With the majority of the OO layout sold it's now time to start thinking about what sort of model railway layout I want to build.

So what type of layout do I want to build? Here's my wish list -

• I don't know why, but I have no interest in steam locomotives, perhaps it's my age (I can hear some blog viewers leaving now)
• My interest is purely in modern diesel and when I say modern I guess I mean the last 10 years or so.
• Not really planning on modeling a real location but would like to base it on rolling stock I see locally. (central Scotland)
  • I want an intermodal freight yard ( I pass a DRS / Malcolm yard on way to work)
  • EWS and Freightliner 66s can be seen hauling coal to the local power station.
  • While my main interest is in freight operations I would like to run passenger rolling stock through the layout in one form or another.

  [*]There's something about just watching (near) scale length trains snaking through the scenery. (a continuous run is required here)[*]Having attended several exhibitions over the last 18 months I'm fascinated by DCC sound

So there it is, I want modern diesel, DCC Sound and scale length trains trundling through fantastic scenery incorporating a intermodal freight terminal!!!! I'm not asking for much am I :-) You can probably see where this is going, two main problems faced by many modelers 1) Space 2) Finance

• If I want sound the smallest I can go at the moment is OO.
• If I go OO I don't have the space to run full length trains
• If I go OO I don't get a continuous run and am looking at some form of plank layout
• If I want a continuous run and scale length trains I have to go to N gauge
• If I go N I don't get DCC Sound

So unless someone tells me I can easily get N gauge DCC Sound I'm faced with two choices

1. OO DCC Sound on some form of end to end plank
2. N gauge continuous run (no sound) but I can get decent length trains and an intermodal depot

In terms of space, I have space available in the garage, toying with the idea of a partial conversion early in the new year. The other option is a dedicated shed in the garden but it's absolutely freezing tonight and last winter is putting me off that idea. If I go N gauge I'm looking at a layout of 8ft x 3ft up to a maximum 10ft x 3ft

I've been mulling this one over for some time and the decision has been made. We paid a visit to the international N gauge show in September and after investigating intermodal rolling stock we're going N Gauge. The ability to design a layout with a continuous run, desired intermodal yard and ability to run decent length trains has swung it!

Am I going DCC? - I think so but this is probably a topic for another day

I'll post my track plans tomorrow night.