by Martin Fischer/photos by the author
The basis for this switching layout is a plan by Lance Mindheim. For me, this plan met all the requirements I have for my small layout. While an interesting switching layout, it is not a puzzle like the Timesaver, where track lengths are exactly matched to the length of the rolling stock. Although it is a small layout, an additional fiddle yard is not necessary. Instead, a small yard is part of the visible tracks and is landscaped. In addition to some sidings, a small engine service facility is also included.
Most of my rolling stock consists of cars with a length between 24- and 26-scale feet. This allows me to run a varied operation even with short track lengths. Accordingly, I have also converted the plan from the HO standard gauge plan in the book to the shorter cars by reducing the lengths by 60%, i.e. the ratio between 40-foot standard gauge cars and my short narrow gauge cars.
Construction
The resulting layout has a size of 9×2 ft. I used MicroEngineering Code 70 track material with No. 6 turnouts. There are no gradients, and I use Switchmaster motors as turnout drives. Since I only use one locomotive at a time, I operate with DC block control.
Control Panel
This procedure is not my creation, I read about it a long time ago. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the source. My control panel was made from styrene using a simple technique. The stylized track plan is represented with Evergreen stripes on a styrene base. After painting and drilling the holes for the switches and LEDs, these are screwed in directly. The exact procedure can be seen in the photos in the sidebar. If I were to do this again, I would increase the spacing slightly. The chosen 0.60″ (15mm) horizontal and 0.40″ (10 mm) vertical are a bit too fiddly…
