Layout Plan

Cutting to the chase, here's my proposed layout.

 

Track plan using (mainly) off-the-shelf set-track components on a 1220mm by 607mm baseboard.

And here's how and why I developed it...

All railways are built with a purpose in mind and models are no different. And trains travel from A to B, so it's helpful to have at least an A to justify the existance of trains.

I'm mainly interested in construction and less so the operation of trains - but I would like to see long trains sweeping through expansive landscapes. Due to the super tinyness of the trains, T-gauge does not offer much scope for marshalling so any sidings will only be used for fixed formations. Lastly, off-the-shelf T-gauge rolling stock options have more than a small bias towards modern UK trains, which of course tend to be fixed formation.

Putting this together, my planned layout will consist of:

• A UK setting.
• A two-track main line railway, as is common in the UK.
• A main line that loops to maximise the visual effect of trains moving through the scenery.
• At least one station with two platforms long enought for the T-gauge HST.
• One or more stations with platforms long enough for a typical regional passenger EMU or DMU service.
• A freight container terminal to justify running a locomotive or two pulling a long rake of wagons.
• A headshunt within the freight terminal to enable the shunting of freight trains clear of the main line.

Now for determining constraints. These are essentially the size of the board, how much of that board I want (can afford?) to fill with track and what type of track to use, the latter having been answered in my last post.

A quick read of some websites on baseboard building, selecting a plywood top, and after trip to the local DIY store I have chosen a base size of 1220mm by 607mm to save effort on cutting whilst having a layout that is relatively easy to lug about. Such a board size will leave plenty of room for the largest radii set-track curves.

As for layout planning, there is software for T-gauge such as AnyRail but I've used Microstation CAD software and created standard cells using the T-gauge track specifications. Or you could cut yorself some paper templates and plan it on the floor of your front room.