This is my first attempt at blogging and I'm going to use it to share with you my Hornby Dublo 3-rail layout.

This is a shelf layout built above my more conventional layout (which will be the subject of another blog). I completed the baseboards in the summer of 2008 but then work stopped while I concentrated on restoring some railway relics that you can see in the background of some of the photographs.

Work recommenced around February this year and I have now finished the basics. The following photographs and videos were taken in April 2009. The layout has progressed since then so I'll take some more photographs and upload them soon.

The baseboard is flat and is constructed at a height of 1.6m (5' 3" in old money). It is made of 18mm ply supported with various brackets, L girders etc.

With the exception of one stretch of board that supports my Tri-ang "Grand Suspension Bridge" the layout has no embankments or cuttings etc. I have tried to avoid the temptation to cram in as much track as possible, as I wanted to display and run my 3-rail collection without it looking cramped or cluttered.

There is a single track continuous run, a three platform through station with turntable, locomotive shed, goods yard and a set of sidings.

The wiring is all contained either in the space under the track ballast, or in cable trunking below the board.

The layout is DC and controlled by a Codar 2000 twin controller and Hornby Dublo levers. Cab switches and some toggle switches also play their part in the control panel.

The control panel and the track diagram were prepared using Microsoft Excel. The print out is protected by a sheet of clear plastic which gives quite an attractive control panel. (photographs to follow)

Now for three short videos of the layout.

Dublo 2-6-4T with three maroon super detailled suburban coaches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpubNaDfE04

The same 2-6-4T, this time with a goods train. This video also shows the physical relationship between my main layout (still under construction) and my 3-rail layout. My display cases got in the way of the layout. The video shows my solution: the track runs right through the display case.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsTtXDmrh3g

Dublo 0-6-2T with a goods train. This is my original locomotive that I got for Christmas in 1957, now approaching its 52nd birthday and still going strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1vJ8tuoaUQ

A big advantage for me with this layout is that I now have the space for my locomotives to haul proper length trains and to have sufficient straight track to provide a decent run. The overall dimensions are 15'4" x 11'2".