Hi Charlie, you so like me, in that you answer your own questions when i’m trying to reason with myself as to why they need to be done a certain way. You made me laugh when you said about @19:50 having come down to hit a parallel plato section of erm... incline [pause] it wouldn’t be a Parallel if it was an Incline... made me laugh out loud for real. Love to watch your progress, and whatever you do will be great to watch. I also feel your pain, which you hinted out several times throughout your blog about the hundreds of hours of work you are throwing away but see it more in... those many learning hours of fully understanding DCC technology and all the components that goes with it and for that it as been a good adventure road to have gone down to learn about all its faults and NOW... much better ways of doing it al again. Well for us onlookers you have saved us all a lot of hours and a wast of time, if that is of any comfort to you lol hehe (oh great thanks, I hear you say NOT) Great blog Charlie as always, I personally don’t understand anyone who doesn’t hit the Thumbs Up and Subscribe to your channel if it’s a channel you/we or I watch on a regular basis. I 👍Thumbs Up 👍and normally try to comment where I can or feel that Charlie is nearly crying here and finding it hard to pull this old layout apart (note, I never expect any answer back from any TH-camr but am highly honoured when any of you YTer’s do, so huge Thank You) and it’s time to let Charle know just how much we love you as a blogger and your wife will love your, your mother for sure Charlie, never forget that. In the words of Only Fools and Horses, “I bet you wish you went private na don’t cha” 🔔Subscribe🔔 Guys and smash that 👍LIKES👍 for Charlie. Keep ya pecker up Charlie, who know this time next year... we could be... smashing this layout up again hahah 👌👍👍👌😡😆😡😆🤔🤔🤔
hi charlie, this is a prime example of what makes the hobby so special is the collaboration of your subscribers and followers were else could you get this input i often say this but this is the internet at its very best all the best al 👍👍👍👍😀
Glad you are progressing all your ideas are sounding grand, I think perhaps a general freight yard with a Petroleum section and a staging area for coal trains and a TMD the branch line idea also sounds ace....good luck , it's hard tearing down boards that you've invested so much time and effort on but I think it's the best way forward and once it's done you will feel happier.....all the best Charlie look forward to seeing whatever you decide take shape
Hi Charlie, hope you are well. Glad to see some more progress on your layout. A suggestion for your branch platform on the incline. Not all platforms in real life are level and some are actually situated on an incline. You may not need to level an area of track to match the platform, instead match the platform to the incline. This creates (in my eyes) an interesting effect and something a little different having done this with an old layout of mine. Don't forget though, that any buildings/details are still built vertically (I don't mean to try and teach you to suck eggs). That is where the interesting effect comes from where they are on concrete bases that are horizontal. It would be a challenge to achieve but could save you those few additional inches required to add a level track section. Completely agree with you on getting the two loop lines in before continuing with the rest of the layout. It good to still be able to "play" trains whilst building and keeps the enthusiasm going during its construction. All the best Dan
I think your ideas are really good. You have a lot of area to cover and it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Inspiration from your subscribers helps, I'm sure. Scrapping the older part of your layout will be hard, as we all know how much time, effort and emotion goes into our layouts. I am inspired by your videos and I always look forward to watching, thank you Charlie!
I would suggest that for a track plan that you go out rail spotting. Most modelers’ ideas come from something which they have seen on the prototype railways. Watch how the various train movements are choreographed. This will give you some good ideas on a workable placement for points and crossovers, to facilitate the required movements. This same method may well give you ideas for your goods yard and loco sheds. Although you don’t like the snapping sound of the Peco point motors, I wouldn’t necessarily write them off. In many high traffic areas they use fast acting motors. This way the points line and lock faster, which permits quicker succession of movements.
Charlie. I'm not a model railway constructer as I do not have the space, the area available to me is taken up by my music interests. But I do enjoy your affable ability to present your immense knowledge of your hobby, as a 77yr old it gives me pleasure to say thank you for the privelage.
Prototype for your branch line before joining onto the main should have a head shunt or catch point just in case there was a runaway down the hill. Looking good. Like the idea of high level platform. Possible idea might be to have the branch run on a shuttle unit.
As an aspiring railway modeler, I have been watching your videos for some time now Charlie and enjoyed them very much indeed. I have even made a start on a building or two and I totally recognise the point you make about actually having a train or two to run whilst development of the layout takes place. I need to actually get a baseboard built and some track down so I can enjoy seeing some 'movement' to keep the motivation going. I shall be revisiting all your videos again and again as I hopefully make some sort of progress after many, many years away from model railways.
Hello, Charlie. I discovered your videos last night while doing research for my own track plan, and I am now your newest fan. You make it all look like so much fun. Your tips and tricks are extremely helpful, and your creativity and open mind toward suggestions is refreshing. Thank you for your videos, and thank you for your service in the Navy. Best regards, Eric
Thank You for your instructional videos, I really enjoy them and would give you encouragement to continue on. I know about the emotional attachment, my train set has followed me from the West Coast, to the East Coast, to Canada, back to the West Coast, and finally to the Midwest. In all that time I've only had it up and running maybe three or four times. Being almost 70 years old it is time for me to get busy and build my dream layout. Watching your videos helps me a great deal towards that goal. Once again thank you for your efforts. Yours truly,' for ever dreaming' PS I know you're busy no need to reply
I use Anyrail for all my planning of track work, buildings and scenery. It cost me about £30 a good few years ago so £50 will be the best money you have spent for a long time, apart from Traincontroler which speaks for its self. Regarding Woodland Scenics inclines I started off with 4% and then changed to 3%. The difference in performance is quite staggering. Thank's Charlie and keep it up!
Hey Charlie this all looks like good fun I saw a guy on you tube last night who had a Hornby Dublo layout which he had dcc controlled trains, semaphore signals, points and turntable, all without any complicated wiring, he was an electronics designer though and was able to program his own chips, by the way I have no idea how it all worked but thought it impressive all the same.
Another good one Charlie. 1. 3% then flat for the halt, then over the mainline gets my thumbs up. 2. get the two mains running and concentrate on the platform area. 3. the goods train to make area will come to you as will your TMD. 4. Look back at your old TMD and note the best bits and copy. 5. at your platforms you have a line for goods, with a head shunt, have I missed something as what is the point of a head shunt for one line? Barry.Devon
Hi Charlie. Have you considered moving the incline and bridge over your tracks to the west of Chadwick Parkway, keeping intact the line behind the platform as your branch platform and not changing the eastern point-work? I'm sure you have enough space judging on the length of your viaduct board. The bridge could then be used as your scenic break? One last point would be to sit down and write down a list of priorities of what you want from your layout and how to incorporate your existing collection of models to make your track plan. It is advise that helped me in the past. Thanks for the great video's. Keep up the great work. Regards Paul.
Charlie, Regarding your latest track play thoughts involving an incline - - Time and time again, I was warned about steep inclines and to hold the grade to 2%. Yes, I know, space is a concern. So I used Anyrail and a laser to lay in an incline that elevates a bit over 5 inches. For this, you need a run of 1 inch high for every 50 inches of length, or about 250 running inches. I then want to get my whole train up to this level, before I hit the switch into an elevated reversing loop with a bridge on it, flying over my industrial service area. Also sav es a TON of tack coming back down the same way. So actually this elevated reversing loop flys over a lower reversing loop underneath it. This gives a hugh running length of tack before you get back to your starting point. So, get up to your level before y0u hit a curve. Also if you know of a way for me to send you my Anyrail PDF file, I will be glad to show you this concept. The loops swing around over a deck that is about 55 inches square (S gage). This gives me 3 triangular corners on the outside of the loop to the edges of the deck. I can scenic the lower level corners, or the upper level corners with either scenes, or perhaps mountain corners. One mountain can contain a tunnel on the lower trunaround while the upper leverl travels thru an outside cut in the mountain. Lots of thoughts. Regarding wiring - Plus(or RED) normal is associated with the engineer in the cab's directioin. Or - take a wagon and a piece of tape on its side marked RED. Gather up a pile of black and red pins. Set the wagon down and decide the polarity at that pont, sticking in your red and black pins on the rails accordingly. Push the wagon around and lay down your pins every 5-6 feet. This will keep you honest. Finally, lay down track every 5-6 feet "loosly", and run your trains over it, switches and all. When it is solid, finish up this section of installation, connecting your buss and droppers perhpas with allegator clips and then solder them afterwards. Nothing worse than unsoldering a mistake. So about that PDF file??????? Keep it up - you are very interesting to watch as I am in the same phase with mine. Regards, Bob S
I think the 3% looks better. I agree that the bridge across provides a depth of field, which was lacking. Think about the road bridge on the south side of Bristol Temple Meads. It is at an angle slurred across the track, and this would be the effect of a rail bridge across. It could even be given a slight incline to raise the level if required. I feel for you about the original board undoing all that work then re-doing it. If you do decide to do that, it does give you the reason to increase point radii, and install quiet point motors. I wonder if in your storage sidings it would be useful to have 2 storage through roads and two removable cartridge lines on slide, where you could remove trains and alter them. This way you could either run through to different sections or an easy way to change complete trains. I do agree get trains in a circuit so you can run them. You wouldn't want to finish your model railway would you!
Charlie, The 3% grade, visually looks much better to the eye. If your still thinking about track plans, Peco published a small booklet called, " Track plans for larger layouts" I don't know if you can get hold of a copy but it might give you more 2 level idea's. Plus how to marry a goods and loco yard into you design. anyway thanks for the update, alway's good.Cheers, Chris Perry.
