Beware, take care, Komata's Blog has once again decided to emerge - all those who don't like cliffhanger's should read no further - the cliff this time is VERY high. . (you have been warned. . )
But, to return to reality. .
Those of our membership with long memories may recall that I did a series of 'Blogs about a gold mining layout the 'Kaiser's Reef (Hauraki) Gold Mining Co (No Liability)' which was /is contained within a 1930's Cutlery Drawer, with the premise of the series being that it is actually possible to model complex prototypes successfully in very small spaces.
The 'Kaiser's ' was successfully exhibited at the New Zealand Association of Model Railway Clubs 'Convention08, in Napier, New Zealand, over Easter 2008
Since then, I have done the same with 'Waitawheta' - also Tea-tray-type layout, that was set in an actual locality (Karangahake in New Zealand's North Island). it too attended the 2008 Convention.
So, what has all of the above to do with this 'Blog? Not very much, except that i have a spare 'tray on hand, and I'm starting to build another layout within it!! (You have been warned . . [LOL]), and that, depending on interest, I will keep you all Dear Reader's of the 'Blog, informed about progress (or otherwise) of this latest project (though sadly without pictures - my computer, at 12-14 years old, is not exactly recent). However. . .
So, shall we begin?
The Tea-Tray is of course a rectangle, with an interior measurement of 22 7/8 inches by 14 i/8 inches , and a vertical depth of 1 3/4 inches.
Inside this rectangle I have place some softboard (no idea what the US or European equivalent of this material is - if there is one), to a total depth of 1 inch, giving me 3/4 of an inch as a 'safety' barrier' against prying fingers etc, and stopping anything falling out of the layout if it falls off the tracks.
The track plan is extremely simple, and is a variation on 'Littleton Curve' a 'tail-chaser' layout that appeared in the November 1999 Model Railway Magazine.
It is effectively an oval, with a LH Peco Electrofrog Point l(switch) located at the bottom RH corner, some 6 inches back from that corner and 1/8 inch in from the side of the 'tray.
To allow for overhang of rolling stock, the curves are set so that the ends of the sleepers (ties) are 1 inch back from each end, giving an effective radii of 6 1/2 inches!
This of course limits the items that can be run and as a result, motive power will be my reliable B'mann Plymouth 0-6-0 Shunter, with 4-wheeled wagons and a single Bogie Guards Van (Caboose) following-on behind.
All of which is by way of background.
Progress?
As this is a very new project, I have not made much progress, but have laid 3/16-inch cork roadbed, and Peco flextrack, as well as the all-important point (switch)
I have also created a curved platform (also out of softboard) inside the RH curve and so-arranged that the LH end of the platform starts about 1/4 from the point tie-bar.
I have even managed to persuade my 'Plymouth to go around the track without stumbling!! (Progress indeed).
Concept
So, what am I trying to achieve with all of this?
My current thought is to create a small rural New Zealand-style branch line, owned and operated by my resident railway Co - the 'Tickford Valley Railway Co (London) Ltd (remember the TVR Dear Reader's?), and run small short train on it 'for fun'.
I have no real idea exactly what will result from this latest adventure, so it is very much in the nature of an experiment.
What I DO know so far is that I will be using standard TVR buildings and rolling stock (the station for instance will be similar to that at Helston as I have drawn in 'Komata's Gallery' pictures) as this will save both time and give some uniformity. Beyond that? No idea, but it should be fun (I hope).
So, there you have it Dear Readers of Komata's Blog. The latest 'experiment'. We'll see what happens, where it leads, and what eventuates. As I said, it's a tall cliff. . .
It should be fun - I hope - and if it's not, I'll still tell you about it anyway!!
Thank you for reading and lasting this far, and, as usual. . .
Happy modelling
Komata
"TVR - sering the Northern Taranaki . . ."
PS: And in case you are wondering, the new layout hasn't got a name - yet. I working on it . . .
The tea tray rides again
It sounds very interesting Komata, that's really going small, you are really prolific; and by the way, I noticed that Fleishman has some very tight curves and turnouts, maybe the German trains and rolling stock can also handle your curves.(or is that too pretentious); is the softboard anything like the gatorfoam?
The Tea-Tray rides again. . .
lazaro
Thank you for the compliment - I build these very small layouts because I live in a small house and haven't got much room.
(They are a great challenge though ( LOL)
Pinex is a wood-based material, which is, I understand, unique to New Zealand, and is not like gatorboard.
I believe that it is made from a fine-grade of sawdust which is mixed with a glue then run through a press where it is both squeezed and heated, the result being a board that has one side which is quite solid, while the rest is quite soft and flexible.
The end result is a product which takes track pins and glue very well - it has been used in railway modelling in New Zealand for many years.
Its only drawback is that it tends to have the consistency of wet porridge if it gets wet, and dissolves very easily as a result.
I have no idea what the overseas equivalent would be - the nearest product which would be anything like it would seem to be either Foamboard or Sundealea.
Sadly, I have no idea what your local equivalent would be.
Thanks for the suggestion about Fleischmann. Unfortunately it is not availalble locally and would have to be especially imported. I also model the sort of trains that are likely to be seen in New Zealand, and unfortunately the Fleischmann stock and locos don't fit the bill - the B'mann locomotive and Peco 4-wheeled stock I use does.
It was a great suggestion though, so thank you.
Komata
"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "
Interesting concept, as
Interesting concept, as usual, Keith. Please keep us up to date with the progress. Love these cliffhangers.
Just for laughs, I think I'll ask the owner of my LHS if he can order some Kiwi softboard for me.
The tea tray rides again
The Tea-Tray rides again. . .
Gentlemen
Thank you for the compliments - and yes I will keep the assembled enthusiasts posted on progress.
Jimmi
Your LHS won't have a clue (and you will still want to go there won't you?) - better to thoroughly confuse your local timber (Lumber) merchant and ask for 'Pinex' softboard there - then run. If nothing else, you will be remembered (LOL)
But have fun anyway!
Komata
"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "