Although much of the development of WHL has been off the cuff, I did start with a simple track plan designed to achieve my main aims for the layout. Whilst my overriding concept of 4 stations joined by hidden passing points remained intact, the plan evolved as I laid the track and found the myriad of obstacles that represent the challenge of building a model of 160 plus miles of railway line in a room 13' by 11' to what the layout comprises today. I attach copies of the current design in plan form below showing how the layout runs around the edge of the room with the central area as my operating zone. The layout is over two levels with the upper level about 7 inches above the lower which sits inside of the upper level section.

• Blue lines comprise the scenic section areas,
  
• black lines on the upper level are a partially visible fiddle yard
  
• dotted lines on the lower level are passing points and sidings hidden below the upper level out of sight.
  

Two ramps either side of Bridge of Orchy link the upper and lower sections. The lower section is a continuous loop with the main fiddle yard which sits below Mallaig Junction Yard on the upper level. The main fiddle yard is supplemented on the lower level by what are effectively hidden carriage storage sidings representing Glasgow Queen Street and Oban.

The upper level is a horseshoe running above and outside of the lower section. The climb up the ramp away from Bridge of Orchy on the mezzanine level to Tulloch is a scenic section for most of the run where my sound fitted locos can make a great noise as they pound up the incline. Tulloch is a hidden passing loop behind Mallaig Junction yard where trains wait time for their next scheduled movement.

As with any model of the real thing there are umpteen compromises to make it all fit together and work. Nevertheless I am happy that that I have created some of the ambience and feel of the West Highland Line. I have spent many hours building and operating the layout to date and plan to continue its development as time and money allows.