As mentioned in an earlier blog, the intention for this incarnation of Tweedale was to make it a double deck system, by stacking modules on top of others like bricks. Some progress has now been made in that direction. 

The Castleport and Docks Branch modules were built before the double deck idea came along, and for best viewing they needed to be at a particular height. That meant everything else had to be fitted around them. As I wanted to operate both decks from a seated position, the new deck had to be inserted beneath the old.

The frames at each end of the layout are where cassettes are located for transferring trains between decks. 

Due to the viewing constraints, the lower modules had to be restricted in height to a mere 7 inches. That in turn has forced the track layout to be fairly simple and near to the front edge. It will also require a low horizon to the scenery when I get that far. There are two station areas here, seperated by a longish 4 feet section of (literally at the moment) empty countryside, where the trains have a brief chance of stretching their wheels.

The current track plan is shown here...

In order to maximise the length of run, I'm treating the lower deck as if it represents two different sections of the route, as shown in the operational diagram below. Keeping everything synchronised, so that the Poshington to Castleport trains don't clash with the Mine to Tweemoor trains, all adds to the operating challenge. 

Note that although the gas works is actually located at Poshington, it is considered to be on the same branch as the power station, and both industries are worked by one trip out from Tweemoor.

It will probably take some time before I get around to the scenery on the bottom deck. The next section to receive scenic treatment will be the industrial area at the top left of the layout, adjoining Tweemoor Yard....

However as the cold dark days approach, I've started winding down for my usual winter break from model making, so little else is likely to be added before next year.

Cheers, Alan.