goldngreen

The proposed model is not based on a prototype. I have a lot of admiration for modellers who create accurate representations of real locations and often find them the most interesting layouts at exhibitions. Part of the enjoyment for me however is to decide what I want and where I want to put it. I do however want to create something that is at least credible; allowing for space compression! I have spent much time studying other layout plans, internet resources and experimentating with Peco PDF Track Templates. The aims of the track plan are to put the most interest centre stage, to avoid aligning the track with the baseboard edges and to not overfill the space, which is difficult given the small area. The final track plan created using the excellent SCARM is shown below. The plan includes a station building, goods shed and engine shed. The engine shed will obscure the view of the exit to the right which will be under a low relief road bridge. A cattle dock may also feature but that is not yet decided. SCARM can even show a 3D mock up, although the roofs look huge: The advantages of the plan for me are: It puts the main interest in the middle of the scene It allows me to accommodate large radius points I am using a Y point but consider that to be acceptable in my large radius scheme. I am also using a double slip to allow me to fit the plan in to the available space. Back to back points would be better but there is not enough space. Two tracks disappear off scene to the right to assumed further points joining them to the single track branch line with a head shunt.

5mm ply was selected for the baseboards. If offers enough rigidity for a micro layout but is also very light. The small layout size means that a shallow edge frame suffices to provide the necessary rigidity. Having made these decisions the ply wood was bought. The images show the boards upside down showing how the edge frames are attached. No scenic sections are planned to be lower than the track so the baseboard covers the entire area. The baseboard for the fiddle yard uses the same approach. Construction is simple. The frame is glued to the baseboard around the edges using Evo-Stick Weatherproof Wood Adhesive. Strengthening is provided by a beading around the inside. The boards sit square with no rocking motion on the flat shelf surface below. There is no movement in them. The scenic baseboard was finished off with a layer of foamboard to reduce engine noise from vibration. It was glued on using the same weatherproof PVA, held down until dry with large heavy books.

A short list of best intentions I would like to adhere to for the layout: Diorama presentation controlling the viewing angle Continuous backscene with curved corners Effective hidden lighting Lightweight rigid ply wood baseboard Analogue control - too many N Gauge models of the type in which I am interested would be difficult to chip Peco code 55 track Mechanical remote point operation Only large radius points Try to get the colour consistent across the diorama Use weathering effectively An effective fiddle yard to allow switching between trains of the length accommodated by the platforms & sidings Large radius points are an unusual choice for a micro layout. The normal recommendation is to save space by using the shortest possible radius points however I prefer large radius so I will have to try to make it work. The track plan will therefore have to be considered carefully to meet this requirement. Perhaps it is over ambitious. The fiddle yard will need to be cassette, traverser or a combination of the two. There is not enough space to accommodate points in the fiddle yard even if I made a compromise on radius off scene.

This blog will cover the development of a very small diorama type N gauge model railway. The subject matter is to be the ubiquitous Great Western branch line terminus. It was chosen due to space restrictions, some existing stock from a previous layout years ago and the wealth of information available on the subject. It is a pilot scheme. If time allows, all goes well and my re-kindled interest from childhood actually results in a finished working layout then I may progress to something more ambitious. The available space is on top of two IKEA shelf units, one 80cm x 28cm and one 60cm x 28cm. IKEA no longer sells the 60cm unit. The 80cm unit will house the scenic area, the 60cm a small fiddle yard. Some of entries here will be reposts of an earlier blogger blog however the posts will no doubt soon catch up with reality due to the snails pace of progress on the project. Some inspiration coming from Iain Rice (although perhaps not standards!).