Since Mallory Road was rejuvenated the ‘O’ gauge group has grown considerably and some have built larger engines not suitable for a small industrial layout.

Also many members were interested in being able to ‘watch the trains go by’ and so the idea of a continuous run layout was born.

With the kind agreement of the other sections of the Club a layout measuring approximately 32 feet by 16 feet (sorry my age restricts me to this type of measurement!) has been planned.

It will be a double track line with an island platform station at the front with a small engine shed at a higher level behind it and hidden sidings at the rear or the layout.

It is not representative of any particular area of the country so that anything can be run on it with the exception of overhead or third rail electrics!

The first section of the layout to be constructed was the engine shed.

During the planning process much discussion was had on the length of sections for storing locos in the shed – until a suggestion was made ‘if we use DCC the problem would disappear’ – so the decision was made to use DCC.

This has meant, and continues to mean, a steep learning curve for all but we believe it is the operating system for the future and are enjoying the challenge it presents.