00 Gauge End-to-End Micro Layout 5'x1'

[DomDulley]

Hello all,

 

I used to have a garage layout called Coombe Ferrers which I tore down some five years ago to create a space for my then teenage children to hang out with their friends without wrecking the house. I had hoped that by now, with the little feckers grown, I could reclaim the space, but I suspect they will still have need of it for a couple more years at least and quite frankly I can't wait any longer to run some trains.

 

As a result I have been thinking about creating an end-to-end micro layout in 4mm, perhaps 4 to 5 feet by 1 foot, and with the capacity to add a small fiddle yard or traverser dealio on one or even both ends. Eventually I might incorporate this back into a new garage layout, or maybe it will remain a standalone type thing.

 

In terms of subject matter I have a number of BR Blue locos and rolling stock so a TMD seems an obvious choice, but I do want a decent amount of operational interest so I was also considering a shunting puzzle, as I have a lot of pre-grouping wagons and would not be averse to getting a little tank engine or such for Christmas. This would also be a bit different to Coombe Ferrers which incorporated an 80s/90s diesel depot (albeit unfinished).

 

It would also be nice to have a small platform and perhaps a little engine shed and loading stage/parcels shed/cattle dock/etc depending on the setting.

 

I am well aware that 5'x1' is a very tight space and sacrifices will have to be made, but I was hoping that some of you fine people might be able to provide some inspiration that will help me make a decision and come up with a track plan.

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Dom  

 

Edited November 21, 2023 by DomDulley
Brain fart

[john new]

Plenty of small layout ideas on the Carl Arendt site. 5ft is a foot longer than many use for micros. Hope that resource will help, the plans are US based but unless it is double track UK locations should apply.

 

Why mention double track - running lines are the opposite way round in the US to those we use here in the UK.

[Sweet pea]

Dom if you look through the micro layout section of the forum there are some super 4 x 1 micro layout and plenty of inspiration.

[Gilbert]

My efforts..something here may help..

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/163176-cropper-streetthe-dock-street-replacement-layout/#comment-4365933

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/127585-dock-street-sidings-has-a-new-owner/#comment-2904496

https://www.flickr.com/photos/103471893@N02/albums/72157714364768231

https://www.flickr.com/photos/103471893@N02/albums/72157678080788448

Chris H

[ColinK]

The extra foot should allow you to do much more in 5’ than 4’, including a

platform for a bubble car or 153.

[2E Sub Shed]

See this thread for mention of a terminus in 5ft x 1ft - https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/179326-minor-points-annies-layout-projects/page/9/#comment-5342746

 

A number of variations on the "piano line".

[DomDulley]

Thanks for the replies - some very inspirational stuff in there. 

 

I'm thinking operational interest should be my first consideration so I am looking into this first and will experiment with some track set up on the dining room table before settling on anything.

 

Can anyone suggest good resources on railway operations? This is not an area I am familiar with and it's all a bit daunting.

[JimRead]

Hello Dom,

 

I like your idea of operational interest, that's something I identify with.

It is difficult to do i.e. to raise the money for DCC control which is fairly good and improves with good contacts at the junctions of pick ups.
Or DC which needs a really good controller, not the simple DC ramping stuff, again lots of money for a good one with only feedback, or make your own pulse/feedback one for peanuts.

I never made a layout until I could guarantee slow running.

 

A worst case for the above, an old Hornby Nellie
Chassis test only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps8nXqA1HrM&t=11m7s

 

Cheers and good luck - Jim

[DomDulley]

Hi Jim, I completely agree. The things I find most frustrating about the hobby are unexpected stoppages (especially with sound locos), and certain rolling stock expectedly derailing or uncoupling (they know who they are!). These of course are amplified when slow running.

 

I managed to get the TMD in my old layout pretty reliable and so I'm hoping that I can manage the same on a smaller scale, although I know it will be a challenge.

 

Fortunately I have most of what I need for a DCC layout so price won't be a barrier.

[Bungus the Fogeyman]

Another small layout that you may find interesting is Trevanna Dries, now in the tender hands of Wayne Crowley but the original was built by yours truly. Not sure of the actual address but if you put Trevanna Dries into the RM Web search engine you should find something.....

 

Disgusting of Market Harborough

[DomDulley]

I've decided on a setting, though I still have to come up with a name. The primary time period will probably be fifties to sixties which will allow me to run steam and green diesel, and with some careful modelling I can also hopefully run some BR Blue in the seventies and eighties.

 

The layout will model a station at a fictional small port town in the South Hams in Devon, across the river Erme from the real hamlet of Mothecombe

 

The town sits on a fictional branch line that runs from the main line between Plymouth and Exeter at Ivybridge, and continues through my port town to bring tourists to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island.

 

This means that as well as the usual newspapers, fruit, passengers etc., I can bring in china clay, tin, gunpowder and granite from Dartmoor, together with stone from the local quarry, all for loading onto ships. Ships can also deliver goods to be loaded onto outbound services.

 

This should provide quite a lot of operational interest, but I have also built an Inglenook puzzle into the layout.

 

The branch line nearest the platform will attach to cassettes on either side of the layout.

 

Oh, and I've managed to squeeze it into 4 feet, although once I actually lay out some track and test with wagons I may need to extend again.

 

I welcome any thoughts or suggestions 😊

 

 

 

[Davidl66]

That's a very similar plan to my small layout, Lowry Lane.

Mine is 4 feet by 18 inches with built in Inglenook puzzle and kick back siding for a factory/mill facility, peco code 100 track with medium radius points and a three way.
I haven't added any cassettes or fiddle yard(s) [yet] but plenty of time can be spent shunting as it is. 

Have fun with your build