TheTrainGuy123

Hi everyone, I've recently started to get back into the hobby after 4 years of it being dormant. I hadn't totally forgotten about it I have thought of other side projects to get me interested again but after a while cost was always the main problem and I also did not have a dedicated space for it although in the coming months that is to change. The micro layout is still under construction (I'm a little embarrassed about that) although all of the components have been acquired and as it is only running on DC for now so assembly should only take at least a month. Some things will have to be scratch built and this would be a perfect project for the winter. I've also set my eyes on bigger projects for the layout outside that I plan to completely rebuild. A track plan is available to show a what it could look like with labels to show what each part is. However I'm sitting on the fence for the operating side: A while back I had a Hornby DCC controller (it was not good and was eventually sold a couple years back). Since then it put me off DCC as being 'too complicated' but after some more research part of me wants to invest in an NCE Power Cab for full DCC control. It's good for beginners and can also be picked up for under £200. A majority of my stock is DCC ready so fitting them hopefully won't cost too much and in the future it would allow me to run sound as well. On the other hand sticking with DC would be cheaper but I'd also feel that I would be missing out for realistic/slow running operations. The layout is 8ft by 4ft so operations are limited and is set between the 1990s and 2020s onwards. Track is Hornby but I plan to modify, detail and weather it. Points may be a problem as some track is plastic but I'm sure I can come up with a solution or I will replace them. Keys: 1. Coaling tipper and conveyor 2. Headshunts/ guard brake van storage 3. Storage Loop, could also be where DCC locomotive are set up 4. Freight yard, this may be changed 5. Main station, it can fit 4 car trains just but I should be able to get away with running 4 car hsts and 5 car EMUs/DEMUs as well as steam hauled 3 to 4 car services 6. Branchline station, right hand side fits two car trains, left side can be used as loco waiting point or for Class 144/142s 7. Tunnels make the layout feel bigger and all the wiring can conjoin underneath 8. Branchline elevated section at a 3.5% gradient 9. Car park/ a small rustic town if I have the space In the coming days I will make a rolling stock list and also research the cost of making them DCC fitted. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Alas, all the exams have been completed and hopefully I can provide an update in a few days about the layout

Thanks for all of the help recently, however any future progress that will be made will be around February as I am currently revising for my mocs - afterwards I'll provide weekly updates!

Just now I looked at 'Brampton Branch' and saw the simplify yet the effectiveness of it. Therefore I implemented my initial ideas to it and rearranged the track plan to make my micro layout. Links to view track plan:

Thank you for your suggestion, I had a look this morning and this has definitely inspired me

I was recently inspired by an exhibition to model a TMD around the modern day. However this has proven tricky as there is only 4ft X 16 inches baseboard to do this on. I have already got some buildings but would like to perhaps include a station (Maybe an island platform?). I am really stuck at the moment and I'm open to any suggestions