Switching layout

[jeep35]

Greetings,
I've got space (3x12) for a switching layout. I'm looking for some interesting track plans. Any good ideas out there?

Stan

[DSchmitt]

Look at the Micro Layout site

http://carendt.com/

[Jetrock]

That's a good place to start but most of the carendt plans are almost too small for a 3x12 space! What scale do you model, jeep35, and what aspects of railroading most interest you?

In HO, 3x12 feet is plenty of room for a busy industrial district, or a narrow-gauge logging line, or a fairly elaborate trolley layout, or a very large "vignette" of Class 1 operations. I'd recommend making the actual shelf no wider than 30" unless you can reach it from both ends or it will be set very low--three feet is kind of a tough reach sometimes, and trains have a perverse habit of derailing in the least accessible spot on your layout.

In N, 3x12 feet is enough room for quite an empire! You can have a "dog bone" plan with loops on either end and a big yard in the middle, or leave the middle minimalist with a couple of sidings for industries and place terminals near the loops.

In O, well, you can make a Timesaver...

[Anonymous]

There's lots of good discussion, and files of plans and photos at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/small-layout-design/
and also a spill over subsidiary group just for more files (no discussion):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sldfiles/

The British modelling mags concentrate heavily on switching layouts of this size, you might want to order a few backissues from Peco:
http://www.peco-uk.com/

And I'll also put in a plug for Carl's site mentioned before. Many of those designs can easily be stretched out and linked together to make some very interesting larger layouts.


Cheers,
Mo

[jeep35]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I model in HO. Actually I have a layout that takes up much of my basement. I have to "scale-down" my layout so to speak. One of the decisions I have to make is what parts (scenes) of my current layout I like best. I model the Western Maryland with a number of coal mines. Right now I don't know if I want to stay with this or go with a city scene or something in between. I have quite a few structures that I would hate not to use, but on the other hand starting over with a new theme could also be enjoyable. Its rather confusing at this point, that's why I was looking for some ideas.

Again Thanks to All

[Jetrock]

Hmmm...modeling coal mining in HO takes a lot of space--those big long coal drags and articulated engines, y'know--but a close-up coal mine scene (done as an industrial layout, with yard switchers loading empties and making up trains for the big beasts to take out) might be interesting.

[Anonymous]

This is a work in progress by one of the guys at our local modular club:

http://www.hotrak.ca/modules/Castor_River/Castor_River.html

It is quite impressive already, with all track laid (switching area comes of a double main), and even with only cardboard mock-ups for most of the buildings, it makes quite an impression! Also has DCC controlled turnouts & routing.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

I'm glad this topic came up. How close do you put the magnets to the turnouts?
N scale.

mike

[randybc2003]

Try 101 Track Plans & the ATLAS books. They have several layouts on switching, etc. In particular I rember 1 mine layout w/ a curve-back, and you could allways put in a switch-back.