In the Tooter Style: Weekendrailroader's New Railroad

[weekendrailroader]

Hi all.

Long story short, I'm moving to college and I wasn't going without my model trains. I've got two years at Washington State University ahead of me, and after that I'll likley be finding my own place, so it doesn't make much sense to work on my home layout. Instead, I've been working on a new layout.

I think the layout could one day be included in the "Small Layout Scrapbook". The line is built on a card table, with a 15" radius being the widest curve on the line (the others are sharp-inch radius). I managed to fit one turnout on the line, which U-turns sharply to connect to a turntable in the center of the layout. The turntable has two sidings extending off of it.

Right now, motive power is one brand-new Model Power 0-4-0 tank engine, and rolling stock includes short-wheelbase equipment, such as a bobber caboose, ore cars, and the like. Larger cars can be used, but they must have truck-mounted couplers in order to negotiate the sharp curves (old Tyco and Life-Like equipment works well here). Some ideas from the "Tooter's Scooters" thread will likely be implemented.

The card table has its own legs (a bit wobbly, but usable) which fold up undernath the layout for easy transportation. This new layout should work well in my new dorm room, and could even be brought to shows, exhibitions, and other events.

Here's a few photos:

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/f...1&d=1344227237
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/f...1&d=1344227457
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/f...1&d=1344227457

[Rico]

Cool little layout, that turntable looks huge compared to the rolling stock.
Love the B&W shot!

[BMR777]

That's a cool little layout you have there! Are you staying in a dorm or are you getting an apartment? I could see this fitting in a dorm nicely, though where I went to college I barely had room for a spare card table in the dorm they were that small.

[weekendrailroader]

I'm staying in a dorm. Fortunately, it's single-occupancy and I'll have a loft bed, so there should be some leftover space for the layout.

The Black and White shot is the result of playing around with a not-so-great photo in Gimp. It's fun to see what you can do with free software tools.

[railfan]

Looks like a fun setup for a limited space.

[Old 97]

I'm requesting more photos please. I would like to see some more shots like the B&W and pictures of rolling stock with history relating to modifications. "Tooter" style railroading is the best!