Designs

Showcase layout [90×30 cm²]

Most modelers dream of king size layouts, some of us want to create miniature gems. In their, and mine, quest to design ever smaller model railways, a special kind of layouts emerged. These layouts are called “micro layouts”. Carl Arendt gave a clear definition: Micro layouts are small model railroads, usually less than three or four square feet in area, that nonetheless have a clear purpose and excellent operating capability. [↑]

This micro-layout is a variation of the Grand Chasm Scenic RR [ωωω]. The original plan showed a small (narrow-gauge) oval with a “half-turntable” annex removable train cartridge, in order to allow storing trains away. I like the idea of a “half-turntable”, because it consumes less space than a full turntable. The turntable-track only swings out when in operation. [↑]

Anyhow, the original plan has very small radii, thus making the plan only suitable for narrow gauge. I wanted to adapt the plan so it can also be operated with normal gauge H0 1:87-16½ mm. By using two “half-turntables”, I’ve avoided the small radii. Basically, you'll get a small piece of show-track, marked ②, between both “half-turntables” ①. You’ll lose the continuous running from the original. There’re also two hidden storage tracks ③. Hiding the storage tracks with scenery can be tricky. I suggest a special solution for hiding the tracks, but nothing is obligatory. Because the layout is extremely small, I believe the scenery should be condensed and dramatic. I envision a German style, romantic bridge scene. There’s a steel girder bridge at ④. The hidden tracks ⑤ and ⑥ are hidden by a covered, wooden bridge. Wooden bridges are very rarely used for train tracks, so this one should look like a road bridge. Thick bushes should hide the entrances of the bridge, so no trains will be visible. This layout should be used for eye-level viewing only, because otherwise the visual effect is lost. [↑]

At ⑦ I’ve drawn a curved background. At ⑧ I’ve located a small ruin, adding to the romantic impact. [↑]

I intend this plan for operating railcars (in German: Schienbusse). Those railcars will fit into the 25-30 cm length of the turntables. Maybe also a shunter (e.g. DB series 360) with two short 2-axle freight cars would fit. Well, this is definitely a branch line somewhere in the 1960’s or 1970’s. [↑]

↓ Freddy De Wilde from Belgium built a small layout with narrow gauge trains from Austria. Here we also find a ruin over a tunnel. Seen at the Rail 2010 exhibition in the Netherlands. [↑]