andrex

Thanks again all, My intended layout will be a total space of 7x2 with no fiddle yard.It is likely to be a countryside setting operated from the front and operationally I wish to enjoy an hour or so of shunting between modelling projects Thanks to a reply here I have now discovered and decided that I will use Peco 100 track.The reason being that I may start off with some 2nd hand wagons etc and understand the wheel depths are suited to this.This first layout will be a large learning curve.Do I buy a new controller? or will 2nd hand suffice. which would you suggest suitable for a simple shunting layout. I will be offline for a couple of days but when I get back online I will try and upload a track plan I have found.I think it can will suit my space and only needs 4 turnouts or possibly or I may stretch it to 5. BTW I am intending to visit Doncaster Show(only an hour away from me) in February and hope to be ready to start buying a few bits to get me started. Cheers chaps. Back in two or three days.

Thanks again to all of you.Your replies are just the guidance and inspiration I need.Will peruse the suggested sites and grab a roll of lining paper and start playing around.I am replying immediately after reading this page so haven't yet looked for answers elsewhere.Can I ask about the track. Regardless of track code, are all the points etc. compatible with all other track codes. Andy.

Thank You all for replying.You have each given me some things to think about.In answer to one post I am leaning towards a rural (or semi rural) setting.Having grown up a country boy, the son of a farm worker I recall riding on the tractor with my Dad to take the milk churns to meet the train at out nearest station about half a mile away.A fifteen minute bus ride in two directions took us to our chosen market town for a weekly shop.This would be around 1960. Being drawn to the hobby by the artistic/creative side I have to confess my knowledge of railways and their operation is very limited.I therefore propose my layout to be fairly freelance but within the realms of reality.To feature oo scale die cast is a big plus.Even in the proposed setting I think I could get away with a country garage with a few motors for sale, rather like Goathland (Aidensfield) and farming dioramas would take care of the agricultural machinery and tractors I remember. I have been looking at a lot of end to end type layouts on which the track plan looks fine but how do I be sure it will be operationally interesting.It only has to please me but has to be capable of giving satisfaction from shunting and sorting wagons. I will leave it at that as I do not want to bore anyone and start making overlong posts which you chaps will be too bored to even look at. Much obliged to all who stuck with the ramblings of this newcomer and hope to get to know some of you better in the future. Thanks,Andy.

Dear All.I am completely new to the hobby.I have attended several shows across the years out of curiosity.I am now able to spend some time and a modest budget developing a layout.The appeal to me is the creative side,developing nostalgic settings and placing my favourite die cast vehicles from the fifties and early sixties,my childhood, on a layout.This is where I need some help.I intend to utilise a small area available to me and that confines the layout to seven feet by two feet maximum.I have been looking at plans and think a branchline with goods yard, cattle dock and possibly a country halt type station would suffice.As I say my interest will be developing scenics but at the same time must offer a degree of shunting opportunities. Could anyone suggest a good end to end layout and its operating potential in 00 gauge. I hope that,s enough to allow you chaps to offer some advice.I do have a modelling background having spent over twenty years building and sailing radio control ships and boats. Thanks for stopping by.Andy.