Great timing that I stumbled on this! I'm putting a shelf layout in my old 10.6' x 12' bedroom. I've been out of model railroading for years and look forward to the challenge. Thanks for the video.
You picked a couple of my favorites here. As a N scaler I consider Gordon Odegard a patron saint. The Ottumwa Central was a key plan showing that N scale could stand right next to larger scales for realistic operation. I've built a NTrak module based on one of his layout plans, complete with a scratch built model of a tower plan he published. I also love Andy Sparandeo's orange country layout, enough to do but not crowded.
Good Video! I have never found a layout that was perfectly what I want, however, I print out and collect pieces and parts of layouts I like and then I can piece together my layout. That is what I am doing now! BEST!!
One improvement that would enhance many of these plans would be a way to turn engines at both ends of the main line, especially for steam era modelers. The fiddle yard is one possibility, but it does involve more handing of your models. A turntable or wye at each end are desirable. Another possibility would be a reversing loop as in the first plan shown to create an out and back operating scheme .
I need your advice. I want to build a model railroad layout in a 20' metal shipping container. In my area, the temp will fluctuate from 30 to 100 degrees. I was not planning to heat or AC the container. Is this a workable idea?
Oh, there at 6:40 the San Jacinto District plan, one of my favorites right after plan 55, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake in the original 101 Track Plans book!
There are a lot of great track plans in these two books. Way to many to make a decision! Then there are all the other books out there with even more. Where do we start!
Tom, another good resource for shelf layout design are the books by Lance Mindheim. His books cover plans, design, and building, and offer layouts that are very easy to execute, as they tend to be all on one level.
Tom, hi, im a big fan of your videos. I would like to know the easiest way to build the bench work for the underneath staging area for the 2nd track plan you show (56 Ottumwa Central).and how to tie it in to the upper(ground)level benchwork. I am suffering from emphysema so I need to take the easiest approach to doin g these things, Your help would be greatly appreciated. Alan
Thank you Alan. There is no easy methods for building bench work. I have two videos on bench work in my seried Model Railroading For Beginners that might be helpful.
This would make a nice layout for a small spare bedroom I have which is 10’x7’4”. Unfortunately I would only be able to use 8 out the 10’ of length that I have, to make clearance for the door swing. I run HO scale, or would if I had the room to set them up permanently. It was always only for the holidays when I was younger or for as long as I was interested. My latest Amtrak line consists of locos and cars that need a wider radius to turn and would need to do a full circuit of the room without derailing. There are already wall shelves and an assortment of old tables and an old desk I could piggyback my bench work on. I do see potential in it, but there would have to be a lift gate by the door so I can get in and out of the circuit. I have opted for flexible track so I could adjust the radius for the longer cars and not worry about all those track couplings coming lose, which happens a lot with standard track. I know I have way too many trains to run on a layout this size. I was thinking of running my Amtracks, one small freight, and a trolley of that is not too many. Lol.
I always look at track plans and use a small portion of several to create my own design. I'll do the same with pictures and create something similar but not in the same surroundings. My layout is freelance with bits of ideas from many years of thinking what I wanted.
Toms Trains and Things oh i sure will tom. Planing on a double mainline with a few sidings or just a yard in it. Still in the planning stages but going slow so I can keep it in order and not having to go back and forth on crap I forgot.
Tom I really enjoy your videos. I recently got my dad's O scale trains out but I live in an apartment and don't have room to put them. I also recently went to a train shop and I am interested in getting HO train with DCC and sound. I wouldn't leave them up year round just for the holidays maybe October to the end of the year i want to do a holiday theme I have room for a 3x5ft table maybe a little more if my wife lets me lol will I have enough room to lay down my HO track. The gentlemen at the train shop told me I would be able to build an empire because is small is that true? Plus I may put my dad's trains in with the HO`s I am not sure. Also if you have DCC does it make sense if I get it if I am only putting one HO track down I like the sounds from the trains that's why I want to get it thank you hope you understand what I am trying to ask you hope to hear from you soon.
Your HO scale layout is going to need at least 48 inches minimum for your curves. If your doing only trolley, you may go down to 15 inch radius curves, but typically 18 inches is the bare minimum.
@@TomsTrainsandThings I am not going to run trolleys I just a xmas train lay out with one track maybe 2 but not sure depends on if I can fit it on a 3x5 board i may even make it bigger and put it under the couch or bed and does it make sense to go to DCC if I only have one track? Or should i do DC like i said i love the sounds from the DCC
The third layout literally is flip flopped of the design of my next layout literally, sadly though after exclusively collecting bn, sf, and sp locos my new layout will be a up local job ( I can get away with backdating to sp though) but 40+ bn and Santa Fe’s lose there need, any suggestions?
