I am glad that I am not the only one who cannot get on with the software track planning, and I agree that book track plans are too rigid, but are still good to give some perspective. BUT at last someone who admits that the best way they find is too plonk it down and find the vision over a few days looking at the laid track. I found that the changes during this period often keep the, “ wish I had done it that way “ to a minimum. Great video, and the power info is a good reminder. I have added some of them to my list of items. Thanks again for the lighting info, very useful. 👍
Hi Geoff, great update glad things are coming together for you in your new abode. I must admit to a degree of jealousy with your flat walls. The house I live in is only 20 years old however it was built before spirit levels were in regular use. My walls are “dry lined” where a sheet of plasterboard is dabbed with a glue like substance and stuck against the thermal block. Unfortunately no one told the builder to make sure it was square with the bricks so the walls are miles out of true and getting the baseboards square induces verbal profanity. Keep going and please can we have some more of your informative educational ‘how to’ tutorials on how you succeed in doing things. Take care thanks.
G'Day Geoff, I must say thank god I'm not the only one that can't get their head around track plan programs :) I will once the garage is cleared out start my railway and I will be laying track like you showed. I know what I want in my head but cannot seem to put it into the track programs! so as I am old school and prefer tactile feel and look let the games and some cursing begin LoL. Cheers from down under
You always explain things in detail but in an understandable way and if any more info is needed on a specific point or procedure then we can use your old videos for reference and it all works very well, as you say you keep everything as simple as possible, some modellers are making an easy hobby hard when under the baseboards look like spaghetti junction, egos take over here like many hobbies, my layout runs on the most modest electrics you could ever use, with no trains derailing no running problems, and yet with all this excess of electrics they are always having problems, Its all looking very good, regards, Colin.
Great to see you back on TH-cam I just started out on N gauge, and you have really inspired me your enthusiasm and level of detail is just incredible good luck with the new build and I look forward to following it through.
I live really close too the peaco factory in beer in Devon about 6 miles. Yep live in very beautiful part of the county wiv beautiful sea veiws from my cottage.
Nice one Geoff. I plan my track the same way….if it looks good to me and gives interesting running then I go for it, if not I change it. Id like to see how you lay your track please, as I need to do mine a bit better ! Thanks again for sharing your layout build with us. Take care Ron.
Hi Geoff, I'm a new subscriber to your channel. you've been an amazing inspiration, your so calm and instructive. That I've started a new layout.thank you. I look forward to your next video.
Hi Geoff shocked and stunned about the old Layout but we have all been in that sort of situation . Your planning is amazing. and I to lay track like that lay it look at it a few days adjust if required then lay it etc . You explain things so well.. best wishes to you and your Partner. Richard Crompton Canterbury Kent.
Hi Geoff. Yet another great video. Thank you. In terms of track laying There are three things I’d love to understand. 1) How you manage to place points on a curve without getting derailments; 2) how you connect multiple pieces of flexitrack around a curve; and 3) How you manage to get the holes for the dropper wires lined up correctly. All the best. Neil
Great to see another video Geoff. Like the track plan mate and its nice to see some track down as well. Hopefully we can see a train move in the next one. - Nicholas.
superb video Geoff. like your style, double gauge, that is the best of both worlds.. looking forward to your new journey, learning from old mistakes makes it even more enjoyable. backscenes are a big thing to get right. looks like you have mastered them this time... good one. look forward to the next video.. keep up the great work..
