Risborough and District MRC

Shunting Puzzle

Photographs by Anthony Mead

It was evident that whatever was going to be built would have to be achieved at absolute minimal cost. As the Club was already in possession of two baseboards that were unused prototypes for the Aylesbury Town layout, each 1.5m x 0.75m, it was thought that one of these could be used and was of a size that could sit on top of one of the folding tables, thus avoiding the addition of legs. However, it was decided, after much discussion, that the layout would be provided with legs.

There was also in the Club's store room a quantity of Peco track and pointwork that could be used. Thus far, the total outlay to construct the layout would be - nil.

It was decided to add scenic building detail, which was achieved by the use of foam board/artist's mount board and self-printed brick papers. Not a lot of cost involved there.

There are sufficient controllers in the Club's ownership, both analogue and digital, to supply power, with the analogue option being the best option if the public are going to get involved.

Rolling stock can be seconded from Okehampton and a couple of offers of loans of locomotives can be relied upon. Another benefit from such a layout would be the trial of automatic couplings for the Okehampton project.

Initially, a 'Timesaver' design was suggested, but this proved to be a little too large to fit on our baseboard. Further searches suggested that the classic 'Inglenook' would be the best option if the length could be accommodated. The answer came from a design by Jim Read called 'Moxley'.