Hi Folks On with the roundhouse! With all of my scratch built buildings, I like to create an internal structure as close as possible to the original so the roundhouse is no exception. Sure it does make for a far more complicated project and much of the internal handiwork is obscured when cladding, etc, is installed. But I know what is behind the finished product so I guess that is all that matters. Each loco bay is divided by a structural partition and is quite cramped at the entry point. Of course it fans out further into the building and the cramped entry allows the number of stables to be maximised. The length of each partition is scaled to suit the turntable and available space so the structure will be closer to the turntable than the original but there are always compromises. So here is the prototype partition and the first of the assembly with five completed and ten more to go: There are 32 individual timbers for each bay so there is quite a bit of cutting involved. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
I love scratch built timber structures...the organic characteristics and the smell of the wood just can't be beaten.
Hi Folks A good week and also weekend spent on the new roundhouse. The main structure is now complete. It is still in three segments so I can move them easily and complete the detail work in the comfort of my study but then those gaps will be filled and form the last two bays. I am now satisfied that all dimensions can be regarded as final and the turntable site can be excavated (not cut out...this is a building site!). Then of course there will be the not insignificant track ballasting, scenery, dcc integration, etc. All part of the fun is it not? Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Hi Richard, The progress is looking great... Just wondering where you source your timber/wood from that you use for your scratch builds...I am a carpenter by trade and decided to cut my own on a rather large saw in my shed and this is not suitable due to the amount of waste . I am looking at getting a hobby sized band saw in the future as I real enjoyed building with timber...even more with scale models. I have seen some make planking jigs with razor blades to cut balsa and some cut from timber veneers. Cheers for any info you can share.
Hi Chris I cut all of my modelling wood on my two band saws, one a small hobby sized unit which I see you are considering, the other my woodworking one but that big guy also gets down to 1.5 mm so it is very useful. Make sure you get a good range of blades down to very fine. In many cases you will also need to do a bit of finishing sanding to get the right result. Sheets are sourced from hobby shops where you can get 300 x 300 sheets of very fine plys designed for model boat building. For the larger stuff don't overlook Bunnings but always get the quality product. The roundhouse would cost an arm and a leg if I had to use proprietary hobby scale wood. I also use a balsa planking cutter but not for buildings of this scale. Can highly recommend this DIY approach. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
The thing to remember is that something good usually comes out of something bad. Thanks Gormo Even though it is not yet completed, I think that your early phrophecy is coming to a very satisfactory conclusion. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Hi Folks I decided not to install the turntable at this stage as it is a handy spot to lean on while I am still working on the roundhouse and scenery behind it. So on with the roundhouse which is now almost structurally complete. I am keeping the separation bays until last so it is easier to work on the internals of lighting, glazing. etc. So too the reason why the corrugated iron at the rear is not yet fixed in place. Bays 15 and 16 will be kept "under construction" so the internals are not lost from view. Naturally this construction area needed some activity so a front end loader is on site. Also I have completed the DCC droppers for the roundhouse tracks so that is one tedious job out of the way. Now on with painting, etc. The grey coloured sheeting is where I have repurposed some items from the old roundhouse. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Hi Folks Family health issues have demanded my recent attention but thankfully things are now heading back to normal and I have been able to progress further with the restoration. Installation of the turntable with all of its associated cabling and programming is finally complete. Also module one of the roundhouse is painted and ready for connection to modules two and three, also painted. The precision of the turntable is something to appreciate. Once the laser guided home position is established, addresses can be set for any location around the turntable. It is also fully compatible with my NCE DCC system so who knows what mischief I will get up to in future running sessions. Here is a short video of it in operation. The clicking sound is me pressing the control buttons: Now on with the next step which will be joining of the three roundhouse modules and installation of suitable internal lighting. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Family health issues are more important than the layout. Just got to remember the layout will always be waiting for your attention when you are ready ! Nice work on the turntable, it has such smooth operation. Cheers, Gary.
I here you on the health trail...great progress and cheers for sharing the short film. Kind regards Chris
Thanks Chris Spring gardening does require a good bit of time lately but there is always some time for modelling. I have decided not to permanently join the three sections of the roundhouse as there is always a need to remove buildings for maintenance and if joined together the whole thing would be quite difficult to shift. So I am extending each of the first two pieces so they will nudge up to the next modules and look like they are a single unit. Hope this works out. Cheers and happy modelling Richard