New thoughts

While working on the wiring for Rospeath Lane I've been reflecting on what to do about Boscarne Junction. It has been a longstanding desire to construct a model of this junction, hence, all the information I've gathered over the years.

My thoughts started when I made the decision to scrap the idea of developing Heath End, and reorganise the Man Cave. In the reorganising I've created space for Rospeath Lane, Fiddlers Wharf, with the scenic boards of Trethedy Wharf, on display. So I started to wonder if there will be room for Boscarne Junction in the Man Cave?

The last plan for Boscarne Junction appeared at SolRail 2023. Though I really liked the scenic potential of this plan, the baseboard would be even more cumbersome than Rospeath Lane's. Especially in transporting to a show.

I'm approaching my 70th decade and I believe van hire will become more difficult. This would probably lead to the previous tack plan becoming a static model. Then because of some baseboards being difficult to manhandle along with the space it would take up in the Railway Room, it would be extremely difficult to erect Rospeath Lane prior to any show invites.

My previous plan for Boscarne Junction

So:

• Could it be designed to be an exhibition layout?
• What would the minimum number of operators required at an exhibition?
• Would it be possible to fit the layout in a car?
• Working to these constrains could I still create a reasonable representation of the junction?
• Could the baseboards be more manageable?
• Could a better design create more space to erect Rospeath Lane prior to a show without dismantling all or part of Boscarne Junction?. 
• Should I consider that eternal itch to build a late 1930s GWR banch line terminus rather then build Boscarne Junction?

While mulling over the above thoughts, I mentioned to Bob How that because of the reorganisation of the space I had, it was likely that I'd be satisfying an itch to build a GWR branch line terminus rather than Boscarne Junction. This would enable me to have all layouts, Rospeath Lane, Fiddlers Wharf in an operational state and a good section of Tredethy Wharf on display while building the BLT. He expressed disappointment and commented that many people have built GWR BLTs to a high standard. I replied it was only an idea and I'd give it more thought in a years time once Rospeath Lane was nearing completion.

His comment resonated with me, as I too would be disappointed not building Boscarne Junction. As Bob said, seeing GWR, SR and ex LSWR locos and stock all mixed on the same layout is enticing and one of the main reasons why I became interested in the junction. It would also be a shame if all the information I've gathered on Boscarne Junction along with The Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway would not be put to good use.

I believe the bare minimum number of operators required would be 2, so for a show four operators in two teams (at a push maybe three operators working in rotation). The split would be something like;

• One on the Wadebridge cassette board and running trains through the layout
• The second at the Bodmin end looking after both cassette boards.

The Jubilee Challenge has made me think in more detail about the cost to exhibition managers of inviting layouts. So instead of hiring a van which would still require a car for the additional operators, could a new design allow four operators along with the layout to be transported to shows in two cars?

Those are the criteria and the start of some meandering thoughts while I progress Rospeath Lane.

Scalefour Cumberland 23 (SolRail 23)

My demonstration table at Scalefour Cumberland 23 (SolRail 23)

We all tackle planning a layout differently so felt worried about sitting behind a table titled "Planning a Layout in P4". Why should my way be any better than the next persons?

Well, I shouldn't have worried. A number of people stopped, even sat down and to ask questions. All seemed interested in both projects on display. Obviously, some thought what I'd produced was OTT, but most kindly gave positive feedback along with asking when they might see the layouts.

On the other side of the coin, I also learnt much from fellow demonstrators and modellers within the room. So this weekend has been an extremely interesting and enjoyable experience.

A Temporary work area and SolRail 23

I'm still waiting for power to be installed in the Log Cabin. The house rewiring took longer than expected, and we decided to postpone connecting the log cabin until other outside work is completed in order to finally get the interior signed off.

In the meantime, I've recently negotiated a small area in the snug at which I can work on a few projects. I'll have to see if the better half will allow me to solder, but for the moment I've been working on the 1/8th scale model of my proposed Boscarne Junction.

I'd planned to make this scale model mainly to help with thoughts on baseboard construction and to see how it will look visually. As I've been cajoled into setting up a table titled 'Planning a new layout, Boscarne Junction' at Scalefour Cumberland 23, it will come in very handy. Unfortunately, as I've been distracted by entering the Scalefour Jubilee Challenge, I'll still be building the model.

There will be another 1/8th scale model of my Jubilee Challenge project on the table to discuss with those that might be interested.

Calculating possible weight for the baseboards

I wanted to calculate the weight of my baseboards using insulation and plywood. This was after reading about the weight of another modeller's baseboards made totalling from plywood.

Googling the weight of different thicknesses of plywood, I came up with the following rough calculations for one of the 5ft x 2 ft boards.

• The top of 3mm plywood & insulation - 2.1kg
• The 2 ends of 9mm play (1kg each) -2kg
• The front Facia - 0.3kg
• Back screen (inc. insulation at bottom) - 1.6kg
• Internal sections of insulation - 0.5kg
• Track approximately - 0.5kg

So my best guess at the weight of one of the 5ft x 2ft baseboards without scenery, track etc. will be approximately 7kg (15.5lbs). I've tried to make an allowance in the figures for glue and baseboard dowels. So the 5ft x 2ft baseboards might only weigh the equivalent of 7 bags of sugar or a little more. Size wise still too cumbersome for one person to carry but two people should easily be able to manhandle them. 

