Mansfield - the beginnings...

Hi all,

Rather than keep adding posts to the 'welcome' thread, I thought I'd start a new 'slow burner' on here. Following on from very good suggestions in that thread, I've just spent an hour in the local library, with their OS maps from 1911/17, and also numerous photos from that era, and before/after. The photo's were simply amazing! I recall my grandfather telling me of 2-6-4's and 2-6-0's operating at Mansfield GCR station, but I also discovered Mansfield had a separate LNER station!

I also had a thought that the Steam TMD faced towards the central railway station, when in fact it faced away. How strange. The OS maps were very useful for visualising track layout, and also that next to the station was a goods building/yard, and a cattle yard. Instant idea!

One thing I did realise is the track will take further planning to bring in undulations and also some bridges/viaducts of some kind. I also came to the conclusion I could not do it justice in OO, as I don't have the space(board size is 10ft by 8 1/2 feet chaser, with a centre working area), so I'll further explore N gauge. I'm looking at cheating a little, in doing era 5 and 6, as when the sidings for goods were taken out, the main station was still in use for passengers but the line was heavily used for freight. Examples of the kind of freight is evident from the very large Shirebrook N Gauge Railway (an internet search will find photos).

I'm a month or two from breaking ground, but when the time is right, I'll start adding photos. There will be some artistic licence, but provided I can get the stock I'm thinking of...

I've also obtained Rail Modeller Pro for Mac. Seems very easy to use, so will give me chance to at least visualise what I'm trying to achieve.

Finally, a big thanks to those suggestions re local library and OS maps - it's not all on the internet!

Cheers for now,

Andy.

 

Hi Keith. It’s a case of compromises, really. 00 offers advantages but I don’t have the room to at least attempt to model in a realistic scenic. I did have N Gauge as a kid, but I do agree that I do need to think about the old eyesight. Thankfully there are plenty of aids to help

I have been checking out plenty of other layouts - some exhibition standard, which mine won’t be. The skills involved, including electrical, painting, plasticard moulding etc are amazing. Part of the reason I’d like to have a go. I’m already thinking f how I’d do the huge glass canopy which went over the two lines at Mansfield.

 

A couple of basic and beginner questions, but then again I am new back to this hobby after some time.

I’m considering using Code 55, but wanted to check whether is ok with older N Gauge rolling stock. I know there are some issues with older 00 scale stuff on their standard v fine scale track?

I’ll be running DCC, so will be looking to solder the track in places. I’m ok at soldering, but has anyone had any issues with Code 55? Should I look to use the joining rails with wires attached, or solder the track itself (I think this could look a lot neater tbh).

Thanks,

Andy.

 

Yes I’m going to solder direct to the tracks, at suitable places to meet said wires to the bus wire. Thanks for those that have responded.

 

This is exactly what I’m going to do for all track parts. I’ll be using electro frog points too, so there is a little bit of wiring to do with those as well. It will keep me busy.