Problems on the T.V.B.L.

Congrats Mikka, get building, and show us how you're doing it, on here.
 
The explanation of running sequence is the train leaves the station, Smoke-box first, negotiates the big grade and entres the upper passing loop on the left-hand track (up-line).

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It circuits the loop and crosses the viaduct to return to the first linked point which is trailed, and passes the second linked point which is already set and returns to the terminus to run round.

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The second trip, now bunker first, follows the route that was set by the previous train.

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Having circuited the loop, it returns to the linked point via the right-hand track (down-line) of the passing loop and passes through the sprung point which also resets the second point to the up-line. So an 'Up' train always runs Smoke-box first and uses the 'up' loop, and a 'down' train always uses the 'down' loop.

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All automatic, apart from the Terminus which now has powered points, to allow some shunting. The current thought is to add another siding to the T. to improve the shunting possibilties.
 
:thumbup:very nice. its always great to see trains up, and running
 
Cheers Mike, doesn't look as though your's will be very far behind.
 
small steps matey.. its small steps forward:thumbup:
 
What a brilliant line with such incredible engineering , a pleasure to read all about it from beginning to end.
Know when is the open day:thumbup:
 
Think I needs to do some 'prettying up' before I has a open day. One thought for the Terminus is to fix a low relief station direct onto the fence panels, using something like plastic soffit board as a back. Problem . . . . I never done nuffinck like that before, so it needs lots of thinking about.
 
Edit : I'll re-post later the diags dont show up.
 
Now it's later, later than you think, sod this 'clock-changing day', HOW MANY CLOCKS??????.

As the rolling stock has been added to, there is now no longer room in the passing loops for all of it. Not even by utilising the head shunt at the front of the loop so an extension of some sort is called for. There is very little room to be had lengthways so side ways is the only option, so a siding perhaps. This will also be useful when I get the second loco R/Ced.

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I was therefore in need of one left-hand point, Ideally, and about three lengths of flexi-track. Low-and-behold there appears on evilbay, 8 lengths and two sets of points (one of each L&R). Thereby hangs the latest problem, what would be the most versatile layout for two extra sidings?

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There is a third option of course which is a combination of Option 1 and Option 3. but I'm not sure there is any extra advantage in that. Thoughts on a postcard, or even better, a £10 note.:thumbup:

In the mean time I lost out on the points, but not the track, which may turn out to be a blessing in disguise as I can now get two lefts if required, or revert to Option 1 and sell off the surplus track.
 
I would favor option 3 as it gives the oppotunity for shunting, without fouling the passing loop or main line.
 
Option 3 would be my vote. As Garry says it doesn't foul the passing loop, and also you end up with longer sidings.
 
Hmmmm! :thinking: Thanks lads. There's certainly a good point (pun) in that, and some extra length could be v useful. There would also be enough space to hold a loco in the siding link section.

Now here's another thought then. At a later stage a crossover with single (or double) slip could be inserted.

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considerably increasing the availability of roads for passing and shunting without the loss of space in the loop for holding a second train. Sounds better and better.
 
[font="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"]I still favor option 3 , although 3a would give you more options when you have an open day, & if you are going to place a station with up to 4 platforms in the area. [/font]
 
Yes Garry, my thoughs were a station and goods yard, rather than multi-track station, but the principal is the same. Space is limited as this is all 'shelf', the main reason I was doubtfull about two sidings. 4 tracks at 7" centres is around a 27" wide shelf, support begins to become a problem.

The Peco 'flexi' arrived at lunchtime. Nice nick, described as "new un-used" and it certainly is. Still on the lookout for points and maybe a point motor.

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Nice little running sesh this evening. Did a bit of pushing trucks up and down, in the existing terminus, and proved that a holding siding would be an ideal addition, allowing the assembly of quite a long train. dealing with it on the return leg will test the signalman and shunter somewhat. I did have the thought that a turnatable would make a nice addition, it would be just about possible to get an 18" dia one in on the existing 'passing' headshunt. The question is, would that be big enough not to look a bit silly. It would be easily big enough to take Countess and it's v. doubtfull I will be getting anything bigger.
 
I think a turntable would be a nice feature, I have seen pictures of a very small one on the Bembridge branch on the Isle of Wight which I will post if I can find them again. If anything bigger turn up surely it can return bunker/tender first.
 
A tiny Terrier squeezing onto a tiny turntable
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Not the picture I was looking for, credit & thanks where due for the use of the image ( Sussex county council ?)
 
You have to include a turntable. Such a feature will be very nice and interesting for both operator and spectator. Wish I had room for one!
 
Yup I reckon so, too, now I've had a proper look in the daylight, but it's gotta be powered. Means a remake of the signal-box mimic board, and switch layout, for the new siding(s) anyway, so the addition of a turntable switch is of little import. Should really start thinking about some working signals as well I suppose.
 
The problem today was the planned activities were cancelled at short notice, so had a measure up for the positioning of the new siding point on the main line and worked out what, why, where, for the rest of it. (Knew I shoulda taken some photos!) Then as there was nothing better to do, I ran a few trains.

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"The afternoon 'up' goods prepares to leave Trentside Central"

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"Waiting on the viaduct for the 'branch' signal."
 
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