Hello from RJR

[RJR]

Hello Im new here, Ive had a bit of a browse but thought it only polite to share a couple of pics so you know who is lurking ;)

40 this year I came back to railway modelling about 2 years ago for the first time since my teens.

In September 2007 I bought a shed to house my latest layout and have been pottering away since. OO is my chosen scale 80 - 90s Briish outline (very loosley)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/10265.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003044.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/3012072.jpg


More can bee seen on my website at

www.freewebs.com/rjrbranchline

[locojoe]

HI RJR Welcome to the forum nice models.

[Foghut]

Hello RJR, welcome to the forum. It looks like you could give us some handy modelling tips.

RJR sounds awfully formal, do you have a first name ?

John :)

[John H-T]

Hi RJR,

Welcome to the Forum.

Your layout looks great.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[G6 UXU]

Hello RJR and welcome to the Forum. All the best.

[Trev]

Welcome to the forum RJR, nice looking layout. :)

Looking forward to reading your posts.

[RJR]

Thanks for the welcome, sorry if RJR sounds formal, I used it as a log in name as my layout is "RJR Branch Line" taken from my business name "RJR Originals" forgot to sign the post with my real name which is John. aving said that it would seem you have your fair share of Johns on this forum !!
Couple more pic's


THe old quarry that is now a climbing centre

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1220071.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/5-2.jpg


and Springhead Station

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003034.jpg

John
RJR

[EuroStar]

Welcome to the forum, RJR. I like the pics you've posted.

[swisstrains]

Hello John and welcome to the forum. It's good to have another modeller joining us. Great looking layout but what's the significance of Sydney Harbour Bridge?:)

[pavorossi]

Hello and welcome John. That looks to be a very impressive layout you have there.

[paul miller]

Hi RJR,
Welcome to the forum.
The layout looks very impressive.
Paul.

[John H-T]

Like the climbing centre!

[Shed Cat]

Great models.
Was fooled into thinking the "inside shed" picture was real for several seconds !

[RJR]

Thanks for the welcome and positive feedback, I dont mind constructive critisism aswell !!

This weeks update from the shed .....

Okay so I have become addicted to LEDs !!!

Latest projects thanks to a visit to my local electronics store, where I purchased 1 3v flashing blue LED and 2 3V bicolour (red/green) LEDs any ideas what is coming next .....

The flashing blue is now in the police car (it was fun trying to get a picture showing the on cycle of the flash !)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1001083.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1001084.jpg

I have just finished a truck I have built / painted from a knightwing kit

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1001085.jpg

John
RJR

[RJR]

The bicolour LEDs have been used as an experiment in ground colour light signals, with three contacts (common/red/green) the signals can show red or green from the single lamp. Yes I know they are not prototypical but having tried to get my head round the mass of signals I would need for this junctio area I decided to go for modelmakers licence

Off (no power)
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/100108.jpg

On (red powered)
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1001081.jpg

The second signal is one line forward
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/1001082.jpg

[Gandalf]

Switch from one colour to the other rapidly and you get a sort of yellow colour.
John (G)

[pavorossi]

Very impressive John, I think having the light on top of the police car is a great idea.

[Foghut]

The bicolour LEDs have been used as an experiment in ground colour light signals, with three contacts (common/red/green) the signals can show red or green from the single lamp.

Well I know that you're going for main aspect signals rather than calling on/shunt signals but if you did want ground or associated position light signals of the 1980s then white LEDs and red LEDs would do the trick. Red + White for ON as in the photo below, white + white for OFF.

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/pics/sig/apl_stop-31.jpg


Yes I know they are not prototypical but having tried to get my head round the mass of signals I would need for this junctio area I decided to go for modelmakers licence

Interestingly enough, the very latest signals on the railway nowadays ARE high intensity LEDs where Red, Yellow & Green can all be created in one lamp.

[RJR]

thanks for the info on ground signals, Im still experimenting at the moment and that has given me some more food for thought.

