Combs Miniature Railway

The Story so Far

Last Updated - 11th November 2010

To save users scrolling down the page for the latest updates I have re-arranged the page so that the latest news is always at the top and older updates further down.

Update - November 2010 My goodness, has it been 3 years since I last updated. My how time flies, so have decided that I had better bring my web page up to date so here we go !! The goods yard I got ready for Jack to learn shunting has gone by the board (excuse pun) as he prefered fingers (0-5-0 shunter). I have since turned it into a 7 track fiddle yard to take 5 coach trains + loco, this is the length of my main platform so I can have set train formations which makes things a little easier. I have called a halt to more models for my layout as I have enough to run an EMU scene and/or STEAM scene. There are afew jobs to finish off and a couple of mods on the EMU's. I have built a model of "Leader" from scratch having got the drawings and enlarged them, it was quite a challenge !! Peter (Onehouse Model Railway) suggested that I turn the EUROSTAR into a pullman type train, this was because we made a screensaver model on "Railway 32". Now completed and fully lined. You can see a video that includes the EURO PULLMAN Here! Thanks to Danny Leach for the video. I shall not be making any further models as arthritis has settled in and messed up the use of my fingers. That is about it for now. I have also updated the stock list

Update - August 2007 I have finally moved the layout into the modern age, I have gone the DCC route and I must say I am quite impressed. I have started with the Lenz "COMPACT" and was completely baffled by the jargon used, but Peter, "Onehouse Model Railway", was able to help out as he runs a small course on the Lenz system when showing "Trainsim" at exhibitions. The decoders I used have, all but three, been Bachmann (23), the others have had to be very small so I used a Hornby, that works, but NOT recommended as there is no feed back and you cannot get the conditions by which to get fine control. Another was Gaugemaster which worked fine. Out of the Bachmann decoders I had to return 3 which Hattons changed with no quibbles. So now I have a Brighton Belle lit all the time while thundering round the track, but the best of all was the A1X Terrier and three Mk1 coaches, it was enough to make you grin with pleasure, you could almost see it on route to Hayling Island, I regret not having seen that scene myself. The other job I had was to turn the sidings that stored some of the locos into a goods depot, This I kept on DC so that grandsons could learn the intricacies of shunting. I aim to put a switch in the circuit so that I can run the system as DCC or DC. that way I can bring in DCC slowly. I have had to replace the motor in Jacks Hogwarts Express Loco as the armature failed and I had to replace the motor in my turntable, that I have since sold. I also disposed of a few trucks as I was getting swamped with them. One thing I discovered was that as my layout is on 4ft trestle tables and the joins are not always absolutely smooth, (I do try), the new Hornby silver wheels, 3 hole, dont work too well, so I went back to the older wheels and the coaches now ride the rails instead of the sleepers. The motors used in the DCC adaption were Lima/ Hornby ringfield, the little flat Hornby motor and a few X04s, the ringfield motors and the X04 performed the best but all worked well. That is about it for the time being so heres to the next time.

Update - September 2006 Once again out comes the computer for a brief word on the advances made. Jack 8 yrs (number 1 grandson) has been running the layout using the controls for running two tracks and full use of the points and signals. However, Max 3 yrs (number 2 grandson) has yet to show any real interest, he might but at the moment it is cars. The construction side of my stock has ceased except for general servicing as the old fingers are not what they used to be However, I have finished the Bullied DD (no seats) and I must say it looks pretty good. The chap who etched it for me used his own engraving sheets of steel with a brass facing. What an absolute nightmare to work with. I have also converted 5 Hornby smooth sided Pullman coaches into a Brighton Belle (all lights work) but with a bit more thought I think the relighting could have been easier. I am now going to finish the layout with the third rail and the construction of more buildings and scenery. I have also updated the stock list

