Well, We All Start Somewhere

Clifton Model Rail founder Ben Dalton built layouts for his family, just like his great uncle Jack Clifton did for him.
Here are some photos of those early efforts, including the various stages of the builds, from finished layouts back to the simple starting points.

The purpose of this page  is to encourage people to just get started as it can be a bit intimidating.
While your initial efforts might be a bit rough, with time practice and consistent improvement, you will be able to create a layout that works and is enjoyable to run.
The photos show the end result, but also progress photos and starting materials from scratch so you can see how it all begins.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 1 (2011)
This layout took a Noch Baseboard, and extended it on a larger wooden frame for more operational interest.
Outrageously heavy, so lesson learned for later baseboards.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 2 (2012)
This layout took a standard Hornby Trakmat, which was carefully glued to a baseboard.
A simple tail chaser layout, but a good starting point from which a lot of lessons were learned.
Also helped develop carpentry skills.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 3 (2012)
Repeat of Clifton Model Railways Layout 2 with a standard Hornby Trakmat glued to a baseboard. 
On this one the track plan was altered so a through station and siding could be added at the front.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 4 (2014)
Bit of step up in terms of complexity of track plan and inclusion of electric motors for points/turnouts.
Trackplan designed to fit on a standard door, so curved points used and a three way point to make the most of a very narrow space.
Addition of elevated scenic area added to complexity of build but also made the layout much more visually interesting.
Use of a 'dividing wall' or scenic break really worked in separating the stations, making the running of trains more realistic.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 5 (2013 - started before, but completed after Layout 4 was finished)
This layout used a Hornby Trakmat as a starting point, but is quite a bit more compact.
The branch line was elevated and reversed, and the crossover pointwork changed to maximise track utilisation.
Multi-level track formation and scenic areas added to the visual interest in the layout.
Use of isolated sections and separate power sections added to operational complexity.
A single line 'fiddle yard' was added at back of the layout so trains can be lifted off and rearranged or replaced.
Extension by modules made possible by including a 'run off' track.

Clifton Model Railways Layout 6 (2019)

This layout was made in Granada, Spain. It was gifted to the apartment complex we were living in as a thank you parting gift when we returned to Australia. Based on a Hornby Trakmat, it was modified to provide the possibility of module extensions via a 'run off' track at the front.
The crossover points position were reversed to enable more realistic running from branch line to the main line.
The branch line was slightly elevated to minimise the 'flat board' effect to enhance the visual complexity and appeal of the scenic sections of the layout.
The whole trakmat was trimmed with outside branch lines cut off to make the size more easy to manage.