Dargan

Discussion in 'Members Personal Layouts' started by Davoetype, Oct 24, 2017.

  1. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Nice walk through of adding the crossing.
    A nice result and it fits the scene just right

    Enjoy your cruise hopefully lots of Sunshine for you.

    Re photos you may find down sizing the image will allow it to go on I did a test when the the host migration first went on line and the standard iPad or phone image that would previously upload now bounces you but if down sized it posts OK
     
  2. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Chris

    I had downsized them thanks to Gormo's tuition video and you will see that the first three went ok but it went AWOL after that. Computers I guess.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
  3. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Hi Folks

    Time to get on with some serious changes

    DARGAN THE EXTENSION Progress Update #1

    While the present layout has plenty of interesting track work and scope for train operations, it could not cope with my expanding interest in scenery and structures so I needed more space. Plenty of room in the shed but it would involve a major reorganisation of bench and machinery locations particularly as all equipment is ducted to a central dust extraction system. The bullet has been bitten (or chewed over at length?) and after a fair bit of effort, all equipment has been relocated, new ducts installed and suitable space allocated to the new extension.

    [​IMG]

    That is not E Type oil on the floor, merely where she dribbles in the expectation of her next outing.

    As part of the extension I wanted to achieve more storage for rolling stock so a new cabinet has been constructed to go under the extension. One side is shown above. Here is what it contains.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The structure is made from Tassie Oak so it is quite sturdy and presentable.

    So now on with the extension. This is the connection point to the existing layout. The plan calls for the twin mainlines to run around the new city of Dargan but with a concentration on buildings and scenery rather than more complicated track work. The extension will add some 30 metres of track to the existing 73 metres.

    [​IMG]

    Here is the first addition

    [​IMG]

    Note I have kept one track intact so I can continue to play trains.

    This is where the extension is heading. I have not filled in the centre section for ease of access during construction and wiring.

    [​IMG]

    And this is just about the extent of things.

    [​IMG]

    Should be an interesting outcome but at least it will keep me off the streets.

    Hppy modelling

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2018
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  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Wow, a great addition. Plenty of operating access so no issues there. I like the storage solution for your stock. It would be too cold and damp over here to get away with that but it would be ideal rather than being kept in boxes. It will severely reduce the potential damage due to handling.

    Keep your updates coming.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  5. Dr Tony

    Dr Tony Full Member

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    I love the idea of "The City of Dargan", as anyone who has even been there it is a funny concept, one coffee shop and not much else last time we were up there if I remember correctly.
    Cheers
    Tony
     
  6. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Toto

    A long way to go but most enjoyable. I have done a bit more and will keep all posted on progress. The cabinet is in addition to some 24 metres of storage track shelving that sits just behind the overhead ducted lighting but I wanted something better for the locos and unit trains. Naturally I will have to extend the overhead ducted lighting to the new extension but that is just another project

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
  7. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Yes Tony

    If the Mountains were designed properly then Dargan would have been one of the the main centres but along with Harley Grange, Little Hartley and Glen Davis, it is my concept of a different Blue Mountains. Certainly scope to do them as I want.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
  8. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Wow, what a great expansion taking place. Looking forward to the ongoing build. :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

    Cheers, Gary.

    ps, enjoy the cruise... ;)
     
  9. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Garry...and congratulations on the Golden Goat Award.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
  10. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Hi Folks

    PROGRESS UPDATE #2

    A few either hot or rainy days which prevented much outside gardening gave me a bit of time to devote to more rewarding efforts. So I just had to get on with the track work regardless of the incomplete state of the timber work. A few aches and pains later achieved the main integration between the old and the new:

    [​IMG]

    At that point I just had to keep going so the final track extension has been completed including the installation of the DCC bus and connection to each segment of new track:

    [​IMG]

    The timber work still needs much attention but wow...now I can run trains over a very satisfying length of track. Next on the schedule will be completion of the enclosing timber work and track ballasting. More rain is promised so I am expecting to see major achievements.

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2018
  11. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Hi Richard you have made great progress on the extensions.

