Exhibition or home?
The second layout is a roundy-roundy version and while it has a complete circuit for running-in trains or just watching them go by, it’s meant to be operated end-to-end. Note, I’ve chosen the flattest two stations, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog, avoiding the potentially complex Berwyn baseboard mentioned on page 83. Alternatively, you could model just one station and have a scenic run on the other side. Either way I suggest Peco Setrack for non-scenic sections, which is a great way to use up existing track from a previous entry-level layout, and Streamline for all scenic sections. Code 100 is a perfect match for the section of rail modelled.
Glyndyfrdwy is unusual in that it is the only station with a level crossing, worth modelling as an operating feature, if possible. In the accompanying photographs (left), you can see LMS ‘Jinty’ No. 7298, plus GWR
No. 7754, double heading with LMS ‘4F’ No. 4422.
The non-scenic section has a combined facility on both sides of the operating well of six tracks. Four make up two loops, together with two dead-end sidings and a linking turntable. Each side represents further locations along the line, in correct sequential order.
While the layout is designed primarily with exhibitions in mind, it could be located in a room 14ft by 12ft with 2ft minimum access all-round on the outside. However, you could turn the layout inside out on itself with stations located in current fiddleyard positions and fiddleyards where the stations are. The only drawbacks with this would be the reach over scenic sections, to fiddleyards and behind the backscenes. Certainly the fiddleyards would have to be fully automated and with removable backscenes, giving access when required. You may also need to extend the scenic board length when constrained by fiddleyards on the outside.