‘Never enuf’ is a layout in G scale which I started building in March 2011. G scale is often referred to as Gauge I and is available in a scale of approximately 1:24 to 1:32). Much larger than HO (the scale used and described in Escape Route), and generally not as accurate, this scale is meant for outdoors and most of the available equipment claims its resilience to the vagaries of nature. Well, this claim is being put to test at ‘Never enuf’. All the tracks are laid permanently, out on the green alongwith other structures made of UV resistant plastics. While everything has withstood one harsh Indian summer and a good monsoon, it’s too early to comment on the endurance of these materials.
Building Never Enuf has been one of the most gratifying experiences. Making via ducts & portals from cement, bridges from metal ropes, buildings from cement and “sunboard”, fences from wood… its been quite a challenge. There is an equal number of kit-built buildings and scratch-built structures. To add aesthetic, visual elements to the Layout required changing the landscape to incorporate a mountain for the ropeway-trolley, planting new dwarf greens and making new ponds & waterfalls. Hundreds of metres of wire had to be laid underground and I can anticipate the need for much more. The control section has been incorporated on a rack with castors large enough to be ferried easily over grass. Simple plug-ins connect the output of the transformer to the track and accessories for a plug ‘n’ play set up and after play this control section is moved indoors. After nearly seven months of back breaking effort under the scorching sun, it was truly a delight to see the Taurus and Stainz going around the two circuits which had now been completed. The two circuits are fairly simple loops which have utilized about 400 ft of track. Because of maintenance nightmares, I have postponed the incorporation of points and sidings till a later stage.
Of course, it doesn’t stop here; that’s why the name. Whatever be the length and size of the layout, it always appears there’s more that can be done. More trains. More buildings. More fun – both in making and operating! Work is now on to construct a 50ft length of point to point operation with the Aristocraft auto reverse unit. I shall be posting developments, so please drop by later.