For this new layout I am essentially using the track plan described by Phil Parker for Edgeworth (as serialised in BRM and on this forum thread http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/79690-building-your-first-layout-supplement/). I'm going to make a few changes to make it more representative an ex-Caledonian / LMS branch line specifically in the style of the signal box and station buildings. I'm also going to try and squeeze in a cattle dock on one of the sidings to emphasise a rural working environment.

So the current plan looks like this.

The signal box will be scratch built, from plans I have from the National Archives of Scotland of the box originally built at Larbert Station. The station buildings / engine shed are undecided - I still need to find plans I like. Similarly the coal stage, cattle dock etc. I'll firm up on later.

The base boards have been constructed from 9mm plywood with a 2x1 inch softwood frame - there is enough plywood left for fiddle yard but I haven't made up that board yet. Alignment of the boards is achieved through 40mm split pin hinges attached to the softwood frame.

Although I'm using my existing Hornby track as much as possible I will need to procure some additional right hand turn outs to complete the upper track on the second base board. Cork floor tiles from my local Homebase have been used to create the track bed and ballast shoulder. This has been glued to the base board with PVA and left to set.

To try and improve the look of the track I have removed some of the sleepers from the straight/curved sections of track to try and get approximately 2'6" scale separation between sleepers. The turnouts have been left alone - I'm not brave enough to fiddle about with them.

The track itself hasn't been glued down but the combination of installing the electrical droppers and ballasting the track should secure it firmly.

The picture below shows progress on board 1 at present:

Peter

PS. Yes there is some ballasting already taking place - I'm really bad at taking pictures of my progress!!!The track on this board has been tested, and I'll cover my attempts at ballasting in a future post.