Many of the model railroad layout designs I've been working on are large
and have been commissioned by a particular client. But I've also done some smaller designs based on questions and ideas posted
on the Internet or for myself. I've collected a few smaller designs or sections of larger ones on these pages.
I hope that some of these layouts might be interesting or inspiring -- and some may just
cause you to wonder, "What the heck was he thinking?!".
All of these designs are copyrighted by me. I'd be happy if anyone would like to build them
as-is or in modified form -- please let me know if you do. But all other rights, including publication in any form, are otherwise reserved.
Just click any of the images in the right column for details about the layout design.
Small shelves, real yard -- could it fit?
Once in a (very) great while, the configuration of the benchwork is the best place to
start with a design. This space-saving N scale switching layout is based on the real-life Sacramento Northern's Yuba City Yard and had to fit into a very tight corner on both existing and new shelving. The resulting design is being built now and should be a fun challenge to operate.
Click the image for layout details
Tight quarters for an HO Logger with continuous-run
A small room, but relatively large radii were the constraints for this HO standard-gauge logging
line. But hand laid turnouts and a John Armstrong trick came to the rescue. I even created a 3-D view -- very rare for me!
Read all about it here.
Click the image for layout details
A little layout I can call my own
Who says the shoemaker's children have no shoes? OK, well it's just a little N scale switcher,
but it's been fun to run while I work on the bigger layout. Read more here.
Click the image for layout details
Proto-inspired ops in eight square feet?!
There's literally no room for a layout in my client's small condo. There is a garage, but it's
minimum-sized and the car must be parked there most of the time. T-TRAK to the rescue! Two compact N scale modules provided
the small yard / industry switching operating pattern I like but can be easily stored. And because they're modules, they can
fit into a larger layout at a show or a future larger home. Learn more ...
Click the image for layout details
"Junior" shelf layout previews Hoboken Shore in HO
We had just finished the design for a mid-size version of New Jersey's Hoboken Shore Railroad
when the client learned that his new home for which it was intended had been delayed by many months. But there was
a little space in his current family room ... so naturally we found a way to fill it up.
Click the image for layout details
Diesel. Freight.
Pacific Electric? And all in a compact shelf ...
When some folks hear
the words "switching layout", they immediately think of a switching puzzle like the Timesaver. But with a little more room,
it's possible to build an HO shelf layout that offers a more realistic challenge and is based on a prototype, to boot. This
compact layout replicates Pacific Electric's unique "Orphan Branch" that served a few busy shippers in the San Fernando area of Southern California (it's like, the Valley, Dude!). Click here for more …
Click the image for layout details
Plausible N scale design for an HO scale branch?
One of the ways to add interest to a layout is to imagine unmodeled locations "beyond the benchwork"
represented by staging. ATSF service to Hamilton City is one such "virtual" location we developed when Rick Fortin and I created
the operations plan for his ATSF 4th District HO layout. But could a transportable N scale layout bring this virtual location to life?
Click the image for layout details
Switching branch based on HO Unitrack (and craftsman kits!)
This "bonus" branch was designed to fit over the staging for the main deck of a large layout. Built
on roughly two-foot-wide shelves across a 30'+ wall, this branch offered a switching challenge and a home for existing
craftsman kits already mounted on scenicked dioramas. Click for more ...
Click the image for layout details
"Al-turtle-tive" approach for an extension to a 4X8
Jim Kelly's HO Turtle Creek Central project layout was featured beginning in the January,
2003 Model Railroader. A new series is beginning in the January, 2005 MR describing a 2'X6' extension.
While Mr. Kelly's version is a very appealing and scenic approach, I started to think about alternatives that might offer
more operating interest. And you know what that means ...
Click the image for layout details
Pittsburgh over the workbench in less than 30 sq. feet
This N scale layout is to fit over a workbench in a space of 3'X10' or less. We started
with the client's pencil sketch and ended up with a nice little railroad. Read the details ...
Click the image for layout details
HO scale Logger for public display
This 2'X8' layout was inspired by a request for layout design ideas on the Internet. While primarily
intended for display of logging gear at train shows, a bit of operating potential is included as a bonus! Layout and details here ...
Click the image for layout details
"Ops at the Shops" in N scale
Another Internet request inspired these three variations on a theme -- a realistic display for
some of the Walthers "backshop" structure kits in 2'X4'. Even in this small space, there's room for some operating fun. See all three layouts ...
Click the image for layout details
SMVRR in 18' X 20' with X-Factor staging
Santa Maria, CA is famous for its produce, its tri-tip barbecue, and the four railroads
(of three different gauges!) that once served the area. This layout focuses on the standard-gauge Santa Maria Valley and
is more fully described in my article in Model Railroad Planning 2004. And yes, it's quite a bit larger than
most on these pages. Layout details ...
