Tweedale - Shunting Lab
One layout scheme that has nagged me over the years has been that of a table-top modular system. That is, small scenic boards with simple track arrangements that can be plugged together in any configuration on a table top. I suppose it's just the next level up from set-track really. I've mentioned it before in an earlier post, but it didn't get much further at the time. However the idea has never completely gone away and the system of self-contained track modules that I'm currently using for Tweedale is a direct descendant, but for different reasons. Here the main purpose of the small modules is to allow easy construction on a workbench away from the layout itself. So far I have three of the boards wired up and working, but as yet without the scenery...
Together they represent the line from Slaghill (background) to the Upper Tweedale exchange sidings (foreground), and provide enough scope for some simple shunting. Before adding more modules, I'll add scenery to these and experiment with different methods of lighting and presentation.
Now I hope you don't mind while I go off at a tangent for the rest of the post. As I had the boards lying around loose, I got to musing on the table-top system again, and wondered just how many workable combinations of these three modules I could make.
As you can see, they consist basically of a small yard, a junction, and a loop. A quick calculation showed that in principle there were 72 possible ways they could be connected. However half of those were repeats (but rotated 180 degrees), while some others were unworkable as they would require additional headshunts. In the end I drew out the track plans on pieces of paper, shuffled them about, and whittled them down to 16 workable combinations...
Furthermore there were also 8 workable configurations using just 2 out of the 3 modules...
For those who are into micro layouts and shunting puzzles, it seems to me this could form the basis for a small industrial shunting system, but with more operating flexibility than the usual micro. That is, once you get tired of the limitations of one configuration you could shuffle the modules for whole new operating experience. It must be said that some of the arrangements would be more satisfying to run than others.
Having got this far in my musing, the next obvious step was to consider taking such a system to an exhibition (which is unlikely but never say never). The first thing would be to pre-book a 6 foot table from the venue, then just take along a few modules, with some stock and a controller, and plonk them down in a random configuration on a dark cloth laid over the table. After a period of shunting I would then endeavour to amaze the onlookers, by taking it all apart and rearranging it into a new configuration (with a bit of showmanship and pizazz of course). Not only would it provide relief from the Small Layout Operating Boredom Syndrome, but it would also give the viewers a whole new perspective on the display.
Being set up on a table the viewpoint would be essentially birdseye, and I would make the most of this by giving the modules smoothly curved freeform edges, (bulging out to accomodate scenery), to give the overall display an eye-catching organic shape, as I've tried to depict in the diagrams above. To tidy it up I would also be inclined plug in rounded 'caps' with buffer stops to the truncated track ends. There would be no backscenes - the birdseye view combined with the dark tablecloth should be sufficient to frame the display.
Scenically, I reckon a mine, quarry or other straggling single industry would work well. Another option might be an urban canyon, lining the tracks with factories and wharehouses, cropped at the module edges, but also with gaps between to provide interesting sight lines along the tracks for those with cameras or willing to stoop for an eye-level view.
One thing that soon became obvious after playing around with these 2'6" modules, is that for the table-top system I'm describing they should ideally be shorter, say less than 2 feet. Actually the whole scheme would probably be better done in narrow gauge. Being more compact and with sharper curves, the display could then take on even weirder shapes. With enough modules it could become positively rococo. Now that certainly would have visual impact.
Anyway this has just been a digression into a flight of fancy. Make of it what you will. Next time I'll get back to the layout proper.
Cheers, Alan.
Edited by awoodford
Restored lost images
- 10
- 1
- 3
8 Comments
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now