One of our members decided to construct the Trix layout 'Black Forest in Miniature' (Compact HO layout), but used Märklin C track instead.

The description of how to construct the layout can be found in Märklin Magazine, parts 1 to 8, in issues 2015/05, 2015/06, 2016/01, 2016/03, 2016/04, 2016/05, 2016/06 and 2017/01.

More information can be downloaded from the Märklin Magazine Gleisplän site -Märklin Magazine Gleisplän - issues 2015/03, 2015/04, 2016/02 and 2016/03.














As is usual with a majority of the Märklin designed layout what is on 'paper' does not necessarily translate to the physical layout. Although as the member explained, when you re-create the design in SCARM or wintrack it is being done in the horizontal, heights aren’t included initially and possibly that’s why the tracks do not connect – track sections will be longer in the horizontal – if that makes sense.

The member found the height difference between the layers was a touch on the 'unbelievable', but he managed to get enough room to accommodate all his locos and wagons, although when we first tried the cab ride camera, it did get stuck.

In the following videos you see the camera attached to one of those very low roll on/roll off carriages from Märklin.

As it is a double main line the two cab ride videos show travelling in both directions (although one of the points underneath wasn't set in the right direction and the train ends up going on the 'wrong' track - good thing we didn't have another train running on that track)







It's a great layout for running quite a few trains that pop up all over the place. But if you run one, it tends to get lost out of the viewing stage for very long periods.

In the video after the initial start I lost the loco and couldn't work out where it was coming out of next and decide to just take the video showing the details of the layout, eventually ending at the 'back' of the layout and ‘finding’ the train.




Took quite a few photos during our club's Christmas Show.

As can be seen, the member did not follow the scenery suggestions in the article. His scenery is basic but very effective.










Enjoy

Right side














Left Side














Station area

















Town














The Sawmill











The double bridge










Hidden area and The External Schattenbanhof

The member did make adjustments to the original design by adding more sidings, a switch back and an entrance/exit to the external schattenbanhof



















But, like all model railroaders, it's time to take it apart and start again