Our new station, to be inserted into the Circuit, will be based on an LCDR example.
The buildings should closely follow those at Lenham, Kent but set in the early 1950s.
It has taken time to prepare the boards and track plan to make sure they fit precisely in to the existing circuit. Paul W has done a superb job on the carpentry, providing three self supporting sections .
The track plan was prepared using Templot (twice!) and most of it has been glued to the cork base so far in place.
Hopefully this will be completed soon and we will be calling on you to join in the track laying.
The aim is to assemble all of the track during our sessions at Badlesmere so that e veryone can join in.
We have the plans and lots of pictures of the station and will start the buildings under Roger’s guidance at our sessions,again as a cooperative exercise.
Once the track is fully laid and tested, we start on the platforms and ancillary items.
Don’t be put off if you feel you may not have the right skills to join in as we learn as we go along by sharing our knowledge.
This should keep many of us busy for a while!
Do ask to look at the plans for the original LCDR scheme on which the project is based.
These shots show the latest development, in early March, of of the roundy extension.
Meanwhile, the iterative process of planning the track layout for the fiddle yard insert for Lenham is well under way:
‘Fiddle Yard’:
Chris has built the missing boards which now complete the circuit. The new boards have been fitted with the same underlay as the main circuit. The challenge of the offset created by the curve in the station has been resolved, and sufficient Peco track purchased to lay the continuous line and three sidings. Crossovers will allow trains on either of the through lines to access any of the sidings. It is hoped that the track can be laid at the next working session. The final task will be to wire the boards and fit controllers. The points will be worked by hand.
Station boards:
The next stage is to resolve the joints where there is track misalignment on the station boards, and once running well, complete the wiring. This will need a member with the relevant know-how and experience (as indeed will the fiddle yard).
Buildings and scenics: Station buildings are hopefully progressing, as these can be finished away from the layout. Tim has produced a fine authentic signal box. Once the track is deemed to be ready, platforms need to be fitted, point rodding etc. fitted, platform canopies and buildings put in place (they will be removable to allow the layout to be stored).
Progress is likely to be much faster if days are arranged for the building team which are separate from the normal group sessions (when the circuit is likely to be needed).
Please consider what you can offer and chat to David Grimwood to arrange progress.
