We are always looking for ways to improve and extend the layout and, over the last 21 years, many improvements have been made. The links will take you to a detailed explanation, with many photos of how we have gone about some of our bigger projects. The 'Current Projects' link shows detailed progress of work we are doing at the moment.
Current Projects
New Branch Line Terminus - 2011
New Loco Yard - 2009
New Goods Yard - 2008
Our current thinking (subject to any changes of mind!) for the next major development is to renew the half of the main station which is furthest from the turntable. The aim is to improve the track layout to make it more efficient to operate, and reprofile the platforms to enable longer trains to be accommodated in the loops. We also intend to fully semaphore signal this end of the station which will involve approximately 20 signal arms!
Once the first half of the station has been rebuilt, we plan to renew the second half together with the Locomotive Yard. The current Loco Yard (which was only ever intended as a temporary measure and afforded us the opportunity to get the technology right for the power-operated turntable) will be replaced by a proper Motive Power Depot. This will be built at the back of the layout allowing the possibility of the main lines continuing through at some time in the future. The plan is to incorporate a coaling stage based on the one at Didcot together with an engine shed and all the other paraphernalia one would expect in a busy MPD.
All this, together with renewal of some of the control panels and a host of other minor projects will keep us busy for some years to come.