starting in o

Hi Dave, my pleasure mate
Great choice of layout design, I've looked at this plan, from Ian Rice, several times. Re altering the track plan, I think this will depend on what you would like to run on it. If you plan to run a couple of coach sets and possible a push pull set then you might need a coach siding. Will you operate it from a fiddle yard?
Kim

 

Hi Dave, 35ft is going to be one impressive layout.

As the plan is designed by Ian in 4mm scale, stretching it out to 16ft will basically keep it the same in 7mm. To give you an idea of scale, Two suburban coaches and a small 0-4-2 GWR tank is going to require 48 inches of platform allowing for space at the point-work for a second train to pass. So I think it would be best to work from the plan as is, this would allow a suburban B set and a push pull to be at the station at the same time and still leave access to the coaling facilities.
For me personally I'd like a goods shed as I like to run box vans as well as coal. Where to put it ? Possibly where the loco coal loading area is at the top middle of the plan?
Looking at the plans point work it looks like it could be done using Peco point work, might be an idea to print off the peco plans for the points and double slips and have a play laying them out, just to make sure.
Kim

 

Hi Dave, Tower Models have just listed the new Peco set track on their web page. There's a Peco link at the bottom for their point templates. The small tight 4' points could be useful for a goods yard area, I'm going to order a couple and give them a go. Kim

 

Hi Dave
I would go with the Double slips if using the Peco O ones they work really well and I would say are a far better option than the 2 points esp with the limited space.
The OO double slips are often said to be troublesome if backing trains over but we have not found any issues with the O Gauge ones.
On my dads layout we are able to back trains through without any issues, strings of 4 wheel wagons or Bogie passenger stock all roll through nicely.

As far as additions it's your interpretation of the plan and if it suits how you plan to operate I would go with it.
I see these plans as a great starting point that you can customise to your own space/needs/wants, whilst having a good Guide as to what it will look like as an end product.
So don't be afraid to play around with the arrangement as you are going
As suggested previous, print out the Peco templates and then use these to lay out and check spacing and track lengths for stock
You may find some small adjustments give big advantages
Like the platform lines.
Check that you can get the length of train you want in and have clearance with the stock you are intending to use
For example a couple of inch variation may mean the ability to fit 3 Mk1's in the platform as aposed to 2 and not quite having enough space to clear a third.
I did this with Moonan Flats I had the plan and when laid out and rolling stock place I found a minor 2.5 inch variation gave enough room to run round 1 extra carriage.

Edit Dave reading back I noticed that you are planning on using 12mm ply I think this is a bit of overkill and the base could become very heavy.
There are several qualitys of Ply and in the cheaper grade ones to get stability you may need to go to the thicker sizes.
I have found that if you use the Marine grade you get the same stability with half the thickness and due to its construction is far more resistant to warping generally construction and first grade ply are made with soft timber and bonded with low grade glues.
the marine grade is usually a mix of soft and hard wood timber plys and the bonding glues are far superior.
The cost is about 10% more for the same size sheet but you save by not having to use as thick a profile so is usually cheaper in the end. The final product will much stronger and lighter as well.
Worth looking into with the Timber suppliers in you area.

http://www.click

 

Hi Dave, definitely double slips, they work fine in O gauge. LSD has one peco double slip to feed the engine shed facility and a siding in front of the engine shed, this has worked faultlessly since installation and is a great space saving solution. In o gauge every cm of track space you can gain will help you with siding storage length and more space available at passing point.I think the changes you mention would be a great idea allowing you to model a goods shed whilst still having some where to park up a couple of small locos for refuelling and water services. Has the new stock arrived
Kim

 

Hi Dave, well that's more than a toe dipped into o gauge, more like half a leg, well done, look forward to seeing the new stock, especially the half cab kit.