Rail200 plans and decisions

The next question is what to build for the Rail200 challenge. The "standalone" option allows a lot of freedom, and certainly a lot could be done in my usual 009 scale. However, I've built many micro-layouts in 009 of similar size (Loctern Quay's dimensions are almost identical) or smaller (shoebox?). O14 would be possible too, but I don't have time for track building. Anyway, my reason for taking part is because of the uniqueness of the challenge, and so the "modular" category which allows entries to be joined appeals. I'm not normally a great fan of modular layouts, but in this case I'm looking to build a scene that works on it's own (with a fiddle yard attached as needed) as well as for the one-off challenge - and that makes the challenge interesting. Also, I've a small collection of OO gauge industrial locos awaiting an excuse for a layout. 

My first thought is combining 009 with OO in an exchange yard, inspired by this scene where the Southwold railway (3' gauge) met the standard gauge, as well as places such as Minffordd, Dinas Junction - many NG railways had an exchange yard of some kind. 

PLAN 1a therefore has the NG entering (top right) from behind an exchange shed, with a siding into the shed at a raised level alongside a standard gauge siding, and another siding which drops down to the level of the SG siding (or even slightly below) for loading of coal into the NG wagons. The SG line passes the front, with a short platform for a halt, behind which the NG head shunt is set into the approach lane. Trees will probably be used to hide the exit tracks. There's room for a couple of cottages behind. I like this plan a lot, it doesn't appear too crowded and the angled NG line, lines at different levels, and scope for background scenery give the potential for an attractive scene. The downside is limited operating potential - yes the NG sidings can be shunted but even with fiddle sticks off to the right there's little meaningful operation of the SG.

PLAN 1b is the same, with the addition of a run-round loop for the NG. In theory this adds operating potential, but I'm not sure this is worth the trade of space as it feels cramped, and the SG has no more interest.

PLAN 1c has the exchange shed swapped to the left hand end, and the SG siding extended the length of the board. Hang on you say, why the point to nowhere? Well, after the challenge the through track could be lifted, and re-laid with a point to form a crossover, and so half a run-around. This gives the SG a little operational interest, including passenger services to the platform (now at the front). The NG is set slightly higher and squeezes in a short loop, spur into the exchange shed, and a siding dropping down to SG level tucked in front of the shed. There's little space for scenery except some trees along the back, and a footbridge linking the NG and SG (perhaps an unofficial passenger NG train is run?). 

Another idea for mixing NG and SG is a loading facility where minerals of some kind are transferred from NG to SG wagons. I'm not sure what minerals yet, and whether the loading operation could be depicted somehow (I've done wagon loading/unloading in 009 and O14). 

PLAN 2a has a mineral transfer in the top-left corner, I envisage something clad in corrugated iron with the NG line entering at a higher level - 5 to 6 cm above board level. The NG line runs across the back and over a level crossing, with a possible spur for a spare loco or stock, though it doesn't really have any operational interest. The SG has a couple of sidings, one under the loading chute with a weighbridge too, and passes under the road bridge to exit. Y points save space, and a connection to the front line could later form a loop. 

PLAN 2b is much the same for the SG, but moving the weighbridge makes space for a run round loop on the NG, potentially increasing operational interest but again at the price of appearing more cramped - especially as the NG will have to sit on a tall wall above the SG. 

PLAN 2c has a similar NG layout to 2b but with a different SG plan. The 3-way saves space and makes a more logical loop (when connected to the front line). This allows the middle siding to be used for an engine shed, and a short platform to be added along the front. This probably allows the best operational interest, but still looks quite crowded. The simpler NG layout of 2a could be used.

While I like the split-level layout of these plans and the mineral transfer is logical, they seem crowded and the limited height limit (14cm) for the challenge could be a problem - no space for trees on the high level for example. I don't really have inspiration for whatever the mineral might be or how it's transferred, but open to suggestions.

The final set of plans abandon the 009, and are inspired by hospital railways such as at Whittingham and Hellingly (beautifully modelled by Phil Parker), or a small industrial line such as Corringham, which had short trains, varied goods, and limited passenger services. The scene is the back end of a hospital/factory complex with a boiler house and general goods platform, a small engine shed (for small engines), and a short, narrow platform (possibly with a canopy). By contrast, the surroundings are playing fields and open countryside.  This is actually an idea I've been toying with for a while.

PLAN 3a has the two sidings to the rear, and a kick-back to the engine shed. Again, a point added later into the front line completes a loop. The left end would represent the back of the hospital, with a loading platform served by ground level doors. The boilerhouse siding could be up a short, steep gradient - it would look more interesting, but could be a pain and would only rise about 1cm. All these plans have the narrow platform along the front, a canopy could disguise the left hand exit while a water tower or tree hides the right exit. 

PLAN 3b is similar, with a Y-point used for the engine shed spur. 

PLAN 3c swaps the engine shed to the left and has the boiler house siding disappearing into the rear. This makes it very short - 1 wagon - unless it extends through the backscene! It does make more space rear right for some scenic interest, perhaps a bowling green or workers' cottages. 

I like these hospital layouts best for operational interest, with the extra point in the front line and a suitable fiddle yard there is a proper operational layout. They could also look interesting. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be time - I've less than 5 months of some weekends, a few evenings, and the odd day off if I'm lucky - so I need to keep it simple. Bespoke buildings take time, and these plans need bespoke buildings to work! On that basis, plans 1a-1c work best as they only need one special building (the transfer shed) which could be quite simple. 

Decisions, decisions! Let me know what you think...