The wood work

The layout is built around three walls of a garden shed, measuring  approximately 2100mm x  2800mm (I have a bigger shed next to it which I use as a workshop, I have future plans though, it will be so easy to run a connecting tunnel!)  Although I had the basic track plan sorted I hadn't fully decided on the scenery, so thought it best to get the framework in place and see how it looked, I'd reached that point where I felt if I don't do something the layout would never leave my folder of  notes, sketches and plans.

Not much to say about the framework really. I  built an open frame from 3" x 1" PSE pine, with solid 3" square PSE legs. I wanted a nice robust frame that would easily support anything I could conceivably build on top of it. Fixed to the frame to support the track base were angle pieces fabricated up from 2" x 1"  PSE. A few shims strategically placed ensured it was all level (and I have photographic proof below):




The track bed is 12mm MDF, I like this material; it cuts and drills well; and absorbs paint and glue with ease. It's tough stuff if you want to drive track pins in, but I don't use them (see later), so that wasn't a problem. The trains make a satisfying rumble as well when they run.

 
I was still uncertain about the exact scenic details at this time, so I pressed on with the track. I  have a selection of factory buildings, a coal mine and other structures that all came in for consideration and would dictate the scenery. In the end I opted for simplicity, so just a simple hill backdrop and the terminus itself. It's a small space and could easily be over crowded with too much activity. I don't feel the need to cram every inch with track, buildings and stuff.
The track
As the plan is relatively simple, the track was soon laid. I have used standard Peco track and short insul-frog points, with hindsight, I might have gone for the finer code track and electro-frog points, but it looks ok (and my local model shop stocks miles of it so I could easily nip out and buy extras as required).
After trying variations on my plan, and cutting the flexi track, I fixed the track down to the MDF using small wood screws. The advantage of this was that it allowed easy adjustment and didn't commit me to anything until I was ready to start ballasting. Previous experience with track pins had always been fraught, and usually ending in a section I just wasn't happy with, but near impossible to
lift without damage. I picked this tip up some months back whilst browsing the WRF site.
I used NOCH light grey, fine, ballast; laid dry and fixed using a 50/50 mix of PVA glue/water and a touch of washing up liquid; applied with an eye dropper. A tedious and probably psychologically damaging task; but well worth spending the time on; and it looks great (Stella Artois, applied from the bottle to me, helped to concentrate the mind). Once dry the screws were removed, and the small holes filled with ballast and a touch of the glue mix (the glue and ballast hold the track quite rigid, but will still allow ease of lifting if necessary). I then weathered the track with a wash of brown acrylic to tone the shiny sides down and to give it a more 'oxidised' look. Further weathering to the ballast will be applied at a later date. 

The screws can clearly be seen in the pic below:


This pic gives a nice view of the future terminus. To the bottom right there will be an engine shed, at the moment I have a Faller kit that will be used, although I hope to scratchbuild a copy of the actual one at Hauzenberg. I also need to build a coaling station to be positioned alongside the single track running parallel to the engine shed. I ordered a Vollmer kit, but it's not that suitable, although I may use the small hand winched crane from it.


I should possibly mention at this time the wiring to the track. It is my intention to only run a single train at  any one time. However I want to be able to isolate sections of the track for storing loks. Each of the three main tracks may be isolated, as may the engine shed and coaling track. Only time will tell if this is adequate! Wiring of the points motors will be dealt with else where.
In the picture above you can see my ancient H&M controller and transformer, this has provided valiant service to no end of railways, scalectrix and other powered things, but a nice new controller will be purchased at a later date, and only the points and maybe some lighting will be powered from this one.

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