The layout will be constructed in four main sections. Paddington Station, London, St Mary Mead and Burgh Island. The track plan above gives a rough idea of what the layout should look like, although there are still a couple of little details missing. The hope is that all the sections will flow seamlessly into each other, whilst also keeping the individuality of their separate locations.

The layout will be built across six baseboards with space in the middle for a scenic backdrop. The model is designed to be viewed, and operated, all the way around (so there is nowhere to hide!). The layout is effectively just a double-track loop, with a loop-line off to St Mary Mead. There is the option of terminating at Paddington, or “off scene” underneath the London section.

Paddington is the London terminus of the layout. There are three platforms which can hold trains of up to six cartridges in length. Behind Paddington is a turntable and hidden sidings, which extend under the London section of the layout. This is so trains can be terminated “off-scene” and turned around to head back to London.

As you leave Paddington you pass through the London section, which is built above the hidden sidings. The main highlight of the section will be Whitehaven Mansions, the home of Hercule Poirot. But there will be many other Christie locations included.

As you exit the London section you pass under a bridge (not pictured on the drawing) which makes the transition from London to St Mary Mead. The bridge will have a split personality with one side modelled in keeping with a city setting and the other with the countryside. There will be a small station in the village plus many of the more rural Agatha Christie locations.

After leaving St Mary Mead you head on to Burgh Island. Modelling this section will be a challenge! There is only really room to only create half an island and making it look like a whole one is going to be tough. Hopefully the clever use of some mirrors will create the illusion that the island is surrounded by water. We will have to wait and see if this works!

Once you leave Burgh Island you return to London where you have a choice of continuing round and round, or terminating to turn around and head back in the opposite direction.

Each section will be introduced in more detail in later posts.

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