Birth of a layout.

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by Trev

The locos just won't get up the gradient.

Trev, Do British N-scale locos have traction tyres fitted nowadays?

John.

[Trev]

Traction tyres?

Well I think I know what you mean, and having had a look at my three engines, no, I don't think they do. But I'm not all that sure what I'm looking for.

[swisstrains]

Sorry Trev. I have been away from the British N-scale scene for too long and should have realised that traction tyres are probably still not commonplace on British locos. However, Mainland European N-scale locos manufactured by the German, Austrian and Far Eastern manufacturers are generally fitted with traction tyres. I am sure that you have probably guessed what I am talking about but just to be sure I have attached a photo of one of my locos. The loco is about the same weight as a Graham Farish 47 but because of the tyres it can haul at least 8 passenger coaches up my 1 in 36 gradients
traction_tyres copy.jpg
The tyres are replaceable but in normal use they last for years. Despite usually having one tyre on each bogie they do not affect current collection as all the other wheels have pickups and even the wheels with tyres can still collect current from their flanges.
John.

[Trev]

Thanks John.

Just had a quick look at my two 0-6-0's and neither of them appear to have traction tyres. And as my main motive power is to be small diesel and steam (at least to begin with), then I'm going to have to forego the gradient. It might be a good idea anyway, this is my first model railway and I might as well get the fundamentals of track laying right before I go on to more advanced concepts!

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by Trev

this is my first model railway and I might as well get the fundamentals of track laying right before I go on to more advanced concepts!

Good thinking Trev.
The more reliably your first layout runs.....the more enjoyment you will get from it
John.

P.S. Except for possibly steam tender locos, European N-scale 0-6-0's wouldn't have traction tyres either. Only bogie diesel/electric locos and larger steamers.

[Trev]

I've been fiddling around with the track again this afternoon. (We beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets so my original idea of staring at the box for the day ended in mid afternoon....I had to do something! )

Anyway, another track plan took shape. Basic oval, three long sidings, passing loop, two road loco shed with another siding to one side, a bay road for DMU's and a siding for coal, water and diesel.

And that should be it.....hopefully.

[swisstrains]

Sounds like it has plenty of operating potential to keep you interested.
Go for it Trev

John.

[Trev]

I thought I'd resurrect this thread as there have been a couple of developments in this project. At the rate I'm going, this railway will have a longer history than the LNER!

Anyhow, more track has been bought. The railway will now feature double track, two long passing loops and a largish engine shed. And a new loco arrived at Christmas, courtesy of my wife. A green 'Peak', D67 Royal Artilleryman. I'm hoping to use my birthday money ( 50 years old today and Mum and Dad gave me £40! ) to get the underlay tomorrow which should make the running that little bit sweeter and less noisy. And then I'll stick the track down at last.

I must admit that Ian announcing that he is to start a model has spurred me on a bit. A year into this project and I have still got virtually nowhere. And on top of that, Syd has almost finished with N and is thinking of starting something in OO! I'm gonna have to get my skates on and get the track down at least.

[swisstrains]

Firstly Trev, can I wish you a belated Happy 50th Birthday.......you're catching up with me rapidly

It's really good to hear that you are restarting work on your layout.
This forum should start to get a little more active with both you and Ian (and possibly Syd) hard at work building miniature empires.

[John H-T]

Happy Birthday Trev. The best is still to come. Keep on rocking!