Taken with my new night time views I thought I would share them on video.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ACKkXsUmW8k

John

RJR

[RJR]

Saturday update Mrs RJR out with her friends so an evening at the dinning room table detailing my truck


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/GSG.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/GSG1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/GSG2.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/GSG3.jpg

Enjoyed that 2 hours of modelling ;D Added mudflaps, reg plates, coils, spare wheel, folded taup, arial and logo

John
RJR

[Trev]

I like the choice of number plate John. :D

[RJR]

After trying several plans for signals it became obvious i couldnt get the true prototype look partly because of my lack of knowldege partly because the track layout is non prototypical.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/gantry.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/gantry1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/gantry2.jpg

The lights along with a single colour signal at the other end of the tunnel are controlled by a 3 pole 4way rotary switch.

John
RJR

[Foghut]

Could you not stack 4 miniature leds in a black plastic strip like this, and hang them off the gantry ?
http://www.cravenmodels.com/SIGNALS_files/image010.jpg

Also have you considered using infrared sensors or magnets for automated signalling ?

[swisstrains]

John,
You have obviously put a lot of time and effort into building what is a very realistic looking layout and as such I think you should seriously consider installing more prototypically correct signalling.
Unless your track layout is totally unrealistic (which I very much doubt) it will be possible to signal it as per the real thing using the basic rules of signalling. There are a number of books available on the subject and I'm sure that certain members of this forum will also be willing to help with any queries.
Here's one book that I can personally recommend.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Signalling-Handbook-Stanley-Hall/dp/0711031436 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Signalling-Handbook-Stanley-Hall/dp/0711031436)

[RJR]

John,
I think you should seriously consider installing more prototypically correct signalling.
Unless your track layout is totally unrealistic (which I very much doubt) it will be possible to signal it as per the real thing using the basic rules of signalling.


Here are a couple of pre scenery pctures that show the track plan, (I dont have a track plan available at the moment)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/fromdoor1.jpg

THis is the area where the gantry now sits. On the left you can see the double slip. Going away from you..

The left leg drops to the traverser.
The right leg goes t the double track station.
Coming towards ...
you the left leg of the double slip goes into the tunnel and is a hidden sidding. The right leg goes into he tunnel and exits onto the viaduct as a single line

Stepping back a bit
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/fromdoor.jpg

In this overview you can see that over the viaduct on the right the track splits back into two to reenter the station top left corner as double track

My intention with the gantry in this pic

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/gantry.jpg

was to indicate that the right of way for the single track over the viaduct was yours not trains coming the other way.

If anyone has a more prototypical solution feel free to suggest / advise
Foghut. The basic problem with your 5 stack lights is I havent a clue what the 5 lights mean !!!!! A summary would be good ?

After starting this layout 4 months ago I have realised that any abilities I have in modelling can often by overshadowed by my lack of prototypical knowledge :rolleyes:

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

The signal shown in Foghuts picture is a 4-aspect junction signal. Working from the top the lights on each head show yellow, green, yellow, red where green=clear, both yellows=preliminary caution(i.e. next signal showing yellow), lower yellow=caution(i.e. next signal showing red) and red=danger stop.

I think that this type of signal is more suited to routes with high traffic flows and that your layout would only require 2-aspect or possibly 3-aspect signals (i.e. red and green, yellow and green or red, yellow and green)

In your double-slip example the main signals controlling entry into the tunnel would be placed further back. One between the Virgin 57 and white van at the end of the double-track section and one on the line coming from the traverser. I would suggest that both were able to display red, green and yellow.
Did you have any particular scenario in mind when you incorporated the double-slip and the hidden siding into your plan? To me it gives the impression that the tunnel was once double track and that the engineers are in the process of simplifying the trackwork and haven't yet got round to removing the double-slip.:)

[Foghut]

I think that this type of signal is more suited to routes with high traffic flows and that your layout would only require 2-aspect or possibly 3-aspect signals (i.e. red and green, yellow and green or red, yellow and green)
Yes a valid point. What I was really aiming to say is that it would be nice to see 'scale sized' signal heads. You could get some Eckon signal heads, rip them off the posts that they come with, and mount them on the gantry. It would be acceptable to file them down so that they were rectangular and took up the minimum amount of room as this is done in real life with gantry-hung heads.

There's a selection of commercially available ones here...http://www.cravenmodels.com/SIGNALS%20OO.htm

Or as I mentioned above, for a fraction of the price just get some mini LEDs from maplin and drill out a strip of black plastic/wood.