Update - November 2005 Well its been a long time since I have written another screed for my web page, I thought it time to do so, so here we go !!! Since my last effort I have had to have a rethink about the layout as TWO grandsons fighting over who does what is getting rather wearing trying to keep the peace or should that be piece(s). They paid a visit w/e 21.10.05 and proceded to wreck the place all round. Jack, now 7+, has a digital camera with which he took some very good shots which are here. (Its about time I had some pictures). I have now changed from a single circuit to a twin thus giving them one each, I have also altered the fiddle yard so that each track has its own yard. This involved putting in two crossovers so that there would be no infringement on either track. To make things safer I have had to install two isolating sections to lessen the risk of a crash !! (Their favorite past time) I have rebuilt the command centre to use the probe and stud method to alter the points and other bits and pieces. This of course involved a bit of rewiring as some existing points were removed and reallocated and two new fitted. All went well untill I found a broken lug on one of the 25 pin plugs, AHHA!, I thought, I can replace that as I have a spare !! So I set to swapping wires between plugs, hohum, I found I had wired the new one base over apex. So start again wire off wire on, at last all done ????? nothing worked, another fine mess I have got PETER into, I hope. Sure enough Peter to the rescue. Between us we checked the cable runs and labelled them, after which resoldering the cables into the CORRECT slots. This paid off as life came to the control panel. I have connected up the four panel lights that became spare on the removal of the existing points to the repositioned ones and am installing new ones for the newly installed points, then that should be it apart from window dressing. Ballasting, Buildings, third rail and filling in of unoccupied spaces. Having put back the boards used in this refit I proceded to position a loco back to the station. BANG some thing blew my hopes out of the window, this has foxed me as the item that caused the bang appears to have no connection to the wiring except to go from the point motor to the light on the panel. PETER "HELPPPPPP" Needless to say my guardian angel came to the rescue and I can now have a play before the cold weather sets in. I now have a new motto " LEAVE IT ALONE" Adieu, Have a "Good Christmas and New Year"

Update May 2005 A late update to the "Combsmr" history. There was only one visit over the winter period so Grandad had an easier time of it. Now there are TWO grandsons the expression "grandad" became a bit of a nightmare but number 2 grandson went off and played with the cars that they had brought with them. ( An educational program is called for I fear.) I have done very little to the layout as I have been tied down with various ailments, unusual for me ! The workshop projects have been slow as well an altogether lazy winter. However I have made a start on my Bullied Double Decker which I had engraved on to a composite metal sheet, this is a lot harder than brass and not anyway as easy to handle, I have cut, framed and undercoated the motorcoach and am proposing to do some more later. The next visit is at the end of the month, so it is track cleaning, dusting and repairing time. So endeth this session. Have a good 2005 and thanks for reading this.

Update April 2004 (Late) The season has started again ! I got caught out by the sudden announcement that a visit was imminent so I had to do a lot of work very quickly. However the mildish winter did very little to upset things and the track was cleaned and vacuuming of the layout completed very swiftly. I then got down to the oiling and testing of various motors, I managed to have most of the EMUs running and a couple of the 33s together with 73101, Schools 935 and my kit built C20001,which ran very well indeed. During the winter I fitted the "Brighton Belle" with buckeye couplings which gave a much better appearance when running, it also makes it a heck of a lot easier to disengage from the next coach with no twisting and fiddling (recommended). I also connected the centre road (track 3) to both tracks 2/4 this gave me a runaround which made shunting trucks a lot better as I did'nt have to pick up the loco and rerail it. I am having a bit of trouble with one or two Electric locos as the the pickup shoes are snagging on the third rail. ( out with the big file ). The day arrived and so did the Grandsons, I thought this is it, front door open, where's granddad, can we go and play trains, 1200hrs . 2000hrs bed except for a short break for tea, granddad somewhat shattered and looking forward to another day of sweat. However this was a lot easier as Jack decided that he would like to run a train on the main track instead of his little sidings using the hand held controller. He operated very well after I made him NOT use full power ( his favourite pastime with his TV cars) as I had visions of some trains trying to make like Concorde !!! No 2 grandson has not shown any interest in playing trains yet so I shall have to carry out an educational programme as and when. All in all it went well and we had a quite pleasant weekend. My other project was repairing and painting broken Gronks, I have been using colour schemes that are not available normally. So far I have done or am doing 25 but I decided enough is enough so I am selling them on Ebay. I have decided to keep a few of my favourites though just to remind me. That is about it for now, as I shall have to wait and see what is going to happen on the next visit ?????

