I’m converting from HO to N due to my smaller living circumstances. I always liked the “Salt Lake Route” plan that was in Model Railroader back in 2010. I notice it is a 4 x 9 foot layout but has a rhombus-shaped extension on one end.
Has anyone modified this layout such that the rhombus is gone and it fits a 4 x 9 rectangle? It looks you’d have to shorten the curves there. I’d like to do that due to my space limitations but I don’t want to tighten the curves such that six axle locomotives or passenger cars can’t negotiate it.
The layout as deisgned is overall 4’x9’. The narrow end is 3’ wide. The wide end is 4’ wide. The length is 9’. But you will need aditional space on at least three sides for access.
I’ve seen some images online that seem to infer it’s longest width is 5 feet, with the narrower part 4 feet. Is this incorrect? I could probably squeeze in 9 x 4 but not 9 x 5.
first of all the Salt Lake was built in N-scale, so a conversion from HO to N was never needed. Second, the plan fits within a 9x4 rectangle, you even have some more space. How to use it is another question.
If you want to have trains in opposing directions changing from left to right running and vise verse you will need a second double crossover at the scenery side of the layout.
Since access to 3 sides is needed a island type layout is not necessarily the best choice. I would like to add some staging, so not always the same trains are doing laps. The current MR project layout could give you ideas.
Yes that is correct. I am converting scales, not converting the track plan.
Thanks to everyone on the feedback. 9 x 4 seems doable in my apartment.
I would be curious to know if anyone modified the plan to fit different geographies or settings. I for one would like to have a passenger station somewhere there, while retaining the intermodal yard.
Of course, there is also the option of not doing a loop on a rectangular table in the middle of the floor, but instead unfold the layout onto narrow shelves or tables along walls or onto peninsulas so narrow you can reach across them from one side.
Either point to point only in an I, L or U shape, or using turn back curves at both ends, or making it into a closed loop of some kind using removable sections or whatever.
Tends to work better than table-in-the-middle-of-the-floor if you actually have an apartment with relatively little available space, since it is often easier to get the layout to coexist peacefully with other uses of the room if the layout is not binding up 11 x 8 feet of floor space (for a 9x4 layout with 2 foot aisles on three sides).
I live in a relatively small town home. No room anywhere in the house for a 4x8 foot (32 square feet) layout. But I do have room for two other layouts in my home:
An 40-some square foot layout in a 6.5 x 11.5 foot storage room/workshop downstairs:
That is H0 scale. There still is plenty of storage and work space in the room, since the layout is located above some things and below other things.
In my living room I have this little 11 foot x 15" switching layout:
Under this layout I have my home office/computer desk and shelves for books etc.
Some more illustrations from layout designer Byron
why Must the plan be an island type layout, is it possible to add an extension? The suggestion by Stein to make a drawing of your space could be the best start.
do you have an idea about the required minimum radius?
4)when talking about a different locale, do you have an idea your self?
5)what do you want operationally? Just letting your trains go round and round? The Salt Lake was built for shows, where trains often run unattended, and photography; this might turn out to be a bit limited for daily use.
If you want help, it could be helpful if you would give longish replies or opinions about remarks made by different posters. It takes at least two to tango.
