Like David's my layout is in a corner and to solve the access issues I built my layout on rollers and the whole thing easily rolls away from the wall
Jim
Good Morning dsmith:
Thanks for the detailed description. All I can say is CLEVER! You solved the age old problem of servicing a corner layout, and easily too.
Patrick L
RFD-TV --- Rural America's most important network!
Hi Patrick,
You are right, the layout does sit against the wall and it is impossible to get to the back of it, so here's what I did. The base is made from inexpensive particle board, it's 40" high and 4' x 8' with a 2x4 bolted across the open front. The 5' x 9' layout frame is made from 1/2" thick 1 x 4 plywood with a 1/2" plywood top. The base is set up permanently in one position and is about a foot from the back wall. The layout sits on top of the base without being attached. Grab hold of the front edge of the layout and it can easily be moved out a foot. This gives just enough room to squeeze behind and work on the layout. The sky backdrop and background buildings are attached to the wall so you don't have to reach over them when you are behind the layout. Under the layout I use plastic bins for storage (14 bins) and I purchased finished plywood paneling to cover the edges of the layout and as a cover for the storage area. The front cover of the storage area has 1 x 2 pine boards for support and magnetic door catches to hold it in place. On one end I built 1/2" MDF shelves 3 1/4" deep and 5" between shelves to display some of the freight cars.
dsmith
Hello Dave:
I am impressed with what you have done in a 5' X 9' space. looks GREAT! I looked at the picture here and your video, and can't figure out how you get to the back corner to service the layout. The layout doesn't look spaced from the wall. Is it?
Patrick L.
dsmith I haven't met a modeler yet (including myself) who didn't lust after more engines, more equipment, more track or a bigger layout. My opinion is that every train enthusiast should try and be content with what they have at this point in time. I have tried to design an 027 layout in a 5' x 9' space with enough action to keep me interested. Recently I added a 2' x 5' addition. Sure, I 'd like a bigger layout someday but I'm certainly happy with what I have right now. It's OK to dream big but it's also important to live happily in the present.
I haven't met a modeler yet (including myself) who didn't lust after more engines, more equipment, more track or a bigger layout. My opinion is that every train enthusiast should try and be content with what they have at this point in time. I have tried to design an 027 layout in a 5' x 9' space with enough action to keep me interested. Recently I added a 2' x 5' addition. Sure, I 'd like a bigger layout someday but I'm certainly happy with what I have right now. It's OK to dream big but it's also important to live happily in the present.
If you like Dave's layout photos, you'll love his video. I never tire of watching it. Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
For planning purposes, it might be useful to know that standard American doors, and particularly interior doors, are 80 inches high. Also, interior doors are usually 1 3/8 inches thick; and exterior doors are usually 1 3/4 inches thick, if that makes a difference to anyone.
Bob Nelson
Talking about small layouts, check out the two coffee table layouts, O and HO, on Joe Rampolla's web site at www.josephrampolla.com. Even more interesting is his many animations with construction details.
I've decided to add another 3X7 door as an expansion and have an L shaped layout. At this point I'm going to keep things simple by expanding the run and maybe adding another spur or two. Got a great deal on a leftover Christmas house at Kohls last weekend ( with the 80% off and coupons it cost me nothing) I'm going to consentrate on putting my Dept 56, Lemax and other bldgs up on the layout permanent. The pictures on this thread and ideas expressed by all have my juices flowing and when I get done here I going to the local home depot and look for a cheap damaged door I can use. Thanks
Bruce
If you are thin on accessories and want more track, Place an elevated oval with the A trestle. It doubles as a test track or photo stage.
I use a double circle connected by a 45 degree crossing in a corner. The oval fits on that.Simple but the train has to do two loops around the table to make a lap. The Track is about 7' by 7' with the rest as a work area.
For the ultimate link to layouts ... bash/kit building and making and expanding fabulous layouts go here http://www.all-model-railroading.co.uk/forum/ you'll see how small layouts never get boring !
alcofanschdy I like the ideas about adding a second level. Can anyone direct me to magazine articles and/or websites that give examples of what might work? ThanksBruce
I like the ideas about adding a second level. Can anyone direct me to magazine articles and/or websites that give examples of what might work? Thanks
Have you seen Tony Koester's book "Designing & Building Multi-Deck Model Railroads" put out by Model Railroader? It is mostly larger layouts and mostly HO, but does have some ideas on heights, lighting, test grades, Etc.
I think a 3 x 7 foot layout would be more of a "challenge" than a 4 x 8. Got to be a little more cerebral in the planning phase, and carefull with which equipment and structures would compliment the theme. If done right, you'll leave others thinking man, why didn't I think of that...
BTW ---> envfocus - Congrats on your photo on pg 18!!!
It is easy to see I still do not do well at posting photo's.
In my Chillicothe VAMC office. " align=bottom mce_src="">
This is the small layout I built form Lionels Model Railroader pocket books from the 50's. CTT did an article some time back on it also.
