before you fit the track! Can you imagine being a year or more into the build & regretting not doing it before & having to rip up all the track, ballast etc? Now you have the means to do the job, it'll play on your mind forever until you do it!
Thanks
Do not have a setup of my own but I do love your channel bud, very insightful and clear instructions. Another great episode mate 🙂
Great to see new new Junction coming along and the twin to four track looks great keep up the good work 👍
Thanks
Hi Richard - very enjoyable update. I'd agree re having the 4 track mainline. Don't think I'd go as far as respacing the sleepers though. Once ballasted don't think most people would notice or really care as to the spacing between sleepers. Cheers Euan
Thanks Euan
VERY nice! I like the track plan as it stands now.
Thanks
For the sleeper spacing, I would say try it on one section of track, put a train on it and take pictures from all angles and zoom levels. You could even put some loose ballast down to see what difference that would make. This way you can tell if there is any difference that you would care about - other than making the spacing exactly to scale.
Code 75 bullhead track is so much more realistic in my opinion. Great video, by the way!
Space the sleepers out, mate. It looks great on Everard Junction. If you are asking the question it means that you want to do it. If you don't do it now it will bug you later and by then it will be too difficult to change. Love the video and the build :)
Thanks Brenton
Being in the states (Pennsylvania to be exact) I love the 4 track main because that's what the Pennsylvania railroad did from Philadelphia PA to Chicago IL. I think it gives some awesome photo opportunities like you shown with the Flying Scottsman. I like your idea of a heritage railway and a main line but I wouldve left the heritage line where it was and created a bridge for the farther 2 mains to go over it at the corner again for some interesting photo opportunities. And as far as the tie (sleeper) spacing goes I don't think many people would notice the difference. I personally prefer switching layouts but I would definitely have fun running on a layout like this. Can't wait to see the final product!
Great ideas for a more real looking layout with some functional value as well. Food for thought; I always thought a jig for making things was to make each one as close as possible to the first one. This would mean that you insert your pieces into slots so they will not move as well as the piece you are attaching to them, being sure they are all uniform.
Great Richard, love it when a new New New Junction Video comes out 🤗 regards Matt
Thanks Matt
Coming on nicely Richard 👍
Cheers!
Great to see this taking shape now 👌🏻
Thanks Robin
Looks good I like the idea of the 2 tracks becoming a 4 track Mainline and regards to potentially separating the concrete sleepers only you will really know and be glad or regret not spending 100s of hours spacing them
Thanks
Great stuff! I reckon space them! Can’t wait to see more progress!
Thanks Will
Nice one Richard! I would say the spacer is well worth the effort mate. Handy little tool that which I may have to buy at some point in the future 🤓 I like your hands on approach to layout logistic solutions 😜 Truly, it’s the only way to ensure yards, stations and junctions ‘look right’ in practice, since some fantastic designs end up looking right duds when you lay them out and have a ‘practice run’. Plus of course, you inevitably find something that looks and works better anyway! 😅
Cheers matey, looks like it is going to be another belter of a layout 😎👍🍻🍀
A big yes to the 4 track main. It gives variation in running and means you can keep movement of trains all the time while having some stop and start, it just adds interest. On the subject of sleeper spacing, I was kind of "meh" until I watched the laborious work that Everard Junctiion put into his sleeper spacing. I truly think it made a huge difference when trying to 'trick' the eye. Watch his videos on it then make your own decision.
Awesome video mate , really enjoyed it. I absolutely love the new layout track plan. It is really coming together. I think a 4 way mainline would be great and also try the sleeper accessory I think it's good to get as realistic as possible. thanks for sharing 😊
Great walk through of your thought and re-thinking process, Richard. Obviously, this is the time to sort these potential issues out, and your previous layouts and work and Hornby have clearly extended your forward vision, if I may be so bold to suggest that. Nice to see the layout coming along.
Nice update Richard, coming together well, definitely 4 track, adds to the interest and some good signalling potential. 👍
Thanks and good point!
I’m my opinion for a Mainline you should have 4 loops all the way round, doesn’t mean they have to be directly next to each other but if you wanted to run some slower longer freight trains, you have to wait for it to come all the way round and pull into the station (which would be a bit strange for a freight train to do anyway) before you could send off a faster train like the 800’s or a 390. Maybe you could have two passenger lines drop down and run next to the heritage lines like seen at SVR, Crewe HC, Paignton, etc…
Re the sleeper spacing I personally would leave it as is, when you’ve added the ballast and all the scenery the track is the last thing you’ll be focusing on 👍🏻
Thanks for the comment 😊
You do give yourself a lot of work… but will be well worth it I’m sure.
