Need suggestions: N scale diorama for train show contest

[MichaelT]

At class this morning I confirmed the contest challenge specs; it's 550 square inches instead of 450, and 20lb weight limit.
So I have some additional planning to work on, and Lee I do like your idea of a T or L to use more space.
one thing I thought of, building a luan case for it, so I can disconnect the T or L and inset inside the case. If a "case" is used to store layout pieces, it is not figured in the footprint or weight limit.

[davefoxx]

Remember, building small gives you the opportunity to super-detail and "do it right," where it's often cost-prohibitive to do that on a larger room-sized layout.  For example, if you build something like DKS's plan, use code 55 track on the mainline and code 40 on the sidings.  In that example, you would only need to build/buy one code 40 turnout.  You could also ballast and weather the main and sidings differently, which would highlight and differentiating each track's purpose.  Then, the layout will become much more visually appealing in addition to its ops potential.

DFF

[delamaize]

Can't go wrong with logging I would modify and scale down the first one here.
http://carendt.com/microplans/index.html

Old disconects, and a shay wouldn't hurt your chances! ;D

[ednadolski]

Switches are all #7s. I was assuming Atlas Code 55.
 

Even tho it would exceed the given space limits, that would look great with some #10s, esp with some long sweeping curves worked in (think a run-thru stacker led by some FVM GEVOs  ).   Maybe something like that could be fit on an 80" flat door, say 12" to 18" wide.   

Ed

[Zox]

At class this morning I confirmed the contest challenge specs; it's 550 square inches instead of 450

I know this is going to get me flogged, but I've gotta say it.

If everyone else is going HO, I'd be right tempted to build a 21x26-inch (546 square inches) table. An oval made of 9.75"-radius curves and two Snap-Switches would just barely fit, and the switches would let you have a couple of short sidings on the inside of the oval. Throw a view block diagonally across the middle to create two separate scenes.

Yes, it's a cliche'. But you would have the only continuous-run capability in the contest, and the two small sidings would still allow for some switching (probably darn near as much as the HO guys will be able to manage in their space).

Thus, the superiority of N scale is demonstrated. At least until DKS uses the same space to model Amtrak's entire Northeast Corridor in T scale...

[DKS]

At 20 x 27.5, you'll max it out to exactly 550 sq. in. and you can build this:
 


Outer loop radius is 9.25 (flex) and inner minimum is 8. You could dress this up as a little traction line in an industrial complex, and hide part of the loop under some big buildings. Raise the siding up a little above the level of the loop for added interest.

As I was doing this, BTW, I was reminded of this plan back in January:
 


Guess this project didn't go anywhere, then?

[davefoxx]

At 20 x 27.5, you'll max it out to exactly 550 sq. in. and you can build this:
 

DKS,

Although it's really tight, try adding two turnouts at the top to create a passing siding with that long lead to the siding.  Otherwise, you can't get around a freight car, and the switchback is impossible to switch without the 0-5-0.  Refer to the passing siding example in the larger plan you posted in your last post.

DFF

[DKS]

DKS,

Although it's really tight, try adding two turnouts at the top to create a passing siding with that long lead to the siding.  Otherwise, you can't get around a freight car, and the switchback is impossible to switch without the 0-5-0.  Refer to the passing siding example in the larger plan you posted in your last post.

DFF

That's funny, because I just returned to post this--
 


It's 18 x 30 inches, with 8-inch minimum radius, except for the switchback, which is 7.5 in.

BTW, Dave, you can get around a freight car on the first layout--just loop around the whole mainline.

[davefoxx]

BTW, Dave, you can get around a freight car on the first layout--just loop around the whole mainline.

[smacks self on head] Duh, how could I have missed that?  If you recall the small layout that I had a year or so ago (the "Peanut"), I had the same problem, until Chris built that custom curved turnout with 10" and 8-1/2" radii.  [/smacks self on head]  

In my defense, though, the circumnavigation move is especially non-prototypical, so I like the addition of a passing siding.  Your newest plan is sweet.

[DKS]

Your newest plan is sweet.

Thanks. I think it's about as much as one can possibly squash into 550 sq in without resorting to Minitrix sectional track (if you can find it). Done up as a traction line, it might even be believable.

Might even extend the divider all the way out to the edges and do wall-to-wall industrial buildings, with the tracks disappearing into them to disguise the loop. Or, do away with the divider and just make it a sea of structures. (Hmmm... I have this itch...)

[TrainCat2]

Sometimes MR actually has some nice tidbits. Sorry I had to photograph the pages since my scanner died. This would be a wonderful small layout and the possibilities are huge.

[DKS]

Sometimes MR actually has some nice tidbits. Sorry I had to photograph the pages since my scanner died. This would be a wonderful small layout and the possibilities are huge.

December 1966. That happens to be one of my favorite plans from MR. It served as inspiration for my first N scale layout. Too bad the grades are nearly impossible for an HO scale version as drawn. Not to mention that there were so many oddities about the plan--passenger stations on sidings? Large engine facility and no yard? Sidings facing every which way and not a single runaround? Still a favorite in spite of the flaws; hope someday to adapt it into something a bit more sensible.

[wm3798]

This is about what I had in mind. 


Not sure how the dimensions work out, but this configuration could make for an interesting module.

[MichaelT]

Thanks for all the posts gents; I apologize for not getting back to them, but between having to do some changes on flight schedules for tomorrow and the week, and a church youth group get together tonight, it's been a busy day! I'll try to respond to some of these tomorrow between services.

mdt

[MichaelT]

At 20 x 27.5, you'll max it out to exactly 550 sq. in. and you can build this:
 


Outer loop radius is 9.25 (flex) and inner minimum is 8. You could dress this up as a little traction line in an industrial complex, and hide part of the loop under some big buildings. Raise the siding up a little above the level of the loop for added interest.

As I was doing this, BTW, I was reminded of this plan back in January:
 


Guess this project didn't go anywhere, then?

Actually I have a folder with a number of your plans printed out. It's been a very weird year, and I closed up the train room for awhile because of a flood in the house; we had to replace all our hardwood floors, and have been painting and working on some house projects through this year. Just last month I remodeled our front garden and it just screamed "put a train in me"....so



So I put a small (90ft) loop with a couple of sidings in it. I've slowly gotten a couple other rooms cleaned up enough so we wouldn't trip over things walking around the room, and just lately was able to make time for the train room...so the short story is, all of my RR projects were put on hold for some time.

Now with the LHS deciding to host this train show, and then he came up with the micro layout challenge, it just started nodding on me to get back with it. I still have a door layout that a friend gave me, and I'm trying to do some work on it and have it ready for the train show just to run some trains, but the challenge was something brought to our Saturday morning group, and just about everyone agreed to it, so I wasn't going to be the only hold out!