- Thames Valley Central -

 

 

 

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Layout
 

   The current HO scale layout (1:1/87), which is the third for the club, was started in 2004 after about a year of planning. The orginal design was for a 12' x 48' oval, which over the years, has been lengthened with additional corner modules, bringing the total length to about 60 feet. The track configuration is a multilevel 4 loop design in which the loops can be used independently or combined into one continuous run. There are numerous sidings for the switching of factory and industrial areas, along with multiple yard areas and engine servicing. The layout was originally designed and built in a modular fashion, allowing it to be disassembled, loaded into 2 trailers and transported to train shows and private viewings, primarily in SW Ontario and Michigan. The various TVC layouts have been seen and appreciated by many since its 1965 beginning. In 2015, a decision was made to have the layout remain permanently in the clubhouse, allowing a much greater variation in scenery, buildings etc. as we no longer have the many restrictions imposed on us by having it portable (it still had to fit into the trailers). Also, the layout was showing numerous signs of wear and tear after so many trips over its 11 years on the road. Since becoming a fixed layout, all of the north side of the layout has undergone an extensive rework, with many other changes including a complete rebuild of Avilliville and the east end of the layout. Currently, we have major work being undertaken on both the south & west sides. The TVC layout is controlled by a Digitrax Radio Digital Command Control system. This system was upgraded in 2021 to include the Digitrax Duplex Radio System as well, now providing both simplex and duplex systems. The buildings and bridges are an assortment of kit, kitbashed or scratch built units. The layout is not modelled on any specific railroad theme or timeframe (totally fictitious), allowing the running of any mix of passenger and freights. The majority of rolling stock and engines are member owned, however, the club does own its own limited inventory. While the layout has its scenery completed, except for the areas under repair or repurposing, we are still a long ways from saying 'It's finished'. That day will probably never come as we find ourselves changing and rebuilding for either operational or scenic improvements.