Episode 1: Track Plans
Small layouts can be a lot of fun to build, and if designed well, can also be fun to operate.
While Dan is waiting for his train room to be completed, he designed this portable N scale layout. Dan & Nichole plan to take the layout with them when they travel in their RV.
The layout is designed to fit on top of the RV's dinette table, and can be stored up in the camper bed above the cab when not in use.
The theme for the layout is the small fictitious coastal town of Siren Creek. Two small railroads meet here, a standard gauge line and a narrow gauge line. The era is the first half of the twentieth century.
This layout will be a challenge from a track laying standpoint, as Dan plans to build the layout with a combination of N and Nn3 track. Parts will be dual gauge.
Most of the track will need to be handlaid. This will take some work, but it also allows the track arrangement to be very flexible.
In this episode Dan introduces the concept for the layout and talks about its design requirements. The size of the RV dinette table was the major factor that determined the layout's overall footprint.
Dan talks about designing the layout so that it will be fun to operate once it's built. It should also be photogenic, able to serve as a backdrop for taking photos of models.
Dan goes through over a dozen different track plans, which shows how the layout concept evolved. He talks about why he favored certain designs over others.
The desire to use certain structures that have been languishing in boxes for years was another factor that helped to shape the design.
Even if you're not an N scaler, this is a good design exercise. The plan could easily be built in another scale. It could also be built with a single gauge instead of two.
Building something small can be a great project for beginners and experienced modelers alike. It's small enough to be manageable, so beginners might not find it so daunting. For advanced modelers doing something like this offers the opportunity to maybe try something different.
Join us for some model railroading fun!