Captain Hindsight here! If you find a suitable width of timber for the elevation you want, use the bought width for your height rather than rely on your cutting the same height every time. You are facing similar problems to me, I am trying to have a dc and a dcc system on two levels without too much hidden track. Nice series of videos.
If less is more, imagine how much more more would be!
Lol good point
looking good. I do agree, get the trains out ans run them, that is the best way to test, and motivate to get the rest done.
Thanks
Excellent update and fabulous progress. Well done! It looks like the upper deck above your right shoulder at 13:50 could be cut back to the inner double track alignment, exposing more of the heritage line. It would also be fascinating to see if the embankments, retaining walls and bridge structures on the New Junction section of track can look more modern than the "original" alignment - telling a story about the staging and engineering advancements.
Yes the top deck will be trimmed when the tracks been laid. Good idea on the embankments
Nice update Richard. It is starting to take shape nicely. Space the sleepers if you can, I think it does look better and it's easily done, if a tad laborious. It will make a nice time lapse video! The question is, will you have to commit to gluing them down to hold them in place?
Nice video Richard. I like the idea of having 4 tracks as it will add some verity when it comes to running sessions. Look forward to the next one. Nicholas.
Thanks Nicholas
It’s up to you Richard but I would say No because concrete sleepers look really nice as there are. But that’s me. At the end of the day it’s down to you. One thing I will say Richard!! I really enjoy your channel. Bye for now from
St Micheal’s junction.
certainly 4 track. something different and will look great on e completed.
regarding sleeper spacing, keep as is
Great!! Awaiting more updates soon!
Thanks
Hi Richard enjoyed your latest video and liked thanks DD.
Thanks
@@NewJunction Thanks very much for replying Richard to my comment. Like the work you are doing so l subscribe to your channel to improve mine to get some great ideas. Thanks DD.
Hi Richard if you get chance have a look at my latest video showing the new arches l been working on see want you think thanks.
@@medwaymodelrailway7129 Thanks I will do!
@@NewJunction Thank you Richard.
Great update Richard, I do like the improvements and alteration of the heritage line, lots of potential camera angles there. I also agree get trains running asap so easy to spot irregularities, imperfections and whether the layout will ‘work’ for you, ie does it fulfil requirements.
Thanks John, hope you're keeping well!
4 tracks, adds more features. Looking forward to the next video. Are you installing a backscene?
It'll have something, I've not decided yet
4 tracks will look awesome! :-)
yes bother. it will look better. worth the effort. Good luck
Thanks John
Who's been a busy bee then? Great to see such progress on the layout. I think the double junction and four track main line will look the dogs### giving a feel of the ECML. If you don't re-space the sleepers on the main will you regret it later as it may look odd viewed along side the bullhead. Decisions, decisions! Catch you soon buddy, regards Bobby 'T'.
Thanks Bobby T
Got so immersed watching this that I felt quite sad when you said that was it for another episode! haha. The layout is coming along very nicely, interested to see how you will make the scenery work around the tracks in the future. Cheers, Dave
Ha thats great! Ill try and bring a small update out sooner this time
You're making good progress now Richard. I do think the correctly spaced track will look great especially for exhibition mode. Having said that I've not got the spacing on my layout and I still think it looks good, it's about enjoying the layout and trains mainly. On a side note you're really nailing the editing on your videos (for both magazine and new junction channels). Hope you're keeping well and keep up the great work
Cheers
James
Thanks James, that's very kind! Glad you're enjoying the videos
May I recommend 2 drills - one for the drill bit and one for the screwdriver? Massively reduces time and fiddling swapping between the drill and screwdriver bits.
Maybe a bit late in the day, but get yourself a cordless screwdriver. It'll save you having to swap out the drill and screwdriver bit constantly. Most are a bit smaller than your drill, so don't expect it to work forever without a charge.
The four track section has the potential to look impressive and you have the space, so why not! Can't believe you had to explain play value! ;-)
Sleeper spacing! Personally I couldn't be bothered, but I'm not running a UA-cam channel or potentially taking my layout to exhibitions. So, back to you Richard in the studio!
Ha thanks Davie and top tip on the drill
Cracking update Richard, Yes space the sleepers, the track can make or break a layout.. IMO..
Coming to help Mark? 😆
@@NewJunction.. Ermm.. I think I'll give it a miss its a a painstaking task.
@@markwilson8002 whatttttt, unlimited tea and coffee....
Two into four is my pick. 👍🏻
I have the smaller guide from laser lines, I wish I had the longer one but it is worth spacing the sleepers, albeit a bit of a pain, but makes a great improvement.
