Layout construction commenced late 1996 after much consultation with the design team (Gary Rose and John Perry). The bench work is L-girder design with MDF used for the bench top. The use of L-girder design made it more versatile for sweeping curves on grade. The average radius is 350mm (14 inches) although the hidden area is 250mm (10 inches ) in radius.
To permit the operation of double stack intermodal trains a minimum of 50mm (2 inches) clearance was required where the mainline crossed over. To facilitate this a grade of 2% was required. Although 2% is acceptable for normal running with the addition of curves on the grade multiple units are required for trains over 12 cars in length.
The layout includes a 4 track yard for shunting operations and passing moves. A stub ended yard has also been added to store trains (this yard has been modified to a Grain terminal January 2001- see operating page).
Bench work construction was completed by August 96 with track work commencing the same month. The track was laid using a combination of Peco and Atlas code 80 flexible track with medium sized Peco points. Peco point motors were directly connected to the points for more reliable operation. Cork was used at the sub roadbed which has enabled quieter running and easier formation for ballasting.