Gerald Road in N - An Introduction

[@PrinceStreet]

I sure like this Cobalt system. While watching I kept thinking how much I like the colour of the sky. It has that nice hazy, almost yellow, urban-industrial warmth to it.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Chris, the Cobalt system, whilst not cheap, was a definite win on this layout. I’d love it if you could subscribe too…

[@westcoastmodels]

Corrr this is wonderful James. Another fantastic video from yourself. Keep up the 2mm faith ✊️

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you! That’s very kind. I’d love it if you’d consider subscribing to the channel, I’m trying to edge over the 1000 mark!

[@westcoastmodels]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Already a subscriber James's, have been for a long time. Big fan of your work.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Anthony

[@boxryde382]

Cool video. Thanks for showing us the meat and potatoes side of your project!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

You’re welcome, we all know that every projects starts like a recipe, bits thrown together to get the basics ready.

[@jeremyreed5236]

Another great video James. Can you explain a bit more about your magnet boxes please….what magnets do you use etc. TIA

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hello Jeremy, thank you, very kind. The magnets in boxes are a slimline way to use auto uncoupling without unwanted accidental uncoupling as when not in use you simply slide the magnet out from under the track. I use Kadee magnets which can be cut up with a razor saw. I usually aim for around 1cm cubes, the razor saw tears at the material so you get a bit of a mess but it cleans up. You need to test the polarity of the resulting cubes, to check the nest orientation for uncoupling. Once happy drill a small hole in the magnet and superglue in a brass rod. I then build small boxes in styrene, using WIP or 15 thou for the top amd bottom surface and thicker material for the edges and ends. Before they’re sealed up drill a hole for the wire to pass through and I out some Kadee grease-em, a graphite powder, as once sealed they’re fit and never see again! I find the thickness works well with 6mm MDF. mark out your track plan, then mark out rectangles and slots for the wire and cut out. Fit the magnet boxes and then the track over the top. If using cork you may need bigger magnet pieces for a stronger effect. Experiment to see what works for you!

[@jeremyreed5236]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways thanks James….really helpful and much appreciated. BW Jeremy

[@robertpearce2244]

I might have missed you saying this: is this based on the branch out of Lawrence Hill, down to the stub of the old MR route to the rubbish incinerator? I used to work on those lines in the 80s and 90s. Looks good wherever it is! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It’s loosely inspired by the end of that branch, down in the yard just ahead of the Blue Circle terminal and beyond, Distillers. That said, I’ve decided not to progress this one, so the board, as shown in the video is up for sale with all wiring and track complete - no stock included for £200.

[@robertpearce2244]

Thats a shame! I'd be keen on it, but I live in New Zealand...! @@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways

[@thomaswilt4194]

I always find your videos enjoyable and actually relaxing! May I ask what is the make of the handheld DC controller you are using? Here in the US I cannot find a nice handheld DC controller, everyone has gone DCC it seems.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, that’s very kind. I avoid gimmicky effects and music, I try and talk to you as if you were in the room sharing this wonderful hobby with me here in person. Good question - the controller is an old Gaugemaster Model W. These days the case is a little different but the inside is the same, as I understand it.

[@thomaswilt4194]

Thank you James@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

My pleasure

[@pwsod]

The bases boards are doubled layered. What is the material used please?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

The two boards are 6mm MDF. This allows me to bury the magnets and the servos within the shelf layout rather than using a single sheet of 12mm. On a larger layout I’d use ply, but for one around 1m long it’s not to heavy and is lovely and smooth to work with.

[@pwsod]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Thank you James. That makes good sense. I still have a couple of Sundela boards 4 foot by 2 foot. Thinking of copying your idea with 6mm MDF with the top layer Sundela.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

That could definitely work on a shelf based layout but make sure the sundeala just sits within the box rather than forming the structure, obviously!

[@pwsod]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways understood