I posted several months ago, in my self intro, that I was still pondering what scale and gauge to pursue my UK modelling in. I have been 'pondering' this for years

So, after several months with modelling having to be shunted aside (again), I'm now able to get back to it. And I do want to accomplish something this time.

I've decided to go (stay) with N, standard gauge, with time frame modelled being the late 20's/early 30's Southern Railway. I think earlier (pre-grouping) would just add to much more to be done, to do it fairly correctly.

My setting will be urban, something along the lines of Iain Rice's Shadwell Basin design in his Designs For Urban Layouts book. It's drawn using 12 squares for 4mm, so reducing that by 1/3rd, it comes out to about 90" long, laid out straight. I have 10' of wall space, so have the room. I will probably redo it so it is a 2 level scene, through trains running above on a viaduct, and goods yard and urban area below. Connection between mainline and goods yard will be off fictional, off scene.

Will use Micro Trains couplers, since they are readily available for me, and look no worse on UK rolling stock than anything else I have seen in use.

More thoughts later, as they occur.

Jim F

Look forward to seeing your layout develop Jim

Sounds like you have a fairly solid plan in mind which is a good start. Please can I ask a whole bunch of questions which will probably get asked anyway over multiple replies?

Are you building an end to end layout with fiddle yards at both ends?
Are you powering with DC or DCC?
What track system will you use?
Have you seen Dapol's Maunsell carriages and is this one of the reasons you're comtemplating the SR in the 20s/30s?!

Cheers

Dan

Hello Jim F,

sounds possibly like a similar timeframe and location to my own layout - I'll be interested in your further plans and thoughts.

Will you be modelling third rail or overhead?

Wow, didn't expect any replies right away, never mind 3 lol

Austinbob:  please don't hold your breath, this will be over some time, but I am determined to keep at it, been hemming and hawing for far too many years.

d-a-n: A) it will be a basic long oval. Initial plan is the base in 3 sections. The front scenic area will be one, so no joint in the middle, and able to be removed. the other 2 section will be sort of L shaped. The tall legs of the Ls will form the back fiddle yard area, with the fat bottom portion of each L having the curved ends and leads into the fiddle yard. This would allow me to take it to the couple of fairly local train shows.

B) Not sure, regarding DC vs DCC, but leaning to the latter. Already have a Digitrax Zephyr from years ago.

C) Looking at the Finetrax track for the scenic area, and probably Peco code 55 for all hidden track.

D) I have just become aware of the Maunsell coaches, as I have started looking at this time period verses the pre-grouping, but it was not the reason for my interest in how I will set this layout. I already have sort of budgeted for items I had already planned to order, so may not be able to buy any of the coaches at this time, and may have to take my chances on availability later. If I can dispose of my OO gauge C Class I bought last summer, maybe then.

Southernboy: Sorry, , but no electrics. Yes, I know, it probably should be, but I'm too much a steam fan, so, Rule #1 will be in place.

Ok, now off to finish getting mt Triumph back on the road. Too nice to stay inside right now.

And thanks for the replies.

Jim F

Great choice Jim.  I have never regretted my choice of N gauge - it is a magical scale and modern rolling stock is a delight.

Best of luck with your project.

Paddy

Regarding coaches, he Maunsell's are late 20's onward, if I understand correctly. What time frame for the forthcoming birdcage stock coming from BachFar? Good for late teens, early 20's?

Thanks.

Jim F