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I think it is a good challenge to engineer an interesting layout into a small space. These layouts are easy to pack around for display to promote the hobby. They can also be made for easy expansion or as joinable modules. Or it can be a way to make a trial start into a model railroad with a different theme.  

 

"The Great O Scale Micro Layout Contest" has a layout size limit of 1892 square inches. Please refer to the pinned thread for more information. If you don't like the size restriction, then by all means build a layout that suits yourself!

 

Sometimes just a basic circle can be an interesting layout if it has creative scenery. Check <http://www.carendt.com/index.html> for more ideas on micro-layouts, especially regarding scenic treatments.  

 

 

Size limit for contest = 1892 square inches. Some possible configurations:  

 

43.5" x 43.5" = 13.14 sq. ft. = 1892 sq. inches

29"x 65"    = 1885 sq.in. enough for an O27 figure-8 with 90-degree crossing

28.5"x 66" = 1881 sq.in. enough for an O27 figure-8 with 90-degree crossing and O54 easements

32"x 59"    = 1888 sq.in. enough for an O27 figure-8 with 45-degree crossing

36"x 52.5" = 1890 sq.in.

39"x 48"    = 1872 sq.in. enough for an O27 double oval

19"x 96"    = 1824 sq.in. long shelf layout

15.5x 120" = 1860 sq.in. long shelf layout

13"x 144"   = 1872 sq.in. long shelf layout

9.75"x 192" = 1872 sq.in. long shelf layout

48" diameter circle = 1810 sq. in. enough for multiple circles

49" diameter circle = 1886 sq.in. enough for multiple circles  

 

I will be adding track plan ideas that fit the size limit for the contest. I am not a judge or sponsor for the contest, but I was given an OK to start this thread with the idea of promoting interest in the contest!

 

If you have any questions about the contest rules, please do not ask questions here; refer to https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...nt/11707689407393103

Last edited by Ace
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All my plans shown in this thread fit the size limit for the contest. Use your imagination to modify and customize them!

 

triple circle-a

 

triple circle-b

 

This could be a stand-alone starter layout and later expanded to the right.

Corner module-12

 

A loco and two ore cars work the steeply graded branch.

A through train on the oval sets out and picks up cars at the spur, and lays over in the tunnel. 

Oval with branch-a

 

This O27 loop-to-loop arrangement is a really tight fit for the micro format. 

Loop-to-loop-11

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Last edited by Ace

Here is one I did with rrtrack5.  The idea is not new: i borrowed it from the micro layout web site.  Its a point-to-point design, where you pick up gravel at the bottom left, then haul it up to the top and dump it for trucks to haul away.  It uses 14" radius min curves, gargraves track and an RCS O54/O31 curved turnout.

micro4

micro4

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Last edited by swise

Thanks Swise. I'm thinking it's about time I tried the SCARM software for graphic enhancement.

 

Here are some module ideas which can be stand-alone micro-layouts, or extended with connecting track.

 

Module-1

 

Module-2

 

modules for O27-3

 

These two modules together meet the size limit for a micro layout. They can be separated to use as end modules with connecting track added in between.

Loop terminal-6

 

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Last edited by Ace

I loved Carl's micro site; I have all his books on old-fashion paper and cd. Outstanding idea for large scale micros...kinda a contradiction in terms but thats the fun. The 2013 Model Railroader design Annual has an indoor G scale layout; the author briefly discusses small layouts with BIG trains as well.  Shelves, switching, interchange...great stuff to think outside the box.

I'm not going to have time to build it before the deadline, but what I was going to do for the contest was five O27 circles/ovals, all stacked and offset from one another, supported by very sparse scaffolding so it looks like the tracks are suspended in midair. The final product would have had five trains running in a space about 3x3x3.  I like the idea so much I might get back to it one day.

Originally Posted by swise:

Here is a classic Time Saver layout that fits for the micro contest.  I used lots of buildings to make it look like an urban industrial area.

 

timesaver-rcs

Keep in mind that in order for Timesaver to operate as designed you need room for 3 cars on your top two sidings and 2 cars each on your bottom three sidings. We built one for our modular club and ours finished out @12' long.

 

I'd recommend measuring your locomotive and cars (you'll need 5) to get your siding lengths right. Not saying you can't do it, just make sure you build it big enough so you can actually run it. A Porter and 5 Bobber Cabeese should work. RMT would also be a good source for short engines and cars.

 

Uncouplers on each siding (if you can slip them in) are invaluable when you're running Timesaver.

 

Gilly

Last edited by Gilly@N&W
Originally Posted by Gilly@N&W:
 
Keep in mind that in order for Timesaver to operate as designed you need room for 3 cars on your top two sidings and 2 cars each on your bottom three sidings. We built one for our modular club and ours finished out @12' long.

 

I'd recommend measuring your locomotive and cars (you'll need 5) to get your siding lengths right. Not saying you can't do it, just make sure you build it big enough so you can actually run it. A Porter and 5 Bobber Cabeese should work. RMT would also be a good source for short engines and cars.

 

Uncouplers on each siding (if you can slip them in) are invaluable when you're running Timesaver.

 

Gilly

Yea I'm not positive this design actually allows the timeserver operation...

Originally Posted by Drydock:

Will any of this software handle superstreets 8" radius curves?  I've been having a lot of fun playing with Superstreets track, K-line Porters and Plymouths, K-line ore cars, and some of the Industrial rail short skeleton log cars. 

rrtrack has a ss library:

 

superstreets

 

Here are details on the lib:

http://www.rrtrack.com/html/k-..._superstreets_o.html

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Last edited by swise
Originally Posted by Drydock:

Will any of this software handle superstreets 8" radius curves?  I've been having a lot of fun playing with Superstreets track, K-line Porters and Plymouths, K-line ore cars, and some of the Industrial rail short skeleton log cars. 

AnyRail free version has SuperStreets in the track library. I'll whip something up with it ...

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