SINCE STARTING in British outline ‘N’ gauge (1:148) scale in 2009, a great deal of experience in the scale has been gained on the journey. Quite a number of exciting new models have also arrived on the scene during that time with the new Graham Farish Class 90 being the latest. Moreover, there has been significant growth of several new ranges of ready to run models.
The layout, having been exhibited on numerous occasions and also used during operating nights with friends, had reached the stage where some operating limitations had manifested themselves. Scenery was beginning to show signs of wear in places too.
Fundamentally, the layout was reliable and proved to be easy to dismantle and store or transport to shows, making an overhaul worthwhile.
The first of several upgrading projects was started with the objective of improving one of the three train staging areas to make it more accessible. Three hidden roads were originally run under an embankment of one side of the layout to make the most of the limited space available.
Whilst the staging worked well, the confined space made the tracking of trains awkward, even with the help of train detection. If something went wrong, a removable section of embankment allowed access to resolve any problems.
Further to that, the modelled scene was affected by having to provide clearances for the stock stored underneath, including the raised pantographs of
