Simpas
Western Thunderer
This should be into the MRJ Competition page, but I'm not sure how to put it there. Anyway, here goes.
Here are the first pictures I took of what is my entry for the Cameo Competition. I have emailed my form ....honest. The pictures date from roughly six months ago when I started the project, which is intended to be used as an illustration of how straightforward modelling can be in 2FS using the latest in track-work kits and bits together with converted 'N' gauge stock representing a modern period. It's a happy coincidence that it (I think) fits the criteria.
The genesis of the plan is based on a very simple operation I witnessed first hand in the mid 1980s just north of Newcastle upon Tyne where a 'trip' working out of Tyne Yard (reporting no 6P03) finished up at an industrial facility which was part of ICI. Materials were 'shipped' in by rail and the end product, explosives, were dispatched again by rail. The trip working was known by railway staff as the 'Callerton Trip' because that is the name of the small cluster of dwellings close to where the facility existed just south of Newcastle Airport. You will see I have subtly mis-spelled the name. This is because I only got the idea from the prototype; it's not claiming to be an accurate portrayal of the location or what went on there, just a suggestion with the merest semblance of authenticity, but provides a reason (if we ever need one) for the plan whilst at the same time showing you don't need to go too complicated (and with a single turnout this just doesn’t get any simpler…!) in order to represent a prototype operation. Off we go then, with some early shots of the baseboards. Some of these pictures will appear in the 2mm Magazine and maybe elswhere in due course.
I am very aware that whilst I have often suggested building something like this to many people, I have never myself built a very small simple layout in order to illustrate the philosophy, so 'Cameo Callaton' is my attempt to put that right. The self imposed disciplines are:-
1/ no more than 2' 6" long in its transportable state
2/ 8" - 12" deep
3/ some semblance of prototype credibility
4/ ease of assembly, preferably the fiddle yard should be secreted within the body of the layout for transport.
5/ L.E.D. lit and examine the possibility of mains/battery operation.
In addition since I have now an aversion to rectangular layouts e.g. absolute right angles and squares on all sides of the baseboard, there must be a pleasing to the eye curve on the viewing side.
More anon.....
Mick S.
1. The basic baseboard with fiddle yard attached. The solid top has not yet been cut to shape. It will be screwed in place. Do you like the trespass sign? I used to model the N.E.R.
2. Closer view of the sector plate fiddle - a very simple affair.
3. An underside view showing simplicity of the sector plate construction and illustrating how it sits neatly within the body of the baseboard. Yes, the baseboard top surface has been cut to shape and screwed in place at this stage.
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