Hi
First post for a new layout that I'm starting out on.
I only have some draft trackplans at the moment, and have yet to build the baseboards, so there is plenty of time to tweak and revise!
I'm hoping to have approximately 16ft x 9ft for the layout and am keen to have part of the layout set out as a station, or at least part of a busy mainline station, and the rest of the layout as a scenic mainline area. I also wish to have a hidden (beneath the main level) area that can hold trains ready for appearance on the main level and/or store some trains recently departed from the main level. I also then wish to have, on a level below this hidden one, to have a full fiddle yard for storing my locomotives and rolling stock.
Between the levels, I propose having a single track line, on a modest gradient, with this track appearing on the main scenic level in the form of a Crossrail-style tunnel portal.
I've yet to finalise the main level plan, but essentially intend to model it on Oxford BR station, where there are two mainline platforms, with some through lines, and some additional platforming for DMUs/branch services. I then intend to make the rest of the layout fairly scenic/countryside mainline, perhaps with the classic TMD area if I have the space. On a related note, the layout is likely to reflect the Oxford-area, with a mix of FGW/gWr/Virgin/Chiltern/Xcountry passenger services, in the sort of 1990-present era (so BR Intercity Swallow, Virgin, Thames Trains, FGW, FGWL, gWr, etc. can all feature). I also have a couple old GWR steam locos so will want to have perhaps a heritage line or similar. I may also opt for some overhead or thirdrail electrification in order to allow for some of the Class 350/450 EMUs and forthcoming Class 90/92s to feature.
I have approximately 30 locomotives (mostly diesels, including some HSTs and DMUs 166s/168s/220s) - so electrification can wait. All are currently DC and so will need to chip these and also decide on an appropriate DCC setup. I'm minded to go for either the z21/Z21 or the Digikeijs DR5000. I'd welcome views on this - as I hope to implement some sort of decent block detection and semi-automated signalling/point work.
Draft trackplans as follows - the centre area of the trackplans will be clear of baseboards and will be where the operator can stand/sit:
Fiddleyard (hoping to hold a couple of full HST rakes, plenty of DMUs and locos with wagons/coaches)
Intermediate Hidden Level (somewhere I can queue up trains entering/leaving the main level)
Main Level (currently unfinished!)
Look forward to thoughts and comments and sharing more as it all develops! I have been away from the hobby for the best part of a decade, so am looking forward to getting back into it!
David
