OSWALD MILLS On30 GAUGE

Each of our past layout themes had been chosen from some initial prompt. In Oswald Mills case this prompt was the availability of the Bachman range of On30 locomotives and stock. Thus, they layout location would be the USA, the theme being logging and mining industries and the date being the early 1900's.

For various reasons it was decided that the layout would be much smaller than we had previously built. A space of 9ft by 2.5ft was available, so three baseboards of 3ft by 2.5 ft was chosen. (Actually, we went metric and used 900mm by 760mm baseboard sizes.) Even in narrow gauge, O gauge, this space was not very large. Something more than a relatively simple shunting layout was desired. To increase the operating potential then the only way was up. The rear of the layout therefore includes a climbing section comprising of 3 switch backs. The climb raises the track to a final height of 620mm and is about 10m long, at a gradient of up to 1:15.

The switch back section includes a number of sidings to allow the passing of trains as they climb and descend. Also access to ore crushing  facilities are included. Logs are brought down the incline and various loads taken up as needed in logging and mining operations.

The lowest part of the layout has a small dock area and a canal space for the loading and unloading of goods materials. Included are facilities for loading crushed ore into wagons. A fiddle yard, at the rear, is accessed via a tunnel. This being the connection to the rest of the world. 

The basic baseboard construction is now complete and the laying of track is underway. Operation of the various sections will be switchable between DC or DCC, as a mixture of locomotive power control types are available. The lowest part of the layout will use DCC point control. The switchback section points will be hand operated.