Overview Trackwork Layout Structures Operation

 
I decided on modular panels of 600mm x 1200mm as these are a reasonable size to be easily transported and big enough to create a series of tableaux. The objective was to design the best combination to fit into the available space of 16'0" x 8'0" in my garage, with the layout facing inwards towards the central control and viewing area.

An idea was that the corner panels would be reversible so that the layout could be taken to exhibitions when it would have to face outwards to the viewing area. It became clear that they could not be made reversible due to there not being enough space within the 600mm width which is already a tight radius. However, I designed the track so that some panels are interchangeable so that the layout could be moved elsewhere if required. An option for a later time is to make alternative corner panels in order to turn the layout outwards suitable for exhibition.

Another point that had been in my mind was to find a way of maximising the fiddle yard to enable a good selection of trains to be available. One good idea that I saw in the December 2008 edition of Model Rail was a cleverly designed stacker but that meant losing valuable storage space above and below my layout. At an exhibition I saw some removable cradle sections whereby trains could be lifted in and out of use whilst remaining on their track and this was something I hoped incorporate but have since abandoned.

The panels are a simple construction of 9mm plywood glued and screwed to 18mm x 44mm softwood battens. I did consider a more lightweight and robust construction of panels by using plywood beam framing in lieu of the softwood but decided against it. Slots cut into the battens allow the wiring to pass through. Care had been taken to ensure that battens did not foul the position of point motors, however, I later decided not to motorise the points. I did intend to use locating lugs would be fitted at each panel end to ensure precise positioning both laterally and vertically. However, I decided that the panels would be held together with loose pin hinges of a type used to assemble display boards at exhibitions. An advantage is that these dispense with the need for the locating lugs. I did consider toggle latches to hold the panels together but I do not have enough space available between the panels and wall. Also these would still have required the use of the locating lugs.

The basboards are supported on 18mm x 44mm softwood battens. A wall plate is fixed against the wall around the outside perimeter to give rigidity. From that, lateral bars are fixed at 600mm intervals on which the baseboard panels rest. These are supported by an outer post which can be adjusted vartically to take account of uneveness in the floor of the garage. A bracket holds the horizontal and upright pieces rigid and also acts to keep the baseboard panels in position.

Access to the operating area is facilitated by a lifting panel secured with loose pin hinges at each end. This enables them to be lifted from one end for normal access but also lifted out completely if required. These hinges also have the benefit of locating the track in the correct position when replacing the board.

The trackwork and wiring was completed to each panel in turn before the panel was placed onto the layout. The wiring is kept in place underneath the boards by small screw-in eyes and each panel remains independent with push-fit connectors carry the power to adjacent panels. The wires was run all the way round the layout so the power could be received from two directions as a precaution against breaks. I decided that the turnouts should be hand-operated in order to keep operation simplified.

 
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