Trailer layout - time for a change?

[trammayo]

Some of you may have seen my trailer layout on the Forum from time to time. It isn't the easiest thing to set up at shows (time-wise at least). Inclement weather is always a problem and, over the years, I have done various things to mitigate the problem of rain and wind.

Last year, I built some lightweight polythene covered screens to stop the rain - only the front (viewing side) being open to the elements.

The other problem (aggravated by the weather) is the need to drop down the end boards and fit all the scenery on them. Its a time consuming job setting up - from getting a decent location on the field, levelling the trailer, setting up the layout, and fitting a fence around it.

As I mentioned in the Coffee Lounge, it's getting harder each year. Apart from the option of giving up, there are two ways (I think) that could be helpful. Both involve removing the need to have the drop down baseboard ends - one is to extend the trailer to include the ends (giving an enclosed length of 21 feet) - and the other is to drastically reduce the layout so it is contained within the existing 14 x 6ft body.

First some pics of trailer as it currently exists......

Then the altered baseboards (made them larger a couple of years ago) .....

Stood up in the end of the trailer..

.... and looking from the inside ....



And with the boards let down and scenic items set out (buildings, vehicles, etc.) ...

 

[trammayo]

continued ...

The plastic covered screens ....

and the trailer set up at a show without the need for the screens ..

So as you can see, its a time consuming task! Its OK if you are in good health, but neither myself or SWMBO are in that category! So I was going to draw a layout on paper and went in the workshop to get my drawing instruments. However, the sun was shining so I thought I'd see if I could set out my proposed track layout on the drive - set to the internal measurements of the drive.

From what I've got now, I'd lose over 20 feet of straight track. The station are is the worse for this - I could get a three coach train on the front line, a two coach on the passing loop, and next to nothing on the other tracks.

I'm not happy about that but, bearing in mind that "roundy, roundy" is the only way for me (I don't want to spend 7 hours shunting and, in any case, it wouldn't look right!).

What do you think?

I'm still favouring the difficult task of lengthening the trailer body (and chassis of course)!

 

[bobg]

There is one other option, have you considered . . . . . . . . . . .
















changing it to N Gauge?

(as he runs for cover, never mind the hat and coat).

 

[Tony]

Im still thinking an incline going up a level or indeed a circle going around the ceiling

 

[trammayo]

Tony - so was I once. Started this as an add-on to the end of the trailer layout but after the health problems couldn't lift it. It remains an unfinished project (sadly)..

 

[trammayo]

Bob -

 

[trammayo]

I have given everything a great deal of thought - I'm torn between condensing the layout (which has the attraction of no financial outlay), which would really be too short for any "realistic" train lengths with Big Haulers, or lengthening it.

I have worked out a way to lengthen it without having to dismantle everything. I'm going to do some accurate measuring this morning before we go to town. If my thoughts coincide with the measurements then that will be the road for me

 

[Dtsteam]

Inclines ? Me too. Only exhibited once and I never got the automatics working, so after 8 hours on the H&M controller I was bored to tears. Good luck with whatever you decide, BTW.

 

[Tony]

i was more thinking bit like an old fair ground organ where you have a load of stuff moving and lots to see but never quite sure what is going to happen next...you can have two or three levels and a little shuttle tram coming through the viaduct, p haps a cable car between two mountains, a little mine line with a loco and two trucks going in and out of the mine on one hill ....what ever happens i know you will do a grand job

 

[trammayo]

Hi David - like your incline (are those Rigi car bodies?). I was going to use Infra Red at the top, plus a timer and change-over relay (my brother understands these things better than me). Got one planned for the garden (water balance) - all worked out in my head but it is in conflict with all my other projects

If onlyI was as active as my mind!

Thanks for the good luck wishes!

 

[trammayo]

Thanks Tony. Like your drawing - its a pity I went out at 8.00am to do the shopping!

There was one other little thing that I forgot to say about my deliberations!

My next show is five weeks this coming Sunday!

I've bought the steel box sections and the ply cladding. Its a pity I can remember five years back when the same amount of wood and steel cost half the price. I'm bloomin sure that my Occ Pension hasn't doubled in that time!