Hi Geoff- Those DCC Concepts spike suppressors look good and as I am going to tidy up my wiring for both the bus and the lighting your tips will come in handy. Those multi voltage power supplies are excellent as it saves having to put resistors on the lights. Cheers Kev
Thanks Adam, all good, thank you for your message. Crazy busy with work but I am making slow progress with the layout. Hope to have a. Update out soon! Cheers Geoff
Good to hear from you Geoff, and I'm watching with interest as your layout builds. You do what you feel in the mood to build next mate. Take care and carry on at the way it's coming along. Iain
Great one Geoff, as to what do next, what ever comes ! I just enjoy seeing how different people make a railway with their room, period of modeling (as long as its not per 1940's, they always look too static or preset-up) and the area which they are basing their layout on. Look forward to the next update, enjoy your modeling 😊👍👍
Hi Geoff - great to catch up with progress on the new layout. Plenty been going on and you'll have plenty to keep you busy through the summer months. As to video content - always happy just to watch whatever you serve up - it's always interesting! Cheers Euan
Great video Geoff…..love your philosophy about track laying, planning, etc……without that, you take all the enjoyment out of model railways. If it works for you (and it appears to do so) keep going. Great tips re: wiring - mine looks like a cat has been playing with a ball of string! Looking forward (as always) to the next chapter on your journey 👍
Hi Geoff, lovely update, I’m looking forward to what comes next what ever that maybe as to me it’s always informative, so do what’s next in your head that needs doing. I use much of your way of doing things having watched you from when I started Exehaven, cheers for now Geoff, John
Hi Geoff, Nice video! you certainly have your power covered. Regarding the Alpha meter to some it's a novelty, but it's strongest purpose is as a diagnostic tool. My last video covered the Alpha meter also using it in DC and AC. Nothing wrong with your track planning, I use exactly the same method. I find with track it's more of a feeling and seeing how it flows rather than trying to cram everything in. Unifrogs is a good move, if you look at one closely it has essentially got all the mods that the 00 boys make to their points for dcc. Regarding content, I love all your content, so happy just to see you plod along with your layout at your pace! All the best Tony.
Nice one as always Geoff. In your next video I’d be interested to see if you use anything between the plywood and the track to deaden the sound of running trains?
Thanks for sharing Geoff, you make it all sound so simple! I have a huge issue when joining the N guage flexi track to each other - do you have any tips / tricks I can use? Regards Steve
Hi Geoff. I was wondering if you could show point wiring . Ie, do you modify your points or use insulating fishplates. I ground to a halt re track laying when i got confused with electro frog / unifrog etc.love your content . I am going DCC . Thank you . 👍
also.im running HST's.n gauge,how do you run a full 8 coaches.Ive used hunt couplings.gives adhesion. but the non power unit the wheels seem to cause drag.my only solution was to use two dapol power units ,so a pull push especially with my gradients. How are your hst,s set up to make such a long rake with speed/ thankyou
Good to see your layout taking shape. quick question do you place the meter between the power and the controller or the controller and the track?. Look forward to your layout taking shape as I did with the old parkway. Stay safe
Looking good, Geoff. Can't wait to see the trains running. I absolutely have OCD when it comes to planning and laying track, so you had me sweating bullets in this one! But, I have to admit, I like your approach to track laying! Now then... Question; Do you model any particular era and/or region, or are you a member of the Rule.1 club? Reason I'm asking is that I'm about to -very painfully- go through all of my stock, three storage boxes worth, and -very, very painfully- decide what's staying and what's going on eBay. I was a member of the Rule.1 club for quite some time so have built up a large collection of stock over the years that I now simply have no need for as I'm going to be focusing on a very particular line, for which I have pretty much everything I need ... except my Black.5, Farish! The extra stock can be sold off to go toward building the layout instead of gathering dust. Everything I have has never been run so is pretty much in pristine condition, save a bit of dust from some time on a shelf and some finger prints. I'd say most of it would be suited to the late 80s to mid 00's, some more recent still. 18 IKA Megafret's being the longest train I have. I'd be much happier knowing my collection is going to a good home, and may even show up in some videos so I can still enjoy seeing them running, rather than it just going to some box in an attic somewhere never to be used. If you're interested I'll compile a list for you over the weekend and let you know what I have, or make a video. I'll be reaching out to a few N Gauge TH-camrs I watch before throwing them on eBay as a last resort, damn selling fees! So won't mind holding on to / reserving them for a while if the wallets start screaming! I know mine is... £50 for a coach? Nope! Not happening!! Anyway. Give AnyRail 6 a try. It's free!! It does limit you to 50 pieces of track per plan but the flex track can be any length you want and you can just make separate plans for each half of the layout if needed. It's so easy to use, though the UI can be a bit intimidating at first. You just pull the end points of the track to where you want them and then use two adjustment points to shape the track. Once you're happy with one line you can make parallel tracks next to it with a few clicks. I highly recommend it to novices as I started designing with it and have now used it for years. It's my go-to planning software. Take care. Mike.
