I think I've mentioned somewhere on RMWeb that, like many others, space is an issue for me. So now that N gauge RTR models have improved enormously, that might be the way to go in order to get something running! Plenty of small-space ideas on here and elsewhere for inspiration...

But first, new locos would need to be run-in - 'run for half-an-hour in each direction' say the manufacturers' blurb - so a test track would be a good idea.

After scribbling with pencil and paper for a while, this plan was hatched:

• a small 'roundy' to enable hands-off running-in
  
• maybe a siding or two to add interest
  
• portable and easily stored
  
• initially DC, able to handle DCC
  
• quick to make and commission
  

Calculations based on dimensions of 2nd radius curves revealed that a nominal 3ft x 2ft oval would fit on a board that could fold in half to make a compact 24x18 inch box. So Anyrail was used to work up a scale plan - this defined the overall case size to be a little larger at 40x24 inches, or 1016x610mm. Each half of the case would need to be about 2in high to provide plenty of clearance for rail + underlay + stock. Here's the track plan:

The case parts were then designed:

Wood was duly acquired. The sides are a bit non-standard; they are moulded 14mm softwood skirting trimmed to 50mm wide by removing the moulded long edge. The bases are 6mm ply. However, the DIY shop managed to cut the ply out of square on their saw-bench, so the two pieces had to be suitably trimmed square. Doing this shaved a few mm off the short sides - my eventual base sizes were therefore 609x495mm.

So all we need to do next is assemble the bits!