The first object to find out was just how big could the foot print of the layout be, given the restrictions of a maximum space of 19" by 13" by 9". After much fiddling with a pencil, ruler and paper and the help of a Computer Aided Design computer program, it seemed that the maximum size would be two baseboards of the biggest dimensions available. That meant two boards 19" by 13", given a layout size of 38" by 13". This wasn't just quite long enough to accommodate the required track plan, so a small wedged shaped board was added in the middle to add the necessary length, as well as give the layout a slight 'V' shape, which also suited the track plan envisaged (see photo of the layout below).
Laurie Green
The next decision was what type of scenery to place the layout in? Because of the space restrictions, the flatter the better. Thus a desert scene seemed best, and what better place than Monument Valley in Arizona, with it's spectacular buttes. With that decided, and the right red soil available, a start was made.
The final problem to solve, given that the layout was to be fully operational, was how was it to be switched? A simple card system would do the job, with each car having it's own card. The cars would be positioned at the start of the session on the mainline, with the cards shuffled and placed left to right in the three switching locations (A, B or C). The cars would then have to be positioned as the cards fall. When completed, the cards are shuffled and placed in the outgoing section on the switching board seen above, and the train re-made up into this new order. Then the whole system starts again.
Laurie Green
Laurie is happy to answer any questions about this layout by email