I thought I would say Hello from Northwest Louisiana. I have been watching your videos with interest. You do have a good way of explaining things in simple terms and I have gained some useful tips. I have been a long time model railroader and I'm in the process of building another layout. I am not modeling high-speed British Rail. I will not employ a computer as you have mentioned. Digitrax and Z21 will be my controllers. Turnouts will be operated by BullFrogs by FastTracks. I'm using Peco O-16.5 track for what we call On30 to model an Arizona desert mountain mining railway. Sort of along the lines of the Morenci Southern Railway. The Morenci Southern Railway was nicknamed "The Corkscrew to America." My layout is on 4% inclines climbing up a mountain to reach the high mine at the top of the mountain. 20" above the lowest level. I probably have more curving track than straight track. There is a lot of vertical scenery in this layout. At the top of the layout will be another layout running what we refer to as "baby gauge" to service the high mine. Baby gauge uses N scale track as On18. I already have the On18 Porter tank engine using a N scale drive. I understand when you talk of the emotional baggage with a previous build. Previously I was an N scale modeler. My interests laid with Southern Pacific during the Billboard Reefer period. I had a huge collection of engines and cars. That was hard to give up, however, the draw to narrow gauge was stronger. I did some growing up in Norfolk at RAF Feltwell. My days of building WWII model aircraft. Keep the good info coming. Den
You have motivated me to start an encirceling R'wy in my hobby room. You pointed out to start with a track circle that is useable and add the scenery step by by step. Thanks for this idea... it will be used on a freelance 0-9/0n15 (gauge 390mm).
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hopefully I'm not deheaded as typical for GB ;).... CHADD & WIGG LIGHT RAILWAY As I am a follower of Charlie's Chadwick TMD I wanted something similar but also individual. And so I thought what to do... but due to the size of my flat (and my purse) my possibilities are minimalized or microsized compared to Mr.Bishop's. So there will be 10 - 12 points (all hand animated), no DCC, no big signaling without the maintenance yard there will be no need for a signal box. So as in prototype a rural and reductive layout and straightforward kind of managing the railway. So I desided to rebuild my modelling room for a railway layout. So there is now an important decision to be made: the scale. I have got the good old Peco OO-9 track, points, N chassis and a plenty of boogies. So I can build 4mm/ft Scale also known as 1/76 or I can went further on to 7mm/ft what will bring us up to 1/43.5 as factor. (There may be a stop between on 1/64 what is S but this is something so specific I don't think I will find even figures for it. So due to my bad eyesight I do chose 7mm/ft - but staying with the 00-9 Peco track. So we do come out at "0n15" ( it is Scale 0 representing 15inch gauge rail) - normaly called On18 in the US or O-9 on the British isles. As we are very very precise in Germany this would be 0p ("P" is for park rwy. gauge below 400mm in O scale). To show the copyright of Charlie clearly I'll call the Layout the Chadd & Wigg Light Rwy. At Chadd there is the sand pit and Wigg is the sand sieve mill for foundery sand. So we do need some things for this circle traffic: a waterway for the mill, a sandpit, a maintenance for the locos, and a small country station for weekend traffic to the seaside. There will be some very little passenger/workers traffic and an huge amount of open wagons with persanning for the dry sand bringing to the foundery, for coal for the sand drying oven and the steam engine. And as the hole layout took place in the years 1903-13 there are first diesel engines. (This hole narrowst gauge started 1997 with the idea of a foundery model with some lines for fluid iron transport to the ship engines moulds.) The layout will be placed along the wall. But I do not want to fix against the wall, the rest will be in Ikea book shelfs of the Ivar line. So I could build layout as an exhibitional layout, too. As I want to bring something in the FREMO team the modual ends will be all to be combines with each other. Certainly I think there will be a trial to build a second layer on the left hand wall. But this is not clearly definited at the moment as the ramp for the reaching of the 2nd layer is a problem. The main idea I have picked from Charlie is to build on a living layout. Being able to have some trains driving in an unfinished scenery. So with me there will be some traffic on bare wooden bookshelfs in the very beginning. The main problem is the door, as I have to enter and left the room (that's evident) I have to build something removable. I thought about a bar with a pair of angels as in a policestations front desk barrier. But I stopped this plans as if it falls down by bad luck (devil is allways on my side) inside the door isn't to be opend without serious damage. So I decided to use an eyecatcher in there: the mill pond viaduct in a hanging valley. But before I can start I have to removal in my flat so I have got enough book shelfs and enough space in this hobby room. And I think of using my Gorg channel at youtube to do some documentary of the build. This would be the only non-OO layout in the internet showing its progress. I hope you will like it. Best wishes from Berlin is sending Christian Heinrich Pichmann
Hi Charlie, your layout is far from meagre,and the new ideas sound great. On a personal note, you may rememeber that I had to give up modelling because of a disability which was iin fact bad sight. However a recent trip to the wonderful Manchester Eye Hospital (shout ou there) sees me booked in for an operation on one eve before Christmas and the other in the new year. Perfect sight no. Ability to model buildings and scenary for people fingers crossed. Good luck and thanks for wonderful videos. Tony.
you hit the nail correctly, run some trains, otherwise its possible the enthusiasm dwindles. I have had a layout down for two years and still actually yet to decide where everything should go. thanks for filming
Charlie, I have been advised by an old train main on the new york central, that most tracks in real life run at about 1 percent. Every modeler I have run into tell me to hold my elevations to 2 % Also for the most part, 4 % is not prototypical. Rail on! I also volunteer on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, and it climbs a grade to the next town at only 2 percent max. Bob S
Hey Charlie Great video as always just bare in mind that you’ll need a good bit more clearance underneath the branch terminus for point motors etc so you’ll need to raise it a bit more after the lines cross the bridge, I’m sure you’d considered that anyway but just thought I’d mention it
The incline and bridge will really add some excellent vusuals. You're best "physician heal thyself" moment was to tell yourself to get some loops running again.Trains moving around will spark better ideas than staring at boards and space. You obviously have a LOT more train knowledge than your self-deprecation claims, so run your trains around, even with cheap, temporary mock-ups. If you can't trust yourself... 🙂👍
Hello Charlie, regarding the platform at the incline. I think that the branch line must not be level at the platform, but it could have the 3% grade like the other parts of the incline. I think a good example could be Craigendorran. The platforms on the line from Glasgow to Helensburgh are level, but the former platform on the line from Glasgow to Fort William looks like to be on a grade.
Good evening again Charlie. I just wanted to say Thank You for letting me know about McKinley Railway. The videos about it are very informative and entertaining. I would never be able to help run it, The information they provide on improving running stock and the actual running of the layout is immense. I suffer from the debilitating effects of TIAs or more commonalty known as mini strokes. But it is a joy to watch the videos. Helps keep my brain working I think. Such as it does. lol. I am patiently waiting for your next installment. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again.
Hi Charlie. Great video as always. If I may a couple of ideas (not too late I hope). At first I would suggest if space allows to do an inverted 8 in your mainlines with them disappearing underneath, making a full circle and reappearing on eye-level, that way you actually double your running distance and time and it takes longer for a train to pass in front of the viewer, giving the impression of an actual railway. But, it has some space limitations and it's costly (lots of more track). So, second suggestion : The main lines that (will) pass in the back of old TMD, put them on a very slight elevation and a continuous wide curve with cant/superelevation. That way the lines will be visible behind the - new - tmd and you move away from the curve-straight-curve-straight-curve-straight which our houses force us to do. Not sure if it makes sense but I tried :p One more thing : I have seen in a branch line station which is immediately after a steep descent of the track that right before the station there is a sort of "trap" point switched permanently to the trap section and the trains actually stop there (so we know that brakes work) and the point is set to straight before they enter the station. That should give some realism and operation interest. Cheers
The amount of times I've built something and regretted it is well I stopped counting needless to say it might come back up when I pluck up the courage to lol ,good luck in your next stage of your build Charlie will look forward to seeing what you have planned
I reckon with the hundreds of hours spent wiring up those two boards, most of them are *learning* to wire it together, so replacing it with a similar sized TMD would take a lot less time.
Great update and info Charlie. Seams to me alot of great input and feedback was received to your request for ideas and it sounds like your on the right track....Sorry it had to be said! I shudder at that wiring and I salute anyone that can do what you did regarding the wiring and also neatness. So many idea and thoughts regarding your layout plans and the flyover with a bridge will look great and with your skills it will look super. Cant wait to see this up and working. All the very best, Clint at Leila Central.
Really enjoyed this Charlie. And I have finally caught up! The choice of a single branch line for the elevated section really makes sense. I will have a play with any rail to see what I can come up with for a TMD and freight yard. I am an N gauged though and 1930,s GWR so it may not suit as there Is a different mind set as it were. Looking forward to seeing trains running.
Great vid Charlie, I like the incline idea with the iron bridge over the mainline but take into consideration any signal gantry or point's as you will need a wee bit more clearance, again great vid and I'm really looking forward to seeing it complete and running.
Charlie, I would certainly recommend AnyRail. I’m currently trying to plan a layout for a new shed and whilst I am no expert I am having fun learning with it and trying to see what I can fit into the space. It’s a user friendly package and in my opinion well worth the £50 fee
Charlie Look again at your parcels siding. The way you have it laid out now access to the platform will be blocked while you are using the headshunt. Indeed, thinking about it, I’m not sure that you need a headshunt for a single siding. Unless you intend to use it for stabling which would mean that it isn’t really a headshunt, but just another siding. Sandy
Afternoon Charlie. First of all a great video on Chadwick. Yes it’s sad that your pulling up the old Chadwick TMD but I didn’t think it fitted in with the new 👍🏻 It’s a great era as it’s my favourite time train spotting in the 70s with the diesel hydraulics MK1 coaches loose coupled wagons ect running round the west county 😀 I totally get what your saying about replying to all comments but it’s because your channel is so interesting and honest. Thanks Stevie.
Hello, nice one :) just to say, Anyrail got a "Free" version, it just has a hard limit on the number of object you can place, i did my little layout completely on the free version without trouble.
