The LNER Encyclopedia

My long term modelling aim is to build a model in 4mm of the passenger loco yard (aka "Bottom Shed") at Kings Cross to cover the period from 1923 to 1950. The layout below is clipped from the 1943 schema given in GN Engine Sheds. The total length of the yard from the entry single slip at the left to the turntable at the right is about 600' or about 8' in 4mm and quite achievable in the space I have available. While still in the armchair, I have hit two problems which I need help on.

The first is that I want to use Templot to develop a working layout plan. It seems to me that the turntable is the feature that I should start from but I can't find how to get one of these started in the program. Has anyone here any clues on how to do this or should I use the RM Web Forum to post a query? Also, has anyone successfully imported a design into Templot - apparently this is possible.

The second is the model of the turntable itself. As will be seen from all the recent publicity shots from Hornby of Cock o'the North on the Kings Cross turntable, the table was very distinctive, being a 70' Ransomes & Rapier unit with an angled bed in a dished well. The only model I can find available of one of these is made by Metalsmith and is to 7mm scale. Metalsmith have a projected 70' model in 4mm scale but this will be of a Cowans & Sheldon design with a flat bed. If I have to build from scratch so be it but if I go down this route, I can see that Hornby's P2 will be long with us before I complete it! Does anyone know of an 11"/280mm turntable already on the market which I can look out for with a view to putting together a temporary expedient? The old Airfix one is 12" as is the Peco kit and the HO ones are even bigger. Is there an 11" N gauge plastic kit? See how desperate I am!

Grateful for any pointers.

I'd start on RMWeb. Martin Wynne who develops Templot is a frequent poster there and there's a dedicated forum area for it.

Edit - meant Templot, not XTrackCAD.

I've used Templot a little before & succesfully imported a plan to work from, though it isn't straight forward.

I found it vastly confusing at first but does make more sense with a little practise. I'd recommend the tutorial videos on the Templot website for the basics, then try the Templot forum. I'm sure any problems you have will already have been answered on there.

cheers

Hi All Thumbs,

An excellent choice for a model! It is also my starting point for, hopefully one day a model of the whole station. I am modelling in EM and have found Templot invaluable in getting it all planned. If, like me you are not too conversant with its intricasies, dont be afraid to get the drawing pens out and ink in what you can't get it to do. For the outside slip at the back of the tandem, I simply used two plain line templates to their correct alignments and then drew in the slip using photos as a guide. Page 91 of Peter Townend's Top Shed is useful here.

On the subject of the turntable, this a subject dear to my heart and dear to a number of other modellers I know who are modelling LNER locations. I, and they have pleaded with Metalsmiths for a 4mm R&R 70 footer. I would urge you, too to lobby them for a model. Hopefully we will eventually show there is a demand.

The Templot turntable process is reasonably well explained in one of the tutorials on the website. Again if you get stuck, you could always just create a series of straight plain line sections each with the same centre point and then simply link your tracks to them at the turntable diameter.

I guess you will be building your own pointwork - what gauge are you going for? I have chosen copperclad timbers and Michael Clark's Masokits etched chairs. Something of a challenge, but realistic and very strong.

I wish you well in your project.

Search for Templot and "Kings Cross". You will find someone has already mapped it out in P4 which might be a useful starting point for you.

Platform10 wrote:Hi All Thumbs,

An excellent choice for a model! It is also my starting point for, hopefully one day a model of the whole station.

Wow, now that would be a model that I would pay to see over and over again. With gasworks tunnel and the large overall roof, it does lend itself to modelling as long as the space is available. Even the York Way - Hotel Curve section could be modelled as a loop under the main station.

The only drawback is that there would not be much room to view the trains between the platforms and the tunnel, but the whole idea puts my imagination into overdrive.

A lottery win would be a necessary ingredient, in my personal case, so I wish the best of luck to anyone attempting either the loco yard or the whole station.

Great project All Thumbs - good luck, and keep us updated please.