puffingbilly51

Thanks Chimer was aware of this, although as you say outer line on left is near the join. I have some lengths of flexi, so maybe replace the two set-track pieces with one flexi piece. Was going to use either copper sheet or copper sleepers for joins across board joins as layout will be very portable, (my bed underneath)! I'm aware that its preferable to have straight track across board joints but I'd really like to keep sweeping curves through station on left. Not too sure which way to go with this, again advice would be most welcome. I've included another view of frames connected, have used brass male and female dowels, as well as tension braces on each end.

Thanks once again for your advice. Thought I would show you progress to date, well up to yesterday. I have since fitted tops to frame using 2, 5ft x 2ft 9mm birch ply.

Brilliant, thanks, would I also need a power connection on right hand rail opposite three left hand rails of board joint?

It is indeed very useful, thanks again Chimer and also Flying Pig. I had also been on Facebook also asking same questions and getting different answers, result totally confused. Your advise is much appreciated. Don't wish to sound like I want to be spoon fed but could I impose on you for a wiring diagram? Your explanation is very clear and I'm getting there, the diagram would just clarify any doubts.

Yes, like the signalman setting the route, that I can understand. This I can follow and the way I'll go down. I like your idea of switching the points to direct the power and having isolated sections. I thought there was only a right or wrong way to wire a layout! One size fits all! Silly last question, when isolating a track or section, do you use isolating joiners on both rails or is it just one with a metal joiner opposite? Thanks again.

Well thanks guys, but apart from slapping each other on the back, I'm no further forward, indeed, more confused!

Thanks Chimer for a very informative answer. Both sidings I would also like to feed, so will follow your advice and isolate also. Therefore keeping feeds at a total of five and leave it at that. Will solder track feeds as I progress track laying. As I shall be using one train in operation and five feeds to rail, will I get away with one transformer and one controller? Looking for recommendation for these.

Hi folks, not been on for a while. The original layout has changed somewhat and revised from 6x4 to 5x4, (2, 5x2). Boards are now finished and now I'm in unknown territory. Track has been purchased, 00 Peco Setrack code 100, points are streamline live frog. Loop on far left will be where island platform is. Boards are portable and will be stored under bed. One train in operation, although I envisage one train could be in station, isolated, while another train could use opposite platform. Want to go DC for operation. Do not have a Scooby Doo as regards wiring up. Now the questions. Do I start laying track now, or wire up and lay track as I go? Not sure where to put isolating and conductive rail joiners. I'm aware of droppers from rails to bus wires, do I have to wire up each piece of rail seperately? Want a good transformer and controller, advise please. Obviously I have four tracks that will be split when taken apart. I've heard of copper sheet and copper sleepers to be used here, again advise would be very welcome. Points, I'll just keep it simple at the moment and be manually operated. I commit myself into your arms!

Hi James, have just spent an interesting hour or two looking at your layout. I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed reading its history and the progress you have made. Your scenic work is fantastic and I only hope that when I get to this stage my efforts can emulate your standards. I have found it truly inspirational and it really has spurred me on to progress with my own layout. Regards, Bill

James, thank you for your post which I've just found. I'm going to have a good look at your blog and will get back to you.

Thanks Keith for your input. I have access to layout on three sides, bottom station area, both sides and limited top-middle. Yes I agree green area could cause headaches and does cross both boards, but I like the longish siding. May well look into that. I'm going DCC, so have not really considered fixed control point. Still not sure about these two 'wings', did consider just using them for loco storage, but I also like your idea of Locolift. As I have previously stated, I'm completely green when it comes to wiring and to keep things simpler may add these at a later date. I've read elsewhere that it is important to get something up and running as soon as possible, so will concentrate on getting the outer loop wired first, installing the points also. This I will do as soon as I have found how best to accommodate the legs for the boards. Thanks again Keith for your very useful hints and tips.

Had another go at track design. Not too sure about top two 'wings'. Basically, (each grid equals one foot), top 6' x 2' is off scene and loop will hold a train going in opposite directions. Just to add a bit more interest, (bottom right), I've added a short siding, loco stabling with coal stage, or industrial siding, the line disappearing into factory (dairy). I have completed base boards (2 @ 6' x 2'), still have legs to do for boards, not quite sure how to approach these.

Just had a look through catalogue of the kits. Must say they do look good, but my goodness what a price!

I have attached a revised plan of my layout. Some changes as you will note from the original plan. As I have previously mentioned this is a test and learn project. I've enlarged the bottom loop to allow island platform and added an extra siding for added play value. The top 6x2' section, I have removed loop. Originally this was going to be off-scene. Will now make this open frame construction and have a small viaduct or bridge traversing a valley. Track, as I have previously mentioned is Peco. It will be a combination of Setrack and Streamline, code 100. I have all the wood now to hand and have made a start on the frames. Would be grateful for any comments and suggestions from 'my learned gentlemen' (and ladies of course)!

