I thinking of building a 2x8 switching layout that I could add on modules later. I’m looking for ideas of what a ho switching layout would look like. If anyone has any pictures or track plans that would be great.
I Goggel Images searched on "2 x 8 ho track plans" and got a lot.
A straight Google search got some interesting results as well.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
You can also use this site. Go to "how to" at the top on the page, hit track plan datebase on the drop down. put in your info and plans will appear.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I am currently negotiating rights of use foe 6x8 alcove to build a layout in...
I'll have a mine and logging camp that sends loads to the terminal which has engine service facilities where the head out bound off layout, then empties come back and go back to the industries... kinda gonna be tight but I think it'll give me reasonable ops... best of luck on your own layout!
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
gregc
Truly a great operating layout - even more info if you go back to the August and November 1939 MR (color shot on the cover in August). Simple - but prototypically accurate. Now, getting it into a 2x8 is going to be tough, even in N scale (original is 17/64 O scale).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkergetting it into a 2x8 is going to be tough
MBmodeler thinking of building a 2x8 switching layout that I could add on modules later.
a plan for later and some choices for now. maybe two 1x8 (or smaller) sections now
While longer than 8' in HO, check out the Fall Creek Branch track plan. The MR article it was featured in includes a complete operating scheme with 12 separate sessions before cycling back to Session 1. I'm currently helping a neighbor build an N scale version only 6' long.
Hornblower
This one I designed for a client is a little longer at 9 feet, but has a lot of operating potential, combining a small yard, a runaround, and industries. Like many good small switching layouts, there are echoes Of Linn Westcott's "Switchman's Nightmare". The two “Running Tracks” down the center (in blue) are broader radii, so it would be a nice addition to other sections in a larger layout.
Folks may read more about this layout (and some other alternatives that I thought were less successful) in this reprint from the Layout Design Journal.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
cuyamaFolks may read more about this layout (and some other alternatives that I thought were less successful in this reprint from the Layout Design Journal.
I always liked this one, Byron.
Now that one I could build now and have something the run, and eaily incorporate in my layout, the 30" radius of the 'through' tracks makes that entirely usable. I'd almost have to make it a module for the upper level, since with the distances involved there's not likely be a second yard on the lower level.
Then I'm thinking that would require me to figure out exactly how I am going to build the upper level benchwork - but, no, it doesn't. If I frame something like that out but use risers and cleats, and screw up from the bottom, I cna always unscrew the entire plywood top and mount it to whatever I want later.
Truly a great operating layout - even more info if you go back to the August and November 1939 MR (color shot on the cover in August). Simple - but prototypically accurate. Now, getting it into a 2x8 is going to be tough, even in N scale (original is 17/64 O scale). --Randy
Modifying this to N scale, and 2x8, seems plausible with some minor tweaks and changes. Varying a divider to run curved and at angles to the long edge would force some of the perspective angles of the original plan.
Keeping the upper towns to a 3 foot length each, with a 2x2 180* turn of 11" radius at the end would almost get you there. The lower half is entirely doable simply with some minor compression.
The quarry could wrap around the inside of the curve, and there's likely room for an added industry track there for flats/company boxcars, and a small loading dock to give another switching opportunity.
The lower left end of the plan gets a small freight house and dock, perhaps one additional track leading to the right and off the front edge to simulate interchange with another railroad. This could be staging for a handful of cars both inbound and outbound, using the wooded hill to help separate it from the rest of the scene...
I kind of like the idea of a free standing 2x8 version of this set in the late 40s or early 50s, with early diesels and small steam switchers moving 40' cars. Perhaps an RDC type unit pulling a RPO for mail and basic passenger service.
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Will this plan work on a 24"wide shelf
JerseysailorWill this plan work on a 24"wide shelf
are you looking at HO or N?
I would recommend looking into industrial railroads, business parks, city trackage and water front. Always great switching layouts to be found in any era from those areas
shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
And I just noticed this post is from 2018
No harm done and happy mistake. At least I enjoyed reading this thread I had never read or can't remember . Some advice never gets old.
This is my little N Scale switching layout 6' x 1' 2" using Kato track.
Long Haired DavidA.K.A. David Penningtonmain man on the Sunset and North Eastern R.R.http://www.gmrblog.co.ukfrom the UK