Donnington Castle Model Railway is a OO scale layout set in a fictional location between the Southern and Western regions of British Rail in the mid 1970s. The aim of the channel is to inspire people to learn more about the hobby of railway modelling.
Martin, how about a third option? Use what looks like two smaller arches inside/under the larger arch, each one half the diameter of the main arch size that you already have, but only one of the smaller arches is actually open as the walkway. The smaller arches under a larger arch is a common motif you will find in architecture. Bill
Thanks Bill, I really like that idea. It would certainly keep the aesthetic of the bigger arches running along, while still giving foot access to the yard. I'll try and mock something up and see how it looks!
@@DonningtonCastleModelRailway Just realized the auto correct misspelled your name in my original message. Errr. Sorry about that!! Take a look at some pictures for what I am suggesting. You will probably want to “step in” the bricks 8” or so on either side to give a thrust point for the outer side of the inscribed arches. That will also give you 16” in the middle to “land” the inner thrust points.
Thank you!! I'm hoping it will look even more striking once the landscape around it has been built up. That should be more fun to do than the viaduct build was, although the prospect of doing the water terrifies me.
Hi Martin, Great video as always. With regards to tunnel for signal box access. When the railway and signal box were built, nobody had cars, so why would they spend so much money putting in access. Surely the signalman would arrive at the station and walk down to the box? Regards Rome another Martyn.
That's a really good point, thanks. I'm starting to think that maybe there is no access under those running lines at all. As you say everything and everyone would come in by rail and there can always be a road off-scene in the foreground with access through the gate. I'll add some boards to cross the far line when I start on the point rodding.
I've got a big immersive event for work on in September so I'll need to see how the todo list is looking. But thanks for the invite and I'll need to make a decision when we get a bit closer to that weekend.
Great video, which has given me some good ideas for my own future layout wiring. I know I'll need to think about multiple power districts too, and the PM74 is one possible way to do it, but is it Digitrax specific, or would it work with any DCC system to just split the power into districts, without any Digitrax or Loconet "smarts"?
Thanks! From re-reading the PM74 manual I believe it would do short protection with any DCC system. But without Loconet you would lose some of its other functionality. I believe the DCC Specialities PSX-4 does a similar job, although haven't used one myself. You could chat to James at DCC Train Automation or someone at DCC Concepts, as they have always given me good advice when I've needed it. Hope that helps.
@@DonningtonCastleModelRailway Hi, thanks for the reply, yes, I also read the PM74 manual last night and I agree it sounds like it would work for power districts and protection, but obviously no Loconet features. I looked at the PSXX range a while back, and they're good... also quite expensive if I remember rightly. Thanks again. Mike.
One of the best tutorials of this type I've seen. Extremely informative and watchable. Regarding the placement of the power meter, I'd suggest adding a separate low-cost meter - see the item OOBill uses, for example - somewhere between the DPDT switch and the Heritage Track feed. But I guess you've already thought of that option and discounted it. Like the "power districts" approach.
That's a great idea, thanks! It would only need to work on DC power as the DCC Concepts one will catch everything running on DCC. So putting it between the Gaugemaster controller and the switch should work nicely.
Thanks. My brain naturally tries to take things and break them down into smaller chunks and hopefully that manifests itself in the way the video is put together.
I'm using DCC-EX, which can put out DC with PWM controlled in software, I could still monitor current and voltage in DC mode, and don't need a dpdt switch. Very elegant solution.
Thanks, I’d not seen DCC-EX before. I just had a quick read and it looks really interesting. I’ll definitely have a closer look as it does sound like a much neater solution.
@@DonningtonCastleModelRailway The only thing I would point out is that the PWM rate is tied to the processor clock, so for the Arduino it's 133 KHz, which creates an audible hum in some locos. The ESP32 based board is much faster and may be effectively silent. Another neat thing is you can stack two power boards and get 4 channels, each of which is toggleable from the handset (your phone) between DCC, Prog, DC+ and DC-.
