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Especially small layouts in OO (or HO)

147 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  Colm2006  
#1 ·
I was trying to create an especially small layout in OO that would fit under a box-divan bed. Found that, using 'standard' geometry curves and points, that in order to get any sort of reasonable length of straight for platforms, this simply was not possible. So I shelved the project. Then I came across Jouef 325mm radius curves and more crucially points (later also the 385 curves and points [plus double-slip but not used on the layout here]). Suddenly the project became viable, and managed to get the whole layout within 1msq (A0 paper-size) with perhaps sneaking a bit over that. Yes there are quite a few restriction on rolling-stock (locos particularly) but as it is of a small branch-line (two stations, not contiguous) these are not too bad (no main-line locos where drive wheels would simply not be able to negotiate the tight curves, even 0-6-0 with flanged middle driver struggle, so only older non-flanged version of such as pannier-tank).

Has anyone else on this forum attempted something like this?
 
#3 ·
Hi Ged,
As Smudge has already said, that's an incredably small footprint / space for any sort of OO Gauge layout (841 x 1189mm / 33.1 x 46.8 inches); have seen lots of "under bed" layouts but on a somewhat large baseboard.
If you are tied to the A0 size, would you not think of a smaller scale perhaps - even 009 say ? Would give you far more scope on all fronts for sure ?
Cheers for now, Norm
 
#4 · (Edited)
Realistically speaking it would be an interesting project if not frustrating to build it and see what you can get in there.
Would it be of any use after that, probably not as tight curves and small running area will limit your enjoyment.
You may be better going for an end to end shelf style shunting layout but even then your length would be very limiting.

I have N gauge and I would recomend it for this area over HO, even then if the measurements that norm mention above are what you have to work with it will be still very tight.
however some people get an awfull lot of N gauge into small boards.