Time for a mega update which has happened over the year so far!
At first, a second run round loop was installed at the gate end of the line (downhill end) with extra sidings going in at the shed end (uphill end). The sidings were later reduced to a single siding with the 45mm gaining a extra 45mm run round loop instead. This was the status quo until recently as in June the line was finally extended around the back of the shed to give a permanent curve around the back of the line. Due to space limits, its a 38 inch radius curve which is as tight as I'd want to go as well as being the radius of all the point work on the line. But onto the pictures!
Uphill loop before the sidings were installed.
Uphill loop with the new sidings installed.
Uphill loop with the newly moved engine shed
The downhill loop allowing for loco hauled trains to have a engine at each end of the train (except when the push pull set is running). The standard train length being 2 SR&RL coaches/2 FR coaches/2 IoM Pairs plus a 4w coach. Naturally longer trains do run and run a lot although these mostly end up running in push/pull mode.
The bank with the 'tunnel' shown.
The downhill LGB loop with siding. All points being sprung loaded so they auto reset after the engine/train has run over them.
The uphill LGB loop. Unlike the 32mm gauge loops, these are smaller being only two WHR shortie coaches long.
The new extension with the point work into the engine shed/shunt release.
The newly relocated engine shed.
The Shunt release with the curve back to the mainline.
The newly redesigned loop. The configuration being that the 45mm gauge can be lifted so during running sessions with area groups means access can be made easily along the run round loop.
The shunt release under test. Its long enough for a FR Planet (Uproar or Conway) but I want to see if other engines can fit in use.
Just to prove that large engines can fit around it, the SAR Class 91 going around 38 inch curves.
Plenty of changes in the year so far and hopefully the last track wise. Buildings need looking at as I'd like some more to finish the layout off properly!