I’ve not been happy with the short siding at the front of the layout, it looks like bit an afterthought, which of course it has been. Unfortunately, I have no more square inches to spare of the Challenges 18.83 square feet to alter it. After remembering some layouts expanded their footprint after the previous 18.83 challenge, I wondered if I could do the same, as well as fit the whole layout in my car. In taking more measurements of the car boot, I realised I could squeeze a little more out of its width. Initially, I’d measure the narrowest width of 37 inches, which is 16 inches above the boot floor. At the base of the boot, it is 39 inches wide. So I’ve devised a cunning plan to make use of the extra 2 inches.

The baseboard and track plan for the challenge. The blank area at the front of the layout offers the possibility of posting small information panels/sheets.

My idea for extending the siding along the side of the Running Shed after the challenge.

The inspiration for extending the siding came from a colour photo of Penzance Shed in Western Region Steam Locomotive Depots by Laurance Waters. As a result, I feel it has improved the look of the layout considerably, just a shame it doesn't fit within the challenges scenic area rule. To achieve this, I will have to add a section to the baseboard I've already built. Do not think that this will be much of a problem, being a small slither of 2 inches should not create a weak point.