by Adam Lucas

Size: 8' x 1' (with detachable rear fiddle yard)

Looking to make use of the extensive range of multiple units being offered by RTR manufacturers, Cathedral Hill is designed to be a Train Care Depot squeezed alongside a busy 4 track mainline while sited in a cutting to minimize any eye soars to surrounding residential areas. The layout is to be compatible with my local clubs (Berkshire Area Group) 4 track module concept, as seen here: http://bagng.fotopic.net/p30075144.html

Viewed from the observers perspective, here is the provisional layout plan:

I have decided to take the DCC plunge and will be converting over my current stock to operate on the new medium. Although as this is only my second layout I won’t be going the full distance, instead retaining conventional control panel junction switching. Viewed from the Operators perspective, here is the current Control Panel design:

Track
Peco Code 55 track and junctions will be used throughout and Peco point motors will be employed for all junctions. The track will be mounted onto a cork surface applied to the baseboards.

Trees
Scenery is based on modern multiple unit depots, and as the track plan indicates, will feature a large maintenance shed which will incorporate a full length pit. Also included to the east end is a heavy maintenance building for bogie overhaul, vehicle repainting and locomotive inspection. Taking centre stage are two train wash facilities that will be scratch built with inspiration coming from the excellent Wells Green TMD layout in 00. Finally the west end of the yard encompasses storage roads which I will attempt to squeeze crew walkways in between tracks as well as working flood lights and a discharge road nearest the mainline.
Due to the extremely cramped nature of the layout, surrounding scenery is limited to just a retaining wall back scene. This is after seeing similar efforts work extremely well on another splendid modern 00 layout named Dudley Road.

Trains
Rolling stock to be used will centre on multiple units. My aim is to create an Arriva Cross Country fleet so I am in the process of de-branding Turbostars and Voyagers. With the release of Bachmanns 220 model and coupled with DCC and plan on making use of the Thunderbird movements as well.
However, in order to maintain interest and diversity, I also hope the layout will allow for operation of either coaching stock maintenance or locomotive maintenance as alternative full scene activities. I will only be going back as far as Sectorisation in terms of Era.

Page last updated: 05/04/08