A few ideas for a small switching layout

[Pierluk]

This is a pic of my small layout at the very start of scenicing and when complete. it started as an Inglenook but I decided to add some trackage. But just angleing your lead track at the left and a bit of space on the tracks at the right of your plan will add visual interest. https://photos.smugmug.com/Trackplans/i-T3KxdnD/0/88fcf092/L/2018060512534337-DSCN1158-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Trackplans/i-jnWLC3L/0/11cf9561/L/2018060513075119-DSCN1291-L.jpg

Amazing layout ! What are the dimensions of your layout ? What scale is it ? H0 maybe ? Thanks.

 

[Pierluk]

After looking at numerous switching layouts, I finally put my feet back on the ground. The construction of such a layout is well beyond my very poor skills in railroad modeling. Sorry folks...

 

[Smudge617]

Rubbish, it's not that difficult, part of the joy of this hobby is learning new stuff.

 

[Marlin39]

After looking at numerous switching layouts, I finally put my feet back on the ground. The construction of such a layout is well beyond my very poor skills in railroad modeling. Sorry folks...

You're over thinking this.

1. Buy a piece of 18"wide wood shelf board.

2. Put some 1" foam insulation board on it and lay some track.

3. Start having fun.

 

[Pierluk]

Very good idea. Back to the workshop !

 

[migalyto]

Very good idea. Back to the workshop !

Way to get back on the horse,

You will find that some things in this hobby are intimidating, but not insurmountable.

We will help guide you through the process to achieve success. Remember we were all beginners at one time also.

 

[Genetk44]

Amazing layout ! What are the dimensions of your layout ? What scale is it ? H0 maybe ? Thanks.

Thank you. 6ft by 1ft The board is balsa wood and bass wood….very very light

 

[Pierluk]

Thanks for all your kind comments. I found this video very interesting. I suppose I can do the same layout in H0. What do you think ?

 

[Pierluk]

I've watched a lot of switching layout videos. It looks like I will need Kadee magnetic uncouplers. How much ? Which model ? #312 or #321? Where should I put them ? Do they work with Bachmann couplers ?
Sorry for all these newbie questions.

 

[Rico]

I think the 321 is delayed uncoupling and the 312 isn’t for some reason. Anyone?
You'd place it left of the switch so you can push cars to any track.
You can also disguise it as a road crossing, should you decide to add scenery.
Now go and build the dang thing and have fun!

 

[Marlin39]

I switched to using a bamboo skewer to uncouple cars. Back in the "old" days when I had a homasote base I would make a cutout for the under track magnet.

 

[Smudge617]

Kadee #321 is a delayed action uncoupler, which means shunting the cars forwards and backwards to release the coupling, Kadee#312 is simpler to use in that once the car is positioned over it, as soon as the tension on the coupling is removed, it immediately releases.

Personally, I'd go either #312 or a Bamboo skewer.

 

[Pierluk]

I switched to using a bamboo skewer to uncouple cars

or a Bamboo skewer.

Best option IMO. And the cheapest !

 

[Pierluk]

Now go and build the dang thing and have fun!

On it !

 

[J.Albert]

Looking at the plan in reply 29 above...

I suggest you make each of the yard tracks on the right a car length or two longer, and take a little off "the left side" if necessary.

 

[Pierluk]

A very good idea. Thanks !

 

[Pierluk]

Just for the fun, I built a sort of mock-up of my layout. Dimensions are : 8"x47". What do you think ? All your advices, comments and criticisms will be welcome.

 

[Pierluk]

I think I will definitely keep this little funny layout. It's simple but effective. That's all I need.

 

[Pierluk]

Next step: a biggest (for me!) switching layout (1'x5'). Stay tuned !

 

[migalyto]

Next step: a biggest (for me!) switching layout (1'x5'). Stay tuned !

You got this!!!