Work has started on the latest project, which is currently nameless. I have recycled two of the children’s APA boxes, to create the base. I removed the inner ends and glued ¼” dowelling in the screw holes to join the two together. Rather than have the joins all in the centre of the box for both frames and hardboard, I cut one of each side and floor in half so as to stagger the joins and try and build some strength in to it.

Here are the trimmed sides and floors

Double sized Apa box... by Steve Purves, on Flickr

And the box with the extra-long framework fitted. To slide the hardboard into place required about 4 sets of hand and a liberal dose of swearing…

Double sized Apa box... by Steve Purves, on Flickr

The finished box, I will now print some point plans and have a play with my initial plan to see what looks/feels right

Double sized Apa box... by Steve Purves, on Flickr

The plan as it stands now, the exit tracks are sited with the same relative positions as the exit tracks from Apa Park. This will give me the option of joining the two together using a common central fiddle yard rather than as two standalone layouts.

Double APA Box by Steve Purves, on Flickr

As for a name, How does Apalong sound? – suggestions welcome!