This basically details getting a train of 5 random wagons from a possible 8 in the correct order by shunting them around. I basically decided that I would twist the Hither Green MPD layout around to my own purposes, hopefully not loosing too much of the feel of it in the process. Of course, the layout is much simpler like this, but I feel will make it nice and easy to make and more importantly, finish!

Here is a non-scale diagram of what the original layout would look like in layout form:

Here is my interpretation of the design, to comply with the Inglenook Puzzle

Of course, I've taken liberties so I've renamed it Apse Green - (apse is a synonym for inglenook, which is basically a crevice) and changed it to temporary storage sidings. (Although I'm not sure whether this is prototypical, it'll have to do for the moment)

Rolling Stock
I intend to run a Class 09 shunter in with a few 16T plank wagons and a couple of 14T tank wagons. The low-relief shed in the back will hold a Class 33 to give the impression that this is one part of a larger whole.

Here is a progress shot of my Class 33 - on the left is what my 9-year old self decided would look great. The middle is my "test" repaint, and the right is a reference picture. Of course, I do need to put together the valve gear and buffers which aren't present on the model, and the paintjob is a little dark - but I'm happy with it for the moment. Picture

As discussed below in 'to do' - I need to set my plans properly as to which era I will be representing. For Modern era, there will be two Class

Track
Track is Peco Code 100 concrete Flextrack with Hornby short radius 'Setrack' points. All being well, my only outlay is for the shunter, wagons, points and a few bits of paint. Since there are only two sets of points and this layout is primarly for 'home' use, I won't be motorising them.

I will spray Railmatch's Rail Grime color onto the rails and surrounding area liberally before touching up the rail with dark rust and various ballast.

Modelling the Structures - Loco Shed
The engine shed has dimensions of approximately 75m in length by 30m wide (supporting 6 tracks, remember) and varying between 7.5m and 10m thanks to gabled roofing perpendicular to the tracks. This translates to roughly 100cm long, 40cm wide and 10/12cm tall, with an 8cm high portal . Thanks to the wonder of selective compression I'll be modelling it at 1/3 relief supporting only two tracks (on which will be stabled a Class 37 and if I ever get around to finishing it, the above Class 33).

I was originally against modelling the full length of the shed, because it would so dominate the scene, but having traced it out onto the baseboard I feel it will give a nice sense of reality to what is potentially a very un-prototypical track layout. The width of the shed will vary (since it will be at a slight angle (I don't make things easy for myself, do I?) from 14cm at the end of the layout to 19cm wide in the middle.

Here are a few pictures of a mockup that I made earlier today: Driver's View, Birds-eye View

Modelling the Structures - Fuel Tank and Storehouse
Here's another shot after I made up the fuel tank and store building to fit onto the layout. The fuel tank is a tin of pringles! I can't find a picture of the one at HG, but I feel that this is an adequate proxy for size and shape until I can get a more accurate version made. To make things even more confusing, I only have a picture of 1/4 of the stores building, but as far as I can tell it has a few courses of bricks at the bottom, then corrugated metal, then corrugated plastic as a gabled roof with a walkway over the top.

Modelling the Structures - Miscellaneous
At the right of the picture where the layout goes 'off photo' there will be a porta-cabin in the middle and an abandoned signal box towards the front. I expect to add a fair few lights to the depot and hopefully get them wired up to get them lit up too.

Extra details
I really love how many modeller's have incorporated lots of little scenes into their layouts- people talking, cars broken down, and so on. I'll hopefully be including a few of those. I've got some nice ideas that'll hopefully go down well.

Although the model will be on a flat baseboard, I'm going to try and create variation with a variety of structures, figures and vehicles to break up the flat surface.

To Do

Cement in my mind what era I'd like to be modelling.
While I do currently have two Class 37s' and a Class 33 in the EWS livery, they will not be used as an active part of the layout and so really play a part in my decision. Since the layout of the depot has changed so little (and by extension my version of it) between 1954 and 2004 (the fuelling area was covered over with a shed, and roads 1-3 of the engine shed were demolished) I can see no reason why I can't model it in the late 50's, with black liveried diesels, N Class Steamers and 16T wagons. Of course I would need to shorten the Inglenook spurs to better represent 5/3/3 at approx 8cm each, instead of the current 5/3/3 at 12cm (considering the scale length of 46T Hoppers as a reference point) but that would be no problem, and might even allow me to better model the Storehouse and trail leading to Hither Green.

Of course, this digresses from my choice to model a modern era layout. This may be something of a moot point, considering I'm not using the prototypical track layout nor prototypical operations of a modern depot.

As I see it I have two options:

• Modern Era - EWS Class 33 and 37's in the background with EWS/Mainline shunter and 46T hopper wagons.
  Pros: Current events, with locos I have seen myself in a depot I have seen occasionally.
  Cons: Realism compromised by unprototypical track layout. Operations not even slightly reminiscent of reality.
  
• Transition Era - N Class steamer in the background with BR liveried shunter and 16T wagons and vans.
  Pros: More evocative than modern image. More aestetically pleasing considering subject matter. More realistic shunting operations, if they are sited in the wrong area of the depot. Can offload un-needed Hornby Class 37's to pay for new stock.
  Cons: Originally trying for modern era layout.

Links
Croydon's Tramlink