Escape Route is a home layout in HO scale, constructed in a room of size 20ft by 8ft. Built along the wall, at a height of 49 inches, it is a freelance layout with fictional references. The depth of the shelf is 18 inches, though at corners it does increase a little uncomfortably. Having built earlier layouts at table height, I opted for a higher shelf height of 49” for Escape route and sure enjoyed the benefits of not having to stoop down to view details up close. This height created easy access to under the table wiring

Escape Route comprises of three parallel, independently controlled routes. The further most oval, closest to the walls, runs on analog controller, and provides for some scope of “operations” through a switch bank which controls nine “points” and allows the activation or isolation of sidings, along with the use of engine repair facility and sheds.

The middle oval functions with block control system thus providing automated operations involving a maximum of three trains. The third was added about three years ago (2007) to accommodate DCC. DCC provides the next dimension with sound and light functions though it still has to be exploited to its full potential on the Escape Route.

Admittedly, I take playing with trains seriously. Yet, Escape route is miles away from conforming to any prototypical railroad. Nor does it aim to defy, or set new standards. This is where trains run through an imaginary village called Kleewedge which is nestled between mountains, through tunnels in the Faith hills, offload at an industry spur called the Burnfast industries (which are rapidly burning a hole in the ozone layer), wake up residents of Straw hamlet with their rumble and squeal to a stop at a station called Kumagane. The trains follow no way bills, and often have a mind of their own.

Motive power & Rolling Stock
Over the years, the roster of locos has grown to 45 and includes products of Hornby, Fleischman, Roco, Trix, Lima, Bachman, Athearns, Kato, and even three decade old relics from Pico. The vintage collection I am particularly fond off and try my best to keep them up and chugging. The freedom of a freelance layout is utilized to the hilt with Athearns GPs pulling Hornby coaches, albeit with a little re-fixing of couplers. Though the collection covers locos from across the world, my fascination for the British steam remains deeply entrenched; as a kid it was the British line up that one saw and traveled in, in India.

Structures
Structures have been built from kits of Faller, Metcalf and Hornby. Apart from the plastic kits and cardboard kits, some have been scratch built from matchsticks and straws. The bridges have come from Faller, Hornby and Metcalf.
Lighting
Street lamps from Brawa and Viesmann adorn the streets and buildings. Some are again scratchbuilt. All buildings, whether from plastic kits or cardboard kits are illuminated using bulbs from string lights. Working neon signs from Miller engineering just about complete the magical touch.
Signals
The analogue routes have wired and functional signals (both aspect and sophomore) from Viesmann, Hornby, Model power.
Sound
The layout features both onboard and offboard sound devices. An MRC sound box and Busch realistic sound provides off board sound and
Scenery
Mountains and hills have been crafted using plaster of paris set in moulds over the usual thermocol base. Tunnel portals and retaining walls are from Faller, Busch and Nosch. Apart from a dozen Faller trees, the majority of the trees on Escape Route have been hand crafted with different techniques. Dried Grape twigs form the base of quite a few trees. Coloured and ground saw dust has been used for foliage and ground cover. Commercial grass mats have also been used. Ground foam has been used in areas requiring dense ground cover.
Vinyl printouts have been used for the backdrop. To add depth, rows of column house made from Metcalf kits were photographed and added in the landscape of the backdrop.
Faller car system
Escape Route also boasts of a Faller car system. The roads beyond the rocky mountains are carriageways for buses of Faller.