what are people doing on their layout right now

[DCCDave]

Playing with setting custom speed curves  on my locos....using track speed software  to work out scale speeds...quite enjoying fiddling with the cv's .....Whoop's forgot what I last changed !!

Is the software r&co? If not I'm interested to find out which other application allows speed profiling.

Cheers
Dave

[talisman56]

Having finished a whole lot of soldering, waiting for the glue to dry so I can remount the cable plug and tagboard underneath...

[zwilnik]

Finally added handrails and real coal to my coaling tower and it's provisionally in place. Will need to blend the base of the legs into the surrounding terrain, but otherwise done

[sparky]

Hi Dave just noticed your post about train speed...this is not a CV tuning programming but simply a small programming for a windows PC that let's you mark out a set distance on your layout then calculates scale speed..I use it to get locos running the same speed at 30 40 50 60 70 80 and 90 settings on my cab handset by setting the 14 step speed curve cv values..for each loco run in reverse as well as forward then tweak the trim CVS so that loco runs same speed in both Direction's...once set it means the speed value on my powercab handset is actual scale mph

[Caz]

Although I can use my R&R Train Controller software to calibrated loco speed I also use a program called "Trainspeed", just measure a section of track, put it in the program, press start when the loco passes the beginning of the measured track and stop when is passes t'other end.  Simples

See http://www.padsrocks.com/trainspeed/index.htm

[weeblexx123]

Right now I am trying to decide on an era and a name. I have plenty of carpentry to do in the meantime

[Newportnobby]

Just laid the first layer of filla soaked kitchen roll on the middle scenic board of 'Bletchford'.
Extremely messy job and it looks awful but I'm sure after a few more layers it will appear better Hope it dries overnight
Now that layer is down I can just 'paint' it with the filla/water solution and put down the next layer.

Definitely no pics at the moment

Notes to self and anyone else considering this method:-
Don't use cheapo kitchen roll as much of it disintegrates when you pick it up.
Don't use years old Mangers filla as it is soooo lumpy
It does absolutely nothing for your cuticles 

[daveg]

.
Don't use years old Mangers filla as it is soooo lumpy
It does absolutely nothing for your cuticles 

Mangers on your cuticles - sounds very nasty! 

Hope you have appropriate med insurance, Mick 

Dave G

[steve836]

I don't use filler at all, I make cardboard (thick) profiles , cover with thin card strips, the apply torn up bits of kitchen roll dry and dribble dilute PVA onto it. this makes a thin but strong shell with no mess.

[UPINSMOKE]

I am not doing anything on my layout as I don't have one as yet :'( I am still in the planning stages and stuck there with no Idea where to start

[daveg]

I am not doing anything on my layout as I don't have one as yet :'( I am still in the planning stages and stuck there with no Idea where to start

Inspiration can come from all sorts of things or places.

Perhaps by deciding on what era that you like best is a start, or maybe a favourite place may kick the process into gear. How about doing a search here for layout plans that can inspire you? What space do you have? Use that info as part of your search.

Please do ask if you're stuck as there is plenty of help here and as has been said many time before, there's no such thing as a silly question!

Take your time and most of all, have fun. 

Dave G

[Tdm]

What space you have for your layout is critical.
If you specify the the length and width (if it is rectangular) I am sure a few members on here would soon come up with a starting track layout or two to consider.
Also whether you want continuous running of your train(s), or simply an end to end layout, and if you want all the layout on view, or a hidden "fiddle yard" at the back.

Using AnyRail or Scarm it wouldn't take long for someone to knock up a simple basic layout for you.

[talisman56]

A useful evening at the MRC, doing something that, had it been done at home, would have had SWMBO frantic at the residual effects*:



Adding real coal loads to some Farish steel open wagons (and one 7-plank). 7 down, 7 to go...

* "You aren't going to leave black fingerprints everywhere, are you?"

[Newportnobby]

Does the coal sit on a former in the wagons or have you filled them please? Just thinking about the weight

[talisman56]

Cardboard former, fills about 2/3 of wagon then a layer of the crushed coal on top. Use the usual 50:50 PVA/water mix, with a drop of washing-up liquid to reduce the surface tension and prevent 'balling'.

It's the Dapol wagon load kit, they provide a suitable piece of cardboard. Cut a rectangle the size of the wagon, then use a couple of offcuts as 'legs', glued at 1/4 and 3/4 - then if one needs to fettle the former to make it sit properly then it will tilt so that it can be removed.