Anyone have a mixed gauge layout?

I tried it once, about 10 years ago. I had an N gauge layout, in addition to O, and happened to have matching 4-6-4 steam engine in both gauges, and enough rolling stock to create a pretty close match so I got the idea to have the O-gauge steamer go into a tunnel in the foreground and then appear to emerge where I had set up a loop of track in the background, which was supposed to give the effect that the train and tunnel exit were off in the distance. It didn't work out at all. In fact it looked silly.

 

Maybe it would have been better if the transition would have been from O to HO instead of N.  I've also seen layouts where people use different gauge structures to create forced perspective to good effect but I think unless you have the artistic skills of a Disney Imagineer, which I don't (forced perspective is used throughout Disneyworld), it's not going to look right.

Nice idea as you had similar engines and rolling stock.  Yeah, I had more of the HO forced-perspective solution in mind but doubt I would have the artistic skills to pull it off. I started sketching an idea that would use a back wall next to the O layout that would simulate a mountain or far off vista.  That way the HO train, cars, and odd house or diner I have rumbling around would be both physically higher and a bit further away.  The combination may help trick the observer's mind into interpreting distance.  Another thought was just to use a built-in shelf that goes under my basement window and lines the wall for an HO vignette.  The O layout would be on a bench in front with maybe a foot separating it from the window shelf.  So when viewed looking toward the window, the O gauge in the foreground followed by a gap of floor space and then the window with the shelf and HO vignette might just work.  I'm thinking an HO trolley would look great but a subway or diesel consist would better match the years of my Matchbox cars.

 

Tomlinson Run Railroad

We had a similar thought when designing our layout. Many,many 1/64 Hot Wheels and etc. cars with no where to display them.  I came up with the Garyville Motor Sports Park on the front area of the layout.  Since I run an 027 layout and Plasticville buildings they don't really look too weird. This also gives small kids a front row view of both trains and slot cars.

I just took these pictures and you can see I have things apart today but you can get the idea of what I am trying to do. 

 

Azgary

On our club layout we incorporate an N-Gauge loop into our park scene with patrons riding the train. This is to recognize the Long Island Live Steamers who lets us share their park first Sat in August for our annual club picnic

Hi Gary,

 

You are right! I'm surprised at how well they fit in inspite of the scale issues.  Thanks for the pictures.  By the way, I like your creative use of elevated track supports.  I see a bottle in one shot, but are those sculptured white and blue things water bottles?  If so, they work really well.

 

TRRR

Nice idea!

Hi TRRR, Those supports are recycled from Mr. Barney's cat treats. The labels come right off. I will fill them and paint them before screwing the track to them.

 Gary 

Brilliant!  I guess I'll have to get a cat if I want to add that elevated trolley line. :-)

 

TR3

Our family layout is One SCALE; Two Gauges:  4' 81/2" & 2' 6", both in 1/48 scale.

 

Lionel dabbled in this, if you remember:  the Father/Son set--same F3 frieght set (more or less) in O (Super O) and HO, and the HO ran underneath the O, which was on modified trestles.  The trestles and the O caboose were the only really rare pieces; I watched one of the cabooses bid up to just under $900 on TheBay recently but not sell.

I wouldn't try to hide it too much, I would have fun with it. Make a used car lot and put up an oversized sign for GARY COLEMAN MOTORS