In my tests I've used both tbf
Hi Richard,
Another cracking video.
I'd space the sleepers on the concrete track - if you don't (as you've considered it) it'll ALWAYS niggle. Sorry if that means more work, but it'll then be on a par with the new PECO bullhead track. If you don't space the sleepers, imho, it'll look incongruous and toy like.
Thanks!
Hi Richard,
I am not really sure I should suggest anything because we have such different ideas/tastes when modelling railways.
However, (if I had your space!) I would have made a modified Colton Junction - two tracks towards Leeds and four tracks towards Doncaster and London. I would have probably based the layout in the era just after Colton Junction was opened too. However, I prefer late BR/early privatisation which one could term as a new juncture for the railways hence New Junction. I know that sounds a little twee or a little too-clever-by-half, but a lot of model railway names are descriptions rather than stories and the model railways that tell a story tend to be my favourites.
The storage for passenger trains could be a scaled down York station itself with an avoiding line or two for freights. Plenty of steam-era rail tours stop in York too (either as a final destination or going to Scarborough. Implicitly I would leave out a weaving preserved line. Not illegal, but not my taste.
We would be building for different purposes. You are also making the layout for exhibition rather than just for home operation/play (I would be doing the opposite). I am not sure how the layout would work as one might need to put in tight curves for a loop on the York-Leeds line as well as risking space for the York-Doncaster-London lines.
Anyway, I hope you do not mind me writing what I would have done (rather than a this is what you should do) suggestion. I heard East Coast Main Line, four tracks and junction (especially with the way you are currently planning your junction at the bottom left of the layout as viewed at the end of the video) and my mind instantly went to Colton Junction where I photographed Bittern on the final leg of the 2013 Great Britain rail tour. I like model railways and enjoy your videos, so I will watch when I can whatever you decide.
I hope things go well for you.
Regards, Jonny.
Hi Jonny, thanks for taking the time to write that! In fact Colton junction is a big inspiration for my own junction, I just need to find a plan that fits
Looking good mate, done bit more since we visited, sleeper spacing would be great but I feel your pain, 26ft on my layout, I wasn't gonna do all that, well done to people that have. Have to come and actually do lots of wiring this time instead of playing trains lol
Now you need to come down to space sleepers lol
I think you need the 4 tracks on the mainline to act as some kind of storage if you are not including a fiddle yard or station. Otherwise it will become frustrating removing the longer trains off the 2 track mainline every time you want to change them over!
Very good point this!
awesome video New Junction
Thanks
Awesome. Memories of when I got Ashbrooke Central's upper level in for the first time about 5 years ago. However, I'm moving out of my parents' house in 2 weeks, and the layout will be unused for ages. The likelihood is that it'll never move, and instead get stripped out for a new project.
Always a shame when that happens
Looks good and I think you should go double track and 4 track mainline
noted! :)
I’m not a train guy Richard but find the videos fun to watch. If you get yourself a little sander to go over all the cut wood it will make it better to look at and handle.
Thanks Graham, will do that when the woodwork is complete
Hi Richard, really liking the look of the new layout and 4 main lines is the way to go as GCSEs what you really want to recreate so I would have no questions there. As it’s planned to be an exhibition layout I would go with correctly spaced sleepers otherwise I think you will regret it further down the line 😉. Really enjoyed the video and looking forward to see this develop! Cheers Gary
Thanks Gary!
does sleeper space really make that much difference, by the time you have ballasted/put your
sleeper grime etc down and look at it from couple feet away doubt if many people will be counting sleepers, enjoying the vids.
ian from Hinckley...............
hi new to your channel enjoy very much i like the idea of two tracks going into four, i have that on my layout ,look forward to next video thanks Nigel
Thanks Nigel, thanks for the comment!
Although time consuming I think prototypical sleeper spacing makes a huge difference, I’m currently building my 4mm layout using C&L flexi which has the correct spacing and it looks great, I am using have build points though. Keep up the great work buddy
Thanks
So many changes yet so much progress! Coming along very nicely. Definitely go for the four track mainline (it's what I want to do eventually once a bigger space becomes available) it will look ace. At this stage, if you have the opportunity to space the sleepers correctly, I think it's probably worth doing, especially as otherwise you will have a mix of incorrect and correct. Looking forward to seeing how you are going to lose the edges of the upper baseboards with your scenery.
