I had the need to construct a circle layout so that I could “stretch
the legs” of my rollingstock, (another of my N gauge layouts is a rural
terminus of a fictitious line in a rice growing area of Japan). Rather than a
small “pizza” type layout, I wanted something with a little operational
capacity and I “discovered” Tsubojiri while riding the trains of Shikoku.
I have chosen to model the current track arrangement due to space limitations and my preference of modelling EMU / DMU / railcar rather than loco hauled trains and freight. The layout was named “Tsubojiri – jinja – mae” which translates to “At the front of the shrine at Tsubojiri”. The track layout is based on the arrangement at Tsubojiri and the operating procedure that occurs can be demonstrated. Likewise trains can be left to circle endlessly. There are two stub sidings at the rear of the layout that permit a variety of rollingstock to be held until required. Two detachable small fiddle yards are also planned.
I have chosen to model the current track arrangement due to space limitations and my preference of modelling EMU / DMU / railcar rather than loco hauled trains and freight. The layout was named “Tsubojiri – jinja – mae” which translates to “At the front of the shrine at Tsubojiri”. The track layout is based on the arrangement at Tsubojiri and the operating procedure that occurs can be demonstrated. Likewise trains can be left to circle endlessly. There are two stub sidings at the rear of the layout that permit a variety of rollingstock to be held until required. Two detachable small fiddle yards are also planned.
Scenery is based on an autumn setting with the use of
multi-coloured lichen trees on a forested hillside. The main feature is a
shrine which has been modified to be a three level structure. A small street
scene below the shrine runs from the station towards the bridge over the river.
An onsen (hot spring bath house) is located on the river’s edge. A bus
turntable is located at the entrance to the town as the narrow streets restrict
bus access. Rice fields also line the edge of the rail corridor.
Electrically the layout is very simple, two feeds between
the points allows electrical separation of the basic circle (front and back).
The lay of the points also determines which sidings are powered. The two points
at the front of the layout are controlled by peco point motors (hidden within
the buildings in the street) and the rear two are manually controlled.
A few photos for starters
firstly some overall shots
and for some shots of the "river end" of the layout
And then some from the "station end" of the layout
A few photos for starters
firstly some overall shots
and for some shots of the "river end" of the layout
And then some from the "station end" of the layout
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