The time has come where I have realised that trying to model my first layout in O gauge without any modelling experience is probably a really bad idea, so I’ve decided to change plans and build an OO gauge layout which could also double as a filming set for the first pilot episode of ‘Bucket’ (a work in progress, as is the title)

I have some previous experience in non-permanent Hornby train sets but none more than that, which is still more than my experience with O gauge.

The O gauge layout the track will have to be wired to the board which would have to be done elsewhere, whereas the OO gauge is easier and is just a simple DC route therefore I was thinking about doing the OO gauge plan instead.

The problem is, my OO gauge stock is knackered and I’ll have to buy a lot of new stuff if I make the OO gauge plan, whereas the O gauge stock I have at hand is in much better condition but is bigger and needs more space to be kept.

After about three days of thinking about it, I thought of an idea where I could have BOTH the layouts at one time. 
If I start to build the OO gauge one first I would gain enough experience to begin the O gauge one alongside the building of the OO gauge one.

After three more days of thinking about it I realised that this probably won’t work, which brings us up to today (2nd Feb).

Both layout’s scenic sections are 4ft, with the O gauge layout having a further 4ft sector plate and the OO gauge 2 1/2ft cassette, which makes them both fit where they’re wanted so space isn’t a problem.

A coin toss will decide what happens, but it’s looking like the OO gauge plan will prevail.
 

The O gauge one will be just a shunting puzzle with some rather awesome pieces of rolling stock, like a whole Dean Goods. It would be a simple 4 road track plan with space for very few interesting scenics other than a grounded van and a pillbox in the corners.
 

The OO gauge one will be a dynamic colliery setting with a live coal dispenser and many more sidings. This plan can also be used in the pilot of my upcoming twist on the classic Railway Series set around an ex-WD 0-6-0st called Bucket who works in the NCB all the way through the dark days of the End of Steam and into preservation (there’s another blog entry with all the information on that elsewhere)