The new outer ring 00 test track's proved most useful to the guys from "Ingatestone" 00 as they combined their fleet of container wagons into a 1/2 prototypical length intermodal train as seen on the GE route from Felixstowe into London.
We hope to run trains of this size on the layout with class 66, 70, 86 & 90's at the head on Ingatestone.
We've recently laid extra tracks in between our O gauge tracks, to enable a greater variety of stock to be run, and reflecting the popularity of the test tracks every Thursday evening. All of the tracks can be controlled by DC or DCC to maximise choice.
The new outer OO gauge ring now offers the opportunity on track nights for members to run very long trains round with out them "tail chasing" the last wagon, and with less strain on the locomotive.
In the picture, Kev counts off all 18 wagons of the test run beside the new tracks that have been installed.