Update November 2003 Well time flies and it's almost time to put the layout into hibernation. We have had a quiet summer as young Jack has been stuck at home awaiting a new brother and getting ready to move house. He is highly pleased with the new house as he has a large playroom into which all his toys have been moved, he has more toys than "Gamleys", he also has his Harry Potter track mat stuck on a board which has pleased him as the track kept parting and he would get somewhat annoyed. Back to "COMBS MINATURE RAILWAY", I have made the center track through the station into a runround or a fast through route. I (or Peter) have to wire the points up at the west end (left) of the station and connect the whole to the control center. I have also increased the number of sidings on the board opposite the station to accommodate more EMUs. The stock has had a lot of work done with a complete rebuild of the Brighton Belle with the fitting of buckeye couplings to the coaches for a test, this was highly sucessful and they will be fitted to all EMU stock over the winter. I am presently working on a kit of a 2EPB my first attempt of using brass sides, I think I prefer plastic although the metal sides do look good but I am finding that the fitting of door handles and grab rails a bit hard on my nerves and fingers!! I have also been trying my hand at painting some Class 08s in some of the fancy designs that could be seen around over the past few years this is rather wearing on the nerves as well, as a mistake means starting again. One down and several to go. I have also taken some pictures of the CMR stock which will I hope end up on the web page with this write up. The pictures were taken with my nice new digital camera birthday/christmas present , it is very good !! The painting of the Class 08s is progressing,as can be seen on the web page with eight done and another five in the paintshop, unfortunately they have to be hand painted as I cant get the paint needed in spray form. That is about it for now, so a happy 2004 to all my readers.

Update 10 May 2003 Well the end of April the visit went well and I got young "Jack" to do a bit of operating, but he prefers to push his trucks about while telling Grandad what he wants to run around the track. If he wants a change though he expects it at once !!!! (Impatient horror). Between the two visits, in a hot spell the CMR Maintainence Department managed to lay most of the third rail, quite a fiddle but it went down OK. The drivers have discovered a slight snag though, the electrical pickups rub on the third rail causing drag. A little trimmimg to be done ?? I must admit the third rail really makes a difference to the appearance of the EMU's . In the CMR Construction department things have been happening. The double length Engine shed has been rebuilt in a different position using recycled material, becoming two twin track sheds taking single engines only. This fills up a fair bit of open space that I was wondering what to do with. At present they are unwired, (I might manage it ???) The Engineering department has had its share of work with the completion of the 4 CEP, (that I discovered was built in 1975-79 well outside my period of the 60's, it is being transferred.) and the near completion of the 4BEP in green. The "Brighton Belle" is in for a refit and a paint job, a class 08 is in for a paint and the BoB "73 Sqdn" and Class 70 C20002 are to be lined, a 2 Sub (Triang) is waiting for new contact shoes, the R1 has a buckled wheel to be replaced. That is about the lot to bring you all up to date. The future work will be the construction of tunnels at western end (flap end) and further sidings. Work will commence on the 4 BIG shortly, a slightly different job as it uses brass sides, an MLV is also on the books. Plenty of variety ?? I am awaiting the delivery of a new computer called "The Shuttle" where I shall be able to operate Microsoft TrainSimulator. (I need the practice !!)

