The first tracks are laid...!!!

Another week and another milestone... From the 16th May, the very first sections of track for the new layout were laid. The double track low-level route is mostly made up from standard flexible track and the odd bit of setrack to use up spare pieces from the train sets, however part of the route falls within the scenic area and this was provided with concrete sleeper flexible track.

But what is this talk of different levels i hear you ask...? Well, after a bit of thought it felt right to do away with the storage yards and add inclines instead to prolong the journey length of trains in the shed. This loop now leaves the Colcester International Station via two new low level platforms - Nos.7 & 8. It then runs along the aforementioned scenic area to disappear into a tunnel, curves around under the main running lines and Furman Smithy Station above to enter an incline which brings it up onto the upper boards to re-enter the International Station at Platforms 3 & 4. It then exits the station along the main four-track section until it reaches Furman Smithy Junction, whereupon it bears left off the main line, into a twin tunnel portal and down a ramp back onto the lower board, taking a wide curve back around to its starting point at the Low Level Platforms 7 & 8.

This route can also work in the opposite direction as its double track. There is an option to cut directly back through to the main station via Furman Smithy Station and over the river back to the International Station.

All that sounds a tad complicated so a revised plan (and yes, this really is the LAST one!) has been drawn up and added to this website.

For now, here are a few pictures...