I have spent much time studying other layout plans, internet resources and experimentating with Peco PDF Track Templates. The aims of the track plan are to put the most interest centre stage, to avoid aligning the track with the baseboard edges and to not overfill the space, which is difficult given the small area.
The final plan I arrived at is like an inverted, compressed Ashburton. I am not entirely happy about this as many more skilled than myself have already done an excellent job on Ashburton. My intention however is not to create another Ashburton. The scenics and buildings will be different. I am just using it as inspiration for the track plan.
The advantages of the plan for me are:
- It puts the main interest in the middle of the scene
- It allows me to accommodate large radius points but have enough operational interest
I am using a Y point but consider that to be acceptable in my large radius scheme. I am also using a double slip to allow me to fit the plan in to the available space. Back to back points would be better but there is not enough space. Two tracks disappear off scene to the right to an assumed further point joining them to the single track branch line.
The final track plan created using the excellent SCARM is shown below. The plan includes a station building, good shed and engine shed. The engine shed will obscure the view of the exit to the right which will be under a low relief road bridge. A cattle dock may also feature but that is not yet decided.
SCARM can even show a 3D mock up, although the roofs look huge:
There is no time like the present so track has been bought from Cheltenham Model Centre. I am ready to go.
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