Update 28 March 2003 Welcome to the new year for "Combs Minature Railway". This started earlier than anticipated as master "Jack" decided that he wanted to play before the arrival of grandson number two (no name yet, but might be "Max") who arrived on the 23rd March 2003 weighing in at 8lbs 14.5ozs. I am glad that Peter suggested that the layout should be operable by two people, as that will save any trouble , I hope!!! The layout was opened up on March 1st, the track was wiped over with a track cleaner and a cloth. The old faithful Triang EMU was put on track and then with all the lights glowing the switch was thrown and away went the EMU no trouble at all. The layout had a waterproof cloth over it from October to March which seems to have worked very well in keeping the elements at bay. I spent most of the winter trying to get my computer to behave so I didn't get as much modelling done as I had hoped. However I have built the 4 CEP and I am about to fix the numbers on the carriages and give them a coat of satin finish. I have made these out of Lima Intercity TSOs which I got off the net. I have obtained two more to complete the 4 BEP. I now have the 4 BEP to make and a 4 BIG, this will have to be my lot as I am running out of sidings to put them on, I am already having to run either electric or steam. I have also completed the BoB, Winston Churchill. I am trying out modified Kaydee couplings between the coaches on a two coach EMU to try and make the gap between the coaches smaller and to have a more authentic coupling between them. If this a sucess I shall fit them to all my EMU units. The next major task is to fit the third rail, this should keep me busy for quite a while !!! After that a bit more scenery with the tunnel entrances and a general tidy up. The next scheduled visit for the number 1 grandson is the end of April, so watch this space.

Update 30 January 2003 With the onset of winter the "Combs Model Railway" has closed down as it is rather cold out in the garage, The layout has been covered and hopefully will survive the bad weather. So I have moved inside to the rolling stock section and have been looking at all the jobs that I have put off, mainly the lining of repaints. These consist of two BoB, "Winston Churchill" and my first squadron in the RAF, "73 Squadron". the others are a Southern L1, Class 70 CC20002, Class 33 "Eastleigh", 3 car DEMU, and a couple of shunters. The on going construction jobs are a rebuilt 4CEP and an unrebuilt 4BEP both of these are modified RTR coaches mainly LIMA Mk1 TSOs. these I found were the easiest to alter but the hardest to find at a reasonable price as they were to be butchered ! ! ! ! ! these will be painted in SR stock green as the EMU green makes them look almost black. ( Modellers Licence). I also have a 2 car EMU (1950+) that will have to have a lot of work done on it as it looks as though someone has jumped on it from a great height. So all that should keep me busy untill the spring when I shall be back on track. I have a new addition to the fold, the streamlined BoB "Fighter Pilot" a generous son. Grandson Jack has been honing his skills with his christmas present of the "Hogworts Express" in preperation, no doubt, to pester me on his next visit. He has also infomed me that I have to mend his "Thomas the Tank" as it has broke. Good old Grandad ! ! ! That just about does it for now, see you all in the spring.

Update October 29th 2002 Since the 15th I have set to and changed the layout as described previously, except the signal. The little extra wiring needed was from board 6 to the flap 6/1 two wires. (I MANAGED THAT) The station has been replaced, having been removed (unstuck) from the terminal position to that of a through station on the town side. The platforms have been resurfaced and extended by 6 inches. Balasting has been done to the new track through the station also to the tracks on board 5. I intend to put tunnels on board 5 which will cease 9 inches before the flap 5/6 thus creating the impression of distance with the exit/entrance firmly fixed to flap 1A. All tunnel mouths will be surrounded by rolling hills. All I need is a load of polystyrene to do this.

Story continued:- October 15th 2002 I have been thinking on how to alter my layout yet again and have come up with yet another scheme to give professor Peter a heart attack. My plan is to turn the Station terminus into a through station with a terminating platform 1, and through platforms on 2 & 3, the center road would only be used for one way traffic owing to the points system adjacent to the engine shed favouring platforms 1 & 2. I have already extended the town out by 11 inches and painted the surface road grey. I think that I shall see if I can make a small town square in front of the station. The alterations to the track layout will be to connect the circuit track, ex platform 1, to platform 2 and installing track from platform 3 round inside the existing circuit and connecting with siding 1 utilising the existing track on board 5. The points system on board 4 will direct the circuit onto the right track for platform 3. Platform 4 will remain unchanged. This plan will involve no change to the to wiring system, except that the home signal on platform 3 will have to be moved to the opposite end, this will mean a extending the cable the length of board 2. If the approach points are set right to platform 3 then the home signal will show green. I have also decided to extend my period of action to the late 60s, this will enable me to have a wider range of EMU stock.