One problem rearing its head is the size or rather shape of the final scenic baseboard at the Bodmin, Wenford bridge end of the layout. Question being will it go through a standard door width in the configuration I'm planning? The creation of an 8th scale model of the layout should help me answer this question.

Thoughts on Baseboard Construction

I have mumbled a little, on a couple of blogs, about my thoughts for baseboard construction. The baseboards for Boscarne Junction are going to be relatively large. If I used the plywood and softwood sandwich technique they’d require two people to move them. The basic idea is to build baseboards that I’ll be able to lift and move around when I’m in my 7^th decade.

When visiting York Model Railway show in 2019 I became intrigued with Gordon Gravett’s baseboards for Arran Quay and way he’d sandwiched insulation board between thin plywood. I was not sure about using the same insulation board for the baseboard tops but he had made it work. This method of construction must have created a very light baseboard easy to lift and move/transport.

Many years ago I purchased a number of 2ft x 4ft x 1 inch sheets of insulation board for creating hex terrain for wargaming. There are still eleven sheets left from that project which are taking up space in my shed. My intention is to rather than dispose of these sheets is to make good use of them for Boscarne Junction’s baseboards.

As my insulation board is only 1 inch thick I’ll not be follow Gordon’s methods fully but to borrow his general idea. Hopefully the drawings below will help to explain my intentions better than words.

Version 9

Just when I thought version 8 was the final track plan, I’ve now produced a version 9.

When starting to consider how the layout was going to be operated, my thoughts went to the enjoyment I gained when invited to operate other layouts. Especially those where a signalman controls a signal box and the train driver has to obey the signals. The use of bell codes, interlocking lever frames, and train driving to signals fascinated me. It all added to the operating experience and is something I'd like to pursue for Boscarne Junction.I questioned how I going to include this feature into my model?

If I'm going to create off scene signal boxes in the Fiddle Yards, which use bell codes to communicate with Boscarne Junction signal box, I have a problem with the Wenford branch. There was no signal box at Dunmere or on the Wenford branch. I believe the Guard of the Wenford train walked to Boscarne signal box to retrieve/return the key for the Dunmere Ground Frame. Then the train crew operated the two ground frames. I thought this is something I’d like to include in the model.

In an attempt to include this type of operation, I’ve decided to separate the layout into three operating areas

1. Boscarne Signal box & Wadebridge Fiddle Yard (There would be the possibility to split Wadebridge Fiddle Yard away from the Boscarne Box).
2. The Bodmin North, Bodmin General & Wenford Fiddle Yard.
3. Train Driver who’ll also control both Boscarne and Dunmere ground frames as the train crew would have done.

In doing the above, should give a reasonably authentic operating experience to this layout.

At this point I’d like to thank David Woodcock again. I’ve only been able to consider doing this due to his contribution with the signal diagrams and locking tables. Many thanks David.

I started mess around with the plan to see if I could squeeze in Dunmere Ground Frame and the junction turnout into the track plan. The only way I found was to move the whole of version 8 track plan back to the left. This dramatically reduced the scenic area before the level crossing which I’d created in version 8. I felt this compromise for home use was well worth taking as it will increase operational interest. There were always thoughts with version 8 I’d add a further scenic board at the Wadebridge end for exhibitions, version 9 will be no different. Still a bit left to do as there are still a few scenic items to identify and mark on the plan along with checking on edge profiles and land contours.

 

Above is how the layout will look when at home. I briefly mentioned that the track plan is now drawn to fit the baseboards. This is due to the comment about knowing angles for baseboard construction. I will construct the three baseboards making the curved scenic section with the same diverging angle (23 degrees). They will either be stackable on each other when boxed or I should be able to construct a rack into which they will all slide.

Below is my cursory thoughts for exhibitions.

Further thoughts on the track plan (v.8)

 I wasn’t going to revisit the track plan until the man cave was empty so its internal dimensions could be confirmed. That was until I was able to squeeze in a day’s visit to Boscarne Junction after being in Torquay for a wedding. The visit was to take photos of the wider surrounding area. The site is now dramatically over grown compared to the photographs I have which were taken in the early 1960s. That said the embankments, paths, field boundaries seem to not have altered. Plenty of photographs were taken which I hope will enable me to replicate the topography around the junction.

While at Boscarne then subsequently looking at my track plan I began to feel I’d drawn it a little out of proportion. Siding 2 (along the back towards Bodmin North) looked too long. In reducing its length  has made it feel more in proportion. In doing so I’ve been able to move the whole track plan to the right a little which has slightly increased the visible track left to the level crossing.  In my attempt to balance the space available between scenic and fiddle yards I’ve had to reduce the overall length of the junction and sidings. There is approximately 13.5ft between the two quarter mile posts as opposed to 17.3ft for a scale quarter mile. Even so, the hope is this will still create a recognisable layout with the ability to operate as near as possible realistic train movements to a replica BR timetable.

Boscarne Junction v.8

To give me the possibility to add a further board at the Wadebridge end I’ve also twisted the track plan slightly. In doing so means the track beyond the level crossing (towards Wadebridge) now runs parallel to the baseboards sides. This will allow the fiddle board that I’ll be using at home to be connected to the extra scenic baseboard if it ever is invited to a show.

Next thoughts:

1. How to build the baseboard supports and at what height should the layout be?
2. How to integrate lighting on the model as well as prevent other external lighting to affect the visual effect. 
3. Need to think about the overall operation of the layout (my initial thought may need to produce v.9 of the track plan)