My unambitious 3-rail trackplan

[FJ and G]

The chiefs tell the Indians that in about 2 weeks, we move to a new work locale. Being an “Indian,” I’ll not have the luxury of a room facing a window, or for that matter a room. I’ll instead be out in the commons area with the other Indians.

My fellow Indians (and even the chiefs) liked my previous 3-rail desk layout and wonder when the new one will be built. However, seeing the meager amount of space I’ve been allotted, I’ve opted for a folded dogbone (see diagram).

Two major modifications will need to be made.

First off, I’ll be using 027 track but will need to bend the return loops to about 023 or 024. Hmmm.

I’ll be using the Lionel “docksider” (0-6-0) as my main loco, and possibly might employ some homebuilt critters (like the below one modified from a Lionel RS-7). I’m also planning a fleet of 4-wheel scratchbuilt flats and tippers. Below is the flat and in another photo you can see the beginnings of a tipper.

In short, the layout will have squeaky tight curves and very small locos and rolling stock.

Once I get the trains running (DCS and/or conventional), then I’ll do some major selective compression and forced perspective scenery.

Eventually, I may add some unpowered turnouts with short spurs for ore dumps. 

Any comments appreciated.


The space (or lack thereof)




The Plan



Beginnings of a tipper (center of photo)



Flatcar



Loco critter



BB the beagle opts for the dogbone design too

[wrmcclellan]

Dave,

Of course BB opts for the dogbone design - could it be any other way??

Hey - you could go for the reintroduced K-Line superstreets track (go the the Lionel Web Site and click on the K-Line catalog) which has a very tight radius and make this a "track in street" design and use some trolleys in addition to your shortened rolling stock. I know Doug would particularly endorse a layout with some trolley's on it!

Just checked and Superstreets curves make 16" dia circles (0-16?)! And for BB - they sell a Dogbone Expander Pack! BB will surely want anything that expands dogbones! My dog Maggie is looking at it right now - OK - she went back to sleep...

[Dr. John]

Four out of three dachshunds recommend dogbones. (Dachshunds aren't very good at math.)

Would it be easier to use Gargraves flex track rather than re-bend tubular track for the tight curves? I don't know how tight you can bend Gargraves. Roy's suggestion of Superstreets is an intriguing possibility.

 

[Anonymous]

Dave,
The plan looks great for the space. I would try to conceal at least half of each of the balloon loops if you can with landscaping. The choice of Lionel Docksider and your scratch-built cars should look perfect on the tighter curves.
Good luck,
Mike

[csxt30]

That layout could be a good candidate for BEEPS, maybe !! I think Superstreets would be nice also !!

Thanks, John

 

[lionelsoni]

If the 24 inches is the depth of the desktop ends, why not just lay a 30-inch deep piece of plywood on top of that?  I think that would leave ample width there for someone of your enviable girth.

[HopperSJ]

Dave,

I'm blown away that you can get away with this in your office! You must have some very understanding (or very cool) fellow indians to not complain about the track noise. You also must have some very understanding chiefs!

Anyway, I think it is awesome you are able to do this. Talk about "Bring your trains to work" day!

[FJ and G]

Thanks for your tips. I'll have BB walk the track. The 027 will easily bend, but I might go for the wider ends idea. But the tighter radius idea intrigues me and gives me a challenge so will try that first. I'm especially looking forward to trying to create the illusion of space in a small area. I'll also post photos of the tipples and might send a blueprint I make to CTT if they're interested in a working tipple plan.

 

[FJ and G]

as some of you know, my last office trackplan was short on scenery

 

 

 

but the one previous to that one had scenery

 

 

[underworld]

Sounds like an interesting undertaking. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your scratch built critters and cars!!!

 

underworld

[underworld]

Take a look at this site

http://carendt.us/

some are point to point but there are quite a few continuos operation layouts...and all of them very small. There are new ones posted regularly.

underworld

[laz 57]

How about  a bump and go trolley?  Gang car? Firecar? Burro crane with trips?

Something to think about.

laz57

[Anonymous]

I'd get a serious talking to if I tried that, and box to put it in and take it home to make sure it didn't come back.  I'd probably be allowed to display a train, nicely on one of the cubicle shelves. 

[Jumijo]

David, I was thinking about your layout dilemna last night. The problem is that your track return loops are too wide for your desk? Consider going off the edge of the desk and making a scratchbuilt curved timber bridge that goes all the way to the floor! Nothing adds drama to a layout like a huge wooden timber bridge! And if anyone can scratchbild one, it would be you.

Jim

[fifedog]

Why not take a tip from our scale cousins, and try a true switching layout, with no return loops.  Place a couple lineside accessories about (log loader, coal loader, milk car, etc.), and maybe an overhead trolley line like laz was thinking.  If it turns out nice, it may become a centerpiece of a bigger home layout.

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Dave:

I thought you worked for the Army?  I would not think they would be so tolerant of your desktop decor.  In any event, I am envious that you are able to have a layout essentially cover your desk.  Keep us posted on the developments.  Your creativity is amazing!

Regards,

John O

[FJ and G]

Quote: "I thought you worked for the Army?  I would not think they would be so tolerant of your desktop decor."

--------

It's called TRAINing.

[johnandjulie13]

It appears that you have been more successful in TRAINing your employer, than vice versa.  Kudos to you!

Regards,

John O

[underworld]

Why not take a tip from our scale cousins, and try a true switching layout, with no return loops.  Place a couple lineside accessories about (log loader, coal loader, milk car, etc.), and maybe an overhead trolley line like laz was thinking.  If it turns out nice, it may become a centerpiece of a bigger home layout.

 

fifedog Check out http://carendt.us/ tons of switching layouts from Z to G in standard and narrow gauges. Switching layouts aren't just for scale anymore!!!

underworld