Let me see your shelf layouts!

[Ringo58]

I'm in the process of building a 8x2 switching layout. All the big railroads get all the attention, I want to see what some of you have in the works! Small railroads are underappreciated! Heres what I have in the works 

 

[doctorwayne]

While my mostly around-the-room-layout would be considered a modestly-sized layout, only the partial upper level could be termed a "shelf" layout, as it's mostly supported by custom welded shelf brackets....

While all of the mainline track is operational, most of the upper level is still under construction, so lots of tools and materials cluttering-up much of the trackside area...

One end of it is at least partially sceniced, though...

Upper staging is also operational, but is not an area which will ever have scenery or structures, as it's considered to be "off layout"...

Wayne

[Ringo58]

Looks great! I'm a little jealous but I'm sure I'll have one that big when I have my own house! space is tight in the first apart net but glad the girlfriend let me put something up! Would love to see more of the lower level! Especially the bridge scene in the background of the first 3 photos! But really amazing work 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Much of my layout is on sections two feet or less in width. 

The scene below is on the most narrow section of 16" wide. The backdrop helps add dimension. 

 

Here is a scene in the town of Blackhawk which has 2' X 4' sections end-to-end which connect to the rest of the layout. Background buildings are either printed paper or plastic building walls. The two tracks closer to the backdrop are slightly higher. 

 

 

My large bridge is on a section 2' wide. 

 

Most of the benchwork for my layout is designed so it could be moved if needed. However, the layout has grown over the years, and now moving would be very challenging.  

[doctorwayne]

Those are some good-looking scenes, Garry, and the backdrop in your first photo is really effective.

Wayne

[doctorwayne]

Thanks for your kind words, Ringo58.

Ringo58

...Would love to see more of the lower level! Especially the bridge scene in the background of the first 3 photos!...

Here's a better view of that bridge scene...

...and there's a "Layout (room) tour, with lots of photos..." to be found HERE

Wayne

[pt714]

Wayne, Garry, all I can say is 

My layout was designed to be moved because I've lived in 5 corners of the US in the past 5 years and got sick and tired of throwing my progress away every year. It's a foldable 1' x 8' shelf, with cassette staging off one end.

 

I call it an RSL (rural switching layout), the focus being on slow speeds and a few sparse, spread-out industries. It's very laid-back and calming to operate. Many, many things are still in progress-- I work on small projects here or there and jump around a lot from project to project.

Phil

[Ringo58]

that looks great! I like the time setting. Mines not foldable but I plan on just cutting it in half when I move!

[Ringo58]

Simply amzing. I hope my bridge scene turns out this well!

[mlehman]

 

My Cascade Branch is mostly shelf layout after an initial turnback loop to gain some altitude. It's detailed in a thread here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/219241/2427111.aspx?page=1

My general advice is:

* Unless constrained by other factors, plan the height of your shelf carefully for best viewing and operating height

* Figure out your lights - LEDs make this easy and most everything else gets too hot for the energy input needed

* Make most of your scenery removeable. On the Cascade Branch, about 75% lifts off for easy access to wiring, turnout controls, etc.

* Backdrops are very cool, but if your art skills aren't the greatest, you'll be fine, just force the perspective so it's mostly sky that will be seen. There are some techniques for this and other such needs in the Cascade Branch thread.

[doctorwayne]

Phil, you've got a good-looking layout there. 

It's important to keep in mind that we all have situations which limit our layout size or its development, whether it's available space, finances, frequent moves, or family considerations, and I'm sure there are lots of other factors, too.

Wayne

[wjstix]

The first part of my layout to be built was on 16" wide shelfs, 15' along one wall and a short "L" extension as kind of a lead. It was operated as a layout by itself for quite a while before the layout was expanded in recent years.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/m/mrr-layouts/2290019.aspx

(Sorry for some reason links in these posts to pics in the "Your Photos" section of the website don't work....)

 

 

[pt714]

doctorwayne

Phil, you've got a good-looking layout there. 

It's important to keep in mind that we all have situations which limit our layout size or its development, whether it's available space, finances, frequent moves, or family considerations, and I'm sure there are lots of other factors, too.

Wayne

 

 

Thanks Wayne, I feel like it's a fuzzy image that's sloooooowly coming into sharper focus over time.  

Strongly agree about recognizing our outside limits. I think Carl Arendt was on to something, believing that you don't need a ton of space to have a ton of fun in this hobby.

Phil

[chatanuga]

Onboard rides around the main part of my layout.

Kevin

[Daves_Trains]

The Bifold Branch Line is constructed from a 36 inch bifold

door giving me a 18 inch deep shelf layout in my garage.

This small layout has given me years of relaxation and fun.

Bifold East by Daves Trains, on Flickr

Bifold West by Daves Trains, on Flickr

[Ringo58]

Looks awesome!