Veers' Plank Project

The moving could be one of two plans, it either happens immediately in december. Or is postponed for another 6 to 12 months.

But either way, I didn't go as far as gosford. But couldn't find them. Chris said the same thing.

 

I've been mostly immobile for the past two weeks and now that TAFE has finished, I've pulled out some books and looked over pictures of Sydney Central around the start of the 1950s.

Just thinking what sort of design/layout would be good for the plank here. The end goal is for it to be linked to a Hawksbury River section, and a Newcastle Station section. To which it will be ran on two lines as per spec. So the end of each plank needs to end with the Up and Down lines respectively.

The Hawksbury layout could be designed with the fiddle yard at the rear, allowing connections to both Central and Sydney. But haven't put much thought in here yet.

As everything is in my head, I've tried to roughly put something to paper to share. I honestly prefer to work from sketches and drawings rather than the digital programs. But here is a dodgy paint diagram for reference.



Naturally, it depends on the plank size as to what will fit in. I'm just trying to figure out what would be a good option to run with.
- Single Platform down the middle with rail either side including the central track.
- As above with half platform on viewing side or far side.
- Platforms either side and 3 rail in the centre only.
- Mix, as per Central layout 1940/50s

I'm rather flexible with how it will come together, due to the restrictions involved. So I wonder if it will look better with a single platform, half a platform infront, or half and half with the lines down the middle. Probably the better option regarding layout space.

So it's going to be interesting when I get to pulling the foam out onto the bench and figuring this part out. Ideally, would be nice to run the loco and two to three cars. But I need to remember, these are planks. Small, easy to transport. I can't run a full HUB set behind a 38.

Well... I Could. And probably Will. But that isn't the point.

 

Reference for me as I keep forgetting.
Hilux tub length/width1500 x 1100

Foamboard1200 x 600

This is the third time I've marked stuff down and keep forgetting/loosing it. So don't get any ideas about 'deleting' or 'altering' my post.
Just so I know what size constraints I have to work within to fit the layout in the Hilux for transport. These will be exhibition layouts, a very ambitious project for some one in my position.

 

Mine is between the wheel. I'm 100% sure of that.

For a change. Standby for a broad design of central. Cause I've realised I don't think I'll be able to fit this within my 3 plank design. We'll be going more.

I also thought I had 3 foamboards, I only have two atm. Better make another trip to bunnings.

 

So I'm liking this idea.
Anyrail design. Board dimensions are 1200mm by 400mm. Hence why it presently extends off the page, I resized it to the board rather than the maximum of 1500mm

Central Design 1 by Aaron Smith, on Flickr

I sat the foam down, pulled out some stock and old rail just to figure what it may look like.

Scale Test by Aaron Smith, on Flickr

I'll cut the foam down to 400mm wide rather than the planned 500mm (max). The offcut can then be used to make a second add-on of 600mm, which will hold most of the points and rail off the station.

I reckon if I make the station length hold as the image, 2 carriages and locomotive. It will work the best for the overall layout size. A third carriage might just be a bit long for these sections.

What are your thoughts?

So:
- 1200mm long, 400mm wide- Platforms either side- Add-on to fit rail and points. 600mm by 400mm- 2 carriages and locomotive.

Downsides:- Will be crowded at the stations, I hope that the Hawksbury section will provide that nice, open, greenery scenery aspect.

 

I should have noted that I had Peco rail with the E95 & 96. I thought I had used the 91/92 but I guess not.

The thing I'm worried about is by going with a entire board for Central is that it's going to increase the total size of this layout. Which still needs the Hawksbury and Newcastle Station.

If I work on the assumption that each section needs two boards. 6 total. Guess I just need to make a better way to transport so many in the hilux. It's just the transportation I'm worried about. I guess 6 isn't that hard to fit. Two on the bottom, 3 or 4 across the top (in the tub with the last in the cabin).

Should be fun to build that. Else I'd need a trailer or something. :/

I like your idea better though Gary. How many carriages would you run on something this size?, as I looked at before. I was just going to run two plus locomotive. And possibly include a left turn out to a fiddle area built behind Hawksbury section.

Maybe I should draw up an overall version of everything together and break it down from there.

 

I will have two Austrains C30s for such duties. (available early next year?)

I have a lot more measurements to make it seems.

 

I really, really need to take a new stock-take of what is here. This should be everything for this period. Ignoring the Victorian S class and some freight rolling stock/

Locomotives
Lima
- 3801 - Green - DC
- 3802 - Black - DC
- 3830 - Green - ? (DCC)
Eureka
- 3803 - Black - DCC - Broken drive-train
Austrains
- Two C30 tank engines *due 2018*

Rolling Stock
Powerline
1x MHO brake van - Tuscan/Russet
4x 3801 Limited FS Coaches (awaiting delivery of two more) numbered EFS 2090
5x FS cars in tuscan (2x first, 3x second) numbered BS 2152 (first) and FS 2021, 2133m 2095 (second)
10x FS cars in tuscan/russet (3x first, 7x second) numbered BS 2173 (first) & FS 2021 (second)
Eureka
5x HUB in tuscan/russet (1x first, 2x buffet, 2x second) numbered car 1, 2, 3, 5, 7

8x LCH coal hoppers