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Zen and the art of railway modelling
Nov. 15th, 2023 11:12 amI have an n-gauge model train. N-gauge is interesting - it can be used to make very small layouts. 1st radius is just 22.8cm. 2nd radius is just 26.5cm. This means that a double track circuit will fit fit on a standard small desk. This is very convenient for those of us with limited space.
Of course, another option is a windowsill. I could get a decent end-to-end run on my bedroom windowsill. Although having investigated this, I think that a run just 2 and a half times the train length might be a little limiting. However, I did download a model railway planner. I could, just about, squeeze in a small shunting yard by my window.
So, a desktop layout - a double loop is a simple plan, but there are other options. There's a long winding route with a reversing loop. It does mean that trains will always end up at the station they left but that's the nature of this sort of limitation. There's also the inconvenience of wiring a reversing loop. What I think might be more interesting though is a single loop, with an outward branch spiralling upwards, a passing loop, and an internal siding. There's a more complex version of the idea here. I'm a little concerned about the gradient needed but it will give a long run. It can, of course, be fudged a little by making the other side go down. This will, of course, put the station at an angle as well
Not sure about the inclines I can use. Trains are going to be short so I imagine a 3% grade will be tolerable. i wonder if a 4% will work.
As for the windowsill layout - a simple OO version of this shunting layout seems like a good idea basis to start with.
It;s been a long time since I've felt I had the space to play trains. I'm getting quite excited about this. Am really hoping I can do something cool with lighting for the OO scale one. There are a lot of options for lighting available. And for signalling! I wonder if I could disable sections of track based on signals.
Of course, another option is a windowsill. I could get a decent end-to-end run on my bedroom windowsill. Although having investigated this, I think that a run just 2 and a half times the train length might be a little limiting. However, I did download a model railway planner. I could, just about, squeeze in a small shunting yard by my window.
So, a desktop layout - a double loop is a simple plan, but there are other options. There's a long winding route with a reversing loop. It does mean that trains will always end up at the station they left but that's the nature of this sort of limitation. There's also the inconvenience of wiring a reversing loop. What I think might be more interesting though is a single loop, with an outward branch spiralling upwards, a passing loop, and an internal siding. There's a more complex version of the idea here. I'm a little concerned about the gradient needed but it will give a long run. It can, of course, be fudged a little by making the other side go down. This will, of course, put the station at an angle as well
Not sure about the inclines I can use. Trains are going to be short so I imagine a 3% grade will be tolerable. i wonder if a 4% will work.
As for the windowsill layout - a simple OO version of this shunting layout seems like a good idea basis to start with.
It;s been a long time since I've felt I had the space to play trains. I'm getting quite excited about this. Am really hoping I can do something cool with lighting for the OO scale one. There are a lot of options for lighting available. And for signalling! I wonder if I could disable sections of track based on signals.
