Rail200 plans - decision made!

After playing with lots of paper templates, thinking things through, and discussing with friends, things became clear. Given the short timescales I really should choose a plan that is simple to build, and doesn't need complex buildings from scratch - and the 009/OO exchange siding plan fits that brief and works well. However. the idea that had really grabbed me, and seems to interest others too, is the hospital railway...

Here's my inspiration. The small book at the top shows the quirky electric line at Hellingly hospital, the two pictures at the bottom are Calderstone, and the photos on the pages in the middle all show Whittingham. Each have their charm, but it is the yard at Whittingham that has inspired the plan the most - a 3 way point leads to an engine shed and a couple of sidings in a courtyard. Common features seem to be a boiler house, stores, engine shed, and often a platform for staff and visitor trains. Some received ambulance trains during WW1. Although the hospitals covered large sites with lots of buildings, the focus of the railways is often hidden away in a cramped corner.

Despite the small space, the plan captures many of these elements, feels cramped without (hopefully) being overcrowded, and promises interesting operation too. I hope it will work scenically too, although it will need several bespoke buildings to fit the site - which puts the pressure on time!

I wasn't able to make a start this weekend, but yesterday I did manage a trip over the Gaugemaster to stock up on the track and most of the materials I think I'll need. Don't get excited by the double-road engine shed kit - it won't be built like that!