I've loved narrow gauge models ever since I was a teenager and reading about them. model railway A story by John Olsen and Malcolm Farlow, set in the early 1980s. So it's no wonder that when it came time to build our first actual layout, we chose the HOn3 scale. No wonder I chose the freelance route and called my railway Alistair Road. As I imagined, this railroad covered the territory of California and carried a variety of traffic, including gold ore, timber, livestock, and other cargo.
We put a lot of thought into the layout design. It has two loops separated vertically by a garden in front, and two streets in each loop. Model trains kept me busy laying tracks for years. Manufacture of vehicles, locomotives and structures. And in operation. But as everything progresses naturally, we eventually decided it was time to move on from this layout.
I noticed some issues with the old layout. First, it didn't work as well as I had hoped. Sharp curves and steep gradients posed some difficulties, especially for lightweight cars. Most switching areas were located quite a distance from the control panel, too far to see clearly and to be reached without walking around the layout. Due to the numerous tunnels and hidden tracks, it was difficult to keep the tracks clear, especially since I didn't drive that often. I found that I preferred a layout that I could work on and look at, but not necessarily interact with regularly.
Narrow gauge shelf layout design
To minimize flaws and maximize my taste, I decided to rebuild the layout as a narrow gauge shelving layout. Given the movement on the horizon, we decided to ditch the loop and go for a compact modular design.
We reused tracks, structures, and vehicles from the original layout and simplified the track plan to include no grades, minimal curves, and no hidden tracks. We made the sections from extruded foam insulation board to make them light and portable. I have come to appreciate the versatility of the form, both as a foundation and in the development of scenic terrain.
So far, I have built three sections of the new layout: Alistair Yard, Aurora Mine, and Timber Ridge Logging Branch. Alistair is the longest section, at 7 feet (it might have been 8 feet, but the foam didn't fit in my car). Model a basic junction with an engine service facility and depot. The junction line also serves as a service supply line.
We spent time designing the layout to ensure balance and clear sightlines when viewed at eye level. I think the narrow shelf layout is good for viewing at eye level, especially if it's mounted on the wall above other furniture. Also, the prototype equipment was smaller and could fit into more compact areas, making it suitable for narrow gauge modeling.
alistair yard
The previous layout didn't have room for a station, so we took this opportunity to build a new station for Alistair. During the coronavirus pandemic, I was looking for possible models until I came across his winter 2014 photo of a small Union Pacific warehouse. classic train. This particular station was located in St. Vrain, Colorado, along the Denton branch of the UP. Obtaining this kit (from American Model Builders) was quite an adventure, if not an ordeal, but it was worth it in the end. The great thing about this depot is the loading dock, which is another destination for boxcars and flatbed trucks.
Alistair can operate as a standalone unit, switching vehicles between different spots, or as part of a larger system. It has expanded (albeit only by a few feet) in both directions: Aurora to the west and Timber Ridge to the east. You can insert any number of modules between Alistair and the end module to increase the distance between them. We have plans to build a few more in the near future.
Building the module
The actual structure of each module can be simple or more complex, depending on the landscape elements you want to incorporate. The simplest module consists of a 12-inch-wide shelf made of 2-inch-thick foam painted brown, onto which the track is discreetly glued with tacky adhesive. If desired, a notch can easily be carved into the foam below the track to accept the magnet that will release the coupling. The power wire can be threaded through a small hand-drilled hole in the foam and attached to the underside using tape. Ballast and groundcover can be applied with diluted white glue and secured in place. Shrubs and trees can be pasted with glue or inserted into foam. You can then place structures and other models.
You can also add hills, rocks, mountains, and streams by layering and shaping foam above and below your base layer. I used a small jigsaw, Surform tool, and a sharp hobby knife to shape and carve the foam. Any models you want to incorporate (such as the Aurora Mine or the Timber Ridge spur tree) can be included as part of the molding process so that the finished scene looks organic and natural.
I used earth-toned craft paint to color the hills and rocks. I carved cutouts under the tracks to model the ash and coal pits. It's the perfect touch for your garden area. Other features such as retaining walls, culverts, and ditches can also be easily added. It's amazing what you can do with foam to make it look like a natural landscape.
Foam construction has other benefits as well. It's easy to carry, not only to move your layout around, but also to work on, display at shows and conventions, or show off to friends and family. Taking photos will also be much easier. Sections can be taken outdoors or set between different backgrounds including other modules for optimal lighting and viewing angles. When you're done, simply slide the sections back into place along the wall and your layout is complete again.
I supported the module using 8 x 10 inch brackets screwed directly to the wall. Due to the low weight of the module, minimal support is required. There was some bending in the Alistair section (this can happen with long foam) so I inserted cardboard spacers to fill in the gaps. The most important thing is to make sure the edges are aligned so that the transition of tracks between modules is smooth. The shelf height is nominally 55 inches from the floor, which is a comfortable viewing height for me.
Operation with narrow gauge shelf layout
I have a selection of freight cars to use in my layout. This includes models such as Grandt Line (now San Juan Detail), Rail Line, Durango Press, and Clear Creek. Before and after switching, they are installed and removed manually.
As for locomotives, I have several older DC powered model die cast (Roundhouse) 2-8-0 engines and a newer DCC equipped Blackstone C-19. Easily switch between DC and DCC by simply connecting the line power lead to a DC or DCC base station. I usually use the Blackstone engine, which runs smoother at lower speeds and has lights and sounds.
Operate when you feel like it. I like to turn on the engine, turn on the lights, slowly take it out of the engine house, pause to collect coal and sand, and proceed to draw water (this also has sound effects) . I like to get a close-up view of the wheels turning, engaging the rod, and hearing the accompanying clunks and chuffs.
I usually change cars at the yard, mine or logging spur, then stop at the ash pit and return the engine to the engine room. It's a fun time to enjoy a slice of narrow gauge life in your own way and daydream about what it would have been like many years ago.
Compared to the last layout, the new shelf layout really makes the living area bigger. It exists visually rather than physically. In fact, to me it's like a piece of art on the wall. The only difference is that this work of art happens to work.
Meet Peter Vassallo
