BackgroundMy first ever layout.
I have only built some test/dioramas to get started with modelling, but I think I am multi-skilled and can do this layout build.
My layout will be loosely based on the Château-d'Oex train station in Switzerland because I bought a kit for it when I was a beginner with no real planning. I was so eager to start, it looked good and it wasn't too big for my available space.
A mostly rural/alpine scene throughout, with a small town scene.
I have only 1200 x 600mm available space - a bit less when considering how close the track is to the edges. It will be built in Z-scale (1:220)
Scenery features I want- A river (-50mm below the track level)
- A mountain scene with winding road and chalet (approx 80mm high)
- A tunnel under the mountain (50mm high)
- A train station and accompanying small town scene
- A farm scene, farm house, paddock, and 1 or 2 stables
- Severals roads, one of which will cross the tracks
- Bridges, some bought, others scratch built
Scenery will be below and above the track height (to resemble the real world)
Train features I want- Running trains continuously
- Max train length is 600mm; that is a diesel locomotive + 4 passenger cars (need some amount of length to qualify as a train :). This is also my calculated max train length to shunt off into spurs.
- Working catenary throughout
- As its a boring double loop (due to space constraints), the train will automatically switch between inner and outer loop to add a bit more interest. Works in both directions, so the switching mechanism is roughly placed midway between points and considering the overall max train length
- Inner and outer loop will be their own electrical section, so to control one or both trains at once. I could even have two trains running simultanousely, one on the inner and another on the outer loop.
- Some switching action via 3 spurs to handle the max train length sans locomotive. The spurs will be the 3rd electrical section so I can switch cars whilst having running trains on the loops.
- Train detection when entering station area to slow it gradually
- Decouplers in the spurs and also one in the outer loop
- Signalling. Still working this out!
ModellingMost buildings will be kits, however I will need to do some scratch building as follows:
The hotel next to the train station - as per the prototype (major challenge)
The locomotive house - almost like the prototype with concrete base, and wooden sides with window panes (medium challenge)
Some bridges (will use toothpicks/matchsticks - minor challenge) and culverts (pre-fabricated styrene tubes - again a minor challenge)
What I have already built
Baseboard with support beams for wiring (though this will need some modifications for the river bed that will be 50mm lower than the track)
A frame to hold either old bed sheets or some form of sturdy, yet light weight clear plastic to minimise dust accumulating on the layout (I live in a very dusty area)
Design
The river starts in the mountains (green area), through culverts under roads and then forms a river that goes under arched bridges
Roads. Right-hand side meanders up the mountain. Several elevation changes. Large area is for the station parking, small area for hotel parking.
Buildings. Farm area beside river and going up the hills. On the right, a Chalet over the tunnel. Top-left, some houses to make a small town scene.
Track. Block sections coloured in green/blue/pink. Catenary mast position mock-up.The right semi-circle will be a tunnel.
Loco and passengers cars superimposed to get a sense if the longest train will fit
ConclusionHow am I doing ?
Any obvious issues ?
This there too much to fit into the space, without enough neutral space (paddocks, grassland, road, carparks etc...) to make it look realistic ?
Suggestions for improvements ?
Edited by user 23 June 2023 00:20:31(UTC)
| Reason: Added missing mountain area
