I'm building a small portable layout that can be stored in a closet and setup on the diningroom table. I've chosen this design: http://cwhowell2.com/modelrr/nlayout.jpg from the MR database. I'm interested in some comments and opinions. There is a comment that it lacks a runaround track but I don't think it needs one since all sidings are trailing. I plan to mirror image it since I prefer left to right operation. Also thinking about moving the mountain to the opposite corner so that switching the long siding doesn't have to be done from the tunnel. Anybody else have observations for this layout? Thanks - Bill
I have looked at this plan as a possible portable layout to take to local events.
See no problems with either of your ideas, reversing the direction or moving the mountain.
I have thought of two possible changes:
1. Lessening the angle that the sidings come off the main. Run a backdrop at a slight angle. about where the street is and not exactly parallel to the track. This makes it so your train goes somewhere out of site. If you are operating it alone, you could either remove the backdrop so you could see both sides or have your control panel on an end. Two people could actually operate this, one on each side.
2. Put a passing siding on the "top," instead of the single siding, this would serve as a staging area. Have a back drop and expand the trackwork on the front side This would be a layout designed more for demonstration, where you can hide trains from the viewers. You can either have two trains running in the same direction or one in each. One only picks up and drops off cars, the other can bring cars and do the local switching.
Just my thoughts.
Have fun,
Richard
To touch on points you've both made, moving the mountain to the upper left (the "abandoned house" area) would give you a good opportunity for a hidden staging track, if the minimum radius isn't prohibitive. Do you recall what the plan's current minimum radius is?
Other than that ... nice, simple plan. Almost elegant. It would be more elegant by changing the angle of the sidings, as Richard suggested. But I don't know about a backdrop. I would usually want some sort of scenic block, but this design is so compact a backdrop might be a distraction. Perhaps the relocated mountain would provide at least a feeling of separation between the two scenes.
Nice and simple design, sufficient amount of track, not too cramped - go for it!
As with all small layouts, it is advisable to introduce some kind of a scenic divider, in form of a backdrop or taller buildings, which divides the layout into two different scenes - makes it look larger.
Nice, decent-sized layout.
Another thing to think about: make sure you have at least an inch underneath the layout for wiring. I did not do that, now I'm making up for it.
My portable N scale layout is 2 1/2 ft x 4 ft.
Wow, a lot of great comments. Thanks for all the replies. Another variable is turnout selection. I've decided to go cd55 and have collected plenty of Atlas flex track. I really like the looks of the new Atlas cd55 turnouts but how to power the frogs remains a mystery. I use BluePoints on my HO layout but think they would be too bulky for my portable. My hopes are to keep the whole thing thin enough to store in a closet. I have checked on Peco's but their ElectroFrogs do not have insolated points, a feature that some say is required for DCC. Kato has fully switched and isolated points and frogs, but offer cd80 only. For now I may just go with Atlas cd55 with unpowered frogs. My only loco is an Atlas GP7 which seems to perform just fine without powered frogs. Thanks again to everybody - Bill
PS: I plan to construct the layout on a 2'x4' piece of 2" blue foam.
Here's the reversed layout plan. http://cwhowell2.com/modelrr/nlayout2.jpg I also swapped the mountain and farmhouse. Sorry, my digital arts skills are not great. I plan to eliminate the creek and bridge. Also will build to zero elevation. I don't see any operating advantage for going up and down hills. Just makes switching more difficult. I'm looking through old MR mags now, looking for construction tips for blue foam. - Bill
Sorry to bump an old post but I wanted to ask if anyone can help me find the link to PDF for this layout. Can't fund it on the site (I am a subscriber)
The layout plan is called the Great Northern in Montana.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
I wonder how the layout turned out?
MasterRich,
Welcome to the forums!
I just tried to find the plan in the data base and was unsuccessful under that name.
If you can't find any more information on it, send me a PM (conversation) and I will see what I have in my stack of possible plans, since I responded before, there's a good chance I have it. If I find it then I could answer your questions or even make a copy and snail mail it to you.
It must be listed somewhere, but I haven't the computer savy to find it.
Good luck,
Hi,
Thanks for looking, let me know if you find it :)
Cheers
Rich
That's a nice little trackplan, CW - very compact and looks like it can accomodate up to three trains and run one at the time. I like it !
Here is my first layout of this plan http://imgur.com/a/QpvVC#0