Model Railroad Layout Design - Footprint

How much space will your model railroad take up? Basic shapes, stand-alone, shelf, dogbone, and folded dogbone. Find the shape that fits your room.
The classic 4x8 layout is perhaps the worst shape for a model railroad. But most people want a plan that offers continuous running. Yet the point-to-point shelf is often overlooked and a great way to fit a small layout into a small space.

[@macguysgarage]

I was currently working on a design of one but going with a compact modular setup with foam that I can easily take apart to store -youve definitely given me some more Ideas for it! Awesome job! Thanks for the ideas 🍻

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@macguysgarage thanks!! I’m glad it helped!!😀

[@chiparooo]

Great topic! Thanks for sharing!

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@chiparooo thanks!!☺️ 🚀🚀🚀🚂

[@Mountainrock70]

I have 3 sheets to work with and a 550 sq ft loft. This gave me some ideas but I will super size them lol😊

[@azmike1]

Thank you for the review of track plans, good and bad. Bravo!

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@azmike1 👋 hi. Thanks!!!!🚂🚂🚀🚀

[@weserman95]

I have a N scale layout that travels around my 5 feet Computer Desk around my Computer equipments! So anything can be done! ;)

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@weserman95 yes! I’ve seen several workbench layouts. Grand use of space!

[@chrisridd9423]

The dimensions of that Sn3 layout haven’t converted into metric properly. 18 x 2 feet is about 5.5 x 0.6 metres. A one foot ruler is about 30cm…

[@stevemellin5806]

Great information . thank you

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@stevemellin5806 thanks!! 🙏

[@bmhd6598]

You're right, almost anyone has room for these track layouts. Therefore, I have added my 'i wish I could build a model train' hope/desire, to my WIPs. These are projects I want to work on for the year and hopefully finish...usually takes 2 years to finish the bigger projects. Note: I'm having computer issues so I am logged in as bm hd. I'm usually logged as history buff (I forget the numbers that follow). I will try to keep you updated, but don't expect anything soon, (smiley face).

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@bmhd6598 hi history buff! The thing about a small shelf is you can plan out structures (my favorite thing to build) and advanced scenery, and then build, lay all the track, and wire the entire thing, basic scenery so it looks great in about a month, and then have fun running and building and perfecting it for years.

[@bdlii]

I recently started a small shelf layout so I could run my old trains. In order to automate I picked up The Motorman with 2 sensors to allow my trolley to endlessly run back and forth. I have two additional yard tracks (separately wired) with switches so I can manually run my other trains. The Motorman has the ability to run both DC or DCC. The two track yard I can also run DC or DCC so I can run my older DC trains (for now) and DCC in the future should I decide to update or buy new. As an aside one of my goals was to limit my $$ spent and focus on using what I already owned. Obviously this went out the window with The Motorman but it allows me to run a train in the background while I work from my home office.

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@bdlii I’ve thought about doing that on our logging line. Single track. Two stall locomotive shed at one end. So I could automate the line. Could be fun. 🤩 🚂🚀

[@johnmcanulty7341]

The layout shown on the YT thumbnail looks interesting: Any info? Please?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. Folded dog bone. Just found it online. Altered it into a blueprint and thumbnail. But great plan! A friend has similar in HO. We will cover that track plan!

[@bigwoz78]

Looking forward to this series Dale. I’m planning an around the room shelf layout right now. My room is 10 x 10

[@ToyManTelevision]

@@bigwoz78 a friend built a huge On3 in his master bedroom. Then he got married! Well… the layout was taken apart and stuck in the hallway. Really! So it’s now being cut down into a 10 foot by 18” shelf. In the spare bedroom. And it’s so much better than when it was huge. And will not lead to a divorce!

[@bigwoz78]

@@ToyManTelevision fortunately mine will be in a spare room. Yay

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

great video, point to point is great and you can run continuously if you add a timer auto reverse unit and a couple of diodes on insulated track ends. building an N scale back drop unit for the yard layout and this system runs my coalmine loco . thanks for lunch...

[@ToyManTelevision]

Great point! Ralph Gochnor’s HO has that in two places. A mine that is about 10’ long and a trolley that is about 8 feet.

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

Going for 27' N scale in the back drop, should have something posted by weeks end...

[@georgebottarini1788]

Never mind it worked😄

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi!!!! Yup. And fun to switch and even fill a gondola with kitty litter!!!

[@Frank-wb8ll]

Thanks for the video 😀

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. Thanks as always for taking a look!!!!’ 😊😊. I love automated traction railroads. Like you say, continuous running on a shelf. And traction is right at home doing it. 😊😊🚀🚀🚂🚂

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi Frank!! 😊

[@georgebottarini1788]

Can’t give you thumbs up say caller doesn’t have permission.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Odd……