Hello All!

I think now that I've made some final decisions, it's worth a small update on my North Wales Layout plans.

I'm going to start by moaning. Why is it that everywhere seems so low on the basic N gauge stock!? Got it out of my system, thats enough moaning for one month I think!

SO the track plan! I've finally settled on the plan that will represent my busy mainline through-station on the North Wales Coast Line.

I've managed to shape up the off-scene lines leading into the station on the right-hand side and this gives both some extra scenic space and a little more room for trains to stop in the station off-scene without fouling the fast lines.

I've decided to use Peco code 55 finescale track. All the pointwork on the main running lines will be large. I'm still pondering if I should use medium points in the yard.

I picked up a wireless Dynamis set for a good price so DCC control is sorted for the time being. I'm going to try using the Traintronics TT300 point motors, certainly for the main part of the layout.

Track laying will be phased and I intend to take my time over it. Phase one will see the two main running lines through the fiddle yard and around the scenic section to form the circuit (At least I can run stuff then!) This will include the four lines through the station the pointwork at the station throat.

Phase two will be the yard and third platform line to the fiddle yard. That way, I can get on with scenic work to my heart's content while still being able to run trains.

Phase three will see the fiddle yard take shape, and certainly include the five sidings. I may add the additional sidings at a later date, and these may not be controlled by point motors. Their only real use is if I do exhibit the layout and want to get as much stock on as possible.

Baseboards are all up and assembled!

I've enjoyed making these and feel I've got them pretty neat for a change! the frames are 18mm plywood and the top surface is 6mm plywood.The next step is to cover the whole surface in cork then I will look to lay out the printed trackplan on the board. From this, I hope I can get a good idea of the final space avaliable for scenery etc, and I'll be looking to put up a backscene of about 18" that will continue around the off-scene sections at the front and ends. I think this will look smart if the layout is exhibited, but also prevent any accidents with stock 'jumping' off the edges!

My first order of bits n pieces arrived today!

Unfortunatly, my shop of preference was far more expensive than my online shop of preference. And they were all out of flexi! That means tracklaying might be delayed for some time now until I can muster the next order.

In the meantime, I've brought a kit for a scenic building and there's also plenty of weathering to get on with! I'm off to the model railway show in Milton Keynes tomorrow so there might be a chance to treat myself to some rolling stock if I'm lucky!

Hopefully something a little more exciting to show by my next post. In the meantime, a pic to whet your appetites!

Thanks for reading

Lee