What scale should I go with for cabinet layout?

[Anonymous]

The last two issues of Model Railroader have had articles on a beautiful shelf - type layout in HO, including track plans and construction techniques. Check it out. There is also an older Kalmbach publication on small layouts in several sizes and scales. I don't recall the title but if someone is interested, I have a copy at home.

For now, I have a nice sized space for the new HO layout that I am building, but if I move to a smaller house or condo at some point, I will probably do an HO switching layout. The ones I've seen look like a lot of fun.

John

[Anonymous]

The last two issues of Model Railroader have had articles on a beautiful shelf - type layout in HO, including track plans and construction techniques. Check it out. There is also an older Kalmbach publication on small layouts in several sizes and scales. I don't recall the title but if someone is interested, I have a copy at home.

For now, I have a nice sized space for the new HO layout that I am building, but if I move to a smaller house or condo at some point, I will probably do an HO switching layout. The ones I've seen look like a lot of fun.

John

[Anonymous]

Rick,
I would suggest that here are two realities:

Reality A

You want such and such on your layout and because you can not do it, you will have no layout. What is the fun value of this decision.

Reality B

Given the nature of your cabinent width and lenght I 'd go N as 13 inches is "deeper" so to speak in N - smaller structures - so you can get more in. In reality B you have a switching layout. Though this doesn't incorporate what you would like in your "ideal" layout, you do have a layout, and with dcc, you could easily have a second operator in N scale. You could use the "barge" idea of moving trains on and off the layout. Now what is the fun value of this layout?

[Anonymous]

Rick,
I would suggest that here are two realities:

Reality A

You want such and such on your layout and because you can not do it, you will have no layout. What is the fun value of this decision.

Reality B

Given the nature of your cabinent width and lenght I 'd go N as 13 inches is "deeper" so to speak in N - smaller structures - so you can get more in. In reality B you have a switching layout. Though this doesn't incorporate what you would like in your "ideal" layout, you do have a layout, and with dcc, you could easily have a second operator in N scale. You could use the "barge" idea of moving trains on and off the layout. Now what is the fun value of this layout?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Now when you say a "switchng layout", do you mean one where the trains just run back and forth?
(reverse is a nono on my other layouts)

Yes to above, but it can get quite riveting, if you enjoy mind-games.

Why not try it, as an experiment in something different. Get hold of a cheap set and some track, you can always scrap it if it doesn't appeal and sell the bits on.

Jon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Now when you say a "switchng layout", do you mean one where the trains just run back and forth?
(reverse is a nono on my other layouts)

Yes to above, but it can get quite riveting, if you enjoy mind-games.

Why not try it, as an experiment in something different. Get hold of a cheap set and some track, you can always scrap it if it doesn't appeal and sell the bits on.

Jon

[Anonymous]

Now when you say a "switchng layout", do you mean one where the trains just run back and forth?

I'm used to running long freight trains, so I don't think that'll work out very well (reverse is a nono on my other layouts)

[Anonymous]

Now when you say a "switchng layout", do you mean one where the trains just run back and forth?

I'm used to running long freight trains, so I don't think that'll work out very well (reverse is a nono on my other layouts)

[Anonymous]

You might be able to get by using Z scale - suggest you check out the Walther's web site (www.walthers.com) to see what's available. Maybe you should give up on having a loop at all, and do a switching layout. In N or HO scale, you could do a pretty good one in 15 ft. You could even maybe make one for your G scale stuff!

[Anonymous]

You might be able to get by using Z scale - suggest you check out the Walther's web site (www.walthers.com) to see what's available. Maybe you should give up on having a loop at all, and do a switching layout. In N or HO scale, you could do a pretty good one in 15 ft. You could even maybe make one for your G scale stuff!

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I guess I'll have to scrap the idea if i can't find a way to squeeze a loop within the onfines[:(]

There's no way to extend anything on this cabinet because the borders for the glass are already built...

Would've been nice though...

I had already planned on cutting mousehole tunnels within each cabinet division[8D]




Rick

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I guess I'll have to scrap the idea if i can't find a way to squeeze a loop within the onfines[:(]

There's no way to extend anything on this cabinet because the borders for the glass are already built...

Would've been nice though...

I had already planned on cutting mousehole tunnels within each cabinet division[8D]




Rick

[Anonymous]

I would avoid trying to squeeze in a loop, in any scale, within 13" of shelf depth. Even on a trolley line in N-scale this will look tight, though real trolleys did run on curves like this. The reason for avoiding it is that the curve will declare loudly what your minimum radius is, and set immediately within your consciousness the awareness of the limits, the edges, of your model world. Pay attention to some of the track plans by Iain Rice, and see the ways in which he defies his layouts' boundaries, making a small space expand in your imagination.

If you need a loop (out-and-back runaround operations can be fun and challenging you know), what you could do is create a fold-out leaf, something that maybe latches onto the edge, or is supported on drawer slides, etc. You'd have to work out technical details of attaching the rails, but many previous modelers have built swing-out sections and modular layouts that deal with such concerns. You would only have this connected during operating sessions; it would allow you to have a decent 12" radius loop in N-scale. If you wanted more than this, you could go to a larger radius and add in a siding and some station trackwork, and make a whole little detachable diorama. At a minimum, you could employ 10" radius curves and just have this bulge out an extra 7", but I would not go tighter than this unless you model traction (trolleys).

