Progress on Layout Design

I've been thinking about layout plans ever since I first saw T-gauge. For me, part of the enjoyment of model railroading is sharing the experience with others. I've been to train shows with layouts in the past, and loved the interaction and answering questions from people. This said, portability and the option for continuous running are major factors in my layout designs. I knew I wanted a double track mainline to be able to run two trains. I also wanted a branchline to have limited operating possibilities.

Another factor in my layout plans as of late has been my location. My wife and I live in a two bedroom apartment. I've managed to secure the storage closet as my office/layout space but it measures only 4 feet by 8 feet. Seeing as it still needs to function as an office/computer room as well, that limited my size as well.

The third factor is ease and economy of construction. Hobby resources are limited, so the ability to build the layout in sections was also a concern. Given all of these factors, I developed the layout plan shown here.

This plan is pretty much the final. To cut back on costs and increase running in between building sections (and waiting for turnouts), I may split Section C into a 9" X 24" Front section and have the double track back section split in two to give me a 36" X 18" loop.



Thoughts on Prototype

The other big question I've been facing is "What to model". Being Canadian, a North American prototype is an option, but I'd like to model something different. I've also got an interest in the railways of Finland due to my work on an expansion for the game Transport Tycoon. I seriously thought of modeling some Finnish EMU's and DMU's in T. The other option, logically, is modeling a Japanese prototype. This, ultimately, is what I've decided to do. I enjoy researching and finding out new things, and seeing as I don't know alot about the railways of Japan, it's a perfect opportunity for me.

My first T purchase will be a Hankyu 9000, and I'll probably keep this set as is. The mainlines will be electrified and handle both 9000's and 103's to start. The branch will eventually be home to a KiHa40. Another deciding factor in the choice of Japan is that alot of Japanese trains are available online as paper models - a good source for overlays for new prototypes.

I'm thinking about purchasing a Hankyu chassis "kit" from TrainAidsA to turn into a heavy duty Japanese electric locomotive - An EF64-1000 series. The length matches the Hankyu almost exactly. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about the centre truck, whether it's going to be operational or static with the bottom flanges ground off, but that'll be documented when the project begins.

More to come.