Rough sketch of track plan
Our exhibition standard finescale 4mm layout is progressing well. The P4 (18.83mm) layout depicts a busy fictitious seaside terminus located somewhere in the Torbay area, and catering for both freight and passenger traffic. Although initially intended for running 1930s stock, there is nothing preventing earlier or later stock running, other than trying to keep in period and not pushing the degree of artistic license to its limits by mixing periods.
The layout is approx. 21 ft x 2 ft 6 in and consists of 4 off 4 ft boards plus a 5 ft long rotating fiddle yard. It is intended that the layout will be as light and compact as possible, whilst retaining stability, to make transportation and storage simple.
It is envisaged that two people will be required to operate the layout.
As of September 2010, the four scenic boards have been constructed, the track laid and the major buildings constructed. There is still a lot of scenic work to do, plus more to do on the wiring, but the photos below will hopefully underline the progess we have made. Ian Stockley is working on the signal box for the layout but this may take a little more time to reach completion.
All trackwork is now laid. The majority of the electrics are in position other than the connection to the fiddle yard turntable. Some work is still required to test the electrics thoroughly but when this is completed to our satisfaction then work will begin in earnest on the scenics. Point rodding and signals are on order and will be fitted with the scenics.
Final hurdles still to be tackled are the backscene and the lighting. A proscenium arch is intended so that operators remain unobserved . The backscene is intended to be separate on some type of blind material so that it can be fitted for display but removed and rolled up for easy storage.
If you are interested in helping to build Brixcombe, why not come to our Open Day on October 31st 2010, or any Wednesday evening club meeting.
Rough sketch of track plan
The general vista of Brixcombe
The turntable is a kit , the origins of which are forgotten (!), but it has been built thus far by member Jim Wheaton. Recently back from his sojourn in California, Jim now has the turntable deck back in his possession for completion. Motorising will be fun !
The turntable will be quite a focal point
The Timbertracks laser cut kit is basically complete . The interior just needs some detailing with appropriate freight items and when this is completed the roof can be fixed in place and the chimney fitted to complete the structure . Grain of wheat bulbs are fitted so this may be lit in the future.
Like the other buildings, the Goods Shed is ready, but not yet "planted"
This is also a Timbertracks kit , and just requires the chimneys to be fitted to complete. Vic Beyer supplied the various notices and holiday promotion artwork to bring the station to life.
The platform is made from a framework of basswood infilled with balsa. The top is part paved [ plasticard scrawked to represent paving slabs ] and the remainder has been top filled with fine sand to represent a gravel surface. How to weather this is still to be decided. The platform facing is brick , this being laser cut on commission from York Modelmaking .
The engine shed is a personal commission from York Modelmaking . I supplied drawings to Chris Rennison of that company and he did the necessary computer work to produce a kit of parts in 2mm MDF and Rowmark for the window frames and doors, all laser cut . The shed is based upon the shed at Wallingford but has been extended to give an extra window bay
More images of Brixcombe are available in the Gallery. This requires Flash software to be installed on your computer. We recommend access for broadband users only.
