All the trackwork on the scenic sections of boards `A' and `B' has been repainted and some sections re-ballasted. There are a few sets of points that have been modified to bring them closer together with short sections of rail being removed from Peco Streamline points allowing for more prototypical trackwork with points almost overlapping in some places. The tracks behind the scenes on boards `A' and `B' are marked out but waiting for more Code 80 `streamline Flexi-Track' to continue construction of the hidden mainline and sidings.

The electrics have been removed, leaving one signal in position at the entrance to the tunnel on the A board and short track power feed wires below the A and B baseboards, the layout will be fully rewired as a whole when the new `C' board has track on it. Each section of track has its own power feed (two short wires below the baseboards) which will be selectively fed from a control panel laid out in the style of a block signalling diagram for conventional `cab control' through multipole switches to allow use of multiple controllers, I am planning on using a Gaugemaster two track controller for the mainlines with a seperate handheld controller for the goods yard on boards `A' & `B'. The new countryside scenic section, board `C', will have the mainlines operated by the same controller that is operating the mainline on the B board, control will extend to the hidden return lines at the rear of the layout hidden beneath buildings and landscaping. I would like to fit a live outside third rail to the mainline only which could be used to provide constant power for coach lighting and used as a return feed for train location on the control panel showing which sections are occupied `at a glance' similar to the way prototypical track circuits illuminate the control panel in a signalbox. I will also be fitting high frequency track cleaning circuits, I am trying to source four transformers from second hand `Air Ionisers' but have had limited success finding suitable examples at a sensible price.

Train position detection and Train Type detection circuits will be fitted using the methods shown on the Signalling & Train Detection Circuits Page to automatically control the signals giving correct block working and allow passenger trains to be stopped at the station automatically while goods trains and non stop expresses will pass through. I intend the layout to be run by three operators manually `driving' the trains for exhibitions but I will have the option to switch the mainline to `Automatic Operation' so that the layout can be operated by One person, who can shunt the visible goods yard and sidings, re-marshal or change stock and motive power in the fiddle yard while the mainline runs itself, keeping almost constant movement on the front of the layout as required for exhibition use so theres never too long to wait for the next train. I will also be developing an automatic `Train Shuffler' system for use in the hidden fiddle yard, so there will be some variations in the order the trains are `sent out' whilst operating automatically. The layout operator will be able to take over manual control of any section of the layout at any time for when unexpected things happen, If the operator wishes any section can be isolated and/or forced to be `occupied' (the signals for that section will be forced to show RED) allowing me to simulate the occasional breakdown, whether it be a broken locomotive, signalling failure or even a derailment. This will give me plenty of excuses to use some odd departmental stock :-) Then theres the operational nightmare of trying to keep other services running round the problem where possible. Try it out on your layout, block one section of line with a couple of coaches and then try to operate a normal service around it, you will rapidly appreciate exactly how a breakdown or fault can cause utter chaos to train scheduling! I am working on a mechanism that will allow me to derail a particular goods wagon to order across the pointwork in the station thoat, This is where the automatic re-railer comes in to avoid the Big hand in the sky getting in the way as I have see this spoil the atmosphere of a some excellent layouts and is best avoided, but that's another project on my list for development once the layout is up and running.

Most of the main platform has been removed and will be rebuilt to `Modern Standards' with recessed platform faces & overhanging coping, the platforms were originally built at a lower height with straight brick edges suitable for most of the pre 1960's `Steam era'. The `backscene' on boards `A' & `B' will mostly consist of large warehouses and factories with vast amounts of rooftops and plenty of chimneys vents pipework and crawling boards etc. The `fiddle yard' will be hidden beneath the roofscape and partially hidden under the hills on the countryside section, board `C'. The Stoneybridge West `A' Box will be modelled on the real Hamworthy Junction signalbox, and the `B' box may be modelled on the remaining Poole signalbox, but this depends on if I can get accurate measurements and photographs of the inside of the Poole signal box.

The new `C' baseboards will be constructed by building a frame from 2 x 1 inch timber, with support bracing every 6 inches this will be covered with a layer of `Sundeala' insulation board which is easy to drill for wiring and holds `track pins' well. (Thanks to John Burtenshaw for the large offcuts) The timber underframes will have holes for cable runs drilled before they are assembled, Once the frame is built and the Sundeala is `screwed & glued' down to the frame the Sundeala board will be covered with a layer of `Rubberised Foam Underlay' (bought cheaply from a camping shop) which will easily produce smooth slopes, embankments, hills and lowers the noise level especially when running two or more trains at the same time. track and pointwork will be marked out, holes will be drilled for the point connecting rods, the points will be operated manually via flexible "Easi-Glide" rods concealed below the baseboards.

This page will be updated as the development and expansion of Stoneybridge West continues.