Yesterday I applied number plates. She's wearing "99 6021", a fake number in connection with her origin 99 6001. So this thing is finished, but I am already planning a small layout for some operation.
This is the first version for a small layout. It has to fit on only 0,3 m x 1,6 m. Therefore I plan to use no switches but transfer tables. I always like a situation at the southern HSB terminus Nordhausen. They loaded SG cars on NG trucks only to switch these cars some meters across into 3 spurs: I tried to convert this situation using a transfer table at platform area and a second one at fiddle yard with focus on transfer ramp. Fiddleyard has two purposes: "unvisible" rest part of freight yard and main line. So I can operate trains point-to-point and a switching crew. Additionally I can operate a standard switcher for transfer duties: So far the theory...
First steps of layout construction I started with the transfer table and assembled 2 guide rails into a low box. On top of the slide blocks rests a board as a base for trackwork and scenic. Board can move very easily sideways 30 mm = distance between track centers. First impression of what will be...hopefully... I attached SCARM plan sheets and rolling stock boxes to control transfer table movement and dimensions. You cna see Rollbock transfer ramp and the bridge, covering point of contact of the two layout parts. These pictures show front- and back position of transfer table, viewing from platform. You can see access to the spur if transfer table is in back position. Otherwise it is hidden by scenic.
It took some time to adjust transfer table, but now wiring has begun.. I made several wholes on box sides for dcc wires and controller connection. One front received plug and socket to connect other layout moduls like fiddleyard.
Hi Dom, yes, no turnouts no, NOT only hidden sliding tables. The right side table will be a platform area. As for the fiddleyard a forum member sent me pictures of a designed fiddleyard, a very cool idea. I like it, so perhaps there no hidden areas at all...
Ok, thank you Steffen.Still difficult for me to imagine a layout without any turnout, but everyone one's taste and goal. Dom
Yes, just another approach. I decided to avoid turnouts because room is at a premium (only 0,2 x 0,8m), but wanted a design allowing some switching operations.
Hi all, after my post #31 work stopped on steamer SHE #57 because of open questions how to make the shell. Originally I planned to modify a Fleischmann shell class 81, but this didn't work. I decided to use the already modified boiler and new etched brass sheets. Yesterday I found a small shipment in my post box. Exited as I was I had to make a first test promptly to check overall view. I think it fits quite good.
