When members of Astolat MRC wanted a new ‘N’ gauge layout, considerable thought went into providing a suitable showcase for their stock – and ultimately third-rail, as JIM KEMP explains. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Gauge: ‘N’, 9mm Scale: 2mm: 1ft Size 12ft x 2ft 6in Region: Southern Period: 1930-2000s Control: Analogue
Above: A 4-CEP EMU has arrived in the bay platform while the main line sees two steam hauled passenger workings pass. In the background the steam shed dominates the scene with its large coaling stage.
AS MUST BE THE CASE with most new club layouts, ours started with a chat one evening in the clubroom. At the time there were a number of club members who had ‘N’ gauge stock but nowhere to run it. It was pointed out that our existing ‘N’ gauge layout was old, less than inspiring operationally and didn’t work half of the time, and that no matter how much we tried to fix it, it really wasn’t going to get any better and should be retired. It was time to build a new ‘N’ gauge layout using the lessons learned from others.
A serious amount of discussion reduced the requirements for the layout to a manageable list. The required design would be a round and round configuration, though this was a typ…