[RJR]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions but at this point I am probably at the limits of my wiring ability !! So Im living with the single lense bicolour lights. The other problem is as was suggested the first signal warning should be about where the platform is now!!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003207.jpg

I Think the comment about the size of light is valid and think these next pics show some improvement, I have blacked out some of the light. The closer shot of the gantry also shows that I did actually use a signal kit with "peak" to mount the LED



On the otherside of the tunnel
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003204.jpg

A bit of maintainance
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003198.jpg

Weathered the track around the station more
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003209.jpg

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

John. This afternoon I sketched a rough plan of your layout based on what I can see in your photos and marked on it what I consider to be the basic signal positions.
I have since read your comments about not wishing to get too complicated but thought you might still like to see it.
302

[RJR]

John. This afternoon I sketched a rough plan of your layout based on what I can see in your photos and marked on it what I consider to be the basic signal positions.
I have since read your comments about not wishing to get too complicated but thought you might still like to see it.
302

Thankyou for taking the time to do that, Im not saying I will never upgrade its just not the highest item on my todo list !! So having said that I have taken a copy of your plan (You got it right) and am keeping it for future reference.

John
RJR

[RJR]

Some months ago I won some weathering powders but was never brave enough to try them out. So tonight I had a go on my intermodals. Then had a play with the camera. I have added a bit of Exhaust smoke on Photoshop just to try it out.

Waiting for a green

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/waitingforagreen.jpg

Trainspotters view
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/trainspotting.jpg

Into the tunnel
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/smoke.jpg

Closeup of container
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/closeup.jpg

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

Looking good John. It makes a nice shot weaving through the junction. I wish I had the courage to weather some of my stock.:)
The Railfreight livery on the 37 is one of my all-time favourites.

[RJR]

Well today was one of those landmark Birthdays for me "The big FOUR ZERO" Mrs RJR has booked us both a weekend in Scotland including a day on the Jacobite Express, which as she was keen to point out crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (The inspiration for my Viaduct)

To mark the occasion thought the pics needed something different....


If you stand on the cold platform at Springhead long enough you get a rare sight

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steamvisit.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steamvisit1a.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steamvisit2.jpg

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

Happy Fortieth John:)
If you stand on the cold platform at Springhead long enough you get a rare sight
Great pics but I will refrain from making poor jokes about Crabs:D

[pavorossi]

Happy Birthday John, hope you enjoy yourself up in Scotland.

[RJR]

Ive been spending some time working on the viaduct

Last night I did some track weathering

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003302.jpg

Fence weathering

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003303.jpg

What I cant decide is if some of these bushes should be of the flowering variety, to add some colour ?? Perhaps some yellow ??

From the water
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003307.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003309.jpg

Not being a gardener Im clueless

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

Hi John,
Personally I think the bushes look good as they are but if you really want to add a bit more colour you could add yellow "flowers" to some of the lower growing ones to represent gorse or broom.
I think the concrete finish on your viaduct looks really effective. What technique did you use? I have used numerous different paints and weathering techniques but I have never really been 100% happy with the results.

[RJR]

The concrete effect is done in a couple of steps.

Paint the surface with plasterboard joint filler ( As builder Ive got a 10litre tub in the garage :) Its pre mixed and dries light beige) The filler is diluted slightly with water to allow it to be applied with a brush. I applied it in horizontal bands to a pencil mark to try and simulate casting joints.

The finished plaster then had white enamel paint added to represent the lime staining.

Last step a thin wash of acrylic matt black to weather which is applied a bit thicker to darken some areas to represent water staining.

I cant get on photobucket at the moment as they are doing maintainace but there are lots of in progress pics about 7 pages back.

http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/

John
RJR

[RJR]

Got on photobucket

Filler
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/backleft.jpg

Filler and white paint
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/lme1.jpg

Black acrylic weathering
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/weathered.jpg

[swisstrains]

That's great. Thanks John.

[RJR]

Today I picked up a new bachmann class 108 in bue grey which is a really nice runner (in DC anyway as Im still waiting for my Elite delivery)

Its a three car unit here is both ends together

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003422.jpg

on the viaduct

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003402.jpg

lit up

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/S7003426.jpg

and a video

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUesDDfMNx8

John
RJR

[RJR]

The lift out section across the door was always ment to double as a diorama and was started as an entry in the CRM forum.