Hey Martyn - thanks for the kind mention! Must admit I don't know much about Loconet but I guess in broadcast terms it's similar to CMRI - there's so little data, in modern terms, being thrown around, that it really doesn't matter. Looking at your diagram, the thing that interested me is Loconet seems to be a ring network - is that correct? Regards, Chris
Thanks Chris! I didn't mention it in the video but I am a total protocol geek. And I hadn't heard of CMRI before, so now I'm reading the protocol spec! Yes I think you're right, you don't have lots of chatty devices using bloated protocols so you don't get the issues you run into in other environments. I think the concept of LocoNet is similar to a ring, in that each device always has two interfaces, but I don't think you're ever supposed to create rings. I'm now kind of intrigued to know what happens if you did create a loop, but not brave enough to try in case you get the equivalent of a broadcast storm and it starts frying things.
What a remarkably realistic outcome! The completed result really is an excellent representation of an historic stone landmark, very well done with your artistic skills.👏👍
Thank you!!! I've never seen myself as having any artistic skill at all, so it was really rewarding to read your comment. I'm definitely learning as I go, and I'm hoping that once the scene around it is finished it will look even better in the landscape.
Nice little project, the paint work came up really nice, shame about the brittle plastic! Out of interest would the plasticard brick sheeting be a good substitute to replace the damaged sections. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! I suspect the brick sheeting would work if there is enough flex in it. The only thing I'd be mindful of is the edges that slot into the arches. In the kit those are slightly thinner with no brick pattern to help them slide inside all the lugs. Thinking about it now ... I could probably have laser engraved bricks onto the thick card I used and just inserted that instead. Nice when there are multiple ways to solve a problem!
Looking really good. Brick arch liners! I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had an issue with fitting them. I made a jig from from chipboard and timber strips to the same width as the arch span. Another piece of batten to go over the brick sheet, held down with long screws to keep the arch compressed. The viaduct section was then offered up to the end of the brick sheet, another piece of wood across the back with two strong rubber bands, one each side, looped round the screws holding everything in place, then glued with DCC Concepts MEK. Preforming the arch liners by curving them round a coffee mug, securing with rubber bands and leaving them in my (at this time of year) rather warm conservatory for a day or two helped getting them into the shape. One thing to be aware of if you’re going to build a multi span viaduct is that the top of the stone arch is half a millimetre wider than the bottom. In my case, seven arches had a considerable curvature which I found before assembling. After removing any moulding flash, try aligning the top edges along a spirit level and see the gap at the base where the piers attach. Rather than use the provided track bed, I used Plastruct 2mm sheet, 91106, cut to depth, spanning the joins between arches. It makes for a much stronger construction. The only downside is having to custom fit the inner walls of the parapet as the supplied track bed is only 1.5mm thick. If you did want to use the supplied track bed, offsetting it’s position to go half and half over each arch with a half section at the ends to fill in would achieve a good increase in overall strength. I have to say, my construction method differs somewhat from the supplied instruction sheet. The result is a much stronger finished article with extra bracing for rigidity.
That's a really nice way of overcoming some of the issues with the kit, thanks for sharing in such detail! I did offset my stone capping to increase strength, but doing the track bed as well is a good call. One thing I forgot to mention in the video is that I filed the arches down at the top to help them sit together squarer. That's why you can see paint marks of different designs appeared on the track bed after construction. These were to indicate which pieces were to be glued to which after I'd done the filing and got them sitting nicely.
Thanks! Your video was a massive help. I’d never have had the confidence to go down this route if I hadn’t seen it. Love watching your videos and look forward to seeing your layout continue to develop.
Looks really good, when I was building my viaduct one of the brick sheets shattered like yours, I bought some extra sheets and they were much more flexible and fitted in much easier and I had 9 to do.
Thanks @frazerfarey5654, the platform is laser cut and I used tiling grout for the surface. There is a video of the process if its of interest ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vdJ1IPAROr0.htmlsi=w9oWPVzwTCNF_K58
I should also mention that when I do the platforms for the main heritage line station I'm going to change the approach slightly. But I'll hopefully do a video on that shortly.
I have three Dapol 73's, my cab lights dont turn off either. I also have issues with very slow top speed. How do you know if you have an early version or a later one like yours?
I think the latest batch hit the retailers between one and two years ago and I believe they were all new running numbers (I think E6031, E6012, 73136, 73126, 73120 and 73002 are the new ones). But I have one of each so I'll go see if there are any obvious ways of telling them apart visually. If I do I'll probably post a photo under the community tab. Hope that helps.