hi geoff just watched this video and seen how you use electrical choc blocks for dcc bus wiring but have you checked out charley and chadwick model railway and also you can check they same item i have that charle uses on my channel it is a simple design comes in a pack of 5 and i would highly recomend them so please feel free to check them out. peter
Your mantra on track planning is the same as mine,if it looks good,it generally is correct.Rule 1.
I am glad that I am not the only one who cannot get on with the software track planning, and I agree that book track plans are too rigid, but are still good to give some perspective. BUT at last someone who admits that the best way they find is too plonk it down and find the vision over a few days looking at the laid track. I found that the changes during this period often keep the, “ wish I had done it that way “ to a minimum. Great video, and the power info is a good reminder. I have added some of them to my list of items. Thanks again for the lighting info, very useful. 👍
Hi Geoff
Hope all is well. Haven't seen you on here for while. Look forward to an update.
Hi Geoff, great update glad things are coming together for you in your new abode. I must admit to a degree of jealousy with your flat walls. The house I live in is only 20 years old however it was built before spirit levels were in regular use. My walls are “dry lined” where a sheet of plasterboard is dabbed with a glue like substance and stuck against the thermal block. Unfortunately no one told the builder to make sure it was square with the bricks so the walls are miles out of true and getting the baseboards square induces verbal profanity. Keep going and please can we have some more of your informative educational ‘how to’ tutorials on how you succeed in doing things. Take care thanks.
G'Day Geoff, I must say thank god I'm not the only one that can't get their head around track plan programs :) I will once the garage is cleared out start my railway and I will be laying track like you showed. I know what I want in my head but cannot seem to put it into the track programs! so as I am old school and prefer tactile feel and look let the games and some cursing begin LoL.
Cheers from down under
Nice video Geoff 👍👍👍🔝, super train.
Best regards Gert🖖
You always explain things in detail but in an understandable way and if any more info is needed on a specific point or procedure then we can use your old videos for reference and it all works very well, as you say you keep everything as simple as possible, some modellers are making an easy hobby hard when under the baseboards look like spaghetti junction, egos take over here like many hobbies, my layout runs on the most modest electrics you could ever use, with no trains derailing no running problems, and yet with all this excess of electrics they are always having problems, Its all looking very good, regards, Colin.
Another top video Geoff! Thank you & well done!
Great to see you back on TH-cam I just started out on N gauge, and you have really inspired me your enthusiasm and level of detail is just incredible good luck with the new build and I look forward to following it through.
Great update Geoff!! Thanks for sharing. I am very interested in track laying. Cheers Onno.
I live really close too the peaco factory in beer in Devon about 6 miles. Yep live in very beautiful part of the county wiv beautiful sea veiws from my cottage.
Nice one Geoff. I plan my track the same way….if it looks good to me and gives interesting running then I go for it, if not I change it.
Id like to see how you lay your track please, as I need to do mine a bit better !
Thanks again for sharing your layout build with us.
Take care Ron.
Nice update Geoff 👍
Hi Geoff, I'm a new subscriber to your channel. you've been an amazing inspiration, your so calm and instructive.
That I've started a new layout.thank you.
I look forward to your next video.
Looks very interesting. Subscribed. Greetings from Ohio.