Charlie. Another great video.j There are ways of getting Anyrail on to your iMac. I found and downloaded free programs which you may want to try. Windows Installer XML. and Winebottler. It took a bit of doing but worked successfully in designing my large n gauge layout. As you probably know, Anyrail is free for I think the first 50 items to practice with, and then there is a one of payment, for the unlimited use. Dave
Hi Charlie, a couple of thoughts for you:- 1) Fiddle yard, if this is for storage then why no go for a Nelevator? Sure it's not cheap and they are not taking new orders until the backlog of deliveries is complete but it's worth consideration. 2) I purchased anyrail6 and for me it was worth the investment, however there was a free version in which you could have a maximum of 50 objects. I used to Print the plan then "fix" parts and try the additional track, print. With scissors trim the 2 images and stick them together to get the full plan. It was after these efforts I bought the full licence to get the complete plan including baseboards and basic scenic details in. 3) Emotional baggage, been there, done that. It's cost more to be sure but the end result has been worth starting from scratch. Thank you for the "viaduct" series it was very informative, I shall be trying to use your 'lessons learnt'.
Ah, I know the feeling of that emotional baggage! However, you'll never lose the *experience* of putting that initial wiring together, and (cliche as it may sound) that's the important bit, not the wiring itself. I bet you'll be surprised how quickly the new system comes together as a result, and how many little improvements you'll find on the way (you've already highlighted one in the point motors.) By the time you're done it'll definitely be time and effort well spent, and you'll probably wonder why you were ever reluctant in the first place 😁
Hello, I will leave the suggestions to the experts. I do however, enjoy your videos. I do like the bridge going over the other tracks. I think that will create a lot of interest. I look forward to your incline. And yes, get some main lines running. That will help you visualize the layout. See ya next time.
Hi Charlie forgive my stupidity but are going with a single track on the incline? You have made a bold step on the TMD all that time and effort did not go to waste you learn as you go along.
Very interesting update, especially your recognition of emotional baggage we all have attached to certain elements or items that actually prevent us from moving on and making the right changes!
Another interesting video Charlie.. Would it not be easier to build a new baseboard for TMD, instead of all the work rewiring and relaying track... Start with a blank canvas .. less trouble I could help you and take the old layout out of your way ..😆😅😄
There is a fantastic application for the Mac called Rail Modeller Pro, you maybe able to import the Any Rail plan into it. You can also run Any Rail on the Mac using Wine or using a Virtual Machine (Virtual Box, VMware Fusion or Parallels etc). Hope that helps!
Thanks for your advice. I’m currently exploring the free RailModeller, with some success. I do find it difficult to run curves with flex track, parallel to each other. More practice perhaps.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Cool. Its a pretty slick package. I bought it a few years ago but mainly to retroactively build track plans for the layout here. About halfway through this video there is a quick tutorial, I can't remember off hand if I messed with flex track but since 99% of the layout here is mostly flex track, I can't imagine that I didn't :) th-cam.com/video/kV-rrJXhc2g/w-d-xo.html hope that helps!
Great video Charlie you are in a pickle lol for me you always have to have some kind of fiddle yard or storage yard to keep your stock stored instead of taking of the layout all the time has I previously found out in my old layout I have all to come again when I start building my new layout some point in the future but I'm sure someone will come up with a great idea for you. I can see why you don't want to scrap the old tmd area that wiring blown me away is that something I'd have to think about in the new build wiring not my strong point😲 take care for now Charlie Gary Leicestertmd
Theres a program like any rail called Scarm. I'm not sure if it will work on your apple iphone/computer, but it's free (but you can only place 50 track). I'm not sure how much the paid version is but what I do is just open several windows of it and create the whole layout on their in sections 😄
I can recommend Any Rail, Charlie. You get several free updates for your money as well. It's easy to use, has a huge library of parts plus is easily editable. Good decision to get rid of the old parts. Ive thought you should have done this a long time ago but understand all the time and effort. Personally I dont think the elevated section works unless it becomes a complete separate section. Generally, the spaces we have for model railways dont make foran easy look on the eye (imvho).
I think you are right Charlie. To have two main line up and running will give you more motivation. It will also give us some to look at while you working on the next part. Maybe making a list might help and you can then tick off the ones you have completed. I used Scram for my track plan, it is free to start and when you have used up the number of items, it asks you to buy the key. But you can save that plan and then start another one. So you could make the different sections without buying the key. I wish you all the best and look forward to your next video. Please do not have another back scene moment, although it was funny at the time. Martin. (Thailand)
Hi Charley just like you and many people before I also restarted my layout again but for the third time in just over a year and although I have started again for the third time I am torn with the idea that I should have gone bigger on my boards I should have gone with my gut feeling. I will explain why so many false starts, firstly I have spent hundreds of pounds on oo gauge but I wanted to be able to move it easily as I am worried that I will not be able to get into the loft area in the near future as I have Spinal Stenosis which is degenerative so that is now all sitting in box's. I then went and brought loads of N gauge started with a 3x2 layout quickly realising its far to small although easy to move and I now have a 4x2"6 two levels so I can run 4 trains at the same time this is still easy to move but I feel there is just not enough room it looks to crowded amongst other things there are 16 points, turn table and a canal I know what I have to do but I have also put so much time in, I really enjoy the wiring part so my next challenge is how to go bigger and keep it as light as possible.
An interesting change of gauge which seems logical. Now you need to clear the loft and sell the OO stock, which can be heartbreaking in itself. Good luck with your N Gauge endeavour.
Being a Linux user I’m even more limited on the software I can use but I have found XTrackCAD. This is also available for MacOSX and is free so worth giving a go even if you find that you don’t like it.
Noise reduction by sound absorbing panels? Hy Charlie! Perchance the sound of the locos and trains is stronger due to the fact that the structure of the baseboard (in particular the fiddle yard as a nearly complety enclosed area) is very much like a cello body. As the sound is multiplicated in this structures it turns out to be more noisy. (The foam blocks on the Viaduct area might be sound collecting elements. Are they?* ) So perchance gluing some sound absorbing panels on a test part under the layout may be an intersting little project to bring the DCCsound in the foreground and the rolling stock's sound is depressed. As all your DDCwiring is under the board why not you do try out to cut out some foam blocks as sockets to keep the sound absorbing panels horizontal and the DCCwiring seperated... Due the the possibility to reach the cabrls so cutting the foam in stripes at all let it "hanging down" vertically some inches between the DCCbusses and wiretrees? Hoping this helps a bit, Christian *edit: if not it might be the resonances from the viaduct's body as in the fiddleyard - why not drilling a hole from down under in the pillars and fill them with a bit of polyurethan foam from a can? Ok - but please do not overdue it... it will burst the hole viaduct!!!
@@ChadwickModelRailway Noce that it caught your intrest, Charlie. Just got this idea when talking to a guitar builder and directly thought onto you and your addiction to sound... :D
Hi Charlie, Interesting video as usual and I hope you will eventually have the layout you want with help from us. I cannot help you as you are what ever you say a very experienced modeler and videographer but in a recent video I posted one of my subscribers said that I may have put viewers of doing dcc as the prices I gave were for sound locos and I did not make it clear that dcc without sound is a lot cheaper and he did have a point so your piece on your old TMD when you showed the underside wiring and all the components you have your viewers (and you have a lot more than me ) may think that is what you need to do dcc and of course you don't I do mine with Railmaster and it is a very simple way of doing it and it does have a very simple way of controlling the trains by computer yes it is a bit hit and miss as there are no sensors but it can work and is good fun, so I just thought that what you showed in this piece may put people thinking of coming into the hobby off because it looks so complicated and a simple you do not have to have this amount of kit to do dcc in the piece would have evened it up. Will look forward to your next video and getting trains running works for you and use because that is what we are all in it for so well done for coming to that conclusion cannot wait to see them. Cheers Robert.
I agree with the decision to get the mains running as a priority. It's what I did with my layout and now I'm going back to finish the freight branch. Beyond the fact that it got trains running faster (we all love running trains) it gave me time to rethink how the branch and the yard were going to work. Hopefully focusing on the mainlines will allow you to come up with a plan for the TMD that's designed around what you want instead trying to fit what you want around the existing plan. Good luck! -Also Charlie
Similar here, finally connecting up two halves of my layout and seeing trains running around gives you a 30 minute boost of enthusiasm that can last days ;-)
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it David. McKinley is still taking shape but with the C-19 situation, we can't film until the new year. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Why not use a PC emulator such as WINE or Crosssover so that you don't have to use a PC for Anyrail? There are also Open Source (Java based) track design software packages that will run on any platform. I think I have used SCARM on a Linux system in a WINE sub system. That would then be completely free. SCARM is also very simple to use. Keep up the good work Charlie on what is one of my favourite model railway channels.
Stand back and give it all some thought, you've done just that! The incline will look more natural and a bridge over the mainlines really does give it a reason for being there. Look forward to seeing the re-developed TMD. Good stuff as always. Tim.
Nice one for taking the ideas on board charlie. If i was you, i would try and skew the main platforms over a little away from the wall, allowing you a bit more room at the back for the incline to sweep out a touch before it comes back accross. Look at nuneaton station for what im getting at, the platforms ect would all be in a similar position and the incline there is straight(ish) at the platforms and then curves right, before curving back left and accross the mains. drive through it every day and think it would make an interesting layout, may give you an idea or two about the contruction of the bridge ect too. Also why not split the freight yard and TMD? You could have your branch line terminus up above the freight yard and then a small spur off of the back of it for a headshunt into a TMD area, would give you a bit more operational interest when swapping locos out ect.
Hi Good to see the progress , on the issue of running Windows software on a Mac try installing WinOnX there is a demo version online.I use this for running windows software iIpurchased in the past. There are a number of ways to run windows applications on a mac which i have used most of them WinOnX is the easiest to install and use with out spending huge amounts of time configuring on the Mac.
Hi Charlie, I use railmodeller pro on my Mac, similar to Anyrail but I recomend using a mouse. Also, I think what your planning is fantastic, I really do enjoy your videos. Thanks Sam
Chadwick Model Railway since the Lyme Regis line was closed under Beeching, I wouldn’t expect you to know it personally, but having a branch that has to climb over the main line is hopefully not too common! And I’m not suggesting you hide the main running lines and have Cannington viaduct in the link to the old TMD, no matter how pretty or distinctive it is!
