Welcome Andy_C

Hi there. That's a nice touch! I came and checked on here to see if my registration has been approved, and saw this message.

Hopefully I'll get lots of help and advice, especially re DCC for 00 (I like the look of Digitrax stuff).

I'm back to model railways after a long lay off. As a child I ran 00 and N gauge with the help of my lovely later step-dad. My wife has authorised the use of a bedroom with a workable space of 10 feet by 8.5 feet, which I think is plenty big enough to do a decent 00 layout. It will take a bit of time before actually commencing, as the cost of getting the room is decorating and sorting two others!

Board layout I'll take my time with. Rectangular with a middle cut-out and a hinged part near the door is what I'll look at.

I'm looking to explore some Mac based track software so I can better visualise the space. I'm looking at a rectangular layout, with a fiddle yard on one long side, and some kind of station plus TMS on the other. I like the idea of a turntable as I'll be running steam, but what originally got me here was the comments by some re the issues they'd had with the Heljan TT. Very insightful.

Era-wise I'm drawn to the 50'-60's, as i can legitimately then run steam and diesel. Hatton's call this era 5? It will be either this or the blue BR era 6.

Components - I'd probably look at OO gauge and Peco code 100 track. N gauge is probably too small for me now. Another reason is I visited a lovely local model shop in Edwinstowe, to find the owner deals in 2nd hand/pre-loved stuff - some was in very good condition. I'm aware of the need to be careful when running older stock on the new Peco 75 track?

So, I'll have a mooch round and see what nuggets are already here for me to learn about.

Thanks again for the warm introduction.

Cheers,

Andy.

 

Thanks Rob. Already found a nice website here for pre-loved stuff.

 

Hello Paul. Thank you for your very fair comments and questions.

To answer them (in no particular order):

I initially liked Digitrax having looked at its flexibility. I'm very open to other suggestions re control but I do want to control the train, not the track so to speak. DCC appeals in this regard. When the time gets near enough that I'm looking at getting started, I'll ask further on here and elsewhere.

I'll run the layout alone. It will be bedroom based. I'll look round for a local club to get involved in, of course. I'm minded to set the track and operating up to be as future proof as possible. I totally get there might be a likelihood I'll alter things at some stage.

I'm ok with computers and learning systems. I did that when getting into music production as a side hobby to learning piano (I still do this). Wiring and electrics I think I'll pick up(ouch) ok.

Thanks again,

Andy.

 

@paul_l Thanks again. I've just had a look at NCE via Digitrains website. I will come back here as and when I'm at the control stage.

I do need some track planning software. I have an iMac running their latest OS, so it would seem a shame not to use an app that works on here for track planning.

This one looks ok. https://www.railmodeller.com/express-edition-en.html

It has Peco code 100 and 75 track listed, and can do multiple level stuff. £35.00. I'll have a further look, but this one looks promising.

I'm also looking for the old track maps of Mansfield Railway Station in the 50's. It had a TMD and goods yard back in the day, so it might prove the basis for some ideas.

 

@Keith M Thanks. I know @Andy_Sollis, as I used to work with him. Small world!

Would you know where to look for railway plans for older stations like Mansfield? I've had an initial look online, with no success.

Cheers,

Andy.

 

Update.

I popped into Mansfield Library today. Didn’t have a lot of time(was on my lunch break), but will be calling back in the morning. They have plenty of stuff to look at, including photo’s and OS maps.

Looking at the plans will give me an idea of scale, in more ways than one. I came across the N gauge model of Shirebrook depot - that is a lovely piece of work. Not sure I could model in that detail/size, though.

 

Excellent link. I’ve ordered both maps of Mansfield. For the price it’s well worth it. Thank you for posting the link.

CHEERS,

Andy