Small Layout Suggestions

I am casting about for a nice layout design that fits the following criteria:

-No larger than 3'x6' (smaller is better, moved into a very small 1 bedroom apt)
-Min radius on curves of 15"
-Some light grades, but nothing over 1.5%. Some small bridges, maybe an overpass if it's possible
-Leaning towards scenic layout, but would still like some operations (just not a lot). Was thinking mining or logging.
-Will be operated by one user (two max)
-Would be ideal if one side was against a wall (I could modify to make it easily portable if necessary)
-Transition era, want to run both steam and diesel locos (early to mid-40's)

Suggestions? I just picked up 101 Layouts but didn't find anything that looked interesting. I'm playing with a couple ideas, I'll post when I get a little further along.

Thanks, have a great day!
Greg

 

Even though this shows a more urban concept you could make it work for logging.
Variations on Lynn H Wescotts Plan #14 in Kalmbach: "101 Track Plans"
Point to point switching:


As a Shelf layout:

You can do these sort of variation on most small track plans.

• Change from oval to point to point
• Add or remove a spur
• Change from 4x6 to 2x4
• Change from rectangle to shelf

Hope this helps.

 

1500+ plans on http://wwwcarendt.com or Micro/Small Layouts for Model Railroads

 

There are a couple of interesting 3X6 layouts right here in the layout forum.

 

Thanks for the links guys, currently the attached is my leading choice. I failed to mention that I would want continuous running...

I'm having a few challenges getting it converted in XTrackCAD, hopefully I'll have my own version up sometime soon.

 

I am assuming, given the heights, that this is n-scale?
Just some thoughts:



Adding a passing siding (red line) on the back will allow two trains to pass, or as visible staging for an "Eastbound" or "Westbound" train (or some cars), or, at least, another runaround.

Planting moocho trees between the back track(s) and the lower industries will help give some visual separation.

Curved turnouts at the ends of the 0" sections would allow for a bit longer runaround down there among the industries.

Extending the bottom siding into a tunnel and along the side under the mountain creates staging "off layout", as accessed by a removable panel in the fascia on that side. Heck, you could even bend it all the way around under the back track for more space (though 1.8" is rather difficult to rail cars, though you could have a cassette that slides into the space).

Tighter curves would give you more options (depends on what your running).
Here's the 2'x6' my daughter and I are building together this summer:



But those are (on average) 10" curves.

Have you thought about building the layout over your workbench?
Might give you some more space to work with.
And who really needs a bed, anyway?
Good luck!

 

I've got it in XTrackCAD format. Send me your email in a PM and I'll send you a copy.

 

Well, I ended up spending the last hour or so playing around. Got inspiration from 101 track plans (#28 - Rock Island & Moline Belt Line).

MC, thanks for the ideas. I like the thought of extending the bottom siding as well as the passing on the top.

I attached my latest, but now I'm gonna have to add in some of the suggested options I think.

Since I've got a 4-6-6-4 Challenger that I'll want to run, I'm gonna have to keep a minimum of 15" curves.

I think I'll probably work on 3 different plans until I get one tweaked just the way I want it. So far, I've got 2 (albeit similar) plans as 'works in progress'.

Have a good evening!
Greg

 

You are aware about reversing loops and proper wiring, right? if not, you may want to check up on that. as you have one in that last plan if I read it right.

 

Sorry, it IS n-scale. Sorry, I didn't catch that clarification.

As for the reversing loop(s), yes I am aware of and know what to do to wire em.

Now I just need to figure out if it's too much, not enough or just right.

 

So what made you decide to ditch the first plan (in which the entire layout is essentially one long continuous run) for the second, which is basically an oval with a spur and a crossover?

 

Here is a small layout I designed for N scale that might give you some ideas. This has a continuous run but it is not mostly a "run the train around and around." It is mostly a "what a train does in one town" layout. I don't remember the exact size of the design, but you could build it in 3 x 6 leaving off the L extension.



Omitting the portion of the L with the engine terminal and turntable, but having a removable straight section with hidden spurs would allow staging, so different trains could come into and leave your modeled town.

 

What book has the Rock Island and Moline belt in it?

 

Mudkip, I haven't ditched any plans. I am going to work on a few (3) versions, tweak them and then decide which I like best.

Kenneth, nice layout and I do like the L section. I'm considering an L section for mine to hold a small yard for my little diesel switcher.

Fireball, the layout was in 101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders (#28 - Rock Island & Moline Belt Line) published by Kalmbach Books.

So, here is another layout I'm considering. Will convert this over to XTrackCAD this weekend I think. It's a little bit more 'simple' than the previous 2, but it works.

Thanks guys, have a great weekend!
Greg

 

I liked the one that MC Fujiwara had made. In the final analysis, its going to be your layout so tweak away. I also liked your first plan...just my two cents....:tb-cute:

 

Here's a 3x6 plan I almost used to replace Thunder Ridge:


Lots of room for scenery, some operations available (turn table could be replaced with maybe 2 more spurs if desired). If I recall correctly these are 14" curves, but that's well enough for the Challenger. No grades, but with the scenic side they can easily be implied. The dark green is a mountain ridge divider, so you'd have to make it movable so you an turn it around on occasion.

Anyways, I just thought I'd throw it out there as a possibility.

 

Well, I have my canvas:



I've made it so I can easily take the legs off:



The dimensions are 85"x40". I know, it's a little bigger than the 3'x6' I had said earlier but I just couldn't help it and it fits in the bedroom fine.

I must say all the ideas provided are keeping me busy. I really had wanted to have elevation, but Mark, your point about implying it... That sounds about right. A removable "mountain" is a great idea, since it will keep it easy to move (and I WILL move in 1 year or less, 1 bedroom - what was I thinking?!).

I'll get the actual layouts up tomorrow, I hope. I have a few finishing touches on the legs of benchwork and then it should be ready to build on. It's actually pretty sturdy now.

Later guys, thanks again.
Greg

 

Great start! I can hardly wait to see the final masterpiece. :thumbs_up:

 

...and, it's Tuesday. Nothing like progress:



Table leg stabilization:



Not quite what I had hoped for. But, it's the journey and not the destination right?

Oh, found something that perhaps I'll model too...



Have a great night and a better Wednesday!
Greg