In 2030, the 2mm Scale Association will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The Association was founded in 1960, and this Platinum Jubilee is being marked with a two-day Expo2mm event. As with previous major anniversaries, the event will feature some of the finest layouts in 2mm scale, both classic and contemporary. However, the focus is not only on the past. The Association is also looking to encourage the creation of new layouts that will represent the future of the scale in its eighth decade.
To support this aim, two competitive layout streams have been announced. One of them is a defined-area competition titled the One-One-Five-Two (1/152) PJ Layout Challenge. I have chosen to design and build a layout for this stream. It is an ideal opportunity to create a new exhibition-quality layout within clear parameters and a realistic footprint, with a focus on thoughtful design, quality modelling, and practical transport and display.
The number 1,152 refers to the minimum required scenic area in square inches, which equals eight square feet. This has been deliberately chosen to encourage layouts that are neither small nor enormous. Mid-sized layouts are currently underrepresented at exhibitions. The available space is sufficient to model a realistic small station, terminus, or similar scene at a scale length, and I intend to use it to create something both operationally satisfying and visually convincing.
Summary of Entry Requirements – The One-One-Five-Two (1/152) PJ Layout Challenge
Layout Area
- Minimum scenic area: 1,152 square inches (eight square feet or 0.743 square metres)
- Maximum scenic area: 2,304 square inches (twice the minimum)
- Staging area: no restriction on size
Scale and Track Standards
- Layout must be in the 1/148 to 1/160 scale range
- Must use 2mm Finescale or N Gauge Code 40 track
- Minimum of three working points or slips within the scenic area
Transport and Presentation
- Layout must be capable of being transported in a standard family car or small van
- Must be designed for public display, including:
- Full-height support structure or table-top stand compatible with standard 6-foot trestle tables
- Suitable lighting
- Fire-retardant drapes
This competition provides structure, motivation, and a clear finish line. It is a chance to build something practical and well presented, to exhibit to a high standard, and to contribute to the future of 2mm modelling in a meaningful way.
Next I will define the theme and operational concept for the layout, and begin the design work with these requirements firmly in mind.
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Two 4’6″ baseboards might have been ideal, but my car limited the length to 4′. While a pair of 4′ baseboards could have accommodated the scenery needed to capture Penmaenpool, the resulting joint would have run through the middle of the layout—right across Morfa Mawddach. Instead, using three 3′ baseboards avoids placing a join in a key scenic area and makes the layout much more manageable for working on indoors. 22″ deep
Drws-y-Nant by Nigel Ashton – 6′ deep? 2’6″ curves
York by Peter Kirmond – 11′ long x 8′ deep
Legs
More Information
- Flint, Steve, et al. Model Railway Planning and Design Handbook. Edited by Ken Gibbons and Jack Burnard, Santona Publications, 2004.
- Hilton, James. Small Layout Design Handbook. Wild Swan Books, 2022.
- Norman, Barry. Landscape Modelling. Wild Swan Publications Ltd, 1986.
- Norman, Barry. Designing a Layout: Building a Model Railway. Wild Swan Publications Ltd, 1997.
- Rice, Iain. Approach to Model Railway Layout Design: Finescale in Small Spaces. Wild Swan Publications, 1990.
- Rice, Iain. Light Railway Layout Designs. Wild Swan Publications, 1991.
- Rice, Iain. Realistic Railway Modelling: Layout Design. J H Haynes & Co Ltd, 2011.