Hi ya, as always great, always look forward to your videos, all the best. Alan
Glad to see you back I’ve been wondering what you have been up to Geoff I’ll be happy just to see you building this new layout 😀 regards Duncan 😎
Hi Geoff shocked and stunned about the old Layout but we have all been in that sort of situation . Your planning is amazing. and I to lay track like that lay it look at it a few days adjust if required then lay it etc . You explain things so well.. best wishes to you and your Partner. Richard Crompton Canterbury Kent.
Hi Geoff. Yet another great video. Thank you. In terms of track laying There are three things I’d love to understand. 1) How you manage to place points on a curve without getting derailments; 2) how you connect multiple pieces of flexitrack around a curve; and 3) How you manage to get the holes for the dropper wires lined up correctly. All the best. Neil
I like your idea of track planning - see what it looks like on the boards. Look forward to each installment. Terriffic!
Great to see another video Geoff. Like the track plan mate and its nice to see some track down as well. Hopefully we can see a train move in the next one. - Nicholas.
Hiya Geoff, it’s definately rising from the ashes of the old loft layout. Looking and sounding good to me so far.. All the best, Chris
superb video Geoff. like your style, double gauge, that is the best of both worlds.. looking forward to your new journey, learning from old mistakes makes it even more enjoyable. backscenes are a big thing to get right. looks like you have mastered them this time... good one. look forward to the next video.. keep up the great work..
Hi Geoff- Those DCC Concepts spike suppressors look good and as I am going to tidy up my wiring for both the bus and the lighting your tips will come in handy. Those multi voltage power supplies are excellent as it saves having to put resistors on the lights.
Cheers Kev
Hi Geoff, can’t wait to see something running, should have some long freight trains with space available in your garage.
Hi Geoff hope ur keeping well hope to see u back on ur Channel soon stay safe 🚂🚂🚂🚂
Thanks Adam, all good, thank you for your message. Crazy busy with work but I am making slow progress with the layout. Hope to have a. Update out soon! Cheers Geoff
Good to hear from you Geoff, and I'm watching with interest as your layout builds. You do what you feel in the mood to build next mate. Take care and carry on at the way it's coming along. Iain
Great one Geoff, as to what do next, what ever comes ! I just enjoy seeing how different people make a railway with their room, period of modeling (as long as its not per 1940's, they always look too static or preset-up) and the area which they are basing their layout on. Look forward to the next update, enjoy your modeling 😊👍👍
Hi Geoff - great to catch up with progress on the new layout. Plenty been going on and you'll have plenty to keep you busy through the summer months. As to video content - always happy just to watch whatever you serve up - it's always interesting! Cheers Euan
Great video Geoff…..love your philosophy about track laying, planning, etc……without that, you take all the enjoyment out of model railways. If it works for you (and it appears to do so) keep going. Great tips re: wiring - mine looks like a cat has been playing with a ball of string! Looking forward (as always) to the next chapter on your journey 👍
Hi Geoff, lovely update, I’m looking forward to what comes next what ever that maybe as to me it’s always informative, so do what’s next in your head that needs doing. I use much of your way of doing things having watched you from when I started Exehaven, cheers for now Geoff, John
Hi Geoff, Nice video! you certainly have your power covered. Regarding the Alpha meter to some it's a novelty, but it's strongest purpose is as a diagnostic tool. My last video covered the Alpha meter also using it in DC and AC. Nothing wrong with your track planning, I use exactly the same method. I find with track it's more of a feeling and seeing how it flows rather than trying to cram everything in. Unifrogs is a good move, if you look at one closely it has essentially got all the mods that the 00 boys make to their points for dcc. Regarding content, I love all your content, so happy just to see you plod along with your layout at your pace! All the best Tony.
Nice one as always Geoff. In your next video I’d be interested to see if you use anything between the plywood and the track to deaden the sound of running trains?
