There is no single "perfect" size for a model railway layout as it depends on several factors such as the scale you...
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What is the perfect size for a model railway layout?Read more -
Which model buildings are best, card or plastic?Read moreWhen building a model railway layout, or any diorama for that matter, you will most likely want to place at least a...
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What is the purpose of check rails and where were they typically used?Read moreCheck rails are small additional rails that are installed next to the main running rails on a railway track. They...
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What were water cranes used for?Read moreIn the era of steam locomotives, water cranes, often referred to as water columns or water towers, played a crucial...
What is a static mainline in model railways?
A static mainline is a dummy mainline track on a viaduct or embankment that spans the width of a smallish baseboard. It is used as a scene-break to hide the other side of the baseboard, but, as it doesn't go anywhere, it's generally not operational.
Using a dummy mainline as a scene-break is a good way of giving a small layout a mainline identity without the compromise of having fast trains traversing tight radius curves.
Train operations take place on an oval track or similar arrangement placed around the perimeter of the board. The track appears and disappears from view through bridges under the mainline and can represent any grimy, industrial or secondary route that would be commonly found in the vicinity of a mainline.
This arrangement gives the best of both worlds, allowing slower, more realistic operations on the secondary line while the mainline sets the scene. This type of track plan has the added advantage that a temporary end to end track can be attached to the mainline to permit occasional running but removed when space in your spare room is once again required.
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