Our new 42′ x 22′ (13m x 7m) layout room is ready. Ultimately it will house my 37′ x 16′ N Scale layout built as an island with a 3′ aisle all the way around and a large 4′ (1.3m) aisle  in the centre together with a 12′ x 8′ (3.8m x 2.4m) crew lounge area. The layout will be the exact same configuration as the old Townsville layout, expect that the Prospect Jct. module 5b (see track plan at https://denversrailroads.com/Denver/DR-Layout/DR110.JPG) is now 3′ wider and consequently the tracks have been re-designed to take advantage of the extra space and to create a better Wye at the entrance to Denver Union Station.

A longer run could have been created by building the layout against the walls of the Garage. However that would have meant a module depth of only 18″. By building the layout as an island the full 3′ depth can be utilised. This design choice is particularly effective for the Denver Union Station and return loop modules.

Unfortunately the Garage must be used to store household furniture and the like until the Home is built later this year. But once all that stuff is removed the outside modules should bolt back together with a minimum of effort as they were placed in the container with their legs intact. The centre modules had to be transported without their legs so will be somewhat challenging to connect to the outside modules.