Multiple Scale Layou

[Anonymous]

I was hoping for some advice. I have multiple scales of trains (O, HO and N) and can't make up my mind about which scale to build my layout in. Each scale has its own advantage. Has anyone on here ever built a multi-level layout? I am thinking I could have 2 decks or levels and that way I could set up 2 of the three scales anyway. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? Or, does anyone have any other ideas? Help. Thanks in advance!!

[Anonymous]

The West Bay Model Railroad Association that operates a layout in the Menlo Park former SP freight depot has a spectacular layout that uses 3 scales. I visited the club for the first time over the holidays and was very impressed with the use of three distinctly different size trains. The have incorporated HO S and O into one beautiful layout.

What I found unusual is that the O scale layout goes around the outside, the S scale in the middle, with the HO on the inside. I might have done just the opposite but the effect with the O scale closest to the viewer really works out beautifully. You get the perception of depth when you look over the large scale down to the smallest scale, just a really neat effect.

A couple of tracks had overhead bridges where one scale went over the other, and again it looked great. There were a lot of people viewing the layout when I was there and lots of conversation about the use of different size trains, even people not knowledgeable about models in particular thought the various sizes was a smart idea.

Using the 3 scales you have in mind should work out very well. I know a lot of people that put LIonel in with American Flyer, and Standard Gauge Lionel with regular O Gauge LIonel, so why not if you enjoy it. Several display layouts at different train shows utilize different scales on the same layout to show the public the differences in size of the more popular scales.

Find West Bay Model Railroad Association on "Google" and look at their website. Under the pictures you will see three SP Daylight trains all operating together and alongside each other in 3 different scales. I think you'll be impressed.

[Jetrock]

The tinplate layout at the California State Railroad Museum is done that way--with the standard-gauge in the front, and the O in the back. Done properly, it can create a sort of forced perspective--but one must have quite a bit of space to make it work, and if viewed from the wrong side, the effect is destroyed.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. I will check out the site. Sounds like it is workable on the same deck!! Good feedback. Does anyone else have any ideas on multiple height decks. Perhaps first deck at 48" around the walls with one scale and another deck at 66" high or so around the walls for another scale. Even if it they were both the same scale, you would have the opportunity to have space for two layouts, not just one. What are your thoughts????