Nothing wrong with a little 4% to get you going up the hill, and a little 3% when you hit the curve. I think you'll find you're going to need that 4% to get enough height to cross over the lower line, especially if you level it off for the platform. (Save you some time, no reply necessary.)
Charlie, How large is that room in total, and does your railway share it with some other person, or some other activity ? I simply ask because even 3 degrees is quite a steep climb. Some years back "Lakeside" (Graham ) o(n his previous layout) had a "Magnetic" traction assist system (an "off-the-shelf", store-bought, commercially available product) to get his trains up a STEEP hidden incline, from the staging yard under his then layout. As you pointed out climbing the incline, on the straight, was quite doable, but towing a long train around corners was the straw-the-broke-the camels-back climbing the steep incline from under the table.
I think getting your Up and Down lines in soon is a good idea! You might inspire yourself with ideas once the main lines are in and trains are running. It's much easier to visualise your final layout from a perspective where you have moving trains.
May I suggest: Use "BootCamp" to allow you to install a second OS (M$ Windoze) on your Mac machine, or use Virtualisation, to run a virtual machine (running M$ Windoze) on your Mac hardware (your actual machine), to run your Windoze only track-planning application. Another easy alternative that usually works is "WINE" (stands for "WINE is not Emulation") which is (despite the name) sort of emmulation to allow Mac-OS (OSX- ***) to run Windoze-native applications. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_(software) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualBox en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_Camp_(software)
Matt Toms There are some docks and ports that have quays in locks, so they are always wet, but can only ship out at high tide. But it is common that a canal (and associated quays) keep their level above surrounding water, which may include other canals! After all, the railway is going above the river because the adjacent hills provide a level that they want to maintain, so the same could apply to a canal. But you don’t have to have a waterproof story (ahem) for your layout. I have seen locks feeding down to a level of canal with no apparent outflow!
I suspect others have mentioned this to you for track planning software for iMac, which I use, is Railmodeller Pro. I used it to design my layout and it seems to be a match for the PC based products. The app is available in the app store for Mac. There is I think an express version which is free if you want to give it a go. I was able to print the plan out full size (although my printer didn't thank me) and that made track laying, particularly with the flexitrack around the curves much easier. Hope this helps. Stephen
Why not go for an idea similar to Neville Hill TMD with the running lines through the middle, a TMD on one side and a freight yard on the other? That'd make for interesting operations
It's been an interesting ride seeing Chadwick evolve from just the 2-board TMD to what it is now. The story of the viaduct kept me in suspense waiting for it to be finished and put in place. I would have to agree that not bothering to try and integrate the old TMD into the new layout would be best for sanity and planning in the long run, though it also means you can reuse the electronics for block detection and signaling and such from the TMD elsewhere in the layout as the boards are going to be otherwise dismantled anyway. And yes - for now focus on getting the main lines up and running and worry about things like the staging yard or raised track later, just get the core loop of track up and operational (of course setting in the points and curves needed for future expansion where appropriate). Cheers from NSW (Australia)- Nero.
Charlie, The issue of "Black to the back" and the PC track plan's. & your IO system. I subscribe to McKinley Railway and have commented on your Ab/Fab work with David and crew. So why not take your gifted track plan to those guys and see if their computer genius can come up with an idea of how to transfer the PC plan to IO. If not maybe a couple McKinley railers would offer up their time to redraw the plan to your IO Sys. As for the flipping your TDM scene 180 around I love it. I wish I could do that also. No can do. But again that young electric wiz at McKinley, if asked, could possibly assist to rewire the TMD to conform with OUR "Black to the back" wiring standards. I also like your girder bridge plan. Amsterdam, N.Y., USA has that exact prototypical trackage. The under track is the Main East/West Amtrak line. The overpass is the CSX freight setup from Albany, N.Y. (& parts East) to a North/South convergence. Lastly, I am shocked, SHOCKED I SAY, that in access of 700 viewers (a.k.a. world wide friends) give a darn for you or your flipping line. Never underestimate the power of a Brit. SEE YA' DOWN THE LINE, Jim
Many thanks for yours thoughts and proposals Jim. Rest assured that I really appreciate them. Yes the 700 plus comments on the last video is shockingly reassuring that people enjoy following my progress or the lack of it. Regards Charlie
The branch line could be a single slip to join the main lines, to be more prototypical. And splitting the line off for the platform could do with being independent of the branch split. Perhaps pushing the branch further around the corner will make that look better (and also allow a feathered signal?) So how does “black to the back” work for a tail-chaser loop? The outer rail will be closer at the front, and further away at the back. Mind you, turning it round might make it back to front; as long as it’s not upside down or inside out! 😉 What length of train are you planning for the branch line? And once it has come down to Parkway, where will the trains go on the main line? And SCARM is an alternative to AnyRail, of course.
I started watching your videos about 2 years ago, about a month before the helix was announced (when still a crawl under). Finally had time to start at the beginning this last few days and found myself surprised at mentions of Chadwick TMD and integration into the new layout... What OLD TMD I kept asking. This video was why I have gone through 72 episodes... Love the work and will continue to watch as you put out newer stuff
Another nice video Charlie, I am in the thick of similar relaying all the SMP track on the UK outline part of my layout. Re your TMD, instead of taking it all to pieces, why not try and sell it to a club member and make a clean start...Also total concur re DCC, but I use EcoS and ESU Switchpilots with Brimal distribution boards. Very simple and the Ecos recognises the SP's immediately and automatically, plus they have servo control as well as switches for feeding your Tortoise motors. The DE part of the layout is all Fleischmann with FL and some Roco points and they are just so simple and quiet for solenoid actuators. I have Cobalts for all the SMP / Peco Finescale turnouts. In conclusion - you can use Anyrail free up to about 50 track pieces IIRC so I just broke down my plan into 2 sections. Its a great piece of software. Good luck
Hi Charlie - thanks for your latest. My couple of thoughts were about your future goods features. I just wondered if there was mileage in putting a goods facility on your branch - that might help to explain why it's avoided the attentions of the good Doctor. Perhaps an oil depot for your wagons? It might add some operational interest getting the goods on and off the mainline. Your freightliners could then have a terminal next to the TMD - though that might be a squeeze. Perhaps the board edge could be a quay then? A TMD to service it could make 'sense'? Oh, and the girder bridge you used in your mock up looked nice. Shades of Battledown perhaps? Or Bishops Road Bridge at Paddington given you're a WR kind of guy? Open girders would frame the trains beautifully, I think. Good luck. Hope these idle musings are helpful in some way.
Hi Charlie and thanks for another great insight into your railway. I must completely encourage you to invest in 'Anyrail' ..its excellent.!! I have been dithering with my track plans for ages .. and then the usual space issues to get the best out what I have to play with. With this app. you can just sit... to plan ' COST FREE' at your convenience. Its all to scale..that can be printed off 1:1 Dare I say with the amount of money you seem to be prepared to invest into your project ie tortoise/ digitrax etc ...this will maybe, save you a lot of money and moreover heartache in the long run...well that's my plan too.. Look forward to your next one Daz
Hi Charlie, you so like me, in that you answer your own questions when i’m trying to reason with myself as to why they need to be done a certain way. You made me laugh when you said about @19:50 having come down to hit a parallel plato section of erm... incline [pause] it wouldn’t be a Parallel if it was an Incline... made me laugh out loud for real. Love to watch your progress, and whatever you do will be great to watch. I also feel your pain, which you hinted out several times throughout your blog about the hundreds of hours of work you are throwing away but see it more in... those many learning hours of fully understanding DCC technology and all the components that goes with it and for that it as been a good adventure road to have gone down to learn about all its faults and NOW... much better ways of doing it al again. Well for us onlookers you have saved us all a lot of hours and a wast of time, if that is of any comfort to you lol hehe (oh great thanks, I hear you say NOT) Great blog Charlie as always, I personally don’t understand anyone who doesn’t hit the Thumbs Up and Subscribe to your channel if it’s a channel you/we or I watch on a regular basis. I 👍Thumbs Up 👍and normally try to comment where I can or feel that Charlie is nearly crying here and finding it hard to pull this old layout apart (note, I never expect any answer back from any TH-camr but am highly honoured when any of you YTer’s do, so huge Thank You) and it’s time to let Charle know just how much we love you as a blogger and your wife will love your, your mother for sure Charlie, never forget that. In the words of Only Fools and Horses, “I bet you wish you went private na don’t cha” 🔔Subscribe🔔 Guys and smash that 👍LIKES👍 for Charlie. Keep ya pecker up Charlie, who know this time next year... we could be... smashing this layout up again hahah 👌👍👍👌😡😆😡😆🤔🤔🤔
It’s comments such as yours Jamie, that make it worthwhile.
hi charlie, this is a prime example of what makes the hobby so special is the collaboration of your subscribers and followers were else could you get this input i often say this but this is the internet at its very best all the best al
👍👍👍👍😀
So true Al, good on you.
Glad you are progressing all your ideas are sounding grand, I think perhaps a general freight yard with a Petroleum section and a staging area for coal trains and a TMD the branch line idea also sounds ace....good luck , it's hard tearing down boards that you've invested so much time and effort on but I think it's the best way forward and once it's done you will feel happier.....all the best Charlie look forward to seeing whatever you decide take shape
Thanks Leslie
Hi Charlie, hope you are well. Glad to see some more progress on your layout.
A suggestion for your branch platform on the incline. Not all platforms in real life are level and some are actually situated on an incline. You may not need to level an area of track to match the platform, instead match the platform to the incline. This creates (in my eyes) an interesting effect and something a little different having done this with an old layout of mine.
Don't forget though, that any buildings/details are still built vertically (I don't mean to try and teach you to suck eggs). That is where the interesting effect comes from where they are on concrete bases that are horizontal.
It would be a challenge to achieve but could save you those few additional inches required to add a level track section.
Completely agree with you on getting the two loop lines in before continuing with the rest of the layout. It good to still be able to "play" trains whilst building and keeps the enthusiasm going during its construction.