[Anonymous]

I would avoid trying to squeeze in a loop, in any scale, within 13" of shelf depth. Even on a trolley line in N-scale this will look tight, though real trolleys did run on curves like this. The reason for avoiding it is that the curve will declare loudly what your minimum radius is, and set immediately within your consciousness the awareness of the limits, the edges, of your model world. Pay attention to some of the track plans by Iain Rice, and see the ways in which he defies his layouts' boundaries, making a small space expand in your imagination.

If you need a loop (out-and-back runaround operations can be fun and challenging you know), what you could do is create a fold-out leaf, something that maybe latches onto the edge, or is supported on drawer slides, etc. You'd have to work out technical details of attaching the rails, but many previous modelers have built swing-out sections and modular layouts that deal with such concerns. You would only have this connected during operating sessions; it would allow you to have a decent 12" radius loop in N-scale. If you wanted more than this, you could go to a larger radius and add in a siding and some station trackwork, and make a whole little detachable diorama. At a minimum, you could employ 10" radius curves and just have this bulge out an extra 7", but I would not go tighter than this unless you model traction (trolleys).

[Wdlgln005]

How much track to shim into a 13" circle: I think you're talking Nn3 narrow gague or Z Nn3 uses Z track Some Marklin sets fit a double circle into this space.

[Wdlgln005]

How much track to shim into a 13" circle: I think you're talking Nn3 narrow gague or Z Nn3 uses Z track Some Marklin sets fit a double circle into this space.

[AltonFan]

6.5" radius would be very tight even in N scale; most commercial track products have 9" as their tightest radius. If you limit your power to small switchers and 40' cars, or make it a trolley line you might be able to pull it off.

[AltonFan]

6.5" radius would be very tight even in N scale; most commercial track products have 9" as their tightest radius. If you limit your power to small switchers and 40' cars, or make it a trolley line you might be able to pull it off.

[Puckdropper]

It's called a "run around track" or maybe even "double ended passing siding"

[Puckdropper]

It's called a "run around track" or maybe even "double ended passing siding"

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:

What exactly do you mean by "run-round loop"?

Sorry, the British lingo sometimes lets me down on US forums.
I dont know what you would call it over there, but its basically a parallel track to the main line with a switch at either end. This lets you to run the loco from the front of the train to the back, and vice-versa - essential for switching layouts.

let me know what you call this track arrangement over there.

Jon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:

What exactly do you mean by "run-round loop"?

Sorry, the British lingo sometimes lets me down on US forums.
I dont know what you would call it over there, but its basically a parallel track to the main line with a switch at either end. This lets you to run the loco from the front of the train to the back, and vice-versa - essential for switching layouts.

let me know what you call this track arrangement over there.

Jon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jongrant

What I meant to say was a run-round loop.

What exactly do you mean by "run-round loop"?


Also, for N scale, what are the available loop diameters?

With G scale, I know I can get 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20 foot diameter loops...

What are my choices for N or Z?




Rick

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jongrant

What I meant to say was a run-round loop.

What exactly do you mean by "run-round loop"?


Also, for N scale, what are the available loop diameters?

With G scale, I know I can get 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20 foot diameter loops...

What are my choices for N or Z?




Rick

[Anonymous]

What I meant to say was a run-round loop. I agree with you and very much doubt you could get a loop of track in HO within 12", although I have seen it done on a tramways layout, with HO track, to boot.

I was just offering a suggestion as to how you could use HO within the space available, as you hadn't specified a scale in your original posting.

If you do decide to use N, I would suggest you hide most of the 13" loop in a tunnel, as there would be a considerable overhang on all but the shortest cars.

Happy modelling

Jon

[Anonymous]

What I meant to say was a run-round loop. I agree with you and very much doubt you could get a loop of track in HO within 12", although I have seen it done on a tramways layout, with HO track, to boot.

I was just offering a suggestion as to how you could use HO within the space available, as you hadn't specified a scale in your original posting.

If you do decide to use N, I would suggest you hide most of the 13" loop in a tunnel, as there would be a considerable overhang on all but the shortest cars.

Happy modelling

Jon

[Anonymous]

Wow, I didn't think it was possible to create a loop within 12" in H.O.[:0]

I was thinking I would at least have to go with the smaller N or Z scales for my 13" depth...



Rick

[Anonymous]

Wow, I didn't think it was possible to create a loop within 12" in H.O.[:0]

I was thinking I would at least have to go with the smaller N or Z scales for my 13" depth...



Rick

[Anonymous]

I'm in the process of building a 10' by 12'' switching layout in HO. There is plenty of scope for a loop and lots of sidings to create a switching game. The small size means you could build the boards, lay and wire the track, construct buildings, plant the scenery and start running in a very short space of time.

Hope this helps

Jon