Hi, this is traiNmaster again. It has been almost 3 years since I did any major modellling work. My office diorama is now completed and well, on display in my office. I placed it near our customer team DB Fernverkehr (DB long-distance; the ICE group) since it is an ICE-theme diorama. I popped by occassionally to make sure that the ICE does not derail 🙂

My mini ICE-diorama in office

My previous segment layout is no more. I have thrown away the 2 large end-modules and 3 of 6 segment modules. I kept the other 3 so that I could build a small shelf layout in the future (good question, when in the future). But, I managed to salvage all the Peco turnouts for reuse.

I have been thinking what I should model next. I recalled John Allen’s Timesaver module and I thought for a one-person layout, that will do. Some switching challenges and small enough to be portable in case I need to put it aside. I found a nice N-scale layout plan in model-railroad.hobbyist.com (Rocket Jones’ Weaver Junction). This plan is a combination of Timesaver and Inglenook.

Rocket Jones’ 18in x 5ft N-scale Weaver Junction

I found Rick Blachard’s N-scale timesaver plan for 40ft and 50ft cars. I thought this would fit nicely on a piece of 130cm x 21cm (51in x 8in) board that I managed to salvage.

Rick Blanchard’s N-scale timesaver plan

Using my Peco code 55 N-scale turnouts, I made a prototyping test on the board, to get a feel how it would fit together and the amount of space I would need. Based on  Rick’s specifications for 50ft cars, I will adjust Rocket’s track plan accordingly.

The turnouts will be joined with flextracks. With minor adjustments, I am ready to start.

I have also considered where to put this layout. Again, it will be a portable layout, in case I need to keep it in the basement again or if I want to bring it to office, then I could easily transport it and store it near my workspace.

At home, I will put at the enclosed balcony – either against the columns or near the windows. The intention is I should be able to stand or sit and operate the DC layout. I have no plans to make it DCC unless I plan to use the Rh1116 Taurus loco that I received as a birthday present 4 years ago. The turnouts will be manually-/hand-operated. I just want to keep the layout simple and enjoy the switching challenge.

Positioned against the balcony columns or ..

just resting near the window sill.

Comments welcomed 😀