traingeekboy Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 It looks great. I expect the addition of an umbrella would make the layout perfect for a little afternoon nap inside the ovals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Nice to hear from you again Bill. It's looking very good. Ian R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 Not a lot been hapening with Whinny hill recently, reason being, I've gone back to one of my old hobbies, playing the bagpipes. haven't givin up with the garden railway though just taking some time out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 It's that time of year again when I'm thinking of what to do next on the layout. Is there anyone on the forum using a mechanical system to operate points outdoors as opposed to the usual electrical methods? I read somewhere that it's possible to use cycle cables to operate the points, just wonered if anyone has ever used this method? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 billdavidson said: It's that time of year again when I'm thinking of what to do next on the layout. Is there anyone on the forum using a mechanical system to operate points outdoors as opposed to the usual electrical methods? I read somewhere that it's possible to use cycle cables to operate the points, just wondered if anyone has ever used this method? Hi Bill, I've used cycle cable on a crossover on the K&WR. Works a treat. You can buy long lengths on eBay. Search for Bowden Cable. Ian R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted February 12, 2014 Author Share Posted February 12, 2014 Thanks for that Ian, it's certainly something I want to explore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted February 12, 2014 Author Share Posted February 12, 2014 Ian what do you use to operate the cable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I have two such cables on the layout and both are standard length cycle brake cables. To operate I just pull the nipple. I suppose you could make some sort of lever frame. GEM do a kit for one. http://www.lytchettmanor.co.uk/mercontrol.html''>http://www.lytchettmanor.co.uk/mercontrol.html'>http://www.lytchettmanor.co.uk/mercontrol.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks Ian, all very interesting, certainly given me food for thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddy Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I have seen similar done with two old hypodermic syringes and a suitable piece of plastic tube. Movement of the "Control" syringe will pneumatically move the syringe at the other end giving movement for the points. The tube could be filled with water for the same effect hydraulically, but an antifreeze solution would be better for outside use. You would need syringes with removable needles such as Vets use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 All good ideas, but trying to keep things as simple as possible. My current thinking is using fishing line and weights threaded through some screw eyes, but will have to wait on a change in the weather to do some experimenting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Be interesting to see what you come up with Bill. I don't think anyone's really covered mechanical operation of points yet so that's something else up for discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted April 24, 2014 Author Share Posted April 24, 2014 Have managed to get my platforms started ready for the new station, more to follow (weather permitting). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 Good to see you back with progress to report Bill. The platforms are coming along nicely and they'll add to your operational interests. Have you used wood as the base for the platforms? - I can't be sure from the photos. Have you had any running sessions this year? and how's everything standing up to the North East weather? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted April 27, 2014 Author Share Posted April 27, 2014 mick said: Good to see you back with progress to report Bill. The platforms are coming along nicely and they'll add to your operational interests. Have you used wood as the base for the platforms? - I can't be sure from the photos. Have you had any running sessions this year? and how's everything standing up to the North East weather? Hi Mick, yes I've used wood for the platform bases which have now had a coat of exterior varnish, they'll then be topped with plywood and painted. still not had the trains running this year yet, have some track work to sort out first, where I was getting de-railments last year, due to gaps too big between some of my flexi track. Weather wise everything has mostly held up well. Some slight water damage to the plywood base mainly between the joins but will be easily sorted. At the moment it's getting the time and weather to work outside, usually when the weather is good I'm at work and when I'm off it's raining....sods law or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traingeekboy Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 Good to see you back. And I;m sure you'll get that little track issue sorted out. On my lift bridge section I had some pretty large gaps, but curves are where I expect you had your problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 Firstly, my apologies Bill. For some reason I had it in my mind that you were from the North-East which is why I mentioned the weather in that area in my previous post. I've just noticed your 'location' and realise that you're much further north than I first thought. billdavidson said: ...still not had the trains running this year yet, have some track work to sort out first, where I was getting de-railments last year, due to gaps too big between some of my flexi track... How big are the offending gaps Bill? I find that if you're careful you can push the lengths of rail along the sleepers providing the sleepers are pinned securely. I've used the flat blade of a screwdriver inserted at the rail joins to gently move a rail one way or the other to even up any gaps that have become too large. You might need to gently tap the screwdriver in order to get some movement but it all depends on how big the gaps are to start with as to whether this would work for you. And don't spend too much time working - take a few days off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 traingeekboy said: Good to see you back. And I;m sure you'll get that little track issue sorted out. On my lift bridge section I had some pretty large gaps, but curves are where I expect you had your problems. got it in one Mick....lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davidson Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 Well, all track issues are now sorted. Had to replace a couple of lengths of shorter track with some lengths of flexi track. Glad to say trains have been running again. The new platforms took a bit of work shaving down the edges where the carriages were catching and derailing. That's what I get for laying the track first and building the platforms around them. Managed to get them painted up today, so progress is being made again albeit slowly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 billdavidson said: ...The new platforms took a bit of work shaving down the edges where the carriages were catching and derailing. That's what I get for laying the track first and building the platforms around them.... Same here Bill - that's just what I did but fortunately I don't seem to have any problems with stock catching the edges of my platforms. To be honest I never even gave building the platforms first any consideration whatsoever - I just jump straight in and do things without thinking anything through. I could probably save myself an awful lot of work and frustration if I just sat down and thought about it first. Your platforms look great by the way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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