This plan shows how the layout will fit together. Each section (or module) is 600 x 175mm and can join together in any configuration. The layout, as shown above, is in it's simplest form (as well as the shortest!). This configuration joins together all of the "custom" modules, plus a "standard" module.

The standard module is just simply pier and straight track, and these standard modules can be used to build up the layout to the full scale length, or any length in-between.

The custom modules are sections that differ from the standard module, such as where there are crossovers, stations, or other buildings. There is a variation on the standard module, not shown above, where the standard module has the seating extension. This extension can already be seen on the two crossover modules.

Modules are numbered from shore to sea, and there are 21 to make the full scale length. Currently the model only extends as far as the railway, although in the future the pier head may be modelled. Where this track plan leaves out numbers, the correct number of standard modules will eventually fill in the gaps. The thinking behind the modular system is to ensure that the model is very flexible and can be built to any length as required, but always be able to have a fully working railway no matter what the length.

In future posts I will look at each module in turn, which will hopefully give a more detailed overview of the railway.

Read this post and more at blog.thepierrailway.co.uk