Track testing

 I've spent the last few days measuring and cutting track, attaching fishplates (which I hate!) and today testing the layout with DC power for the time being.

So, running from the left fiddleyard, down through the halt over what will be a level crossing before the points, past the entrance to the works sidings, and then out onto the right fiddleyard.

There's enough room either side for the Class A4 and 3x BR mk1 coaches so basically any train that would've been seen passing through this section can be accommodated.

And best of all, due to the modular nature - I can always add in a loop and expand the layout further in the future when I have space.

Tomorrow's job is to pin the track down permanently, wire it up for permanent DCC and DC power which thanks to the simple track plan is relatively straight forward. I may then start building the Peco signal box and buffer stops that have been sat on my shelf for months now.

 I've also ordered the ballast, spreader and PVA so at least the layout is finally taking shape.

 For point control, I've decided that wire in tubes will be sufficient for the 4 points - motors would be overcomplicated I think.  So I also need to work out how I'm going to accomplish that.

My only criticism so far is that the fiddleyard baseboards from Scalemodelscenery are a different height to the main baseboards. I've improvised and added some feet to elevate it to the same level but I've no idea why they didn't just standardise the height. They must have assumed people would use them together.