I have been allotted a room that is approximately 25m2. I have decided to model in HO Scale. I am doing a freelance railroad using an imaginary European monarchy that would geographically be located in the real-life border region of the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. This allows me to run a huge variety of rolling stock. I intend to model in Epoch V with the stars of the layout likely to be Thalys and ICE trains.

This layout is meant to be a practice layout for a much more ambitious projet in a room that is more than 100m2 - but as this is my first serious layout, I've been advised to go for something simpler. The result is the layout below.

The layout will eventually span 3 levels - which is why the track plan looks so complex. Each level, however, will be able to work on its own, meaning that as soon as I finish the ground level, I'll be able to operate trains.

The major interest will be a 12-track terminal station, with two additional smaller passenger stations which will allow for some good point-to-point operation. There's still some work to be done at the top level as I am basing it that level on a track plan published in the French Loco Revue issue #725. I want to add some freight interest with companies that would be producing products for the main city. 

The plan was completed in about a couple of weeks' time using DRail:

Sure thing! I'll send it to your e-mail - can't post it directly on the website because the file is too large.

Oops! Just saw the post from David about our increased permissions! Also linked it to my first post.

Not yet Definetely hope to start on it some day though - I've been given huge portions of an annex in a farmhouse about 40 mins from where I live (I live downtown Brussels) - so I need to get all the materials together and just start having at it!

An update to the plan - I've completed sidings on the top level, and have determined which tracks I want hidden and which ones I want visible. A lot of the layout will in fact have non-visible track - don't know yet if I'm pleased by that or not!

Hello,

Till now very good! This railway company will be huge.
Would be good for me, I'm envious of your plan.
I cannot form so beautiful plans, my plans plainer.

For your plan is his own magic. I desire additional good building.

I downloaded it already and I take delight in the details.

Good luck,

Thrush

We're buying the house, so plans are going to have to all change! I'm going to be getting a space with +/- 50m2 to play with!

Hi David,

You're more than welcome to drop by - Expert advice always welcome!!

Cheers for that link! Really amazing work - it looks familiar to me, so I may have discovered it before.

I just came from the Paris Modelling Fair, which was also quite impressive, ended up completing my first Thalys 10-car set!

In any case, I should definetely pop over! Might want to combine this with a visit to friends, and my grandma's grave in A'doorn.

Are you close to R'dam?