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Here's an industrial switching layout that I designed for the Model Rail Radio podcast as an example of what can be done in O scale on a shelf style layout. At this time, I am not going to build this layout; although it is really neat.

From 2-Rail O Scale Railroading


More information and detail is on my blog here:

Industrial Shelf Layout

TT
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The 19' width was driven by two considerations. There was a 32 square foot challenge (1 sheet of plywood) and I wanted a reasonable length of run along both walls in the 'L' configuration. Ripping 5 slices of 19"x48" (and allowing for the saw kerf) consumes the sheet of plywood. The resulting 144" x 115" 'L' allows for some reasonable scenery and operation.

TT
Patrick:

I've used Atlas and 3rd PlanIt, and I am somewhat adept with them. However, I usually draw track plans in a all-purpose CAD program. I used TurboCAD Delux 14 to draw this plan.

Using a general purpose CAD program means that you do not have all of the pre-defined track components to use and you have to draw them yourself. That is usually not a problem for a small track plan like this. In fact, I wanted to draw a minimum size #4 switch, which is not available in Atlas or 3rd PlanIt.

You also have to learn to use the CAD program, but I use TurboCAD for other model railroad related chores (e.g. benchwork), so I have reasonable proficiency with it. I've also learned some small tips and tricks to make a CAD program behave like a track planning program.

You can get older versions of TurboCAD cheaply (the current version is version 18) as I do. To draw a model railroad track plan you do not need the latest version of the software. TurboCAD 14 is available on Amazon for $20. There are probably free CAD programs available, but I cannot name one off the top of my head.

TT
Patrick:

Find a free or trial version of CAD to learn on to see how you like it. Use the 'filet' function to draw your curves and track arcs. Set the filet radius to your minimum, or to the radius that you want at that spot, and then use the filet to connect the two straightaways that you want to connect with a curve. It's a little difficult to explain, but once you get the hang of it it's easy. That's not what the filet was designed for, but it works like a charm.

TT
Charlie:

It was more of a 'challenge' than a formal contest. On Model Rail Radio's list the challenge was to design a layout using, at most, 32 square feet; the equivalent of one sheet of plywood. If I had cut four 24"x48" sections that would have resulted in 120" x 96" 'L' shaped layout. By going down to 19" width I got an additional slice from the sheet and gained considerable length for some sacrifice in width.

TT
The two ends are called traversers, and it's primarily a European concept. Think locomotive transfer table, except this one is manually operated by you. The idea is to have a sliding table where freight cars are stored on tracks that can be slid into alignment with one or more lead tracks. You can store more cars in a smaller space in this way that you could by using switches to get to the tracks.

The traverser, of course, has to be hidden as there is no such thing in the prototype world (that's not really true, but close enough). The traverser acts as a source or destination for cars as you operate the layout. Cars coming onto the layout are pulled from the traversers and cars 'leaving' the layout are pushed onto it. The traverser is set up before the operating session with inbound cars and after the operating session the outbound cars are taken off. Cars can be put onto or off of the traverser during the operating session if you want to extend the session.

These traversers are 33 inches long, enough for three 40' cars including an allowance for the couplers. The three tracks are on 3 1/8 inch centers, close, but acceptable for straight track. The close spacing allows each track on the traverser to align with each of the lead tracks. If the traversers had normal spacing they could not slide back and forth enough to align with the lead tracks.

The traverser hidden within industry 'A' receives inbound cars and supplies outbound cars. At the other end of the layout the traverser supplies new cars coming onto the layout and those leaving the layout are pushed onto it. Each traverser could, conceivably, start the session totally filled and end the session totally filled with different cars. The operator manually aligns an inbound or outbound track with the desired lead track, the switching move(s) are accomplished and then another track is aligned until all moves have been done. Hidden with a large industrial building or under the bluffs, the cars seem to be coming and going in a normal manner - with some willing suspension of disbelief.

TT
This Shelf layout looks great! I have been web searching for weeks for a shelf layout that will work in an extra bedroom. I model 3rail and could use any suggestions on how to convert your plan using Atlas or Ross turnouts ( I currently have a number of Atlas but would like to switch to Ross). I am also wondering if the Ross 4way turnout could be used in the upper yard area.
David
David;

One design goal was to have this fit into the average bedroom or study. The plan is drawn for #4 switches and as Matt mentioned above, O-54 switches should substitute well; O-42s could save you some more space and you might pick up a car length on some of the spurs by using them. The alignment under building 'C' and the alignment in front of buildings 'D' may require some changes to accommodate the actual switches used. Everything should be do-able in 3 rail.

You could possibly use a 4-way switch to lead into the industries in the upper right; but I would keep the existing design for scenic and operational purposes. The track leading under building 'C', which is on stilts, is very prototypical for industrial buildings in the New York area. The curved turnout also lends scenic and prototypical interest. In addition the track arrangement as drawn should maximize the car storage on the tracks beyond as opposed to using a 4-way.

TT
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