As I’ve already said, I have a Grand Plan to build 3 different layouts. A shunting plank, a more scenic test track, and my main layout in my shed. The first two will be portable, quick and dirty experiments in various modelling techniques.
And the moment has come to stop writing about it, and actually get on with it.
My theory of model railways – aside from the overwhelming importance of Rule 1 – is that it is better the Just Get Trains Running. That’s the fulfilment of why I do this. So why hold back.
The shunting plank will sit on a shelf in my office. It’ll be the kind of thing I spend 20 minutes on in between Zoom calls. A small bit of light tension relief during my otherwise stressful working day.
First thing: a plan. Now I’m not a big fan of planning. I’d rather just slap down some track and turn on some 12v power.
But in a small space, I feel the need to do something a little more sensible.
First stop: flick through some ancient magazines. The Peco Settrack Planbook: N Gauge. Venerable, but do-able. Second, the BRM Guide to Trackplans and Layout Design. Loads of great inspiration, but lacking in the kind of detail of tracklaying a reckless amateur like me might
What do I actually want to achieve in the space:
Plenty of shunting capacity. I want to play with trains.
Settrack seems like a good idea, although perhaps I can freelay some of the longer straights.
Multiple sets of points. I want to experiment with different types of turnout and a variety of types of control. Can I combine seep, servo, wire-in-tube and other such tech to build something that gives me the insight to tackle this at scale on the Big Layout. Can I test for myself how much better electroflog points are for N gauge, do they actually need any modification, or can they be used right out the sleeve. Let’s uncover the actual truth.
Some potential for very minor scenic treatment. At most, some low relief backscene stuff. Maybe this is my chance to test out the various kits available for the standard Victorian terraced house.
A turntable? I am obsessive about turntables. Always wanted one as a kid, never got one. Ssadly this time space is at too much of a premium, but this will be a topic (and a build) I return to in the months ahead.
TIme to fire up Anyrail, and make some non-committal committments to tracklaying.
Wish me luck!
Leave a Reply