First Ambitious Project!!

[Phil C]

Morning all,

Having fond memories of a model railway as a child I’m looking to build one of my own for my little one.....and as a new hobby for myself of course!

Maximum size is a 6ft x 4ft baseboard and am looking to create a dramatic mountain effect layout. Was originally thinking Hornby but now was wondering whether Peco would be more suitable.

Does anyone have any advice on a track layout, I’m looking to re-create the following....aiming big!

[teedoubleudee]

Hi Phil and welcome to our forum. I'm still building a 00 layout but have plans to do something like your idea in the future, but smaller and in N gauge. Keep us updated on your progress.
TWD

[Mountain Goat]

First of all what gauge and scale are you considering? Narrow gauge? Standard gauge? What sort of trains do you intend to run? Peco do really nice track in many scales and gauges. I am assuming that you are going to use 00 gauge though as you mention Hornby. To tell you the truth, todays Hornby track is not bad. I do slightly prefer Peco as there is far more choice in regards to pointwork etc, with a choice of insulated frogs or electrofrogs.

[Chops]

Terrific idea, it will be greatly satisfying. As all, do hope to see your results.

I've seen one or two of these state side, they all Styrofoam, using a Styrofoam
base board. My only thought on the matter is that the radii might be a bit
different than standard OO radii.

I believe the WS product is designed for 18 inch curves, or 45.72 cm, and
I don't know how that translates into #1, #2, etc. That being said, it may
be possible to slightly adjust the tunnel portals to allow for the differences.
Upon further look, it would appear no trouble to adjust the position of the
risers slightly.

The outermost rail, by perspective, may be 22 inches, or 55.88 cm. If you
are good at cutting flex track, that might be an option, but how the "spring"
or stored tension effect of flex track upon the foam risers is not known to
myself- that could be tricky. Seek better advice.

As to Peco vs. Hornby, I find them both superb of quality.

[Phil C]

Thanks for the advice guys, most appreciated.

[Chops]

I am looking forward to your progress, please keep us updated.

[Bandit Mick]

Welcome Phil. I'd probably go for 009 due to tight curves - but the scale may not be suitable for small fingers. As to track, if OO then most seem to favour Peco.