A little over a week ago I posted an update to the introduction entry of this blog to announce Nowhere, Nirgendwo or Nessun Luogo as my new layout set in a wholly imaginary location somewhere between Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Unlike my other layouts, adherance to specific prototypes and prototypical operation are the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about Nowhere. As much as is possible, it will be based entirely on RTR stock and the main aim is simply to have fun playing trains as an alternative to the ever growing pile of almost complete projects on my more 'serious' modelling side. That said, I have the greatest respect for those who take their continental modelling seriously, it's just that Nowhere is for me just about having fun and doing it in an environment that is completely different from my normal (GWR and S&DJR) modelling territory. It probably won't stop me trying to get some details right, but hopefully I won't be sidetracked into too much kit or scratch building

At the time of that update I had a rough Templot plan and had been to the local timber merchant to buy some 4mm birch plywood with which to begin work on the baseboards. the plan for the 'North Eastern' end with links to Germany and Austria was now fixed, whilst the 'South Western' end is still in the planning stage.

Once I had convinced myself that this part of the plan could be realised using Peco Streamline, both 00/HO and HOe gauges, work began on constructing the first baseboard. Within the week, I had this:

A few days later, and some track had been layed, at least on the lower standard gauge part. This will eventually represent a small passing loop and minor station. The station is mostly used by walkers setting off and returning from a day in the mountains. It is situated at the entrance to a deep rock cutting which leads to a tunnel entrance. Beyond the tunnel, we imagine the main rail connection to Germany. Above the station, following a narrow ledge and occasionally disappearing through tunnels and emerging to cross the main line will be the narrow gauge railway which itself provides the direct link into Austria.

Initial wiring has been done this weekend. All went well apart from a minor c*ck up where I fitted a turnout to the board on which I had not yet snipped the frog links (that reminds me, the kittens need to go to the vets soon ) thus causing a short when power was first applied. So, although there is still much detail to be decided at the other end, we were ready to receive our first train into the valley from Germany.

A class V100 or 212 in DB Cargo livery arrives with a mineral wagon on a driver training run. There is still some work to be done before they will be able to travel all the way to the mine and return with a load. Indeed it looks like it will not be possible to run around the wagon, so it will have to pushed all the way home again So, we await completion of the track plan and the installation of full DCC control. Still, no harm in being well prepared