Putting up my layout for peer review, but please don’t suggest changes that are too radical! “Springdale” is an N gauge DCC concept layout based on local area names, Clifton Springs where we live, and Drysdale where we shop, in Victoria, Australia. Drysdale actually has a volunteer run steam tourist line, see http://bellarinerailway.com.au/ Born and raised in England, but have been in Oz for 51 years now, my layout is to be based on British Rail, mainly for nostalgic reasons but also because Australian N gauge locos and rolling stock are too expensive! I was in the UK last October and managed to fit in a day on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway trip to Dungeness and back. Loved it, especially the human powered turntable at Hythe which I want to incorporate into my branch line. My baseboard is formed by three 600mm x 1200mm x 12mm sheets of marine ply. I need to be able to move the layout when we move house, or earlier if my wife wants me to move it! The layout comprises 3 power districts, main loops for passenger and goods trains, a goods yard, and a steam branch line that rises up into the hills to a mineral springs location. Designed using SCARM, www.scarm.info/index.php and employing the simulator extension to run trains around the layout, operation seems to be both logical and practical. Placement of points presented some issues due to the modular baseboard. With the help of grand children I can visualise several trains running simultaneously without too many issues, and I can also see them possibly helping with scenery. This is most definitely not intended to be a prototypical layout, it is for me to play, with ideas and the trains, and to have years of enjoyment! The attached picture shows the layout in it’s current state and seat/trolley I made for working underneath the baseboard to save my 73 year old back! I'm not sure why the picture appears in the middle of my post, or why the layout diagram doesn't show?
Hi Chrispy, looks good to me. A great start. plenty of running potential. your eyes must be better than mine though choosing N gauge. Looking forward to following your progress good Sir. keep the updates coming. cheers toto
G'day Chrispy, One recommendation I'll put forward is the use of a single slip on the left hand side of your track plan. This will enable trains to move freely between the goods yard and the up/down lines. Cheers, Gary.
Good suggestion Gary.... That adds a lot more playability there Chrispy, without too much effort to change what`s laid down at the moment. The youngsters will love it... Gormo
Hmm... they are £37 from Hattons, AU$66 plus postage. I'll have to start saving, but thanks for the suggestion, I'll save a search on ebay for an SL-380F and wait for a better price to come along. I'll also have to redo my control panel!
