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N scale tunnel – Martin’s

Martin’s been back in touch with his N scale tunnel build:

“Hi Al,

Remember me? the step by step tunnel you posted years ago?

Not been making any scenic models for quite a while but I have recently been asked to make an N scale corner mountain with waterfall.

It has a branch line running behind and a double track tunnel to a fiddle yard.

As I said a while since I made any so it was a challenge to me.

Still not finished yet as the waterfall hasn’t yet been added or the back wall of the cutting to do.

Anyway I thought you may like to see some pictures of the step by step progress? I am proud of the top where I have tried to copy natures grass colours.

Martin”

A big thanks to Martin for his N scale tunnel pics – how could we forget Martin?

He’s the one who gave us this stunning tunnel ‘how to’ (have a look at all the comments).

You’d really make someone’s day if you can answer a question – there’s a few of them stacking up now.

Now on to Jeff.

He did something I’m very fond of – he made a start.

He made a start and no doubt he’ll just keep going.

That’s all you’ve got to do: make a start and then tinker away at your own pace.

I could be wrong, but that’s where all the fun is. The fun is in the doing, not the finished article – that’s why layouts are never finished.

Why would you stop the fun?

Anyway, back to Jeff:

““Here are some pictures of my layout.

As you can see I don’t have a lot of space to work with, but I made the best out of what I have.

Jeff”

A big thanks to Jeff and Martin.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

On30 to 7mm narrow gauge model railways – Martin’s

Martin’s added to the On30 to 7mm narrow gauge model railways on the blog with this wondeful narrative:

I do love a layout with a theme!

“Hi Al,

I thought you might like to share some pics of my, still under construction layout.

It’s Colonial narrow gauge of 2ft 6ins, using a rough scale of 7mm/ft, O scale on OO gauge track.

I suppose it’s On30, but as in real life, anything goes.

The year is 1967 on the British ruled Mediterranean Island of Baleria which lies some 70 miles off the coast.

It’s a place that time has sort of forgotten and the extensive railway system, built to open up the island is the main form of transport.

Road building between major centres has started to make an influence on the railways, although the mountainous nature of the island, especially the Northwest coastal area makes road building difficult, expensive and hazardous.

There is a huge amount of pressure on the Governor’s office to close sections of the railway down and convert it into roads, something that is being fiercely contested by the powers in charge.

Anyway, the layout centres on the port of Victoria Ferry and the main line to Orez.

The port is the main exporting point of the islands huge fruit trade, although a larger port with deep water facilities are being built at the capital of Marintello.

Victoria Ferry and the route through Orez may well become a road at some future point, but for the present time, it’s a thriving port and main engine shed for the lines that diverge out if the town.

Early morning at Victoria Ferry and Baldwin 2-6-0 engines Nos. 83 & 84 await the start signal

Baldwin 2-6-0 No 82 and Brush Co-Co diesel No. 201 “Queen Elizabeth” wait at Victoria Ferry.

Victoria Ferry MPD. Loco’s on show are from l-r…

No 25 0-8-4T built by Hunslet, Baldwin 2-6-2 T No 80, No 201, “Queen Elizabeth” Brush Diesel and Nos 40 and 47, 0-4-0-0-4-0 Beyer Garretts, which are now out of use.

On30 to 7mm narrow gauge model railways are not for everyone – but they are fun.

Cheers

Martin”

“Hi Al,

A point was raised regarding the platform height of proprietary platform modules which I have used.

I suggested that when using foam underlay under the track the platform height is too low, this was resolved by using a thin balsa packer under the platform to raise the height by about 3mm.

This is covered once the loose ballast is fixed in place – see photos. Here are some earlier test shots to gauge if it looks right.

This may be useful to others and I will leave it to the reader to make their own minds up. Note the station is incomplete at this stage.

Regards

Steve”