Introduction

Track planning has become almost a hobby in itself for me, and this blog has been created as a way to share ideas. My modeling focus is on small, industrial, logging or mining operations, which also fits well with the limited space I have available. Most layout plans are designed to fit the only available space in our retirement apartment, on a shelf above the computer desk in my home office. The visible part of these layouts is only 55 cm x 174 cm (22" x 68") with 32" of staging hidden behind a door. Think of it as a photo stage with a bit of animation. There is the possibility of extending the length by another 120 cm (47”) but that would seriuosly encroach on space I need for other purposes.

On a short narrow shelf, with (limited) staging on one end only, options are limited: A stub end yard, with trains entering from staging, doing a bit of switching and then returning back off scene. A main track with a run-around, and a limited number of sidings. Or - if I want maximum amount of sidings - eliminate the run-around, with engines always at the same end of the train. The assumption is that the engine has run around its train off-scene, before entering the yard..

Most plans have been designed for home use, but could be built in sections to be made portable for exhibition display.