Model Railroad Design Ideas
As the old saying goes, the space you have is the space you have. You need to deal with the hand you've been dealt. A good design is one that:
- Allows you to easily to reach all track from the aisle.
- Has a linear format where train routes pass through a scene only once
- Has ample linear runs of bench work and track
- Has comfortable aisle widths
- Maximizes main line run length per square foot (if main line running is important)
- Takes into account your available time, resources, and skill level.
Drawn below are some proven design concepts that can serve as a starting point for your thinking. If nothing else, they will keep you out of trouble. They should be viewed as string line schematics to be pulled, stretched, or squeezed to fit your situation. Curve radius in each case is 30 inches. If you have a branch line or industrial theme, the curve radius could be reduced to 24 inches. Aisle widths are three feet.
A. The most efficient use of space in terms of main line run length per square foot of layout is a plan that borders the walls with shelf style bench work and contains a single center peninsula. This format also contains numerous linear areas that are necessary for yards, towns, and industrial areas. If your available space is much larger, the concept holds from the standpoint of having only one peninsula. In that case just lengthen the one peninsula or bend it into a serpentine pattern. Assuming 30 inch radius curves and 24 inch wide shelves you realistically need a room that is at least 16 feet wide for this idea to fit comfortably. Remember though, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Just because you have room for this much layout doesn't mean you should use it. Do a self check in terms of available time, energy, and resources.
B. If your room isn't wide enough for the center peninsula to contain a turn back loop, you can still use the center space by running a branch line down the middle.
C. Just because you have the space for a large layout doesn't necessarily mean you need to use it. Be wary of biting off more layout than you can handle. The above plan still allows for continuous running but omits the center peninsula in an effort to trim back the scope of the layout.
D. If you don't need continuous running or, have limited space or time, a basic I, L, or U shaped footprint (shown above) is appropriate.
E. If your room is larger than 20 feet by 20 feet, the above option has a nice flow to it and eliminates the need for a duck under or lift out bridge. This schematic is generally only viable for larger spaces though.