Idea need for a Scottish themed layout era 1980’s up present day

[tank63]

Well purchased my first loco in a long time. A Dapol class 26 in BR blue a lovely little model. Now the problem I have is deciding on what type of layout to build. Looking at something just over two and a half foot wide by seven foot in length.
Never built a layout before so a massive learning curve. Also looking a dcc was originally keep it DC so looking a the NCE powercab. Any advice welcome.

[crewearpley40]

Hi with the class 26 they were based at edinburgh haymarket for duties in the fife coalfields, Thornton, marking, carlisle freight. Inverness based locos worked west highland rarely, mainly far north, kyle line . Maybe a small station and few wagons. Look at mick 's guide a beginners guide to building a model railway in the ngf links section.

[ScottishModeller]

Hi there,

Where to start.......

1 - so you know the sort of space and size you have and can use - good start

2 - end to end or roundy roundy?

3 - Blue Cl 26 indicates the period with a latest date of about 1993 but at the date only on freight, Civil Engineers trains or specials.

For more info on workings - see https://6lda.wordpress.com

Thanks
Phil H aka Scottish Modeller

[Bob G]

There is something about the "fallin to bits" look of the blue 26s - with their welded doors missing the original windows - that I really fall for.... even though my model is almost as far south as it can be. For me a Scottish 26 needs to be seen in the landscape - so moors, distant mountains, and maybe the odd distillery.

Also look out for Revolution's B type tanks in United Molasses livery. Would have to be secondhand now, as they were crowdfunded, but a lovely livery and ideal on a train to Alloa and Menstries, IIRC.

Best of luck
Bob

[tank63]

Thanks for the advice guys! It was driving up to Cairn past the Cairngorms and watching a small train going parallel to the road I thought that's a job in a million beautiful views. So that's what started all this off. How do you model signals is their any manufacturer that's makes them suitable for the Scottish region?

[crewearpley40]

Try cr signals. Harburn hobbies, rails of Sheffield. Mix of semaphore or colour light ? I use cr signals

[Jerry Howlett]

THe Highland lines I thought were radio signalled. Simples put in a few masts.

[Bealman]

I spotted semaphores on that line at Kingussie in 2013, along with a manned signal cabin 

[Arran]

HI All

Cameron Bridge

Regards Arran

[Train Waiting]

Hello

If it is a Highland Main Line-inspired model that you would like, you might wish to look at the LMS semaphore signals from Dapol or Ratio.  As @Bealman helpfully mentioned, much of the Highland Main Line retains semaphore signalling.  Distant signals are colour lights, which are also used at certain locations such as Slochd loop.

The Highland lines I thought were radio signalled. Simples put in a few masts.

The Far North and Kyle lines are RETB*, Jerry.  You are right; masts and fixed distant boards are used there.  The Main Line is mostly absolute block and Scottish Region tokenless block working.

Best wishes.

John

* Radio Electronic Tokenless Block

[Newportnobby]

@Train Waiting
When would RETB have been introduced, though? Bear in mind BR Blue came in 1965 (although not all at once.)
@tank63
I'd suggest you have a look at Markus's pics of his layout which, to me, just captures perfectly images of Scottish scenery..............

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=41548.msg511183#msg511183

[crewearpley40]

@Newportnobby . It was commissioned Dingwall to kyle of lochaLsh line 28.10.84. Due to bad weather January 78 bringing down telegraph cables poles etc, on the wick inverness and thurso lines, a decision was made to replace with radio control and retb and this took until 1985 to commence operations

[Train Waiting]

@Train Waiting
When would RETB have been introduced, though? Bear in mind BR Blue came in 1965 (although not all at once.)

Many thanks, Mick.  RETB was introduced on the Kyle line in 1984 and Far North in 1985.  Initially controlled from Dingwall.  When the new Inverness Signalling Centre opened in 1988, RETB was extended to Inverness and worked from a desk in the signalling centre.  Special arrangements were made for the Clachnaharry swing bridge.

At the other end of the Caledonian Canal, the West Highland Line is controlled from Banavie signal box which is, conveniently, adjacent to the swing bridge there!

As an aside, I well remember being in the (then) state-of-the-art Inverness Signalling Centre just after it opened (that poor driver is probably still wondering why I sent him 'wrong road' to Cradlehall Crossover) and being greatly amused by the 'block instrument' at the R/H end of the brand new panel for communication with Aviemore!

Best wishes.

John

[tank63]

Can I thank you all for the advice

[crewearpley40]

Welcome. Good luck