I had a small 3 x 7 door slab layout with a figure 8 of O27 track and a spur. It got boring rather quickly because the train really did nothing more than chase its tail. In my opinion, and it's just an opinion, is an interesting layout should have at least two mainlines, at least one passing siding, and a few spurs. You can cram this on a 4 x 8 table using tubular track or a 5 x 9 using Fastrack.
dsmithI haven't met a modeler yet (including myself) who didn't lust after more engines, more equipment, more track or a bigger layout. My opinion is that every train enthusiast should try and be content with what they have at this point in time. I have tried to design an 027 layout in a 5' x 9' space with enough action to keep me interested. Recently I added a 2' x 5' addition. Sure, I 'd like a bigger layout someday but I'm certainly happy with what I have right now. It's OK to dream big but it's also important to live happily in the present.
Dave,
Always a pleasure to see pictures of your layout. I think this is the first bird's eye view of it I've seen. Very sharp, and shows what can be done with a relatively small space. Keep up the good work!
J White
my layout is 5.5' X 8' .Someday I hope to build a much larger layout, but this one is serving me well as my technology demostrator. Its not hard to work out things on a small layout, knowing they will scale up just fine later. Ive developed my interlocked automated switches that allow the train to travel all of the different routes in both directions without intervention. Now im working up my catenary system that also ties into the autmated swich scheme, so no electrc engine can be routed to a track with no catenary.
The February 2009 issue of CTT has an article on page 46. The title is, "Layout With An Entertaining Secret". It is an interesting way of having two levels without making it look obvious. Worth a look.
My motto is "Build small, but build many". I have a 5x8 "O", 6x4 "S", 2x4 "N", 2 "under the Christmas tree" "O", and a battery powered "G" outdoors in a flower bed. I have NO desire to go larger with any of them. Because I love doing scenics, they all have a minimum of track taking up space.
I also belong to a "O" modular group, so "big" is taken care of. We usually do 4 shows a year.
With my "O" 5x8 layout, I have had visiters totally entertained by the scenics and animations for 15 minutes before I even turn on the trains.
I love small layouts. Mine is 4.5' x 8.5'. All done with tubular 027 track. Although it doesn't change the track plan, my way of changing the layout over time was by making the center village removable. I cut out a quarter inch particle board and made my current village on an oval that fits within my lower level loop. I will make my second village scene this summer on a separate board so I can interchange the two over time. The pictures below are of the village being made outside, then how it looks when I placed it on the layout. Another thing about layouts not getting old is to simply buy a new engine occassionaly or cars or people. For me, it becomes a new layout with each new item.
My layout is 4'x7', that's all the room I have, but it has 10 switches, and a lot of action. I like running the O27 cars and smaller scale switcher engines, because of the size limitations. The smaller cars allow you to run more cars, and provide more options.
To keep things interesting, I started on scenery, and some scratch building projects. I plan to start scratch building cars in the future, when I run out of building space.
Kurt
I think you would see a big difference jumping up to a 4x8, but if you don't have the space I'm sure you will get alot of enjoyment in your current size. Try making 2 levels where the bottom level is all hid except a front stretch of track. On top of that you could put another train and a village or what ever scenic things you might have. Adding switches could give more operating fun. I have a 4x8 and enjoy it alot. Concentrate on making your layout the best small layout it can be. Also look for dead space where you don't really have either track or something you like and try to re-arrange or move track so you don't have any boring "nothing" areas. Small layouts are nice if you aren't happy with it, just tear up the track and re-do. Best wishes.
I have a 4x8 in my second bedroom that is way overdue for a makeover. After checking out the Fastrack layouts at thortrains.net that is. Keep the length of your trains small, you need to create the illusion of distance. Stick with O-27 motive power and rolling stock, the standard O can be overpowering. Also, avoid any accessories that have a large footprint. The milk platform(have), diesel coal loader, and icing station do not take up a lot of real estate. Use the small size to your advantage. The only person who needs to be happy and impressed is you.
If you are going to have a layout on the bed under the layout table like I have, measure the height of the bed made with blankets on it. Add the height of the thickness of the layout board ( 1/2") then the height of track and switches. This will be the minimum height from the floor to the bottom of any framing members. You will also need to run wires through the framing members instead of along the bottom cords. I have some wiring to repair now where something got caught and broke a wire.
My first phase of my layout was 4'x16'. After we got it up and running, the planned expansion started.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
I have a moderate sized layout (12x18) that is on three levels, with more to come. I am still working on it to get more than just the outer loop running. I have been challenged with learning new skills to build this, but have missed running trains. That said, nothing wrong with a smaller layout. You can have fun and make it interesting. Create some mountains, hidden tracks, etc. The suggestion for Thor's trains layout site is a good one. He has created some nice ideas. Another way to make things interesting is to have some switching capabilities. Serve an industry or something. If you want, you can have a few different schemes like 1940s steam era with older buildings, etc., and then you can switch out the buildings for more modern era items and act like it is current day, and keep the same track plan. Your biggest limitation is not the size of the layout...it is your imagination! You can have a few different levels. Try using elevated sections, etc.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Im a big fan of small layouts. I don't have the skills in scenicking to do a huge layout, and I don't want to be working on the same layout for 10 years. I like many of the layouts on Thors page, and I have a bunch that I have copied from other layouts, and some that i have built myself. I needed something smaller that my son could control, and even hacked my own layout down to 7.5 x 6.5. It's enough to keep my attention.
Wes
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