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Bookshelf layout Getting started
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Active Member 37 posts lordscarlet Active Member 37 posts
lordscarlet

Like many, I am trying to get into the hobby after many false starts. My current line of thinking is to populate a section of a built-in bookcase with a small switching layout.

The shelf is approximately 6' long and 11" deep (I am considering the shelf directly above the brickwork). I'm pretty sure I can safely extend that shelf a number of inches without causing an issue. I think the best bet is to find a track plan someone else created and use or adapt that. I have enough to learn (laying track, wiring, scenery) to where I don't think I want to add track planning on top.

I plan to use n scale. I love passenger rail, but I think for operations in such a small space, I should probably do industries with a possible cameo of passenger service.

Searching online has gotten me some results, but nothing exact (not surprisingly). I think the best I have found so far is this layout from a clinic in 2015.

An alternative I have considered is to make it all as T-Trak, much like this.

So, I guess basically my questions are:

  1. Are there some other resources for finding existing track plans? I have tried to look at the repository here, but it's not especially searchable -- I will keep digging through it, though. Are there any books perhaps? I don't want to have to order a ton of them to find out they don't have any plans suitable for my space.
  2. Any general opinion on T-Trak vs something custom fit?
  3. Any other thoughts/concerns?
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barr_ceo Super User 3,297 posts
barr_ceo

Well, you could look at the

Well, you could look at the T-Trak Wiki (see link in my sig) I have a quad Inglenook module that would fit with room to spare in that space...   though it you think you might want to use it with a group setup, I'd limit the MODULE size to doubles... Easier to transport. . two doubles and a single would get you in at just over 5 feet..

I have to wonder, though... do you use that fireplace?  Might be a bit toasty to operate there...

Read my Journal / Blog...

!BARR_LO.GIF Freelanced N scale Class I   Digitrax & JMRI

 NRail  T-Trak Standards  T-Trak Wiki    My T-Trak Wiki Pages
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Steve kleszyk Frequent poster 523 posts
Steve kleszyk

John has a great BS layout...

John posts here on MRH.  His videos might help to inspire you.  Here is his channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/yamaha167

 
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UPWilly Prolific poster 1,965 posts
UPWilly

Microlayouts - Carl Arendt

The late Carl Arendt had a large collection posted on a web site that has now been replaced by his fans. Here is where to go:

Carl Arendt Small Layout Archive

 

 

Bill D.

egendpic.jpg 

N Scale (1:160), not N Gauge. DC (analog), Stapleton PWM Throttle.

Proto-freelance Southwest U.S. 2nd half 20th Century.

Keep on trackin'
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lordscarlet Active Member 37 posts
lordscarlet

I don't use the fireplace

I don't use the fireplace much, no. It's an office and the third fireplace in the house. Of course, if I did it modularly I could pull it out during fires. I think a T-Trak inglenook layout is a pretty solid possibility. One of the plans I linked is Inglenook + Timesaver I believe. I could also make 1 non standard module to fill the void. I am technically ina T-Trak club, but I joined, paid dues, and have done nothing since. I will have to see what their standards are as far as module width.

Obviously the issue with T-Trak is having to meet the standards for joining to other modules, which limits my level of flexibility somewhat, but I think it could be a worthwhile endeavor to get out there and work with some other modellers by actually having a module (or 4) to contribute.
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