Adwoot

Thanks again for all the advice so far. I have decided to bite the bullet, and there is now a few small trees' worth of wood in the attic ready to start build later today. I've decided to start with a basic two track loop on analogue, most definitely a proof of concept, to test my appetite and skill. So no DCC, point motors, or multiple drop wires or isolated sections. It will however be future proofed for the grand plan so the baseboards will be ready for the more ambitious features, and a few hard points for major junctions and inclines. I'd like to get tracks down before the new year, though I need to master flexitrack as some of curves won't work with Setrack fixed radius. Have decided to go with Code 100 to suit older stock, and Insulfrog for the points (small number on this phase) for simplicity and to suit analogue. Sadly on inspection, most of my heritage fleet needs a comprehensive overhaul from lack of use (30+ years) so having a traditional set up will make this work simpler, and make them fit for DCC at a later date. Will post some progress pics and the scale draft plans soon. And it is also being published on Twitter under its working title "High Speed Cymru" -

To add after further inspection, I only need the universal joints at the bogie end - the bits that attach to the worm drive. I've rescued the remains of the plastic and may be able to fix with strong glue, but that's a last resort. I'm assuming the worm drive is common to other Dapol models which may make a solution easier, so any assistance will be gratefully received!

Picking up an old thread... I've just tried to revive my Dapol Pendolino after a long time in storage, and it has kindly shredded the drive joints on the bogie. Only the Ultrascale link seems to be active, did anyone successfully repair this and /or any other suppliers available? For the Ultrascale one, which option and dimensions fit the Pendolino? Thanks in advance.

Thanks all for the further comments, yes gradients are going to be biggest challenge to get right on the final plan, and conscious of making all of it accessible. I think the bottom left quarter is too complicated for the space so will likely re-jig once I start proper planning. And the through station is longer than it needs to be (max train running length probably 6-7 vehicles, or 5 car IET with a bit of flexibility) and can move to the right of indicated position, so that gives some breathing space on the left corner. I have some other permutations in mind I will try (keeping the main features) but will wait for the CAD planning with accurate measurements before experimenting.

Not intending to have much freight, though that could evolve over time.

No time like the present, so I have sketched out the general idea I have for the layout, based loosely on something I designed for a smaller space about 30 years ago. Some caveats, of course, and notes: It is NOT to scale, simply a loose diagram of what will be the starting point for the proper measured/scaled design, and not intended to be prototypical of anything I cannot draw curves, so it merely represents where a curve is planned, not the radius Scenics, geographical features, gradients, proper sizing for planned rolling stock etc all to go on the CAD plan. Low level loop started life as access to a below-board hidden fiddle yard, I may just make it an underground system with stations, with a fiddle yard Should support 5 simultaneous running trains/loops, there could be room for double tracking the high level It will definitely be adjusted a lot as it evolves, shovels will not hit the ground until at least late Autumn and will probably start with the low loop as that is relatively simple to build. Thanks again for everyone's input so far, DCC definitely going to be from the start though have more to consider in terms of track types and so on.

Hi Phil Thanks for the comprehensive info on track, I definitely have a few things to consider. One biggie is 100 vs 75, as I've got a few older units (such as the APT) and locos which are in ok working order but could get messy trying to change wheels, and the limited availability of concrete sleepered switches could make the layout look a bit silly as I've ideas for flying high-speed junctions and so on. Buying a new fleet is very much in the long-term at the moment. And yes, once I've got something tangible to share I'll be very much happy to :-) All in my head at the moment, I'm mulling over the art of the possible so collating info and building knowledge before I make a proper start on planning.

Thanks ITG, that's very helpful. More food for thought! I'm glad I seem to have the right basics in mind, though need to dig deeper on the approach to wiring and whether to start with DCC for control from the outset. Most of my stock is "heritage" so Code 100 might be the way to go, I'm not too concerned about being prototypical as reliability is the bigger priority.

Thanks Ian, I will have a good read through and probably have more questions! I'm ok with some wiring, my comfort zone ends when reading about needing resistors or more complicated things which require a more in-depth knowledge of components. Certainly food for thought about going straight to DCC, I don't have a huge fleet but I know a bit of electrical surgery is required and I've never been very good at soldering or modifying things. I've got plenty of time to read and research, next step for me will be starting design and provided I have no major unplanned time diversions, the first real-life work is pencilled in for the autumn.

I am in the head-planning stage of starting a new OO layout, and to be honest am confused by the wealth of options available compared with the late 1980s as I want to build something which is future-proofed, but considering a (lack of) time and budget and electrical skills want to start with something relatively ready-to-run. I have a small fleet of 70s/80s Hornby and Lima locos in various states of repair along with some newer mid-2000s units which I have never run, which I will eventually upgrade to DCC but not in the near future. I'm not modelling a particular era or location, and the initial build will be primarily basic track with upgrades and scenery to come along later. I'm a fan of high-speed running with occasional station stops rather than a busy yard or station scene. Layout will start as an approx. 17ft x 24ft double track oval, with a couple of features such as a branch line and terminus station running off the main loop. I don't have a good model shop nearby, so initially I am very much reliant on online advice and research. I've had a good trawl of these extensive forums, but still have a few questions where advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help given :-) DC with futureproof for DCC - Best way to do this in terms of simple electrics? I'm familiar with isolating sections and the way the older Hornby points worked but don't quite understand things such as "live frog points", for example. I note there is frequent mention of wiring up all the track with drop pins, but what is a good compromise? Also with points, intend to install with traditional dc motors and switch control (and no intention to DCC these ever) so I'm assuming this will no present no issues once I move my stock to DCC control? Regarding track, I am confused with "Code 100" etc. Basically I would like modular track with concrete sleepers for the main runs, but choices seem to be limited with points and so on. Any recommends, and for standard running which "Code" is the best? Are Hornby and Peco components interchangeable, or any other recommended manufacturers? I've learned a lot today about design software options and have a few layout ideas in mind, and also materials for the baseboard, so really is about understanding the practicalities of build to get up and running relatively quickly, and without storing up problems for the future!