This layout's construction commenced late 2006 to replace our previous N Scale exhibition layout. Building this layout from scratch we decided to try a number of new construction techniques.

A committee was formed to guide the design and construction of the layout. Some of the primary design criteria is based around making the layout simple, easy and light to move, assemble and run. The club members run prototypes from all around the world, so the layout scenery must be as generic as possible. At any time you will see Australian, American, English, European or Japanese trains running on the layout. To keep costs down any design will have to be able to be fabricated by club members.

After much discussion we decided on a modular design constructed of lightweight aluminium box section frame supported on custom made wooden trestles. There are 5 modules, each 1.5m long by 1.2m or 1.0m wide. This gives us a finished length of 7.5m.

The track design was done on CAD to ensure the layout will run smoothly, have gentle gradients and smooth sweeping bends. there are 2 mainlines each with a scale length of 3.2 miles. This will allow us to run trains of any prototypical length. We will be using Peco code 55 track and the layout will be wired for both Dc and DCC.

Click here to see the proposed track Plan.

It is planned to have construction completed to exihibition standard for July 2008 Castle Hill exhibition.

Here are several photographs of the layout. Click on a thumbnail for a larger view.