    Is the extension purely a scenic part of the railway or are there any plans for a second station or a siding or two etc to add some operational aspect to the extension.
    Trains will certainly look good winding there way round the layout:thumbs:
     
  12. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Hi Chris

    Yes Dargan is an integral part of the operational characteristics of the expanded layout.

    As I outlined earlier in my thread, the existing layout comprised the main station at Hartley Grange, a halt station at Hartley Minor looking after the grain silos, etc, the Mining operation at Glen Davis and the home suburb of Dargan which was yet to be built. Dargan will be serviced by point to point rail motor services from Hartley Grange (via single unit RM 401 in the off peak and twin unit RM 621/721 in peak periods) and is also on the same main Western line as the others so naturally will require a main line station.

    This provides the necessary rationale for Dargan to house all the scenics, commercial and residential buildings as well as a fully operational part of the layout with a small siding and dock station for the RMs. For the detail you will all have to wait as although the embryo is developed, the detail has not.

    Cheers and happy modelling

    Richard

    PS

    I am particularly happy with RM 401 as shown in my initial post. It is a very early Stephen Johnson kit which was always lacking in the finer detail. I finally found an ancient piece of film/video that showed 401 on its final run up to the now closed line to Dorrigo and was able to complete the detail of the under floor braking, fuel tanks, etc and above roof cooling systems. Luckily the film also included sound so I was able to use a sound decoder from 601/701 to replicate 401 including the alternative horn sounds used for either rural or suburban use.
     
  13. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    Wow Richard,

    That`s a big increase in the length of run you have there.

    God bless the rain.........it allows us to model without a guilty conscience .....:avatar::avatar::avatar::avatar:

    http://www.click:tophat:Gormo
     
  14. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Hi Folks

    Progress Update #3

    A little more progress and one that I was looking forward to...the completion of ballasting. I have also tidied up the timber work so that it now resembles the perimeter of the final product.

    [​IMG]

    With ballasting on the done list, now time for the construction of Dargan's station. The twin platform is designed to take full main line sets and there is also the incorporation of the dock platform to cater for the point to point rail motor services.

    [​IMG]

    While I was hot on the timber work, I also progressed with the back scene enclosure for that fateful day when I actually get some back scenes in place. I also took the opportunity to rework the mine area so I could run the back scene ply around the brick work.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Yes...also did the sky blue painting so now I can get on with some serious scenery. But first I just had to run a train or two. This is 6040 and 6020 (4.8.8.4/ 4.8.8.4 Beyer Garratts) hauling 35 BCH bogie coal trucks. They are both DCC sound locos and make for an impressive run by at eye level.

    Before the scenery I need to provide a small siding near the rail motor dock to provide for the local sheep farmers and trades.

    Back to the shed!

    Cheers and happy modelling

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2019
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  15. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Looking good so far Richard. I bet you are glad that the ballasting has been completed !

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  16. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    You bet....my aches and pains have subsided but the memory lingers on. Its all just plain fun from here on in.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
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  17. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    You`re really cracking on at a pace there Richard.

    Nice to see the back scene there protecting the jag from runaway trains....:avatar::avatar::avatar::avatar:

    Keep up the good work...:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

    http://www.click:tophat:Gormo
     
  18. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    Looks awesome, I wish I had as much room to play in :avatar:. I love those Garratts, what an incredible engine!

    Pete.
     
  19. Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Looking really good :thumbs::thumbs:
     
  20. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Yes Pete

    The Garratts were an amazingly powerful beast and yet among the first to be retired when the hugely successful 44 class diesels were introduced.

    The working conditions on the 60's (I am told by those who did it) were quite horrendous, the noise, heat and vibration being the worst. You will see that my 6040 has been fitted with extended sound pipes which run just in front of the leading wheels. These pipes could then pick up the sound of track detonators and transmit that explosion to the crew via a metal megaphone in the cab who otherwise would have been quite oblivious to the noise of the detonator above that of the loco. Not a good result otherwise for the track workers down the line.

    This background was related to me by a good aquaintance of mine who allowed me to accompany him on the footplate while he was in charge of 3801 from Central to Picton. All he said then was "Brother, this is luxury compared to the 60's"

    Cheers

    Richard
     

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