My layout - The Mole Valley Line

TheThing · My layout - The Mole Valley Line

So I had a very enjoyable afternoon, 'pottering' on the layout. I've set out a basic oval that runs round the perimeter of the table and now added some curved turn outs at the front to split the track round the station paltform I intend to put in later.

Much fun was had with the turn outs as they kept isolating the oval from the power track, put in on the outside oval. D'oh! Forgot this would happen. I ran some cable to another powertrak on the far side of the oval, but the turn outs kept isolating the whole thing. Checked and re-checked everything, but still no joy. As a last resort, I swapped the two power tracks over and BINGO! No more isolation, except where I want it!

I've got some more turn outs to add to the far side of the oval to run round the halt's platform. I'm toying with the idea on adding a straight turn out and a further curve inside the main oval to run under a hill, while the main oval runs over the hill. More on this to follow...

Will post some pictures and a short video later.

Joe

Is this all on a baseboard? Last I saw of yout layout was when it was just locos on a printer on your website, sorry.

TheThing

Yes, apologies!

A baseboard and some legs have (at last!) been put together. My father-in-law kindly made the legs etc from some 2x4 and I added the top from 21mm MDF I got from freecycle.org. The table is approx 150cm x 104cm.

Beautifully solid!

Joe

21mm... makes my 9mm look ridiculous! is it not heavy? or don t you have to lift it, is it going to be permantly where it is now? sorry for the questions but I am intrested.

TheThing

As promised, some photos: -

The table legs and supports (excuse the mess underneath!) The legs are just under 2" square and the supports are 4"x1".

Close up of a leg and support. The front support has been raised slighty from this photo to make it flush with the leg top. The are two supports on each side and the back, one at the top and one approx 8" from the floor. The front just has the top support to allow access (for junk storage!) underneath.

Putting the top on. the top is in two sections both 104cm front to back, then 1x 100cm amd 1 x 50cm. This was just because I didn't have any MDF of the complete surface area required.

The top. There is a slight lip between the two pieces caused by the way they have been stored. It is already sinking back into place. The top has been screwed down into the top of each leg and with at least two screws on each side. As the MDF is 21mm thick, this is more than enough to keep it in place and the give the whole table excellent strenght and rigidity.

A short video of the first run! Quality is not great as it was from my phone and I was, literally, shaking with excitement! This is just a basic oval, but I have already added some curved turnouts and have some more work planned!

Joe - 21mm is heavy. Luckily I got a whole load free from my local freecycle.org. I've gone for this thickness to add rigidity to the table and to make screwing things to it/thru that much safer.. It's not going anywhere, so weight is not really an issue! Overengineered is how I see it!

Even older tom

Well done for getting started Hugh!

Just one suggestion: You are running very close to the left hand edge of the layout and any derailments might result in real damage to loco or stock. (If you remember when you saw Ridley, I was also running very near the edge - after a couple of close calls, I've extended the board a bit with a 'Tom Patent Extension Panel' and it's fine now) If you need details of how to make one, please give me a call.
Cheers
Tom

TheThing

Hmm, agreed Tom. Can really extend as, you might see from the video, I need that space to store the telescope tripod!

I haven't stuck anything down yet, so might need to play about with it a bit. Mrs TheThing is already talking about me making hills and tunnels!

Even older tom

If no space then just screw a panel there and cover it with scenic effect paper (or something similar), that should do the trick.

And Missus The Thing is already enthusiastic? What a result!!!!

TheThing

Good idea Tom. I've already moved it slightly so there is about 2cm between track and edge, but the panel sounds like the best way forward!

adamrules247

Looking sharp if I say so myself!!!

TheThing

Oh no!

Now I've seen CastleHill in this month's 'Railway Modeller.' Seems like it will fit on my board (with a little trimming). Modify the scenery and Bob is your proverbial!

Good job I haven't stuck anything down yet!