puffingbilly51

Thanks Chimer was aware of this, although as you say outer line on left is near the join. I have some lengths of flexi, so maybe replace the two set-track pieces with one flexi piece. Was going to use either copper sheet or copper sleepers for joins across board joins as layout will be very portable, (my bed underneath)! I'm aware that its preferable to have straight track across board joints but I'd really like to keep sweeping curves through station on left. Not too sure which way to go with this, again advice would be most welcome. I've included another view of frames connected, have used brass male and female dowels, as well as tension braces on each end.

Thanks once again for your advice. Thought I would show you progress to date, well up to yesterday. I have since fitted tops to frame using 2, 5ft x 2ft 9mm birch ply.

Brilliant, thanks, would I also need a power connection on right hand rail opposite three left hand rails of board joint?

It is indeed very useful, thanks again Chimer and also Flying Pig. I had also been on Facebook also asking same questions and getting different answers, result totally confused. Your advise is much appreciated. Don't wish to sound like I want to be spoon fed but could I impose on you for a wiring diagram? Your explanation is very clear and I'm getting there, the diagram would just clarify any doubts.

Yes, like the signalman setting the route, that I can understand. This I can follow and the way I'll go down. I like your idea of switching the points to direct the power and having isolated sections. I thought there was only a right or wrong way to wire a layout! One size fits all! Silly last question, when isolating a track or section, do you use isolating joiners on both rails or is it just one with a metal joiner opposite? Thanks again.

Well thanks guys, but apart from slapping each other on the back, I'm no further forward, indeed, more confused!

Thanks Chimer for a very informative answer. Both sidings I would also like to feed, so will follow your advice and isolate also. Therefore keeping feeds at a total of five and leave it at that. Will solder track feeds as I progress track laying. As I shall be using one train in operation and five feeds to rail, will I get away with one transformer and one controller? Looking for recommendation for these.

Hi folks, not been on for a while. The original layout has changed somewhat and revised from 6x4 to 5x4, (2, 5x2). Boards are now finished and now I'm in unknown territory. Track has been purchased, 00 Peco Setrack code 100, points are streamline live frog. Loop on far left will be where island platform is. Boards are portable and will be stored under bed. One train in operation, although I envisage one train could be in station, isolated, while another train could use opposite platform. Want to go DC for operation. Do not have a Scooby Doo as regards wiring up. Now the questions. Do I start laying track now, or wire up and lay track as I go? Not sure where to put isolating and conductive rail joiners. I'm aware of droppers from rails to bus wires, do I have to wire up each piece of rail seperately? Want a good transformer and controller, advise please. Obviously I have four tracks that will be split when taken apart. I've heard of copper sheet and copper sleepers to be used here, again advise would be very welcome. Points, I'll just keep it simple at the moment and be manually operated. I commit myself into your arms!

Hi James, have just spent an interesting hour or two looking at your layout. I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed reading its history and the progress you have made. Your scenic work is fantastic and I only hope that when I get to this stage my efforts can emulate your standards. I have found it truly inspirational and it really has spurred me on to progress with my own layout. Regards, Bill

James, thank you for your post which I've just found. I'm going to have a good look at your blog and will get back to you.

Thanks Keith for your input. I have access to layout on three sides, bottom station area, both sides and limited top-middle. Yes I agree green area could cause headaches and does cross both boards, but I like the longish siding. May well look into that. I'm going DCC, so have not really considered fixed control point. Still not sure about these two 'wings', did consider just using them for loco storage, but I also like your idea of Locolift. As I have previously stated, I'm completely green when it comes to wiring and to keep things simpler may add these at a later date. I've read elsewhere that it is important to get something up and running as soon as possible, so will concentrate on getting the outer loop wired first, installing the points also. This I will do as soon as I have found how best to accommodate the legs for the boards. Thanks again Keith for your very useful hints and tips.

Had another go at track design. Not too sure about top two 'wings'. Basically, (each grid equals one foot), top 6' x 2' is off scene and loop will hold a train going in opposite directions. Just to add a bit more interest, (bottom right), I've added a short siding, loco stabling with coal stage, or industrial siding, the line disappearing into factory (dairy). I have completed base boards (2 @ 6' x 2'), still have legs to do for boards, not quite sure how to approach these.

Just had a look through catalogue of the kits. Must say they do look good, but my goodness what a price!

I have attached a revised plan of my layout. Some changes as you will note from the original plan. As I have previously mentioned this is a test and learn project. I've enlarged the bottom loop to allow island platform and added an extra siding for added play value. The top 6x2' section, I have removed loop. Originally this was going to be off-scene. Will now make this open frame construction and have a small viaduct or bridge traversing a valley. Track, as I have previously mentioned is Peco. It will be a combination of Setrack and Streamline, code 100. I have all the wood now to hand and have made a start on the frames. Would be grateful for any comments and suggestions from 'my learned gentlemen' (and ladies of course)!

Again, thanks guys, plenty to think about here. Space is tight, and I do have a bit more room if I was going end to end, probably 8 x 2 feet scenic, with an extra 18" to 2' for a fiddle configuration, but would still have to be taken up and down on a regular basis. I'm looking at building this layout as a tester and learning curve, (joke); hopefully from this project I can move on to bigger and better things. I have a spare room (kids flown the nest), which I could utilise; that is my ultimate goal. Even like, (when I have learned to run), the idea of open framework, would love to build a viaduct traversing a valley! I would prefer to keep this (tester, learning) layout as a roundy. As I've already mentioned, my track laying and electrics are very basic. Maybe start with the continuous loop and installing points in readiness for loops and sidings, so I can have something up and running, while I tear my hair out (what is left) with wiring. I've purchased wood for the frames and plywood for the tops and about to apply a third coat of varnish to these. Really, thanks again for all your useful advice and suggestions. I'll be back!