Although I am quite happy building my mini-modular N scale layout, my "trains" need a "real" layout for a workout. Space is a premium, so the maximum layout size I can plan with is 2 1/2 ft. by 6 ft.
The layout will be more or less a simple double-tracked roundy-rounder with a station, so it won´t be thrilling in an operations point of view. I just want to watch some trains run, so a display layout is perfectly fine with me.
The layout will be set in Japan in the early 1970´s, just before the end of mainline steam. This gives me the chance tu run my steamers next to modernish looking boxcab electrics and EMUs. It will be divided into 4 different scenes, divided by a scenic divider. The four different scenes are also in the four different seasons.
Well, here it is, my little "Vivaldi-layout":
Gidday Sir, saw you float the idea in "Elliots Diner". Have never worked with N gauge so don't feel qualified to comment on radius etc but having seen photos of your modules, I am looking forward to photos of this. Just as a thought, by extending the "front" track that goes under the highway overpass to the left hand edge of the layout, would there be any advantage, for yourself to be able to"plug in" your mini modules as "scenic cassettes" for extra operation?
Cheers, The Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Ulrich,
Visually, your proposed layout is very pleasing. I think it is a winner.
One thought. Since you have strict space limitations to deal with, would it be possible to build upwards?
In other words, could you add a second layout measuring 2 1/2 ft. by 6 ft. directly above the proposed layout?
If you could, that second layout could be an entirely different scene with another double-tracked roundy-rounder.
Just a thought.
Rich
Alton Junction
"JaBear" Gidday Sir, saw you float the idea in "Elliots Diner". Have never worked with N gauge so don't feel qualified to comment on radius etc but having seen photos of your modules, I am looking forward to photos of this. Just as a thought, by extending the "front" track that goes under the highway overpass to the left hand edge of the layout, would there be any advantage, for yourself to be able to"plug in" your mini modules as "scenic cassettes" for extra operation? Cheers, The Bear.
Yup, that´s the idea! There will be a connector on the right side, which I have not yet incorporated into the drawing.
An 11" radius (the inner loop" is not that big, equaling about 20 1/2 " in HO scale, but Japanese N scale trains have truck mounted couplers, so at least they work. Cars are also fairly short. Would not be able to run a Big Boy through those curves, though
Richhotrain - no chance for going up in height for a second deck. The layout will be stored in a corner of my room with a sloped ceiling, so there is a limitation.
Since there is only the one crossover location, switching anything into the switchback spurs will require making a complete loop around the layout to complete a runaround move. Since you haven't indicated much of an interest in realistic operation, this may not be an issue for you though.
Rob Spangler
... a "see-saw" movement will also take you there. You are right though, this is a display layout to watch trains run, not to operate. For operation, I still have my mini-modular layout.
Sir Madog The layout will be set in Japan in the early 1970´s, just before the end of mainline steam. This gives me the chance tu run my steamers next to modernish looking boxcab electrics and EMUs. It will be divided into 4 different scenes, divided by a scenic divider. The four different scenes are also in the four different seasons.
N Scale can accomplish so much within 2.5'x6'!
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
hi Ulrich,
a nice little gem under construction.
I quite like the idea of connecting your table top with the mini modules you have made. How to place them in the room and have a coherent and operational plan might be something to look at now.
Not sure about the seasons of the scenes, I called them winter, rice, lake (hot summer, with bathing Nippon beauties?) and station (autumn?). If needed one side (summer) could be placed against a wall, while taking the chance to model a hot steamy summer scene on a new mini-module.
Some time ago a thread was dedicated to almost hidden pleasures, found it a wicked idea.
Wish you and your Japanese Empire the best
Paul
Paul,
I am glad you like the idea.
There is not much I can do within my budget and space limitations, and, although this layout is far from what I would actually like to do, I think you are right - it could turn into a little gem.
I am quite aware of its shortcomings in terms of operation, but, heck, don´t we all have to live with compromises? I prefer having nicely worked out scenes on a layout vs. intricate operation.
As to the seasons, starting left is the winter scene with a temple and a tori, following (clockwise) is summer, autumn at the beach, and the station part is supposed to be spring. The city scene will be "enhanced" by a few cherry blossom trees, but only a few, I think they all look rather artificial.
Right now I have taken the plan off the drawing board, not to get stuck in a analysis-paralysis rut.
I like the idea that each side is a different environment, requiring a different scenic approach. Its like 4 micro layout tied together. lots of interesting opportunities. I have recently picked up a Tomix micro circle of track and a japanese castle kit, was going to build a Theme Park micro around the castle, I'll be following this to watch the progress and maybe steal..get I mean, ideas
Have fun with your trains
Neat. Reminds me a little of the N scale layout I have under my HO layout. The N scale one is 54" x 32". Although mine is single track on the "country" side, I have a bridge about the same location as you. I like how you can just let two trains run opposing round and round if you want.
Howdy, Ulrich,
I like the concept, as a railfan's layout.
Just a thought about the front track on the station side. If you can get hiding space at both ends, you could run either a modern 4-wheel diesel railbus or one of those short, decrepit wooden diesel cars run by private railways before the Japanese highway system was paved. With some kind of auto-stop system it could appear, stop at the platform, then run out of sight - only to repeat the procedure in the opposite direction a short time later. Color light signals on the main, a couple of lower-quadrant 2-position semaphores on that front track.
Should be fun to build.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - twice the size in a lot more space)
There is always room for improvement!
Some more minor changes, like making the curves less "curvy":
Chuck - you don´t see it on the plan, but having a rail bus or a short EMU run on that front track was my intention - there is a short length of hidden track on either side.