Hey Geoff, I model in N-scale as well and I would be interested in seeing more of your structure and scenery work.
Another brilliant video sir. How about a behind the scenes vid? Curious to know how you shoot your videos and how you then edit them. Just an idea lol
good vid on the channel thanks lee
Thanks for sharing Geoff, you make it all sound so simple! I have a huge issue when joining the N guage flexi track to each other - do you have any tips / tricks I can use?
Regards
Steve
Great video, as always. Will you be doing a respresentation of catenary even if just putting up O/H masts. I expect you have an Azuma...
Hi Geoff. I was wondering if you could show point wiring . Ie, do you modify your points or use insulating fishplates. I ground to a halt re track laying when i got confused with electro frog / unifrog etc.love your content . I am going DCC . Thank you . 👍
Love the channel, Question, do you use 2mm or 3mm underlay
also.im running HST's.n gauge,how do you run a full 8 coaches.Ive used hunt couplings.gives adhesion. but the non power unit the wheels seem to cause drag.my only solution was to use two dapol power units ,so a pull push especially with my gradients. How are your hst,s set up to make such a long rake with speed/ thankyou
n gauge..yardlights ,where do i obtained these from please..like yours ?
enjoying to seeing the developments :) quick question, what do you use to cut your piano wire?
All the best
Matt :)
Good to see your layout taking shape. quick question do you place the meter between the power and the controller or the controller and the track?. Look forward to your layout taking shape as I did with the old parkway. Stay safe
Hi Geoff, are you still about, still building the new layout?
Looking good, Geoff. Can't wait to see the trains running. I absolutely have OCD when it comes to planning and laying track, so you had me sweating bullets in this one! But, I have to admit, I like your approach to track laying! Now then... Question; Do you model any particular era and/or region, or are you a member of the Rule.1 club?
Reason I'm asking is that I'm about to -very painfully- go through all of my stock, three storage boxes worth, and -very, very painfully- decide what's staying and what's going on eBay. I was a member of the Rule.1 club for quite some time so have built up a large collection of stock over the years that I now simply have no need for as I'm going to be focusing on a very particular line, for which I have pretty much everything I need ... except my Black.5, Farish! The extra stock can be sold off to go toward building the layout instead of gathering dust. Everything I have has never been run so is pretty much in pristine condition, save a bit of dust from some time on a shelf and some finger prints. I'd say most of it would be suited to the late 80s to mid 00's, some more recent still. 18 IKA Megafret's being the longest train I have. I'd be much happier knowing my collection is going to a good home, and may even show up in some videos so I can still enjoy seeing them running, rather than it just going to some box in an attic somewhere never to be used. If you're interested I'll compile a list for you over the weekend and let you know what I have, or make a video. I'll be reaching out to a few N Gauge TH-camrs I watch before throwing them on eBay as a last resort, damn selling fees! So won't mind holding on to / reserving them for a while if the wallets start screaming! I know mine is... £50 for a coach? Nope! Not happening!!
Anyway. Give AnyRail 6 a try. It's free!! It does limit you to 50 pieces of track per plan but the flex track can be any length you want and you can just make separate plans for each half of the layout if needed. It's so easy to use, though the UI can be a bit intimidating at first. You just pull the end points of the track to where you want them and then use two adjustment points to shape the track. Once you're happy with one line you can make parallel tracks next to it with a few clicks. I highly recommend it to novices as I started designing with it and have now used it for years. It's my go-to planning software.
Take care.
Mike.
hi geoff
just watched this video and seen how you use electrical choc blocks for dcc bus wiring but have you checked out charley and chadwick model railway and also you can check they same item i have that charle uses on my channel it is a simple design comes in a pack of 5 and i would highly recomend them so please feel free to check them out.
peter
Hello Geoff are you still building your layout 10 months since your last video i hope every thing is ok hoping to see an update soon take care trev
what is bus wire and why do need a bus wire