I'll post on here how I go about the process, but I hope (famous last words) to achieve the extension to either end (chassis included) without having to dismantle the layout! I'm no longer thinking of lengthening the main chassis by cutting and inserting two new pieces. All will be revealed (warts and all).

Thanks for your thoughts though!

 

[trammayo]

Something odd with this thread (apart from the subject) - I can no longer reply or add from my own postings. Wonder why?

Anyway, replying to contributory postings is still a viable option ...

Late yesterday afternoon, I started stripping the trailer's Tow Hitch and brake rod in advance of starting to extend the front end.

As was.....

I have small trapdoor in the floor to enable me to adjust the brakes, so removing the brake rod was easy from that end (the other end is still attached to the Hitch).

... the floor opening (secured with four woodscrews) ....

... the Tow Hitch and brake rod assembly withdrawn and the Jockey wheel ...

.... and the front at the moment ....

Biggest problem today (certainly since 5.00am) is the rain. I'm going to lengthen the brake rod and clean things up ready for re-assembly (when I've extended the front end). Must remember to remove inflamable stuff out of the way for when I start welding and grinding!

Edit: And, funnily enough, I can add or reply to this posting!

 

[trammayo]

Well, despite the weather, I made some progress yesterday. It is now at the point of no return - I have started so I shall have to finish it!

I made the 'new' brake rod Friday (just cut it and lengthened it) and left it in the shed for the paint to dry. Saturday, I degreased the metal for the chassis extention, cut and drilled it, put spacers in where the bolts go through (to stop the metal section distorting when the bolts are tightened) and lined it up for welding etc.

Basically its an extension supported on 50 x 50 x 6mm angle which is welded to the existing frame as well as the new pieces. Apart from the jockey wheel, it is now a rolling chassis again - albeit out of balance. Outriggers need to be cut and welded in position, then the existing front end panelling and shutter need to be removed to allow the body framework to be extended. When it gets to that stage I'll just have to pray for a fine day or two!

Positioning the new frames to allow for measuring the position of the tow hitch bolt holes. The piece of metal laid across is the position the body extention will reach.

After seven hours, this is how I left it last night - the close-up shows the two transverse angle pieces. Just two pair of outriggers (to support the floor and body end) need making and welding. Weather is rather against me at the moment.

 

[playmofire]

For someone who's not active, Mick, you certainly get a lot done, quickly and to a very high standard!

 

[trammayo]

Thanks for your comments and kind words. Two things keep me going I suppose - one is trying not beaten by circumstances beyond my control (the weather!) and the other is that I made a promise to appear at a vintage gathering in June. I don't like letting people down.

Believe me when I say it was a difficult choice - knowing what the work would involve - but I perceived it as the best option for me in the medium to long term.

Now I'm waiting for the weather to clear up - which it looks to be doing so

 

[trammayo]

The weather did remain dry, so I managed to make the two pair of outriggers and weld them in position (plus the bottom of the part of the end frame). It was rather windy so it was extra jumper under the overalls.

Also managed to cut all the horizontal sections for the new extensions (18 pieces) so that, apart from the four main verticals, most of the metal is cut to size - although it does need de-burring.

Pic of yesterday's efforts ...

There is some distortion caused by the need to have a strong weld, but this will be taken care of during the next stage.

First I have to remove all the angle beads (easier said than done because of rusted scews - pozi's are carp), then the end and one side shutter, then the end panelling.

Tarpaulins needed if it rains.

 

[royale]

Great progress and very impressive - a lot of work but it'll be worth it.

 

[trammayo]

Thanks John. I hope it will be! It took several hours to remove the angle beads and self-tapping screws, plus shutter and panel. The weather improved at teatime but by 7.00pm I was feeling rather cream crackered. Still nice and dry at the moment, so it will be an early start this morning to see if I can get on with the framework.

 

[alec dawe]

Your welding looks nice, Mick!
Mine always used to look like I had stood three feet away and thrown the weld metal at the joint with a putty knife!
Are you going to reuse the back and front panels of the trailer body, and extend the side panels?

 

[beavercreek]

Just picked up on this thread Mick......Wow you are a one aren't you?
All I can say is, boy I admire your tenacity and skill to overcome an obstacle.
This is the first time that I have seen the trailer layout in its entirety and it is a great piece of work.
The extension will be just the ticket.......
Keep going..only four weeks to go................