bimble

As I'm hoping to actually get some building done this summer I figured it would be a good time to start a layout thread in the hope I'll might even have some trains running by Christmas... With space in the shed for a layout of 3m x 0.7m (10' x 2 1/3' in old money) I took some inspiration from the Raurimu Spiral in New Zealand to fit a longer run than might otherwise fit on the baseboards. It's going to be German N gauge, mostly because there is just something I love about German railways and the locomotives. And by setting it in the 1970s I can run steam, diesel and electric all at the same time! Not only that, looking through old photos and seeing 2-10-0 class 52's (such as the locos in the last photo) hauling 4 coach local passenger trains... it's almost like DB in the 70s just ran with Rule 1. I've even seen a photo of a Class 01, Pacific express loco, pulling double decker commuter stock tender first. As you do. The thing is, we would quite like a layout that has a slight roundy hint to it, because sometimes it is nice to just watch trains run. But with a station, even in N, being at least a meter long, with then the station throat, then the hiding the returns to the fiddle yard... that doesn't leave a lot of space. At least on the flat. So I'm going up! A combination of a 4 1/2 loop helix, a 1 1/2 loop spiral (just when does a spiral become a helix??) and three complete traverses of the baseboards gives around 15m worth of running. The two large baseboards will be scenic, where as the small board (with the helix) will be left open, because 1) it'll make access easier, 2) helices are pretty cool. The first two traverses are done at a constant gradient of 1:50, whereas the helix/spiral are up to 1:32 (unfortunately the are limited by baseboard size). There has been a few tweaks in the station area, I have moved the rightmost points further right to increase the platform length. The pair of sidings going off towards the top are going to be to a hidden mine. So empty wagons will disappear and then later full ones come out. And even though it's not for the layout I thought we need a photo of a train. I've no idea how often I'll get to update this thread, but I'm hoping to get a lot of building done over the summer and maybe have trains running by Christmas. Or at least by a Christmas!

Does this count as a flat crossing?? A SWT Desiro at Ash Vale Junction, coming off the Ascot branch. If it does, shall we have something else in blue?? EDIT - though missing four tracks in one direction, so don't worry

Not a problem... I started building last spring, currently have a couple of baseboards and the helix built... hoping to get more done over the summer

I found this quite amusing as I was thinking about starting my layout thread and our trackplan descriptions are very similar. "Leaves fiddle yard, crosses layout on up slope, goes around helix, crosses layout again (still on up slope), goes up a smaller spiral, crosses a third time, then descends helix back to fiddle yard". Though in my case it's a mirror image and the station is on the top level! I wish you luck with your build!

or Legoland....?

If it isn't Thomas I am going to be very disappointed...

From Warley in 2006 (I think) How about a miniature railway, ie - anything big enough to haul people

Now, when we say "relic" would something like the Montrose Viaduct count?? Rebuilt in the 1880's, in the modern era with a Scotrail 170 (I think) crossing If it is, shall we stay in Scotland... maybe something from the Far North...

You know... I didn't even consider that angle.... in that case, something that is new.

Would this count as a "famous five"?? hat, coat, hitting the road!!

Not quite idle, it is part of the Wales Coast Path, and indeed is a lovely cycle route around the old route. Though they have totally wasted the footbridge from by the Brangwyn Hall by just "dumping" it opposite the Rec Gound car park. I still can't believe I didn't bother getting any photos when they lifted it though... it might have been too dark for my camera. They may also still run one of those land train things. I know they were popular when they did run them.

Red electric how about something with mountains??

390038 - City of London, climbing Shap assuming a Pendolino counts as a "locomotive", how about something green??