A start to my Spanish layout

[ellocoloco]

Probably like many of us, I have a huge selection of model trains but nowhere permanent to run them. ...

 

I have , however, for the last 20 years being collecting RENFE era V models in HO with the intention of building a layout, probably when I retire! I decided earlier this year that if I start on some suitable buildings,  then when I actually start my layout I'll be half way there! My model will be based in Eastern Spain - my wife is from Valencia - and set around the turn of the millennium - we met in 1999 and I first went to Spain in 2001. This time period also coincides with Electrotren's 269 and Roco's 319 being launched and RENFE modelling being brought up to date with a huge increase in the available models and made my switch from Montana Rail Link much easier.

 

My first building, and my first scratch building attempt, is based on Sagunto station as it was around 2000. It was based on Google earth and maps, so measurements are approximate and although I think it captures the spirit of the building. The choice of Sagunto was more that it fitted the size I wanted and was a challenge I could manage. The frame is from 5mm ply with 2mm card on top with some details from Langley. The colour is my best guess, but it looks fine to me! Once it is place on a future layout I will put in canopies.

 

(Something in the back of my mind keeps telling me I should convert to Iberian gauge - but that decision can be made in the future...)

 

 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by ellocoloco
Replace photos after website crash.

[Allegheny1600]

Very nicely done.

I haven't been to Spain for a long time now but I did spend a lot of time there in the seventies and early eighties, waaay before they started building any of the standard (HS) lines but it was a fascinating system with Alcos and EMDs running around as well as Japanese electrics. If you used to model MRL, you'll be familiar with the sounds no doubt.

Bueno!

John.

[ellocoloco]

Its been quite some time since I built and no, I haven't laid any track yet but at least I have space in the attic sorted and a plan in my head. I moved to a new house 18 months ago and have cleared out and refloored and insulated the attic space so all good to go. 

 

 

 

The only problem now is the boss can actually see how many toy choochoos I actually have. Do'h

 

As my main intention is to build a Spanish layout I have been keeping an eye on what Electrotren and others have been offering of late. Most recent has been the excellent 309 shunter and MMC wagons - here with a selection of containers as I thought the ones supplied were rather dull. The 309 is a truly fantastic model. 

 

 

 

It may be that sometime this year I get round to building the track bed but I would suspect another few years is more likely! Of course, although predominantly Spanish, I have collected so much that there will be some British and US HO running through and a KPEV preserved line!   

 

 

[Geep7]

That looks to be a great amount of space to build a nice Spanish layout. Any thoughts on if you're going to model a prototype, or something based on a few different places?

[ellocoloco]

It will be a fictional setting on the east coast around Valencia. I have made a few trips on the cercanias lines out of Valencia to Alcoi, Utiel, Castellon, Gandia, Xativa and Caudiel. The mountain lines really appeal but I will have to have a container terminal and an engine shed to dump all my locos! Apart from that, I'm easy. 

 

I do have plenty of space but I must remember not to be too ambitious at first! I do want to move to Spain at some point but that will be ten years down the road. In the mean time I will try and lay some track and at least keep my models mobile and serviceable.