Flying scotsman model train

Fred’s been in touch with his Flying Scotsman model train:

“Hi Alistair,

As a follower of your posts for the last couple of years, I thought I might show you my progress, so far, having been given a “Flying Scotsman” for my 70th birthday, two and a half years ago.

I started up with a blank canvas building a L shape in the family room of our Adelaide, South Australia home. After a year, I realised that the space wasn’t big enough, so I convinced my wife we need a “sea change” and moved to Victor Harbor, again in South Australia which had a room just the right size for a larger set up, so dismantle what I had built and start again in our new home.

This time it is a U shape, with the sides made up with 8 feet X 4 feet sheets and the bottom (or top – depending how you look at it) measuring 9’ X 4’ and a 1’ walkway in between. I bought a stack of Aldi Multi-purpose supports when they were half price, made the frames with 3×2 structural pine and the board is Marine ply.

I am working on Era 3 UK and all my locos are Hornby OO. There are 2 tracks operating on DC around the outside and the inside line is DCC and splits into 2 after main station where one goes under the mountain (to be built) and the other around the front of the mountain.

The mountains are under construction out in the shed, at the moment as are many of the buildings. I am finding it difficult sourcing many of the specialised buildings and structures in Australia as stocks run out and are not being replenished from overseas very quickly, due to the COVID-19 virus shutdowns.

I attach some photos -The first 3 are my original start of the layout, the next 2 was the new layout as it stood in April, the next 2 as it stands today and the last is my control desk (work in progress).

I will of course keep you informed as I progress.

Cheers,

Fred”

Flying Scotsman model train

Flying Scotsman model train

Flying Scotsman model train

oo scale


oo scale

oo scale

Flying Scotsman model train

Flying Scotsman model train

A big thanks to Fred for sharing his Flying Scotsman model train.

I like posting layouts that are just starting to take shape, because it shows in spades this hobby is all about making a start.

That’s all for today.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget, the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to take your first step towards your own layout.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.


22 Responses to Flying scotsman model train

  1. Nice layout you have built there Fred with a lot of possibilities for scenics ….Dangerous dave

  2. Michael Childs says:

    It looks great Fred. Good job. I’m anxious to see the finished layout. Minnesota Mike

  3. Graeme Waters says:

    Fred what great start and what beautiful place on the planet to be enjoying your retirement. All the very best. regards, Graeme (Bendigo, Victoria)

  4. Cary Buter says:

    Nice layout Fred, I’ll be looking forward to see your progress. Cary B

  5. Robert Brady says:

    I would have painted the framing a dove gray so it doesn’t stand out as much.All n all nice setup
    The Critic

  6. Mike D says:

    Looks like a good step forward. Every time I try to take that step, I trip!!
    Lookin good. Keep us up to date.
    Mike

  7. Mike Balog says:

    Hi Fred:
    Nice Restart on your layout idea.. Quite a Move you had accomplished. Did you and your wife agree to use the family room for your new layout? Would you be so kind as to explain how you combined the DC outer tracks around the layout and having DCC in the rest of the layout ? At the RR Station where they meet. Do you have a cross over to exchange freight and passenger cars? Or did you keep the lines separate with the outside line acting as a main line through the exterior and the DCC being the Interior RR Line, doing a service transfer at the station? Otherwise did you use any “block transfer” switch over section that is neutral, with toggle switches controlling the power to that block so you could use two different systems? Would like to know. I am a member of a local Model RR Club, that has a large DCC around the room modular layout and a smaller one that is only DC separated by a walk around. How do make the Systems Work Together? Thanks again.. Put one on the Barbie for me Mate. . From Across the Large Pond,,, in New Hampshire USA. ~ Mike.

  8. NJ Mark says:

    I love the fact that you convinced your wife to move so you could have a larger train room. Cheers! NJ Mark

  9. Very nice…
    A great start with tremendous potential…
    John

  10. Bill In Virginia says:

    Fred a great looking layout!! Once we start one it takes on a life of its own as we put ourselves into all we do on the layout. Keep sending in updates 👍🏼👍🏼

  11. Marklin Ed. says:

    Great looking layout so far. Looking forward to see the finish layout, I know layouts never get really finish. Keep up the great work.
    Thanks Marklin Ed N Y USA

  12. Gary Manganiello says:

    Looking good….. keep going, it has the makings of a great layout.

  13. Keith Ridley says:

    Very impressive, hopefully it will kick start me into action. Look forward to seeing the next phase.

  14. Ben Olson says:

    What a great looking layout! Please continue to update as you add scenes. Nice job!

  15. gene pinson says:

    hay Fred, is one foot, between peninsulas, really enough ?
    Genem

  16. Rocco Maley says:

    What is the radius on your layout. Very good for “OO”

  17. Barry says:

    Well done so far Fred, keep up the good work.

    Barry,
    Goolwa, South Australia

  18. Fred Driver says:

    To Gene, it is actually 16 inches, and I find my clothes do catch on the lineside fence sometimes, but one has to work with what I have to work with.
    To NJ Mark, as a second marriage for both of us the idea was to get a home that is “ours” and having a train room was the bonus. After all, it was “her” fault, she brought me the Scotsman to start with.
    To Mike, The two power systems are separate, main station is a 3 line station with 2 outer lines the DC and the inside line DCC. They will both have separate marshaling yards and engine sheds. I may convert the lot to DCC at some time in future, but none of the DC locos are DCC fitted, so could be a long process. The reason for any DCC was my kids gave me the Hornby Mixed freight (DCC fitted) and I didn’t have the heart to tell them that it wouldn’t work on my DC line well, so made the adjustment. Isn’t train layouts a living entity, forever evolving?
    To Robert, I use what paint I had laying around, it will all be covered with the scenics anyway, one day?
    and finally, To Dangerous Dave, a comment from you is most thankfully received.

  19. Mark T. Pianka says:

    Looking Good Fred can’t wait toll its done!

  20. Will in NM says:

    Fred, What a great start you’ve made on what looks to be a great train layout. I like the way you adapted the original layout to its new, larger home. I’d love to see a video of your Flying Scotsman running on your layout. As Al says, it’s all about making a start — but also about keeping at it until you achieve your dreams.

  21. Jim AZ says:

    A nice use of space. I’m envious. A great start.

    Jim AZ

  22. Rocco Maley says:

    Hi Fred, This is Rocco again. You may have missed my question on the Minimum radius on your layout. Can you please tell me the minimum radius and the maximum radius. Thank you. Rocco from New Jersey.

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