The loft has been converted into rooms. We got a sitting room and a bedroom, but we lost any hope of a model railway indoors. Therefore, to achieve this aim we have to think differently.

In this case, it will be a model railway for the much underloved and slightly damp garage. There will be certain changes required, including moving the freezer nearer the door and venting the tumble drier properly.

The project has the following goals:

• To contain a double loop of track which will allow continuous movement;
• To be built within twelve months of the start date (probably early June);
• To appeal to an eight year old boy, a five year old girl and their dad;
• To have some scenery, and at least one track incline;
• To be sustainable and enjoyable at least for three seasons of the year;
• To reuse as much material as possible, including Mummy's old track and trucks;
• To avoid the need for DCC because of the quantity of legacy kit.

Managing to reuse as much of the furniture and wood which already exists in the garage will be a particular aim. This should keep costs down somewhat, reduce the burden of building supports and tidy the garage in the process.

Also, getting a layout which will satisfy Jonathan meanwhile will be a must. If he cannot play with it now, he will lose interest.