Callaton 2mm FS
This little cameo was started with exhibition attendance very much in mind since while touring with my last exhibition layout I was always being asked how easy it was to start in 2FS. The answer of course is, ‘simple’ but for those people eager to jump in it is sometimes a little daunting to embark upon the perceived steep learning curve of fine scale in any size, so my message has always been start small. Enter the cameo layout, which is usually quite small, very portable, doesn’t cost very much. It enables the builder to exercise every discipline that building of a larger project might involve but in, generally, a fraction of the time.
Construction of Cameo Callaton is quite simple and follows very much the teachings of that master of the small layout scheme, the late Iain Rice. Iain, had he drawn the plan, would probably have had a double slip, a three way turnout or both for these are the hallmarks of many a ‘Rice’ plan. However I have kept things ultra simple and like to think that I have added my own personal touches to Iain’s overall philosophy but as he would have told you himself, take the concept, use the plan as intended or modify to suit and put your own stamp on it. This little project is based loosely on a prototype which existed close to the real Callerton, north of Newcastle upon Tyne, the story of which lies outside the scope of this little description. Employing a two piece main baseboard and using the proscenium arch style presentation with a semi permanently attached top casing with integral curved back scene, the main business end of Callaton is a skimpy 2’ 6” (76cm) long baseboard with two detachable fiddle yards, one at either end; for convenience of transport and storage I have made the sector plate fiddle yard fit underneath within the body of the baseboard and I have also attached a carrying handle which is obvious at first glance. The right-hand fiddle yard takes the form of a 13 inch (33cm) sector plate fed from a hidden siding at the rear behind the back scene. The left-hand side has an 8-inch (20cm) fiddle yard simply to allow rail traffic on the scenic section to temporarily disappear ‘off scene’. There are one or two other things that have been done which I have not seen before on a small ‘exhibitable’ layout such as the means by which the hidden fiddle roads are connected to the sector plate board. Trackwork is all to the recognised standard of the 2mm Scale Association using a product called Easitrac with the one and only kit-built turnout and its related trap point, operated using servos with two AA batteries.
Locomotives and stock on this small project represent the 1980s period and as such are mostly Bachmann diesels that have either had the wheels machined to 2FS standards or have had their wheels changed using drop-in replacements from the 2mm Scale Association shops. Either method results in motive power that will perform on 2FS track. I hope to be operating mostly with DCC but at the drop of a hat I can switch into analogue with a couple of different locos and operate using those.
Rolling stock is a mixture of converted RTR and kit built and delayed action uncoupling using the ‘Electra Coupling’ designed in 1979 by fellow 2mm Scale Association member John Whitehead. Again, because of the size and scope of the layout not much stock is needed. However, since one of the main reasons for this little project is to invite the curious would be 2FS modeller to ask questions I invite interrogation if there is something you wish to explore further.
This little piece has been planned so that it can be operated using up to date control with DCC but it is also capable of operation using traditional DC analogue control. Also, and probably unusually, it can operate on battery power in both DCC and DC. Because of this the wiring is appears more complicated than it needs to be but is easily explained to interested parties. Lighting is achieved using L.E.D.s If you need more information just ask the operators and we can show you the various aspects of its construction. With such a small project operational potential is obviously going to be limited but the intention is to show it is not necessary to have vast space or inordinate funds to model in 2FS, and it is possible to engage all the disciplines related to fine scale modelling in a relatively short time. I hope the object of the exercise can be achieved with Cameo Callaton.
Further information about the activities of the 2mm Scale Association can be accessed by either speaking to the operators or going to www.2mm.org.uk
