The new layout begins...

After much deliberation, I'm going to have a go at a totally new portable layout.

The design I put together using SCARM has been mocked-up using loose track laid on tables, with sections masked off to indicate where the board joins would be. On the face of it, it should go together reasonably well but will require completely new boards. I've purchased some of the timber required so that work can commence shortly. The absolute deadline to get this layout in show able condition is November. That sounds like ages away but in reality there's a lot of work to be done.

It's been agreed that we will incorporate a raised loop but this will be a single line section, there isn't really sufficient space to make it double track. The village terminus idea will fit as planned and I can also use this to run a shuttle DMU (or EMU) between the stations. Basically I'll have three running loops and an end-to-end terminus, plus any shunting or turntable moves. Whilst the new layout will be shorter, there will be more going on and with so much rolling stock it'll double the amount of running items. I also like the idea of having tunnels and bridges, and of course the ability to leave platforms, signals and TPO apparatus in-situ. This will significantly speed up the time taken to set up which means more time to run the layout! There will also be a significant amount of wiring involved, thankfully having done the loose mock up today I can work out roughly what wiring is needed, relays, capacitors etc and start building any control circuits etc.

The new layout, when finished, should tick all of the items below:

Faster setup with more fixed track
Platforms can be fixed into position
Platforms and buildings can be illuminated
Signals fixed in position and permanently wired
TPO fixed into position and permanently wired
Raised track, independent of the two loops
End-to-end terminus running
Ability to run four trains plus shunting duties
Use of tunnels, bridges and scenery
Reinforced boards that won't warp in storage
Increased siding space at rear of layout
One person operation more practical (standing behind layout, not inside it)
Self-supporting legs, not running on tables
Able to use the Märklin turntable

If I've ticked all these by the end of the build, I'll be happy.