While I still haven't settled on a layout to build I thought I'd show you the original layout my Dad built. Amazingly, given the number of hours I spent playing with this layout and the number of photos my Dad took while I was growing up we can't seem to find any photos of the layout in use so you'll have to settle for just the track plan.The plan came from the 5th edition of Hornby's track plan book, which was originally published in 1979, and is described as being a Triple Track Layout with Sidings. Three trains can run continuously or each can run into the siding area for shunting. The train on the black circuit, running clockwise, must stop at the signal A to allow either of the others to reach the sidings. The R.047 switch and isolating rail in the engine shed allow an engine to be isolated so that the remainder of that siding may be used by another engine.
We didn't use the isolating rail, but three sidings were plenty for supplying trains to and from the three separate loops. We also didn't have the same buildings and signals as in the diagram but at the time (and now) I didn't care about that as running the trains was the best bit! Also the more buildings there were the longer it took to set everything up as the layout was stored behind the wardrobe in my bedroom so everything taller than the track had to be removed before it was put away.
It was an excellent layout that gave me hours of pleasure, thanks Dad!
The layout is "Still" behind the wardrobe in the back bedroom. I had the pleasure of watching you and David running your trains around for hours. Dad
ReplyDeleteNot exactly. What's behind the wardrobe is actually most of plan 5/5; we never added the turntable and without the elevated section as of course that had to be removed to get the board behind the wardrobe. The track for the elevated section is now part of what is laid out on the dining table so the layout isn't really useable in it's current state.
DeleteAlso, if we are being honest, I think you had as much fun running trains as we did!
And I think that with a layout like that I would have a lot of fun now! I could see me suddenly becoming a model railway enthusiast if I didn't have so many other things to occupy me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest it as a winter hobby (in the summer my parents tried to ensure I appreciated the sun, so playing with trains was a rainy weekend or winter hobby) but I'm guessing that you've forgotten what a winter is by now!
Delete