All the best
Dan
Thanks Dan, sound advice.
I think your ideas are really good. You have a lot of area to cover and it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Inspiration from your subscribers helps, I'm sure. Scrapping the older part of your layout will be hard, as we all know how much time, effort and emotion goes into our layouts. I am inspired by your videos and I always look forward to watching, thank you Charlie!
Thanks CL, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
I would suggest that for a track plan that you go out rail spotting. Most modelers’ ideas come from something which they have seen on the prototype railways. Watch how the various train movements are choreographed. This will give you some good ideas on a workable placement for points and crossovers, to facilitate the required movements. This same method may well give you ideas for your goods yard and loco sheds.
Although you don’t like the snapping sound of the Peco point motors, I wouldn’t necessarily write them off. In many high traffic areas they use fast acting motors. This way the points line and lock faster, which permits quicker succession of movements.
Sound advice Brian
Charlie. I'm not a model railway constructer as I do not have the space, the area available to me is taken up by my music interests. But I do enjoy your affable ability to present your immense knowledge of your hobby, as a 77yr old it gives me pleasure to say thank you for the privelage.
Thank you David that’s very kind of you to say such a heartwarming comment. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Prototype for your branch line before joining onto the main should have a head shunt or catch point just in case there was a runaway down the hill.
Looking good.
Like the idea of high level platform. Possible idea might be to have the branch run on a shuttle unit.
Good points Andrew.
As an aspiring railway modeler, I have been watching your videos for some time now Charlie and enjoyed them very much indeed. I have even made a start on a building or two and I totally recognise the point you make about actually having a train or two to run whilst development of the layout takes place. I need to actually get a baseboard built and some track down so I can enjoy seeing some 'movement' to keep the motivation going. I shall be revisiting all your videos again and again as I hopefully make some sort of progress after many, many years away from model railways.
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile, many thanks.
Hello, Charlie. I discovered your videos last night while doing research for my own track plan, and I am now your newest fan. You make it all look like so much fun. Your tips and tricks are extremely helpful, and your creativity and open mind toward suggestions is refreshing. Thank you for your videos, and thank you for your service in the Navy. Best regards, Eric
What a heartwarming comment Eric, it’s so good to have you on board.
Regards Charlie
Thank You for your instructional videos, I really enjoy them and would give you encouragement to continue on. I know about the emotional attachment, my train set has followed me from the West Coast, to the East Coast, to Canada, back to the West Coast, and finally to the Midwest. In all that time I've only had it up and running maybe three or four times. Being almost 70 years old it is time for me to get busy and build my dream layout. Watching your videos helps me a great deal towards that goal. Once again thank you for your efforts. Yours truly,' for ever dreaming'
PS I know you're busy no need to reply
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it BF
I use Anyrail for all my planning of track work, buildings and scenery. It cost me about £30 a good few years ago so £50 will be the best money you have spent for a long time, apart from Traincontroler which speaks for its self. Regarding Woodland Scenics inclines I started off with 4% and then changed to 3%. The difference in performance is quite staggering. Thank's Charlie and keep it up!
Thanks Steve for your very encouraging comment.
Hey Charlie this all looks like good fun I saw a guy on you tube last night who had a Hornby Dublo layout which he had dcc controlled trains, semaphore signals, points and turntable, all without any complicated wiring, he was an electronics designer though and was able to program his own chips, by the way I have no idea how it all worked but thought it impressive all the same.
Thanks Barry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Another good one Charlie. 1. 3% then flat for the halt, then over the mainline gets my thumbs up. 2. get the two mains running and concentrate on the platform area. 3. the goods train to make area will come to you as will your TMD. 4. Look back at your old TMD and note the best bits and copy. 5. at your platforms you have a line for goods, with a head shunt, have I missed something as what is the point of a head shunt for one line?
Barry.Devon
All good points Barry
Good luck with the build 👍 👍
Thanks mate, I’ll need it.
An excellent track plan upgrade.
Thanks James,
Hey Charlie, love the idea of the bridge going over, that'll certainly add a layer of interest!
Thanks SJ, much a Ho appreciated
Hi Charlie, Thanks for the video. I agree, the 3% incline looks a lot more natural. Its nice to see things beginning to really firm up.
Firming up indeed Simon.
It’s now time to get to grips with the way it goes up and into the station.
Always enjoy watching your channel very informative
Thanks Dale
I like the huge bridge!
Thanks Huw
Hi Charlie. Have you considered moving the incline and bridge over your tracks to the west of Chadwick Parkway, keeping intact the line behind the platform as your branch platform and not changing the eastern point-work? I'm sure you have enough space judging on the length of your viaduct board. The bridge could then be used as your scenic break? One last point would be to sit down and write down a list of priorities of what you want from your layout and how to incorporate your existing collection of models to make your track plan. It is advise that helped me in the past. Thanks for the great video's. Keep up the great work. Regards Paul.
Interesting options Paul
Charlie,
Regarding your latest track play thoughts involving an incline - -
Time and time again, I was warned about steep inclines and to hold the grade to 2%. Yes, I know, space is a concern. So I used Anyrail and a laser to lay in an incline that elevates a bit over 5 inches. For this, you need a run of 1 inch high for every 50 inches of length, or about 250 running inches. I then want to get my whole train up to this level, before I hit the switch into an elevated reversing loop with a bridge on it, flying over my industrial service area. Also sav es a TON of tack coming back down the same way.
So actually this elevated reversing loop flys over a lower reversing loop underneath it. This gives a hugh running length of tack before you get back to your starting point.
So, get up to your level before y0u hit a curve.
Also if you know of a way for me to send you my Anyrail PDF file, I will be glad to show you this concept.
The loops swing around over a deck that is about 55 inches square (S gage). This gives me 3 triangular corners on the outside of the loop to the edges of the deck. I can scenic the lower level corners, or the upper level corners with either scenes, or perhaps mountain corners. One mountain can contain a tunnel on the lower trunaround while the upper leverl travels thru an outside cut in the mountain. Lots of thoughts.
Regarding wiring - Plus(or RED) normal is associated with the engineer in the cab's directioin. Or - take a wagon and a piece of tape on its side marked RED. Gather up a pile of black and red pins. Set the wagon down and decide the polarity at that pont, sticking in your red and black pins on the rails accordingly. Push the wagon around and lay down your pins every 5-6 feet. This will keep you honest.
Finally, lay down track every 5-6 feet "loosly", and run your trains over it, switches and all. When it is solid, finish up this section of installation, connecting your buss and droppers perhpas with allegator clips and then solder them afterwards. Nothing worse than unsoldering a mistake.
So about that PDF file???????
Keep it up - you are very interesting to watch as I am in the same phase with mine.
Regards, Bob S
I totally agree with your thoughts
Bob. However, I must use 3% to make it work in the space available
I think the 3% looks better. I agree that the bridge across provides a depth of field, which was lacking. Think about the road bridge on the south side of Bristol Temple Meads. It is at an angle slurred across the track, and this would be the effect of a rail bridge across. It could even be given a slight incline to raise the level if required. I feel for you about the original board undoing all that work then re-doing it. If you do decide to do that, it does give you the reason to increase point radii, and install quiet point motors. I wonder if in your storage sidings it would be useful to have 2 storage through roads and two removable cartridge lines on slide, where you could remove trains and alter them. This way you could either run through to different sections or an easy way to change complete trains. I do agree get trains in a circuit so you can run them. You wouldn't want to finish your model railway would you!
Thanks Don, reassuring words.
Charlie, The 3% grade, visually looks much better to the eye. If your still thinking about track plans, Peco published a small booklet called, " Track plans for larger layouts" I don't know if you can get hold of a copy but it might give you more 2 level idea's. Plus how to marry a goods and loco yard into you design. anyway thanks for the update, alway's good.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Thanks Chris I’ll check it out.
Computer controlled wiring gives me shudders. Respect for you.
Just one wire at a time Karts.
I thought I would say Hello from Northwest Louisiana. I have been watching your videos with interest. You do have a good way of explaining things in simple terms and I have gained some useful tips. I have been a long time model railroader and I'm in the process of building another layout. I am not modeling high-speed British Rail. I will not employ a computer as you have mentioned. Digitrax and Z21 will be my controllers. Turnouts will be operated by BullFrogs by FastTracks.
I'm using Peco O-16.5 track for what we call On30 to model an Arizona desert mountain mining railway. Sort of along the lines of the Morenci Southern Railway. The Morenci Southern Railway was nicknamed "The Corkscrew to America." My layout is on 4% inclines climbing up a mountain to reach the high mine at the top of the mountain. 20" above the lowest level. I probably have more curving track than straight track. There is a lot of vertical scenery in this layout. At the top of the layout will be another layout running what we refer to as "baby gauge" to service the high mine. Baby gauge uses N scale track as On18. I already have the On18 Porter tank engine using a N scale drive.
I understand when you talk of the emotional baggage with a previous build. Previously I was an N scale modeler. My interests laid with Southern Pacific during the Billboard Reefer period. I had a huge collection of engines and cars. That was hard to give up, however, the draw to narrow gauge was stronger.
I did some growing up in Norfolk at RAF Feltwell. My days of building WWII model aircraft.
Keep the good info coming.
Den
Hi Den, what an interesting comment.
Your journey across time and scales is fascinating. Good luck with your endeavours. Regards Charlie
You have motivated me to start an encirceling R'wy in my hobby room. You pointed out to start with a track circle that is useable and add the scenery step by by step. Thanks for this idea... it will be used on a freelance 0-9/0n15 (gauge 390mm).
Good plan Gorg.
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Hopefully I'm not deheaded as typical for GB ;)....
CHADD & WIGG LIGHT RAILWAY
As I am a follower of Charlie's Chadwick TMD I wanted something similar but also individual. And so I thought what to do... but due to the size of my flat (and my purse) my possibilities are minimalized or microsized compared to Mr.Bishop's. So there will be 10 - 12 points (all hand animated), no DCC, no big signaling without the maintenance yard there will be no need for a signal box. So as in prototype a rural and reductive layout and straightforward kind of managing the railway.
