2mm FS layout 'Fencehouses'

[Newportnobby]

Contrary to some perceptions I'm not knocking 'Fencehouses' for the sake of it but genuinely trying to understand why the stock runs so badly. I did say I believed it to be an early version as I've seen the later version with viaduct and there was no such issue. I'm informed that in finescale because everything is handbuilt then wheels, axles etc may not be as true as mass produced N. I know from my own experience a dodgy axle not sat in its seating causes the same effect and also know Peco points/crossings are not renowned for being 'flat' and are, in fact, quite 'lumpy'
All I would say is if I built a finescale layout (never going to happen) and stock ran like that I'd immediately revert to bog standard N.
I started off with Minitrix coaches all those years ago which confirms to me it's a very early version of 'Fencehouses'

[JanW]

I assure you that erratic running can be caused by poor track laying, my efforts are testament to that!

That is why I said should never cause...
Properly laid track will not cause problems.
I converted my layout with handbuilt code 40 track from 2FS to N gauge and if something doesn't run smooth I adjust the track to solve the problem

Jan

[njee20]

Well yes, but that's a given. The point is that poorly laid track can absolutely cause issues.

I also handbuild my track, 2FS plain line with N gauge pointwork, but that's pretty moot - even if you use code 80 set track you adjust it when the running is poor, surely? Of course what you can accomplish with Peco set track is different - you'll never entirely mitigate bumping through the frogs for example.

[icairns]

A more representative video of the current state of Fence Houses was taken at RailEx NE 2025 and can be seen here starting at 17:40:

However, the first video, Corrieshalloch, which is also a 2mmFS layout (of the Highland Railway) did appear to suffer from some stuttering running.

Ian

[thebrighton]

That's much better although it seems to be based on broad gauge so maybe more stable than standard gauge

It's standard gauge not broad despite what the track looks like.

[thebrighton]

Drws-Y-nant has lovely smooth running. It is owned by a member of my local 2mm SA group and I've had the pleasure of operating it at shows.

[Newportnobby]

Smashing layout. I love those clerestory coaches but dislike seeing trains exiting the layout through a thinly disguised hole in the backscene

[thebrighton]

Smashing layout. I love those clerestory coaches but dislike seeing trains exiting the layout through a thinly disguised hole in the backscene

That's the trouble when you model an actual location, real life doesn't always provide bridges and tunnels 

[Newportnobby]

Smashing layout. I love those clerestory coaches but dislike seeing trains exiting the layout through a thinly disguised hole in the backscene

That's the trouble when you model an actual location, real life doesn't always provide bridges and tunnels 

No, but a few judiciously placed trees would go a long way to hide it. I doubt anyone would say "there weren't any trees there"

[thebrighton]

No, but a few judiciously placed trees would go a long way to hide it. I doubt anyone would say "there weren't any trees there"

You'd think wouldn't you but there have been comments about the location of the postbox being slightly wrong. There is always someone at an exhibition that likes to "share" their superior knowledge.
It was exhibited at the Bala show just down the road from the real thing. That brought the experts out