HVR reborn

[ebay mike]

The HVR has undergone a total rethink over the past few months. Long working hours have meant progress is painfully slow but as there was some welcome sun today the opportunity to run a short works train was too good to miss. Only a small portion of the new track has been relaid but short end to end running is better than nothing. Will post blow by blow pics over the next few weeks. In the meantime latest purchase BR80 simmers in Hemsby station with a short works train.

 

[Gizzy]

It's a start Mike?

I know what it's like being a shift worker myself. Never seems time to do the things you want to do on the railway....

 

[mike]

we alll have to start somewere... nice startt!!

 

[ebay mike]

More pics as promised - day off and it's been wet so no opportunity to progress things.
One of the reasons for the rebuild - couldn't be sure where everything was and would have got rather damp on my hands and knees in this, trying to put stock on the track.

How it looked when the weather improved.

Track lifting in progress.

All cleared and a start made on the raised 'shelving'.

Close up of the ladderwork construction using bottom rail of the fence and short legs supported on bricks.

Framework covered in used exterior grade Sterling Board and treated with Sadolin. Bargain at 50p per litre tin from Wilkinsons in their post Christmas sale about 4 years ago. I knew it would come in handy one day. The timber frame is fencing reject (but has been tanalised). Both that and the Sterling Board obtained at local car boot. £1 (per 2m length) and £2 (per 4'x4' approx sheet) respectively.

Shelf then covered with roofing felt and track pieces being juggled for best fit. I did have a track plan but that went out the window as extra track became available. As I've got further along proposed alignment has changed frequently. Might be easier to draw a plan when I've finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part of what was to hand - then I had a field day on eBay.

Station area laid with bay and access to sidings. Ballasted with pea shingle (I purchased 4 tons when the management/planning department (wife) relinquished claim on the under-used vegetable garden).

Eastern end of the station area with sidings for stock storage and 'steam-up' if I ever get the Accucraft stuff out of the boxes.

 

[minimans]

Love the use of the old tyre!!!

 

[ebay mike]

These are actually spares off my vintage bus. The best 3 are in store but these ones at over 30 years old are starting to perish. You can't just take them down to the tip any more so looked for alternative use. They might form a base for ruined castle on a hill on the new layout.

Love the use of the old tyre!!!

 

[minimans]

These are actually spares off my vintage bus. The best 3 are in store but these ones at over 30 years old are starting to perish. You can't just take them down to the tip any more so looked for alternative use. They might form a base for ruined castle on a hill on the new layout.

Love the use of the old tyre!!!

At least it will be a while before you get tyred of them.....................................

 

[Madman]

Looking good. Raised bed, much easier on the knees and back.

 

[ebay mike]

Probable or possible final plan - who knows????????????????????????

This gives me the opportunity to run 4 trains at once after the necessary isolated sections have been worked out. The outer two tracks (black and blue) have a minimum diameter of 10ft and 8ft respectively.

A little more progress, but you'll note I will have to revisit and put in a facing crossover as per the above plan.

 

[Madman]

I like your track plan. It's a good "operators" layout.

 

[Hofabooz]

Hey Looking good keep posting the Pics

Regards

Mark

 

[mbiff]

well smart - lots of running opertunities

 

[ebay mike]

Progress a little slow, but it's getting there. Track revisited and facing crossover installed. Yes, they are PIKO R3 points. Prior to insertion all electrical continuity checked then cover plates removed from underside and cavities pumped full of silicone sealant before being replaced. Hopefully that should do the trick. If not as nothing's fixed down could be relifted and another approach made. Wil be a bit of a bu**er though.

Looks better now it's been reballasted.

Started to sort out the inner loops. Tried it on paper and nothing ever fits. Good job a plentiful suppy of bricks and assorted supports available.

 

[mbiff]

crikey - theres some tracks there buddy

 

[ebay mike]

Sunshine AND a day off. there's a rare occurence. After much juggling and a copious amount of swearing I realised I'd have to relocate the trailing crossover. Again they are PIKO R3s.

The sweeping link to the figure of eight is test fitted to make sure there's enough room for everything to fit.

An overall view of the eastern end of the layout.

The revised track plan.

 

[Steve]

Brilliant work

 

[ebay mike]

Looking from west to east (that's bottom right to left on the track plan). I need to get the 'shelving' in place under the main tracks now before I can tackle the inner loops.

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Mike
having seen the development in the flesh it will be a goody with lots of interesting running possibilities. Keep up the good work Mike.

I can't find the picture of the kitbashed garret though!

 

[ebay mike]

Somewhat over-powered short works train (double-headed by recently delivered 66135 & 66058) pauses in Hemsby station while running wrong road on an inspection trip after the attrocious December weather.

 

[ebay mike]

14/01/13 The threat of snow looming heavily on the horizon prompts short unscheduled running session. BR80 hauled local service receives pilot assistance from Harz 2-6-2 in case a blizzard should make negotiating the route difficult.