So I desided to rebuild my modelling room for a railway layout.
So there is now an important decision to be made: the scale. I have got the good old Peco OO-9 track, points, N chassis and a plenty of boogies. So I can build 4mm/ft Scale also known as 1/76 or I can went further on to 7mm/ft what will bring us up to 1/43.5 as factor. (There may be a stop between on 1/64 what is S but this is something so specific I don't think I will find even figures for it. So due to my bad eyesight I do chose 7mm/ft - but staying with the 00-9 Peco track. So we do come out at "0n15" ( it is Scale 0 representing 15inch gauge rail) - normaly called On18 in the US or O-9 on the British isles. As we are very very precise in Germany this would be 0p ("P" is for park rwy. gauge below 400mm in O scale).
To show the copyright of Charlie clearly I'll call the Layout the Chadd & Wigg Light Rwy. At Chadd there is the sand pit and Wigg is the sand sieve mill for foundery sand. So we do need some things for this circle traffic: a waterway for the mill, a sandpit, a maintenance for the locos, and a small country station for weekend traffic to the seaside. There will be some very little passenger/workers traffic and an huge amount of open wagons with persanning for the dry sand bringing to the foundery, for coal for the sand drying oven and the steam engine. And as the hole layout took place in the years 1903-13 there are first diesel engines.
(This hole narrowst gauge started 1997 with the idea of a foundery model with some lines for fluid iron transport to the ship engines moulds.)
The layout will be placed along the wall. But I do not want to fix against the wall, the rest will be in Ikea book shelfs of the Ivar line. So I could build layout as an exhibitional layout, too. As I want to bring something in the FREMO team the modual ends will be all to be combines with each other.
Certainly I think there will be a trial to build a second layer on the left hand wall. But this is not clearly definited at the moment as the ramp for the reaching of the 2nd layer is a problem.
The main idea I have picked from Charlie is to build on a living layout. Being able to have some trains driving in an unfinished scenery. So with me there will be some traffic on bare wooden bookshelfs in the very beginning.
The main problem is the door, as I have to enter and left the room (that's evident) I have to build something removable. I thought about a bar with a pair of angels as in a policestations front desk barrier. But I stopped this plans as if it falls down by bad luck (devil is allways on my side) inside the door isn't to be opend without serious damage. So I decided to use an eyecatcher in there: the mill pond viaduct in a hanging valley.
But before I can start I have to removal in my flat so I have got enough book shelfs and enough space in this hobby room. And I think of using my Gorg channel at youtube to do some documentary of the build. This would be the only non-OO layout in the internet showing its progress.
I hope you will like it.
Best wishes from Berlin is sending Christian Heinrich Pichmann
Thanks CHP, very enlightening.
Good luck with your project.
@ 10:50, with the board detached, swap the wires over from the droppers. Cut them off at about 2” and solder new wires on.
I take your point C100.
Thanks for another great video. All the best with the next phase!
Thanks SJ
Hi Charlie, your layout is far from meagre,and the new ideas sound great. On a personal note, you may rememeber that I had to give up modelling because of a disability which was iin fact bad sight. However a recent trip to the wonderful Manchester Eye Hospital (shout ou there) sees me booked in for an operation on one eve before Christmas and the other in the new year. Perfect sight no. Ability to model buildings and scenary for people fingers crossed. Good luck and thanks for wonderful videos. Tony.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Tony and good luck with your surgery.
you hit the nail correctly, run some trains, otherwise its possible the enthusiasm dwindles. I have had a layout down for two years and still actually yet to decide where everything should go. thanks for filming
Thanks HH
Charlie, your wiring is a work of art, I feel your pain in deciding to undo it all!!!! Look forward to seeing (and learning) what you come up with.
Thanks WTS, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Charlie, I have been advised by an old train main on the new york central, that most tracks in real life run at about 1 percent. Every modeler I have run into tell me to hold my elevations to 2 % Also for the most part, 4 % is not prototypical. Rail on! I also volunteer on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, and it climbs a grade to the next town at only 2 percent max. Bob S
Thanks Robert but sadly at 2% it doesn’t fit. Life’s a compromise.
Hey Charlie
Great video as always just bare in mind that you’ll need a good bit more clearance underneath the branch terminus for point motors etc so you’ll need to raise it a bit more after the lines cross the bridge, I’m sure you’d considered that anyway but just thought I’d mention it
Hi TT, yes I had thought about but a good point though.
The incline and bridge will really add some excellent vusuals. You're best "physician heal thyself" moment was to tell yourself to get some loops running again.Trains moving around will spark better ideas than staring at boards and space. You obviously have a LOT more train knowledge than your self-deprecation claims, so run your trains around, even with cheap, temporary mock-ups. If you can't trust yourself... 🙂👍
Sound advice AD
Hello Charlie,
regarding the platform at the incline. I think that the branch line must not be level at the platform, but it could have the 3% grade like the other parts of the incline. I think a good example could be Craigendorran. The platforms on the line from Glasgow to Helensburgh are level, but the former platform on the line from Glasgow to Fort William looks like to be on a grade.
Thanks for the info mate.
Good evening again Charlie. I just wanted to say Thank You for letting me know about McKinley Railway. The videos about it are very informative and entertaining. I would never be able to help run it, The information they provide on improving running stock and the actual running of the layout is immense. I suffer from the debilitating effects of TIAs or more commonalty known as mini strokes. But it is a joy to watch the videos. Helps keep my brain working I think. Such as it does. lol. I am patiently waiting for your next installment. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again.
Your too kind Thomas.
I’m so pleased that both David and I have given you such entertainment.
Hi Charlie. Great video as always. If I may a couple of ideas (not too late I hope). At first I would suggest if space allows to do an inverted 8 in your mainlines with them disappearing underneath, making a full circle and reappearing on eye-level, that way you actually double your running distance and time and it takes longer for a train to pass in front of the viewer, giving the impression of an actual railway. But, it has some space limitations and it's costly (lots of more track).
So, second suggestion : The main lines that (will) pass in the back of old TMD, put them on a very slight elevation and a continuous wide curve with cant/superelevation. That way the lines will be visible behind the - new - tmd and you move away from the curve-straight-curve-straight-curve-straight which our houses force us to do.
Not sure if it makes sense but I tried :p
One more thing : I have seen in a branch line station which is immediately after a steep descent of the track that right before the station there is a sort of "trap" point switched permanently to the trap section and the trains actually stop there (so we know that brakes work) and the point is set to straight before they enter the station. That should give some realism and operation interest.
Cheers
Some great points H69
The amount of times I've built something and regretted it is well I stopped counting needless to say it might come back up when I pluck up the courage to lol ,good luck in your next stage of your build Charlie will look forward to seeing what you have planned
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it FCMR
I reckon with the hundreds of hours spent wiring up those two boards, most of them are *learning* to wire it together, so replacing it with a similar sized TMD would take a lot less time.
Yes Pete, very little changes to the board wiring.
Great update and info Charlie. Seams to me alot of great input and feedback was received to your request for ideas and it sounds like your on the right track....Sorry it had to be said! I shudder at that wiring and I salute anyone that can do what you did regarding the wiring and also neatness. So many idea and thoughts regarding your layout plans and the flyover with a bridge will look great and with your skills it will look super. Cant wait to see this up and working. All the very best, Clint at Leila Central.
Thanks Clint, that’s praise indeed.
Really enjoyed this Charlie. And I have finally caught up! The choice of a single branch line for the elevated section really makes sense. I will have a play with any rail to see what I can come up with for a TMD and freight yard. I am an N gauged though and 1930,s GWR so it may not suit as there Is a different mind set as it were. Looking forward to seeing trains running.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos David. Regards Charlie
Great vid Charlie, I like the incline idea with the iron bridge over the mainline but take into consideration any signal gantry or point's as you will need a wee bit more clearance, again great vid and I'm really looking forward to seeing it complete and running.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Great video Charlie, can't wait to see it all come together ☺
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Justin
Charlie, I would certainly recommend AnyRail. I’m currently trying to plan a layout for a new shed and whilst I am no expert I am having fun learning with it and trying to see what I can fit into the space. It’s a user friendly package and in my opinion well worth the £50 fee
Thanks Stewart , I’m onto it.
Charlie
Look again at your parcels siding. The way you have it laid out now access to the platform will be blocked while you are using the headshunt. Indeed, thinking about it, I’m not sure that you need a headshunt for a single siding. Unless you intend to use it for stabling which would mean that it isn’t really a headshunt, but just another siding.
Sandy
A fair point Sandy
Afternoon Charlie. First of all a great video on Chadwick. Yes it’s sad that your pulling up the old Chadwick TMD but I didn’t think it fitted in with the new 👍🏻 It’s a great era as it’s my favourite time train spotting in the 70s with the diesel hydraulics MK1 coaches loose coupled wagons ect running round the west county 😀 I totally get what your saying about replying to all comments but it’s because your channel is so interesting and honest. Thanks Stevie.
Thanks Stevie, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Hello, nice one :) just to say, Anyrail got a "Free" version, it just has a hard limit on the number of object you can place, i did my little layout completely on the free version without trouble.
Thanks mate.
I really like the track plan, particularly the on the station approach
Joe
Thanks Joe, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Charlie.
Another great video.j
There are ways of getting Anyrail on to your iMac. I found and downloaded free programs which you may want to try.
Windows Installer XML. and
Winebottler.
It took a bit of doing but worked successfully in designing my large n gauge layout.
As you probably know, Anyrail is free for I think the first 50 items to practice with, and then there is a one of payment, for the unlimited use.
Dave
Thanks Dave.
that will look awesome !
Thanks mate.
hi charlie, great to finally meet you at the taunton rail ex this weekend.
love the videos and thanks for the chat.
best wishes.
The pleasure was all mine Jez.
Hi Charlie, a couple of thoughts for you:-
1) Fiddle yard, if this is for storage then why no go for a Nelevator? Sure it's not cheap and they are not taking new orders until the backlog of deliveries is complete but it's worth consideration.