@TheRealNips I just took a look and added some photos to a post on the channel. I'd say the circuitboard switches are the easiest feature to spot on the newer ones.
Thank you for that. I have two of the Gatwick express livery ones 73207 I think. They are old ones by your info. According to iTrain, they won't go above 40mph scale speed. Quite annoying. Might have to save up and buy newer ones and swap the bodies over. Thanks for your help. Keep up with the channel I am enjoying your work!
WELL DONE I was ALMOST at this point last year when almost giving up HAGLEY appeared after several years on the wait list I have not done the official video on it yet but you can see some sneak peeks of it in recent vids but i love the approach and love those roof trusses. Keep up the outstanding work and see you in the next one.
Thank you!! I have to say that there is something really cool about picking those trusses off the laser cutter. Not sure why it’s them specifically that feel that way, probably sounds a very weird thing to mention. But I’m happy that I’ll get to make some more when I build my own station buildings.
@@DonningtonCastleModelRailway Oh I understand it was my first reaction when doing an antenna tower or signal gantry. Who knows just one of those things in the male DNA keep up the great work look forward to seeing the next installment.
Hi great video and I love your layout. Just one thing you mentioned using ipa as a cleaner I would advise against that except as a degreaser as it causes more corrosion and increases micro asking so I'd advise inox or wd40 contact cleaner as these clean and protect. Regards Harvey.
Nice work. Pleased you got the loco working again. Heard a few people have issues with the 73. I have seen a few You Tube vids. Once you get it going though it does run well.
Thanks!!! Yes I forgot to show the older one I bought pre-owned, as it definitely has some issues. This latest batch appear to have the previous issues fixed (apart from the spelling mistakes) and if retailers are offloading stock of the newer batch at 50% off it's not a bad loco to pick up.
I only got back into the hobby two years ago so at that point I did some research and discovered JMRI. I have a tech background and it sounded like a cool thing to learn about. So I bought a controller that supported it out of the box, dug out an old laptop and therefore have only ever known doing it this way.
In general I don’t fit sound as it’s too expensive for me to do that at this point. So this one was a plain decoder. I do have a small number of sound fitted locos, generally where I bought them second hand or they were a bargain and came like that. I would love everything to have sound in future but that’s a long way off atm.
I am sorry to say I think the arches would be wrong from the Wills kit> street scene yes but the preserved line would not have them! also the entrances would onto a running line. Neil Harbolt is right with stating a raised walkway over the point rodding and signal wires.
With the arches it might be one of those cases of trying to crowbar something in because I have the kit sat on the shelf. I'll have a ponder but I suspect you are right. Thank you!!
Thanks! Absolutely, his channel is one of my favourites as well. I love his whole approach to showcasing the hobby and he also isn't afraid to share his opinions when needed.
Ex Signalman on the Southern and also a driver for southern . available for any help m8 . Collected all my railway , just need to build it lol great layout and video ....Ade
That's really kind, thanks Ade! I'll certainly need some advice on line speed and signalling, especially on the Southern lines. So I'll try and share my current thoughts in the near future and it would then be great to get some feedback on it.
That's a really nice idea, thanks! It would allow for a road to sweep down from the upper board to the level of the heritage line station and also show that the road continues into the area in the middle of the layout (to indicate that it serves the main station entrance. It also makes the station area less symmetrical, which I like. I'll have a think about how it could all work and see if I can come up with a plan. Thank you!
Thanks! I've been doing some reading and I've found quite a few tales of woe from people trying to install it. So we'll see how it turns out! It gives me an excuse to do a research trip to a preserved railway somewhere nearby so at least that part will be fun.
This layout is so freaking awesome Martyn! Love how the work is progressing. Agreed with you on taking stock, I found myself overwhelmed a few times, and slowing down is important. Thanks for the awesome update! I really like where the mainline is going and can’t wait to see how that progresses. Keep well boss!
Thank you, glad you like what I've done! Its so nice to be able to show people the progress and get more ideas for where to take different bits of the layout. This update has given me lots of motivation to keep going, especially on the bits I'm putting off like track laying.
