Variation on a Plan As most know I am obsessed with this plan: The branch line or the yard could be lengthened or shortened. Just some ideas.
Of course, I think Wolfgang is being a tad modest here! He has probably the best rendering of the nifty Third Street Industrial District layout, which in my book is the champion of switching layouts!! http://www.westportterminal.de/thirdstreet.html
Wolfies layout is definately sweet to look at. Don't forget Jon Grant. His HO scale switching layout is a inspiration to many. Yes it's HO, but even a N scaler can learn something from those nice HO layouts. Here is a link to a recent post he made, links on the bottom lead to his blog/videos/RI album: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=89598
Did anyone see James McCroskie's CB&Q switching layout in the April 2006 Railroad Model Craftsman? I can't find a link to it, but it was a switching layout dream. A bit of street running and about a million industries. Does anyone know a link to it we could post here?
GreyOne, Not only do I like that plan, I have toyed with the same mod you've posted for my HO shelf layout!
I'm thinking about it for my "Someday maybe G Scale Layout" or for an N Scale little thing in my study. Shhhh, don't tell Rrrr.
I think this has been a very productive thread. Now here's another related question: Do those of you that only have a switching layout find yourself wishing to run the "big trains"? I can see where a well done swithcing layout can be very rewarding, but so can watching a 30 car grain train roll around a layout. Not all of us have access to a club layout to run long trains and I'm just a bit worried that I'd get bored with a switching layout after some time. Comments?
If I had a switching layout you can be sure I would be jonesin for a larger one. Watchin a long string of cars with a brace of locos on the head end and center is my goal.
That's a real problem, especially if you don't have a basement, garage or attic. I felt that way, so I know what you're talking about. When I lived in California I had a small 1 x 4 intense switching layout (6 industries and an interchange track on that small plank!) but I had the luxury of belonging to the Belmont Shore club for the long trains. When I moved to Denver, I found the local club operated with DCC, so that ruled out the club option. But fortunately, our house has half a basement. So my solution to the problem was to create a dual layout, one part switching and one part a roundy-roundy on which to run the 60 car trains. It has worked so well for me I'm redesigning the set-up, this time with total separation into two parts of the basement, but with some space for the wife when she comes to visit the cave!
Bill, Like everyone else here, I think that's just outstandingly superior workmanship. Modeling, buildings, and scenic effects absolutely superb! I've just gotta' know though, what did you use for the ground throws, and are they functional or not?
Glad you like it. Thanks. As for the ground throws, they are non operating and are Micro-Engineering. They come with their turnouts but are also available separately. I believe they sell them 2 to a package.
Just starting out on my layout. 2x8x6 L shaped, N scale. Still have a little more tweaking to do on the design. Picture 2,3 & 4 is a mockup of how I plan on using HO scale brick in the road way of my N scale layout.
Simplicity at its finest! This guys layout pics look like you could walk right into it. http://www.lancemindheim.com/new_page_1.htm
Sysdfg, you're right about that sight--stuning is an understatement. That layout is exactly what I've said before--it's got operations potential, is detailed excellently, and something of that size could be completed in this lifetime and enjoyed. It mimics the euro guys approach to layout design--build something thats reasonable and make it look outstanding (like Wolfgang's layout). I'm excited to see how your layout progresses--especially with the latest version (I love me some street running!) We're moving soon, so I'm going to put my plans on hold (and paper) for now. I've got several good ideas thanks to all the help here, but untill I nail down my alotted space, I don't want to get too attached to something. I'm leaning towards a switching layout with some type of a loop option.
