Small Space Layout Ideas?

[Rail Co]

Hey Guy I know I have been asking a lot of questions (you guys have good ideas) but I was wondering I do not have a lot of room for a layout right now. I was wondering If anyone has any simple ideas to make every inch count right now I have a sq. of track,and about a 40" by 40" space to work with.

All ideas are welcome!

Thanks SO much

-RailCo

[Heavy2600]

Someone mentioned earlier having a track layout nailed/screwed to a board that folds down from the wall like an old ironing board. I very much like this idea as when in the upward position the backside could have a hook for a dartboard and the layout would protect the wall. The whole thing (bottom) could be painted to match the wall color. What if the bottom had a stetched canvas painting or poster as to camouflage the board. Of course your train and any city structures would be removed when put away. I like the idea though.

[Dutchiedoughnut]

What do you want to show on your layout? You could do a diorama, if you don't mind your train being static. Or, on the other extreme, you could do a layered approach with a subway station, a streetcar running above and maybe a monorail. Of course, if you'd rather show a landscape you might create a hill or two, with the tracks running through a tunnel and over a bridge.

[UrbanErwin]

It probably sounds stupid but how many meters are 40" ?

And like Dutchiedoughnut said, what is your goal with the layout?

[Chromeknight]

It probably sounds stupid but how many meters are 40" ?

A 32x32 baseplate is 10" (exactly!) so four baseplates in each direction.

(Operational) Small layouts can be divided into two types (ignoring static diorama display layouts)

Circles (loops, pizzas, ovals) and end to end layouts.

In 40" you have enough space for a loop. Or even two nested ones. If you do go for a complete loop, there is not much space left over for switches with spurs of more than about a car length. A loop will tend toward passenger stock or, as suggested above, even a trolley/tram kinda thing.

If you go for an end to end layout you can't run trains continuously, but you'll have a more space to put sidings and shunt cars about. You'd be looking a freight and goods cars for these sorts of layouts. And a small shunting engine.

From what you've said, sounds like you're thinking loop. Do you have modular buildings (like the cinema, Parisian restaurant etc) to put in the middle, if so a tram or short passenger train running around those would look fine.

[Gioppa]

my opinion is : don't made a layout, but a sort of diorama, small, maybe one or two baseplate but really full of details.

Something like this,the first i get for made an example:

http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/334714

i hope to have explain what i mean.

[Rail Co]

I see what you guys are saying with the diorama i would have to pick up some bricks or rummage for hours in the unorganized bins (need to organize). I am mostly looking at just a layout as i want to run my trains. I have space for a diorama somewhere else if i ever decide to do that.

I believe I used the maximum space that I have with 2 loops one square and just a circle in the middle. Then I found I was able to squeeze in a siding off to the side with around enought space to put 2 trains.

Thanks guys

-RailCo

[jimmynick]

The late Carl Arendt kept up a Small Layout Scrapbook at his website for traditional model railways (typically O and H0/HO) - you could consult the (many) featured layouts for some inspiration.