small switching layout

halfpint33 Feb 18, 2010

  1. halfpint33

    halfpint33 TrainBoard Member

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    I'm wanting to plan a small n or HO scale switching layout.Size can be no larger than 18" wide x 4' long.I know I can get more bang for my buck in a limited space with n scale but still may consider a small HO switching layout.Figure start on something small while space is limited then maybe later in life when space becpmes available I can go bigger.Anyhow,can someone point in the direction of some layout design web pages?

    Thanks
    Gary
     
  2. ratled

    ratled TrainBoard Supporter

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  3. EricB

    EricB TrainBoard Member

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  4. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

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    Some questions:

    1. What size locos and rolling stock will you use?

    2. What size switches? Peco makes HO number 2 switches that have a 15" radius curve built in and also are very short.

    3. Maybe you should handlay the switches and track.

    I built a time saver in ho a while back. I used #4 switches. (I may have switch size numbers wrong here, they were Atlas ) It came out to be about 6' + long.
     
  5. halfpint33

    halfpint33 TrainBoard Member

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    1. What size locos and rolling stock will you use?

    FRISCO and the M-K-T are 2 favorite lines so I was figuring the 70s would be the time period for this layout.Loco would most likely be a GE 44 tonner.

    2. What size switches? Peco makes HO number 2 switches that have a 15" radius curve built in and also are very short.

    Not sure but the switches and tracl will most likely be peco.Used it on a previous layout many years back and really likes it.

    3. Maybe you should handlay the switches and track

    Hadn't even thought about that.Never done it.Is it hard to do?
     
  6. Kenneth L. Anthony

    Kenneth L. Anthony TrainBoard Member

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    This would fit your space easily in N scale A slightly unusual subject:
    MGM movie studio back lot railroad
    [​IMG]
     
  7. shortliner

    shortliner TrainBoard Member

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  8. halfpint33

    halfpint33 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the tips and links fellas.Keep 'em comin.

    Gary
     

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