2) I purchased anyrail6 and for me it was worth the investment, however there was a free version in which you could have a maximum of 50 objects. I used to Print
the plan then "fix" parts and try the additional track, print. With scissors trim the 2 images and stick them together to get the full plan. It was after these efforts I bought the full licence to get the complete plan including baseboards and basic scenic details in.
3) Emotional baggage, been there, done that. It's cost more to be sure but the end result has been worth starting from scratch.
Thank you for the "viaduct" series it was very informative, I shall be trying to use your 'lessons learnt'.
Thanks for your advice Mike and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my videos.
Ah, I know the feeling of that emotional baggage! However, you'll never lose the *experience* of putting that initial wiring together, and (cliche as it may sound) that's the important bit, not the wiring itself. I bet you'll be surprised how quickly the new system comes together as a result, and how many little improvements you'll find on the way (you've already highlighted one in the point motors.) By the time you're done it'll definitely be time and effort well spent, and you'll probably wonder why you were ever reluctant in the first place 😁
Interesting points B120
Just stumbled across your channel and love it.... keep up the good work!
Thanks Vaughan, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hello, I will leave the suggestions to the experts. I do however, enjoy your videos. I do like the bridge going over the other tracks. I think that will create a lot of interest. I look forward to your incline. And yes, get some main lines running. That will help you visualize the layout. See ya next time.
Thanks Norman, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie forgive my stupidity but are going with a single track on the incline? You have made a bold step on the TMD all that time and effort did not go to waste you learn as you go along.
Yes Mark it’s a single track, hopefully!
Very interesting update, especially your recognition of emotional baggage we all have attached to certain elements or items that actually prevent us from moving on and making the right changes!
So true Liam.
Thats true, but. When something is gone. Something better is coming.
charlie get a main line loop going round the layout and after a few days of running the perfect layout will come to you
Sound advice David.
Another interesting video Charlie..
Would it not be easier to build a new baseboard for TMD, instead of all the work rewiring and relaying track... Start with a blank canvas .. less trouble
I could help you and take the old layout out of your way ..😆😅😄
You’re too kind!!!
@@ChadwickModelRailway
I can't help it ..but I bet it made you smile ..
😆😄😃😁😀
There is a fantastic application for the Mac called Rail Modeller Pro, you maybe able to import the Any Rail plan into it. You can also run Any Rail on the Mac using Wine or using a Virtual Machine (Virtual Box, VMware Fusion or Parallels etc). Hope that helps!
Thanks for your advice.
I’m currently exploring the free RailModeller, with some success.
I do find it difficult to run curves with flex track, parallel to each other.
More practice perhaps.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Cool. Its a pretty slick package. I bought it a few years ago but mainly to retroactively build track plans for the layout here. About halfway through this video there is a quick tutorial, I can't remember off hand if I messed with flex track but since 99% of the layout here is mostly flex track, I can't imagine that I didn't :) th-cam.com/video/kV-rrJXhc2g/w-d-xo.html hope that helps!
Very useful, many thanks.
Great video Charlie you are in a pickle lol for me you always have to have some kind of fiddle yard or storage yard to keep your stock stored instead of taking of the layout all the time has I previously found out in my old layout I have all to come again when I start building my new layout some point in the future but I'm sure someone will come up with a great idea for you. I can see why you don't want to scrap the old tmd area that wiring blown me away is that something I'd have to think about in the new build wiring not my strong point😲 take care for now Charlie Gary Leicestertmd
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and feel my pain
Theres a program like any rail called Scarm. I'm not sure if it will work on your apple iphone/computer, but it's free (but you can only place 50 track). I'm not sure how much the paid version is but what I do is just open several windows of it and create the whole layout on their in sections 😄
I’ll check it out CT.
I can recommend Any Rail, Charlie. You get several free updates for your money as well. It's easy to use, has a huge library of parts plus is easily editable. Good decision to get rid of the old parts. Ive thought you should have done this a long time ago but understand all the time and effort.
Personally I dont think the elevated section works unless it becomes a complete separate section. Generally, the spaces we have for model railways dont make foran easy look on the eye (imvho).
Sound advice I’m sure G1259.
I think you are right Charlie. To have two main line up and running will give you more motivation. It will also give us some to look at while you working on the next part. Maybe making a list might help and you can then tick off the ones you have completed. I used Scram for my track plan, it is free to start and when you have used up the number of items, it asks you to buy the key. But you can save that plan and then start another one. So you could make the different sections without buying the key. I wish you all the best and look forward to your next video. Please do not have another back scene moment, although it was funny at the time. Martin. (Thailand)
Sound advice Martin, and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Great video! Perhaps the high track, when in front on the curve, you cut out piers so you can more easily see the lower track trains. Good Luck!🚂
A fair point Andrew
Hi Charley just like you and many people before I also restarted my layout again but for the third time in just over a year and although I have started again for the third time I am torn with the idea that I should have gone bigger on my boards I should have gone with my gut feeling. I will explain why so many false starts, firstly I have spent hundreds of pounds on oo gauge but I wanted to be able to move it easily as I am worried that I will not be able to get into the loft area in the near future as I have Spinal Stenosis which is degenerative so that is now all sitting in box's. I then went and brought loads of N gauge started with a 3x2 layout quickly realising its far to small although easy to move and I now have a 4x2"6 two levels so I can run 4 trains at the same time this is still easy to move but I feel there is just not enough room it looks to crowded amongst other things there are 16 points, turn table and a canal I know what I have to do but I have also put so much time in, I really enjoy the wiring part so my next challenge is how to go bigger and keep it as light as possible.
An interesting change of gauge which seems logical. Now you need to clear the loft and sell the OO stock, which can be heartbreaking in itself.
Good luck with your N Gauge endeavour.
Being a Linux user I’m even more limited on the software I can use but I have found XTrackCAD. This is also available for MacOSX and is free so worth giving a go even if you find that you don’t like it.
Thanks Rob
Noise reduction by sound absorbing panels?
Hy Charlie! Perchance the sound of the locos and trains is stronger due to the fact that the structure of the baseboard (in particular the fiddle yard as a nearly complety enclosed area) is very much like a cello body. As the sound is multiplicated in this structures it turns out to be more noisy. (The foam blocks on the Viaduct area might be sound collecting elements. Are they?* )
So perchance gluing some sound absorbing panels on a test part under the layout may be an intersting little project to bring the DCCsound in the foreground and the rolling stock's sound is depressed. As all your DDCwiring is under the board why not you do try out to cut out some foam blocks as sockets to keep the sound absorbing panels horizontal and the DCCwiring seperated... Due the the possibility to reach the cabrls so cutting the foam in stripes at all let it "hanging down" vertically some inches between the DCCbusses and wiretrees?
Hoping this helps a bit,
Christian
*edit: if not it might be the resonances from the viaduct's body as in the fiddleyard - why not drilling a hole from down under in the pillars and fill them with a bit of polyurethan foam from a can? Ok - but please do not overdue it... it will burst the hole viaduct!!!
Interesting points Gorg .
Let’s see what the sound is like when the trains run shortly.
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Noce that it caught your intrest, Charlie. Just got this idea when talking to a guitar builder and directly thought onto you and your addiction to sound... :D
Hi Charlie,
Interesting video as usual and I hope you will eventually have the layout you want with help from us. I cannot help you as you are what ever you say a very experienced modeler and videographer but in a recent video I posted one of my subscribers said that I may have put viewers of doing dcc as the prices I gave were for sound locos and I did not make it clear that dcc without sound is a lot cheaper and he did have a point so your piece on your old TMD when you showed the underside wiring and all the components you have your viewers (and you have a lot more than me ) may think that is what you need to do dcc and of course you don't I do mine with Railmaster and it is a very simple way of doing it and it does have a very simple way of controlling the trains by computer yes it is a bit hit and miss as there are no sensors but it can work and is good fun, so I just thought that what you showed in this piece may put people thinking of coming into the hobby off because it looks so complicated and a simple you do not have to have this amount of kit to do dcc in the piece would have evened it up. Will look forward to your next video and getting trains running works for you and use because that is what we are all in it for so well done for coming to that conclusion cannot wait to see them.
Cheers Robert.
Thanks Robert, you have made some valuable points. Regards Charlie
you can get a free version of anyrail you can use up to 50 track peices which would proberly be enough for you
Thanks TT
I agree with the decision to get the mains running as a priority. It's what I did with my layout and now I'm going back to finish the freight branch. Beyond the fact that it got trains running faster (we all love running trains) it gave me time to rethink how the branch and the yard were going to work. Hopefully focusing on the mainlines will allow you to come up with a plan for the TMD that's designed around what you want instead trying to fit what you want around the existing plan.
Good luck!
-Also Charlie
Thanks Charlie, sound advice.
Similar here, finally connecting up two halves of my layout and seeing trains running around gives you a 30 minute boost of enthusiasm that can last days ;-)
Hi Charlie, most enjoyable. By the way, what has happened to the McKinley railway ?
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it David.
McKinley is still taking shape but with the C-19 situation, we can't film until the new year.
Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Great video as always Charlie, keeps me inspired building my oo9 layout. Will you be attending the Great Electric Train Show this weekend?
Sorry George no, but ivv BC will be at Warley.
Only 25% of viewers subscribe? May be each subscriber watches each video four times? 😄
If only!
Why not use a PC emulator such as WINE or Crosssover so that you don't have to use a PC for Anyrail? There are also Open Source (Java based) track design software packages that will run on any platform. I think I have used SCARM on a Linux system in a WINE sub system. That would then be completely free. SCARM is also very simple to use. Keep up the good work Charlie on what is one of my favourite model railway channels.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it CJ.
Stand back and give it all some thought, you've done just that! The incline will look more natural and a bridge over the mainlines really does give it a reason for being there.
Look forward to seeing the re-developed TMD.
Good stuff as always.
Tim.