Update 28 September 2002 Board 3a has had the track ballasted and a little scenery added on the outside of the track by way of trees and domestic animals. The remaining area is to be fininshed at a later date as and when I work out what to put in the rather large space, this could be fields or buildings. Board 4 has the points system giving access to the fiddle yard from the main line and the associated signals, it has been ballasted and grassed. Work started on boards 5/56flap/6/1a laying the track from board 4 up the outer edge and around the top to join up with board 1, thus completing the circuit. I then extended the fiddle yard across board 6 by curving them inside the circuit track. This was managed and gave me enough length for a twelve coach train and loco, or a ten coach "Brighton Belle" the circuits checked out fine. But it was apparent that a lot of space was being wasted due to the very long stock sidings that stretched from board 5 through flap 56 to board 6, as can be seen in the photo's. It was then pointed out to me by my next door neighbour that I could store nothing on FLAP 56, (obvious to some people). I then decided that I would reduce the sidings to a more managable size to accomodate a train of four coachs and loco. Therefore I would move the points system from board 5 to flap 56. ???? (great fun). I then moved board 5 complete with the points system (carefully wired by Peter with much time and effort, and with his blessing.{fool !!}). After trimming off about six inches from each end of board 5 to fit the frame of flap 56, I then placed board and points on the frame of board 56 (flap 1) its new home. The two pieces off board 5 plus the board from 56 made up the new surface of board 5. Two tracks were laid from board 4 to join up with the points system on flap 56 through the new board 5. I then rewired up bits on board 6 "CORRECTLY" and moved to wire up the new track on board 5. Alas this became a nightmare for me so after about two hours I gave in and phoned up the professor (Peter), thankfully he was sympathetic and down he came, out with wiring diagram and away we went !! Unfortunately we found a snag with a couple of wires that operated one of the points, so that has to be sorted out !!! 95% of the layout is working fine, so all that is left is to decorate the empty areas with suitable buildings etc. while I work out how to alter it again !!!!

In the beginning I set to work on the boards which were initally Sundeala board built on a 2"x 1" wood frame. I built six of these with folding legs (sort of), there were 6 boards, 5 of which were 4'x 2' the third being in the corner was 4'x 4' with the inside corner cut off. The Sundeala board was cut and glued to the frames. The boards were painted to protect them from the damp both top & bottom. The layout utilised the right hand side of the double garage, the layout started at the far end in the centre and then along the righthand wall. The size was 8'x 15'. Peter arrived with a suggested layout and work began on laying the rails. Peter meanwhile, was working out all the wiring diagrams for the whole layout using interlocking points and signals, while I had great difficulty getting the rail to lay flat at the board joints. After much messing about, the Sundealer boards were removed and MDF, painted top and bottom, was used with a marked improvement !!!! The layout was an end to end twin track, with six tracks at each end, this gave six stock sidings which could accomodate a four car train and loco (60 inches), whilst the station end allowed for four platforms with a centre station storage line, the sixth was a runaround for local trains using platform four. We finaly managed to get the track laid and a few buildings erected, we then jumpered the boards and ran our first train. All the wiring was then put in place and tested, Peter had 95% success, a very fine effort on his part. (thanks). The original and final plans (Click the plan for a full size version) !!!!!! DISASTER !!!!!! The wife wanted the side of the garage we were in, to put her car in as the other side was very tricky to get in and out of. Back to the drawing board. It was decided to run boards 1/2/3 from the centre rear to the front and add another board (3a) to complete a "U" shape, then I thought, why not extend the layout right back to the rear wall and have a complete circuit. This I did !! More trouble, as this shut off the far side of the garage from the kitchen door. So I built TWO lift up flaps which satisfied the requirements. Having done this the outside of the the boards were fitted with a plywood based scenery wall, this had an added advantage that it also stopped any trains falling on the concrete floor. Here's a photo album of our progress, click on any picture for a larger version. Having completed the construction and tided up, I then commenced ballasting and generally decorating boards 1/2/3 that held the station and the engine shed area. Further work is being done to boards 4/5/6/6a/1a.