Watch this space 😊
Hi Richard new junction is coming along great the double track that splits into 4 is a great way of holding more trains l did the same to create an island station and a fast through mainline it adds more running interest the E11R elizabeth ll looks great just like the real thing I saw in your hornby magazine video can’t wait for the next update
Take care
Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield
Thanks Kevin, glad you saw the Elizabeth II video too, took a lot of work haha
Exciting times. How will the 4 track mainline and the junction look when put together in exhibition mode? I assume you'll have a short two track section around the heritage shed but four tracks on both corners? Can you make it three tracks for additional play benefit and make it a longer new new junction? That is what gives the layout the name. Less crossovers and more point work perhaps? Heritage layouts can always have steeper curves but mainline will need straight or sweeping curves. I agree less is sometimes more and you have the heritage line already, will be interesting to see what you decide for the space you have.
Food for thought, thanks!
Easiest way to add additional levels onto a sturdy original level is 15mm pipe. Its very easy to cut precise lengths using a pipe cutter and this ensures the levels are right. Also with a thin cross section easy to build into bridging structures. PS I would have no interest in spending the time to do correct sleeper spacing.
Great to see more progress on the layout, following your videos as I build my own O gauge loft layout. As for the sleeper spacer... I can't really see much of a bonus of the sleeper spacing as 99.9999% of people wont even notice! Once the ballast is laid you wont be able to tell anyway, that along with the fact it'll be very time consuming for the very little reward. Cant wait to see your layout develop further as its coming leaps and bounds already.
Thanks
Yes space the sleepers, you will only wish you had done it when you have finished.
Thanks
Great video there Richard, nice to see the layout getting more progress, mainlines so far look very nice and I like the 4 track section, when I can start building a layout 4 track mainlines are what I want to have, hopefully won’t be long now until we see some trains running on those mainlines, keep up the good work, as for sleeper spacing I would say do it, if your going for absolute realism then it will look good when completed.
Thanks David!
If you find the Peco point printout isn’t printing to correct scale you can go into your print settings and adjust the % setting. It might take a bit of trial and error but once done you will know the correct setting.
Top tip, I must try it
Love the video and the four line track is a great idea. Tip with cobalt ip digital’s is to varnish where they are going so the sticky pads stick better to the baseboards. Another idea for securing in place is to use a hot glue gun. Keep up the great work and look forward to next video.
Thanks Peter!
Superb update...👍
P.s I wondered where you got the wall display cases..
Jim
Picture pride displays although mine were preloved
@@NewJunction superb product..thanks Richard 👍..jim.
Modern concrete track has closer sleeper spacing, this was very noticeable when the line to the channel tunnel was relayed in the 1990's before HS1 opened so in that repect I wouldn't be too concerned by Peco spacing, it's the sleeper width that's undersize.
Thanks!
If the four lines fit okay for the curves, then yes would be a good idea giving more options for running trains - inside line on one circuit then outer one for second.
Those peco paper points are good for n scale too. I got the express, medium and set track on A3 paper from a show and took them to a local printer who copied them for a couple of quid - far cheaper than what I would have had to spend buying them all at the show and not knowing how many would be needed.
Thanks Chris
It's your railway, do what you want 😉
Ultimately yes 👍
Moving the heritage line is a good move, it would have been a shame if it were totally covered. I think the four track plan is the way to go as you have the space for it but not sure over the effort on the sleeper spacing. As we all know the sleepers can be put right but the track width is still wrong so is it worth it, the only deciding factor could be if you are using the bullhead track for the heritage line then the difference may be more noticeable side by side.
Thanks!
Good morning Richard. You said you have cunning plan for the point motors. When will you be installing them please ? I would like to start laying track on my layout in the next few weeks. So it would be great to know how you are going to tackle it, thanks Steve
I need to lay some track first so may not be imminently :-(
It all looks very confusing to me Richard. I can't imagine how the scenery will blend it all in but I am looking forward to seeing it. I'd love four tracks. My model railway club in Mickleover has it and they split two tracks away and bring them back again really well. You can see it in my Royal and Pullman train videos.
.
Thanks, I'll check it out
Definitely 4 tracks. Great to see how it’s coming along.
Thanks Mike
Definitely keep the 4-track mainline. Sleeper spacing sort of depends on what you want. Yes, the HO spacing isn't to scale, but if you look down a railway line from a bridge, the sleeper spacing quickly looks narrower than it is, so leaving it at the HO spacing means you get a bit of perspective, which will (IMO) make the tracks look longer, and if you're mainly running high speed trains on the mainline, then the train's not going to be around long enough to really clock the discrepancy (and anyway, the gauge is wrong for the scale anyway...). You'll also get more of a distinction with the heritage line. Depending on where scenic breaks will be, you could re-space the 2-track mainline, but leave the 4-track mainline at HO spacing for the perspective.
Thanks Andrew!