Again, thanks guys, plenty to think about here. Space is tight, and I do have a bit more room if I was going end to end, probably 8 x 2 feet scenic, with an extra 18" to 2' for a fiddle configuration, but would still have to be taken up and down on a regular basis. I'm looking at building this layout as a tester and learning curve, (joke); hopefully from this project I can move on to bigger and better things. I have a spare room (kids flown the nest), which I could utilise; that is my ultimate goal. Even like, (when I have learned to run), the idea of open framework, would love to build a viaduct traversing a valley! I would prefer to keep this (tester, learning) layout as a roundy. As I've already mentioned, my track laying and electrics are very basic. Maybe start with the continuous loop and installing points in readiness for loops and sidings, so I can have something up and running, while I tear my hair out (what is left) with wiring. I've purchased wood for the frames and plywood for the tops and about to apply a third coat of varnish to these. Really, thanks again for all your useful advice and suggestions. I'll be back!

Keith, thanks for taking the time to answer my queries, you have made some valid points. First your comparison of Setrack rails, certainly looks more realistic on the left, which I think you have made a very commendable job. This allays my fear of code 100 looking too toy-ish and I would be quite happy with that if I could meet your standard. Have read else where also to use n gauge ballast on 00, as this size is more realistic. 1. Have thought about dust issue, having cleared under bed in preparation for the layout, did notice quite an accumulation of dust. Thinking about some kind of light frame, covered in a polythene sheet to slip over when being stored. There is quite a clearance under this bed, so should allow room for some sort of cover. 2. Yes, totally agree with measuring and re-measuring. I am shortly about to begin assembling the boards, once I have completed one I will test it out. Appreciate that it will be without track and scenery, so will be lighter, however I do have ample access to underneath from both sides and bottom of bed. I will also later have a read on the article concerning Setrack curved points. I was considering using the code 100 Streamline points, as I liked the more realistic radius on their curved points. As I've mentioned before, still at the planning stage, the only thing concrete at the moment is the 6 x 4 feet layout size. Will report back later and thanks for helpful hints and tips.

I have a further question, can I mix Setrack with Streamline code 100? I would prefer, if possible to use the larger radii points from Streamline if possible. If not then I will have another rethink.

Thanks Flying Pig for your input. Yes, the more I think about it, then I'll just accept, and go for Setrack. As I have mentioned before this is my first serious go at a layout. It will be a learning curve for me, and I hope if successful enough, bigger things for the future. My modelling skills are quite good, so no problems with scenery, buildings and modifying rtr locos and rolling stock. My carpentry skills are adequate, so shouldn't be too bad in constructing boards, (I have purchased most of the wood for frames and top). Track laying will be a first to me, and electrics, I don't have a Scooby Doo! However, one thing at a time. Liking Flying Pig's suggestion of getting rid of two points on left and continuing loop off-stage. Going to have a look at suggested layouts and get more inspiration. Thanks again for valued advice.

Thanks guys for your useful advice. Yes, you caught me out, (well observed), using set-track radii for layout and totally agree with your views. I would like to use Streamline code 75, and I guess if I use this, then a few compromises will be needed. Will have a re-think here, but I would like to try and keep the spirit of this layout workable. I know my two, 6x2 feet sections are on the large size, but the layout, which will go underneath my double bed, hopefully will be lifted out and turned at 90 degrees to sit above it with end on legs. I will also have easy access from three sides of layout, restricted side will be top of layout, where the off-scene loop will be. Your advice Keith of 4x2 sections is the sensible way to go, however the layout will be up and down on a regular basis, so I thought just two sections would make it quicker. TBH the exercise will do me good! Will also use your advice and shorten top siding for vehicle access. Will also use a road bridge as scene break, and yes I did wonder Harlequin about width of platform, again will try re-tweaking. I'm still at the planning stage, so will have a re-think and I will, in due course, re-post a revised plan for your perusal. Thanks again for your input, and more input would be most welcome.

This is a track design I have come up with. My first layout, therefore I have kept it fairly simple. Gauge is 00, using Peco Streamline, code 75, electrofrog, DCC wired. Size is 6 x 4 feet, Two boards of 6 x 2 feet joined on the horizontal. Station is bottom of layout with an island platform and a couple of sidings. I have not mastered 'AnyRail', so the curved single rail towards top running from edge to edge of layout is supposed to represent scenic break. The top loop is for running a couple of trains in opposite directions, maybe a short freight hauled by a pannier, and the other a 14xx with a single or couple of coaches. Probably largest loco working this line a 2251 class tender loco. I have separately posted in Prototype Questions, means of passenger access to platform for suggestions and advice. Likewise I would be obliged for your comments and constructive advice on this design.

Thanks again fellas for a wonderful array of suggestions and examples. As previously mentioned I'm considering a foot crossing off level crossing, directly at the end of platform. Also like the idea of steps down from a road overbridge, also acting as scenic break.

The station I have planned is of a similar size to St. Agnes. Liking the idea of foot (barrow) crossing at one end of the platform. Could also be a foot access to the small yard, which will have a couple of sidings. Would there be a warning sign to passengers at this crossing either exiting platform or accessing it?

Thanks chaps for replies so far. Would have preferred the easy option of a subway, and I know I could use rule 1, but I do want to try and capture some sort of realism. Will look into this more and I will study information and advice kindly given so far.

I am in the process of planning a roundy style layout. This will be my first, so I'm keeping it simple. It will be a Western Region single line branch, with an island platform, line diverging into a passing loop each side, and a couple of sidings. Not sure how passengers would access platform, either by a footbridge, off a road bridge or even a subway. Did GWR build subways for a small country station? Would appreciate any suggestions and views please. Gauge will be 00, with 75 code Peco rail.