Thanks Tim, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Nice one for taking the ideas on board charlie.
If i was you, i would try and skew the main platforms over a little away from the wall, allowing you a bit more room at the back for the incline to sweep out a touch before it comes back accross.
Look at nuneaton station for what im getting at, the platforms ect would all be in a similar position and the incline there is straight(ish) at the platforms and then curves right, before curving back left and accross the mains.
drive through it every day and think it would make an interesting layout, may give you an idea or two about the contruction of the bridge ect too.
Also why not split the freight yard and TMD? You could have your branch line terminus up above the freight yard and then a small spur off of the back of it for a headshunt into a TMD area, would give you a bit more operational interest when swapping locos out ect.
Some valid points Eric
Hi Good to see the progress , on the issue of running Windows software on a Mac try installing WinOnX there is a demo version online.I use this for running windows software iIpurchased in the past. There are a number of ways to run windows applications on a mac which i have used most of them WinOnX is the easiest to install and use with out spending huge amounts of time configuring on the Mac.
No Ken, it’s time to dig deep and fix the PC!
Hi Charlie,
I use railmodeller pro on my Mac, similar to Anyrail but I recomend using a mouse.
Also, I think what your planning is fantastic, I really do enjoy your videos.
Thanks
Sam
Thanks Sam, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Does the branch climbing across the main line remind you of Axminster, branching down to Lyme Regis?
I don’t know the area too well Tom
Chadwick Model Railway since the Lyme Regis line was closed under Beeching, I wouldn’t expect you to know it personally, but having a branch that has to climb over the main line is hopefully not too common!
And I’m not suggesting you hide the main running lines and have Cannington viaduct in the link to the old TMD, no matter how pretty or distinctive it is!
Nothing wrong with a little 4% to get you going up the hill, and a little 3% when you hit the curve. I think you'll find you're going to need that 4% to get enough height to cross over the lower line, especially if you level it off for the platform. (Save you some time, no reply necessary.)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
If you turned the boards right round ,wouldn’t the wiring still be the same ,black furthest away red nearest to you?,if your on the inside
No, I’d be on the outside.
Charlie,
How large is that room in total,
and does your railway share it with
some other person,
or some other activity ?
I simply ask because even 3 degrees is quite a steep climb.
Some years back "Lakeside" (Graham )
o(n his previous layout)
had a "Magnetic" traction assist system
(an "off-the-shelf", store-bought,
commercially available product)
to get his trains up a STEEP hidden incline,
from the staging yard under his then layout.
As you pointed out
climbing the incline, on the straight, was quite doable,
but towing a long train around corners
was the straw-the-broke-the camels-back
climbing the steep incline from under the table.
Valid points SA
I think getting your Up and Down lines in soon is a good idea! You might inspire yourself with ideas once the main lines are in and trains are running. It's much easier to visualise your final layout from a perspective where you have moving trains.
Thanks, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
May I suggest: Use "BootCamp" to allow you to install a second OS (M$ Windoze) on your Mac machine,
or use Virtualisation,
to run a virtual machine (running M$ Windoze) on your Mac hardware (your actual machine),
to run your Windoze only track-planning application.
Another easy alternative that usually works is "WINE" (stands for "WINE is not Emulation")
which is (despite the name) sort of emmulation to allow Mac-OS (OSX- ***) to run Windoze-native applications.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_(software)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualBox
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_Camp_(software)
Thanks SA, interesting options.
Cracking along bud, do love the 'charlieisms' :) keep it up, could a dock scene be a potential idea for the goods side? All the best matt :)
Thanks Matt, I had thought about a dock but it would be lower than my river under the viaduct.
Did think of that Charlie :)
Matt Toms
There are some docks and ports that have quays in locks, so they are always wet, but can only ship out at high tide.
But it is common that a canal (and associated quays) keep their level above surrounding water, which may include other canals!
After all, the railway is going above the river because the adjacent hills provide a level that they want to maintain, so the same could apply to a canal.
But you don’t have to have a waterproof story (ahem) for your layout. I have seen locks feeding down to a level of canal with no apparent outflow!
I suspect others have mentioned this to you for track planning software for iMac, which I use, is Railmodeller Pro. I used it to design my layout and it seems to be a match for the PC based products. The app is available in the app store for Mac. There is I think an express version which is free if you want to give it a go. I was able to print the plan out full size (although my printer didn't thank me) and that made track laying, particularly with the flexitrack around the curves much easier. Hope this helps. Stephen
Good advice, thanks Stephen
Look good
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Why not go for an idea similar to Neville Hill TMD with the running lines through the middle, a TMD on one side and a freight yard on the other? That'd make for interesting operations
Thanks BS, a very good point.
Mac track planning software is Railmodeller Pro
But is it any good?
It's better good. I'm not the big cad designer but I've-mixed companies stuff and came out with a good track plan
Thanks James
It's been an interesting ride seeing Chadwick evolve from just the 2-board TMD to what it is now. The story of the viaduct kept me in suspense waiting for it to be finished and put in place.
I would have to agree that not bothering to try and integrate the old TMD into the new layout would be best for sanity and planning in the long run, though it also means you can reuse the electronics for block detection and signaling and such from the TMD elsewhere in the layout as the boards are going to be otherwise dismantled anyway.
And yes - for now focus on getting the main lines up and running and worry about things like the staging yard or raised track later, just get the core loop of track up and operational (of course setting in the points and curves needed for future expansion where appropriate).
Cheers from NSW (Australia)- Nero.
Thanks Nero. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Sounds like some interesting changes ☺️
Thanks MM.
I got rid of all my double slips because the 0-6-0 s didn't run slowly through them.
Yes Sam, stay alives are the answer.
Charlie,
The issue of "Black to the back" and the PC track plan's. & your IO system.
I subscribe to McKinley Railway and have commented on your Ab/Fab work with David and crew. So why not take your gifted track plan to those guys and see if their computer genius can come up with an idea of how to transfer the PC plan to IO. If not maybe a couple McKinley railers would offer up their time to redraw the plan to your IO Sys.
As for the flipping your TDM scene 180 around I love it. I wish I could do that also. No can do. But again that young electric wiz at McKinley, if asked, could possibly assist to rewire the TMD to conform with OUR "Black to the back" wiring standards.
I also like your girder bridge plan. Amsterdam, N.Y., USA has that exact prototypical trackage. The under track is the Main East/West Amtrak line. The overpass is the CSX freight setup from Albany, N.Y. (& parts East) to a North/South convergence.
Lastly, I am shocked, SHOCKED I SAY, that in access of 700 viewers (a.k.a. world wide friends) give a darn for you or your flipping line. Never underestimate the power of a Brit.
SEE YA' DOWN THE LINE,
Jim
Many thanks for yours thoughts and proposals Jim. Rest assured that I really appreciate them.
Yes the 700 plus comments on the last video is shockingly reassuring that people enjoy following my progress or the lack of it.
Regards Charlie
The branch line could be a single slip to join the main lines, to be more prototypical.
And splitting the line off for the platform could do with being independent of the branch split. Perhaps pushing the branch further around the corner will make that look better (and also allow a feathered signal?)
So how does “black to the back” work for a tail-chaser loop? The outer rail will be closer at the front, and further away at the back.
Mind you, turning it round might make it back to front; as long as it’s not upside down or inside out! 😉
What length of train are you planning for the branch line? And once it has come down to Parkway, where will the trains go on the main line?
And SCARM is an alternative to AnyRail, of course.
Hi Tom, thanks for you head scratching comments. The branch should be DMU and three coach local services.
I started watching your videos about 2 years ago, about a month before the helix was announced (when still a crawl under). Finally had time to start at the beginning this last few days and found myself surprised at mentions of Chadwick TMD and integration into the new layout... What OLD TMD I kept asking. This video was why I have gone through 72 episodes...
Love the work and will continue to watch as you put out newer stuff
It’s been a hell of a journey Kieran and it’s great to have you onboard.
Another nice video Charlie, I am in the thick of similar relaying all the SMP track on the UK outline part of my layout. Re your TMD, instead of taking it all to pieces, why not try and sell it to a club member and make a clean start...Also total concur re DCC, but I use EcoS and ESU Switchpilots with Brimal distribution boards. Very simple and the Ecos recognises the SP's immediately and automatically, plus they have servo control as well as switches for feeding your Tortoise motors. The DE part of the layout is all Fleischmann with FL and some Roco points and they are just so simple and quiet for solenoid actuators. I have Cobalts for all the SMP / Peco Finescale turnouts. In conclusion - you can use Anyrail free up to about 50 track pieces IIRC so I just broke down my plan into 2 sections. Its a great piece of software. Good luck
Many thanks for your enlightening comments and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Hi Charlie - thanks for your latest. My couple of thoughts were about your future goods features. I just wondered if there was mileage in putting a goods facility on your branch - that might help to explain why it's avoided the attentions of the good Doctor. Perhaps an oil depot for your wagons? It might add some operational interest getting the goods on and off the mainline. Your freightliners could then have a terminal next to the TMD - though that might be a squeeze. Perhaps the board edge could be a quay then? A TMD to service it could make 'sense'?
Oh, and the girder bridge you used in your mock up looked nice. Shades of Battledown perhaps? Or Bishops Road Bridge at Paddington given you're a WR kind of guy? Open girders would frame the trains beautifully, I think.
Good luck. Hope these idle musings are helpful in some way.
Hi Nick, thoughts are most welcome, thank you.
Hi Charlie and thanks for another great insight into your railway.
I must completely encourage you to invest in 'Anyrail' ..its excellent.!!
I have been dithering with my track plans for ages .. and then the usual space issues to get the best out what I have to play with. With this app. you can just sit... to plan ' COST FREE' at your convenience.
Its all to scale..that can be printed off 1:1
Dare I say with the amount of money you seem to be prepared to invest into your project ie tortoise/ digitrax etc ...this will maybe, save you a lot of money and moreover heartache in the long run...well that's my plan too..
Look forward to your next one
Daz
Sound advice Dan, thanks.