On Sunday I lifted out ,the lift out. Placed in the car and drove 10mins up the road onto Saddleworth Moors about as far as a Lancashire Lad dare go

Here are some of the pics (I got some strange looks from passing motorists !!)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/setup.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steam2.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steam3.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/steam4.jpg



John
RJR

[RJR]

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/375.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/374.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/372.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/stag.jpg

[Trev]

Those are really good pictures John. Very inventive! :)

[Gandalf]

One might also say that the back drop was a bit of divine inspiration.
John (G)

[Seth]

Very well executed. Its a pity that you did'nt show the photographs first, then ask can anyone spot the location, I of course would have spotted the long horned Droylsden Deer, :D that is a native of Saddleworth Moor

Seth (of Droylsden)
Now in Warwickshire on Missonary Work---Can't get a Hollands 'tater pie for love nor money !!!!!

[swisstrains]

Great shots John. You can't beat natural lighting. Many smaller layouts were often photographed outdoors for magazines but you don't seem to see it as much nowadays.

[RJR]

Glad you liked the pics , makes having passing motorist look at you in a funny way worthwhile !!

I finally have a means of DCC control (my Hornby ELITE has arrived) so here is a video of 37057 in action with sound :D

Its in two parts as its a big file

Part 1 http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vUT6w8g4eJk

Part 2 http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jLDSduSWwOA

The last section "encore" of part 2 is my favourite

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

Very good John.
Of all the features that DCC brings to railway modelling I think "sound" is the one that appeals to me the most although I have yet to be impressed with anything available in N Gauge.

[Shed Cat]

Amasing. The outdoor photos would have fooled me into beliving they were real, had you not posted the first one of your car.

[John H-T]

Great outdoor photos. One or two could almost have been Glenfinnan!

Thanks also for the video. Not sure yet about sound, but may be convinced by the Bachmann Jubillee when it arrives!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[RJR]

Ive been experimenting with a wagon to hold the camera to give the impression of "in cab" views

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blUFKoj__Sc



John
RJR

[hairyhandedfool]

Hey folks, like the pics RJR, wish I could model like that, I could get rid of the hornby platforms then! just going back to signalling for a mo, model rail did a couple of articles on signalling recently (from issue 109 I think). If you want to keep with bicolour signals have a look at local (major) lines as more and more led style twin lens four aspect signals are being put up (top lens= yellow/green, bottom lens= red/yellow. just a thought.

[swisstrains]

If you want to keep with bicolour signals have a look at local (major) lines as more and more led style twin lens four aspect signals are being put up (top lens= yellow/green, bottom lens= red/yellow.

I haven't seen one of these signals in the flesh. Do the double-yellow aspects not tend to merge together when viewed from a distance?

[Foghut]

I haven't seen one of these signals in the flesh. Do the double-yellow aspects not tend to merge together when viewed from a distance?
They're known as Ultra Bright LED signals, and it's a very apt description. So in answer to your question, no they don't merge. In fact IMHO two yellows can be distinguished from a further distance than on the older colour light signals. Unfortunately though for the same reason when you get close to them at night it feels like your retinas are melting :eek:.

(And as a little bit of trivia, the bottom set of LEDs are angled downwards so that you can still see them when you're passing underneath them, just like the older light signals had a fresnel lens wedge).

[swisstrains]

Thanks Foggy. I will have to look out for them. I have come across quite a few of the 4 aspect/4 lens signals that use LED's but not the 2 lens variety.

[hairyhandedfool]

London Bridge high level (platform 1-6) has them

[RJR]

Time flies when you are having fun............ Ive just checked the calandar and if my maths is right, March the 20th 2008 is the 6 month aniversary of the shed arriving. Work inside started on the 22nd. To mark the occasion I have had the camera out to make a new video that shows most areas as they are todate, after 6 months progress.

This was the view inside 6 months ago.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/johntealon30/shedinside.jpg

Here it is .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELhnjfB_E6g

John
RJR

[swisstrains]

Great stuff John.
You've worked wonders in such a short length of time.