Layouts

The club currently has 4 layouts in various stages of development.

1. A multi gauge test track. Ideas for this first started during our time at the Boys Brigade HQ in Duston, only after we moved to Camp Hill did we have room to cut timber and assemble into the large oval that we now have. Track was purchased and then laid over a period of weeks, wiring progressed soon after, and ballasting was mentioned but in the end black paint was used instead, ballasting may still be an option later. Seven tracks in gauges "N" to "G". Tracks from inside are, 2 "00" tracks, 3 "0" tracks and 1 "G" scale track and this has the "N" gauge track inside (only able to run "N" or "G", obvious reasons). This is now having a major rewiring job done to try to eliminate a fall off in power at certain points around the oval, also track levelling at a few uneven rail joints will be dealt with.

2. A "00" gauge end to end. This also started off at Duston with the stripping and cleaning up of 4 boards from a previous layout, once cleaned and resurfaced with new top boards then gave us a total space of 16' x 2', rough plans were sketched out (probably based on an old Peco publication "designs for small layouts"), full scale drawings were then drawn onto lining paper and submitted for approval, the station platform lengths were noted as being on the small size, so another board was made up to accommodate the extra length required (length now 20' x 2'). Other points raised about locomotive facilities and possible turning of loco's resulted in the now larger design of engine shed and facilities being moved onto another new board (length now 24' 6" x 2'). Peco code 100 Track was purchased and track laying commenced. After a lot of discussion about going digital it was decided to wire for the future and "go digital" even though only one of the members had any digital locos at the time. Most of the points are rod operated with a switch that also changes polarity, all rails have been rust painted and ballasted. All buildings on the layout are or have been built and weathered by our master modeller.

3. A new "0" gauge layout is being built using 3 boards from "Stanford Vale" an old layout nearly consigned to the great recycling gods, this has had two extra boards made up, one each end. Refurbishment has started with realigning some track to make an island platform similar to Loughborough on the Great Central and allow us to operate a BR line that will interchange with a preserved line. This will enable us to operate almost any steam diesel combination from most eras' of history to present day. The new layout will be called "Kingsthorpe."

4. An "N" gauge complete layout on one large board, it has a double oval and passing loop with shunting facilities. This is looked after by one of our members.