N gauge heritage in a case

[Staners]

So I'm currently designing and building a large layout that may well take a few years to build so while thats going on I want to have a smaller layout also on the go. 

With my layout Bashington working really well in a keyboard case I thought I would continue with this design as it has worked well.

 

Although I will make some variations upon the basic premise of the design. These changes will include:

• Making the inside of the box completely scenic as appose to having a 3rd at one end non scenic
• Having the layout come out of the box at each end for a fiddle yard / loop
• The box lid will double as a back scene and frame for a lighting system
• Access under the baseboard will be quicker and easier as I'm planning to use Dapol semaphore and motorised point so urgent access may be necessary
• The baseboard will only cover part of the base of the case as I'm planning to have an embankment and canal on one side of the layout

Overall the new layout will become a higher quality and detail version of Bashington.

Edited September 10, 2018 by Staners

[Staners]

I've set out a basic track plan - this isn't final and I'm still undecided on certain parts.

I have brought a case for the layout which measures in at 116 x 30 x 12 cm slightly larger than the case for Bashington. For these projects I use wood based keyboard cases as they are sturdy and easy to work with.

 

Each end of the layout will have a detachable balloon loop that will allow me to run trains round without any effort although I could put cassette fiddle yards in at a model show if there are 2 operators and have loco layovers etc realistic of a gala to add operational interest. With loops I will be able to run a 4 train service with 2/3 passenger trains a dining train and maybe a freight train.

 

I have annotated the track plan with some pictures of roughly what I would like to achieve

I still have 2 spots of the layout where I have no final plans (yellow)

1) Situated on a hill I feel this should be a cameo possibly with a talking point- maybe a church with a wedding or a farm yard with a house and barn

2) This end of the layout is going to be countryside with a large rolling hills covering the canal disappearing at the back so having a big scene at the front there would take away the viewers attention. Having just grass would look very unrealistic so something that'll add to the layout without taking attention away from other things would be great

 

 

I also want to add that I intend to set the layout on a present day heritage railway although the station and surround area hasn't changed at all since the early 20th century, however I would like to add a few subtle nods to the present day, maybe a member of staff in full high-vis abiding to new health and safety, a new road sign along the road or a modernly dressed family on the canal ...

 

Stock wise it will be similar to my other layouts, Bashington and the TVR, with 3 coach trains hauled by realistic locos and livery's.