A Bottleneck Layout – A junction layout is born

I have been working on my latest N Gauge layout and with the initial track down, I have got to a stage where I can share a bit more progress.

This new as yet un-named layout takes everything I learnt from Loughtbury and takes it up a notch. With more space I have plans for a 4 platform station on a curve and two loops allowing for continuous running. I have devised a plan where there are 2 tracks for a mainline and a branch line that disappears, but the fun is due to the junction outside the station. 4 tracks become 2, and then increase to 3 which means there is a bottleneck feature.

Operational interest = more fun!

This means trains will have to wait to enter the station, or cross over to alternative platforms. Combined with a yet to be fitted goods loop, diesel depot and goods yard there is a huge potential for trains getting in the way of each other and lots of operational interest.

The above image shows the point work and how it can get very busy very quickly. The station will be on the bottom right where the Class 47 RES diesel is.

I have built 2 fiddle yards at the back of the layout, and the loops can be switched for reverse running. Currently the track has been air brushed and the points within reach remain manually operated while I am fitting surface motors to all of the fiddle yard. The next stage will be to build a mimic diagram with LEDs so I can remember which lines are set, especially in the fiddle yard where I have caused one or two derailments from forgetting what is going where!!

Initial track has been laid, out of reach points have been motorised and the next stages will be to plot out the platforms for the station.