I always find when facing a huge pile of stuff to do, making a list is a good thing. That way you at least know what you have done and what remains to be done…!? Also as I have only recently come across your channel, I think I am understanding correctly that by “Western Mainline” you mean as in Western Region? I travelled out to Swindon last week and the four track mainlines are actually down fast/up fast and down slow/up slow and not in pairs of down fast/slow and up fast/slow as I think you described? I’m not a slave to being totally prototypical and exact rivet counting and you may be past the point of changing or just wouldn’t work on your layout but maybe a though worth pointing out?
Thanks! Totally agree on the lists, no better feeling than crossing tasks off when they're done. Yes you are correct that its the Western region for the mainlines, and that they should be pairs of up and down next to each other (like Richard has on Everard Junction). I did want to do that but the challenge is the main station area. To save on space I need to have the fast lines go straight through with no platforms, so its a compromise I've had to make.
The signal box could probably dispense with a hole for the rodding - put a slightly raised wooden walkway with the rodding disappearing under it 😀 Also I think they call signal box lids - rooves! 😁
Fantastic video, brought back loads of memories. 40+ years ago I used to have a model railway but it had to be stripped down when I moved out of my parents house to get married. I still have a lot of it and had planned on building something when I retire. Had a look at what is about now and it’s not a cheap hobby.
I would definitely recommend building something that suits your space and budget. From my own experiences of getting back into the hobby after 35 years, the enjoyment has come from the journey. Seeing something take shape that I’ve had to learn how to create has probably been the most rewarding part. You certainly don’t need the latest and eye wateringly expensive locos and stock to build something that will bring you pleasure.
A lot of the work you have done is great. The ideas are hard to understand and seem to change. I like the plan to have a station that serves both Regional areas along with a Heritage line. The main lines look tight and the hyper-elevation does not look right. It might be better to have heritage line inside the mains so the curves can be less aggressive. A Heritage line does not have everything perfect. Often there are lots of ground signals and stuff saved from different areas of the network. As I understand it Mainlines dont use local signal boxes anymore. The signaling services have been Regionalised for sometime. I would suggest a representational crossing of the Regional Services. Do not join the Southern and Western Lines at more than one point. Leave more empty spaces on the layout. A small TMD or Industrial sidings are too much for the space you have. The River plan is great. Where is the Castle? Good Luck.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll certainly have a think about all of those. And you are quite correct, I forgot to talk about the progress on the area where the castle will eventually sit. It will be in the back right hand corner, raised up in a similar way to the real one. It's going to be quite tough to scratch build, so I'm leaving it till later in the build.
Great work so far. Looking forward to seeing how yours develops. I am currently in the shed working on mine (tidying up). Thankfully it's sunny so I can make use of the lawn to put stuff on it. Tim
Thanks Tim! I found tidying up the layout for the videos to be really useful. I ended up finding some stuff I'd lost and it also really let me get organised for the next jobs. Hope you get everything sorted before the rain. When it arrives I'm going to make an effort to do some more track laying!!
@@DonningtonCastleModelRailway Yeah, I have tidied up parts of the layout and found a couple of things I had forgotten I had. I ran couple of trains which was nice to see them going round and I have relayed, tidied up wiring underneath. More to do tomorrow. If you want to see what I have gotten up to. Feel to have a look at my channel Scamperton Model Railway (not trying to plug). I will be uploading a video tomorrow all being well.
Fantastic progress, and gorgeous views across the layout particularly in the opening shots around the heritage lines and the tunnels. Your scenery work is beautiful. I will look forward to see how the layout develops. You suggested the station would be a 'mash up' between Reading and Basingstoke. May I suggest a representation of one of them, adapting as apprpriate. When scratching its so much easier to model something you can actually see, visit and photograph, not forgetting google/ apple maps etc and the internet. Food for thought?
That's good advice for the station, thanks. I guess I was being mindful of the difference in architectural style between the GWR and Southern. But looking at the history of Reading, the two companies had separate stations before they got merged into one in the late 60s, early 70s. So for my time period it would fit that its very much a station redeveloped by BR, like Reading was. Rather than somewhere like Basingstoke, which still retains much of its original style. That would also make a nice contrast to the GWR vibe of the heritage line. Thank you, that really helped my thinking!!!
Martyn. Amazing milestone and so well deserved, your content remains world class, editing, audio and as always brilliantly explained. Thank you for sharing your 37 running, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it in action. Again, congrats on this very big milestone, on to the next! 🎉 Hylt
