HO 2' x 10' Switching layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have a plan to build a 16’ x 16’ layout in my basement that may expand. However, I would like to try out some construction approaches first. So, I am thinking that a 2’ x 10’ switching layout would be a good place to start.

If it goes well, I would plan on connecting this to my 16’ x 16’ layout. If not, it will be a good place to learn.

I have looked around but have not found any sample plans for a 2’ x 10’ switing layout. Does anyone have pointers as to where to look? Any reccomendations for other sizes to try?

Thanks

2

Suggest you look at the Domino’s that fellow from Texas likes. IYou may not be interested in his construction methods, but the track design is very operational.

Bill Neale

3

There are a couple of 10’ switching layouts on the Atlas web site. Not at all prototypical, but fun to operate. www.atlasrr.com

maybe here, http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/ , too

Jim

4

Dig through Ebay or swapmeets and pick up all the backissues of Model Railroad Planning. They might not have exactly what you’re looking for, but they’re all loaded with good ideas, many of which can be modified to fit your space. Also, pick up a copy of Small, Smart & Practical Track Plans, by Ian Rice and published by Kalmbach. It’s the perfect reference for someone with limited space!

5

Thor at the All-Gauge page has a design for a 2x12 space, http://www.thortrains.net/4holayg.html, that could be compressed. Look at the Carl Arendt Micro Layouts http://carendt.com/index.html, for some timesaver designs, interesting ideas, and just plain whimsy. The Yahoo group Small Layout Design may be worth joining just to look at designs for switching layouts: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/small-layout-design/?yguid=132720213

Gary

6

Atlas book #13 “Seven Step-by-Step HO Railroads” has a 15" x 10’ switching layout (HO-26 Southside Connecting) on pages 21-25 that can later become part of a larger railroad.

7

My switching layout is a bit larger … 13’ x 18’ … but you may get some ideas from it.

You could take one of the two switching areas and extend the mainline at one end around a corner to a couple of staging tracks temporarily until you final layout is complete. Link is:
http://members.aol.com/PWhiteMR

Also check out Linda Sands web pages at:
http://sand.rr.home.comcast.net/

She has one 1’ x 10’ layout she designed.

The section under Prototype, Small Towns is particularly good.

Peter

8

A really nice 2’ x 10’ layout is pictured and described on pages 54-59 of the MR August 1997 issue and is the “Port Kelsey Ry; an urban Ontario switching layout in just 2 x 10 feet” by Tim Warris…

9

i would recomend atlas myself

10

I have updated my web site to include a couple of switching layout designs. One is 18" x 10’ (HO).

The URL is: http://members.aol.com/PWhiteMR

Peter

11

Michael -
Do you get MR? If so, over the past few years, there have been a couple of 2’ x various lengths layouts done.
One was on Progressive Rail - they run a industrial complex outside Minneapolis, MN and provide the companies in the complex with switching on a daily basis. I also recall seeing a story about a college kid who did a 2’ x ? shelf layout. It’s on this website someplace as I just saw part of it a few weeks ago…

12

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/002/264hnvum.asp

Mike, here’s the story…it’s a 2’ x 10’ shelf layout a college kid did in his apartment in NYC

13

http://www.trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/005/165sokto.asp

this is the link for Progressive Rail story…it’s in .pdf format