Laying track on a micro layout is a more involved process than a larger layout. This is because there is less of it, and thus on Clovelly Road it is essential that every mm of track gives excellent running. On a larger one, if there are a few stretches of track that have problems, then perhaps you can refrain from using them at an exhibition or club open day. Without all of the track, the running of Clovelly Road for even a morning session will become very tedious.

Thus I have spent a considerable amount of time fettling the track, that is to say carrying out minor adjustments to ensure that all track joints are excellent. With an N gauge layout with sub 300mm radius curves it is essential that the outer rail joints are well aligned, i.e. there is a smooth transition from one rail, to the next. This is because there is an tendency for wheels to crab. This is especially a problem with coupled wheels of a steam loco or small diesel locomotive, like an 04.

I have also reduced the distance between the running rail and the crossing, sometimes called the frog, horrible American word. The large gap is only necessary for the original profile wheels, not the modern ones, which are nearer in dimension to fine scale ones. This means that the wheels are guided to ensure the metal, i.e. pickup wheels are in contact with the metal rails, thus able connect with the rail voltage.

It is more important that the point is laid in a flat plane, than having live crossings. These add to the making the electrics more complicated. If so then even with a small locomotive, like an 04 two wheel sets will be in contact with the metal rail and to be able to pick up current.

The check rail that I seem to have spent many hours working on now does the job well. It means that the passenger train, of its two six wheeled coaches can run slowly through the goods yard entry points in both directions. The check rail also ensures that the coaches can negotiate the road bridge at the South end of the station without colliding with it.

Having the bridge dimensions smaller than that of the Peco bridge kit, from which the bridge is made, has the effect of making it look further away, thus making better use of the very small foot print of the layout.

Julie