Dear Tom, your suggestions are good but being French our trains run on the left so Us plans are difficult to adapt , I do have the book you mentioned. Any suggestions on how to adapt? thanks
Hmm, those are indeed some old track plans. I feel like there has to be a decent amount of things that are missed with something that old. I guess you can call them shelf layouts, but I’m not sure how well they fit with what people are thinking about now. Also, I think you mentioned that first n scale layout is good for a first project, but it looks incredibly complex and I don’t think id really advise anybody work on a second level for their first layout. Does the book go over how to build the second level at least? That HO layout near the end is one of the best things I can suggest though, or at least something like it. It’s nice that it is much more simple and feels more real. Nowadays I’d recommend one of Lance Mindheim’s recent books. It’s also helpful to get the computer program AnyRail to design what you want and then print it out full size, taping your sheets together so you can lay it out and see how it feels.
The book was published in 2010 and I did this video in 2016. Some of the layouts in the book go as far back as the late 50's. As for building the second level, there are many publications on bench work and I also have a few videos on benchwork, scenery, wiring etc
Thank you Graham. There are many different ways it can be done, one would be to draw squares on your layout to correspond with the graph on your drawing. Your plan has to have graph lines for this to work. Then by taking measurements, transfer the drawing to the layout. Another way is to print out life size templates of the track your using and lay them out on your layout. What I do sometimes is to lay out EZ Track sections and transfer the outline to the layout. I do this mainly to check to see if what is on paper looks the same on the layout!
Tom I'm thinking of powering my turnouts(15 of them)and , as a real rookie as you know, would appreciate your guidance re the type of turnout motors and what equipment do I need. I run DCC from a NCE Power Cab.
Hi Andy, if you want to completely automate the operation through throttle control, you can use the Tortoise Switch machine with the Switch 8 Mk2. With the Mk2 you can also connect the Button board to it to operate the turnouts from buttons on your panel. OR, to just operate with switches on your panel with the Tortoise SW Machine, eliminate the Mk2 and operate the switch machines from DPDT switches. There are many switch machines available that will do the trick, but I prefer the Tortoise. Let me know if you need any more help with this!
I believe it was model railroader that used to and maybe still does had a monthly brain teaser that showed a small layout and presented a switching challenge. I always thought those would make awesome shelf layouts.
Great ideas for planning shelf layouts, Tom! I hope you will have a very happy Thanksgiving. I'll be working that day driving my big rig down the highway to keep America's freight moving. -from Tom Pilling
When it's available, you'll find it on my Amazon page. BTW, when you click on the Amazon links on my web site, it should now take you to Amazon Canada. Haven't tested it out yet, but Amazon says if your in Canada it will now direct you to Amazon.ca. Not sure if it's available for the /shop/ page
Probably could have cut out the first 4 minutes of this video ... LONG introductions really are not needed ... that info could have been provided in the text accompanying the video. Time is valuable, don't waste it, videos should just jump right into the meat. Thanks for sharing.
Whenever you do videos, you can do them as you like. My videos go into detail for the beginning modeler so they can learn more than just slam, bam, thank you ma'am!
Great timing that I stumbled on this! I'm putting a shelf layout in my old 10.6' x 12' bedroom. I've been out of model railroading for years and look forward to the challenge. Thanks for the video.
Your welcome, glad I can help. Good to see your getting back in the hobby.
You picked a couple of my favorites here. As a N scaler I consider Gordon Odegard a patron saint. The Ottumwa Central was a key plan showing that N scale could stand right next to larger scales for realistic operation. I've built a NTrak module based on one of his layout plans, complete with a scratch built model of a tower plan he published. I also love Andy Sparandeo's orange country layout, enough to do but not crowded.
Thanks. There are always good choices in these annuals
Good Video! I have never found a layout that was perfectly what I want, however, I print out and collect pieces and parts of layouts I like and then I can piece together my layout. That is what I am doing now! BEST!!
Thanks Curtis. That's why I tell my viewers to get their ideas from multiple plans. One plan will hardly ever fit ones situation.
One improvement that would enhance many of these plans would be a way to turn engines at both ends of the main line, especially for steam era modelers. The fiddle yard is one possibility, but it does involve more handing of your models. A turntable or wye at each end are desirable. Another possibility would be a reversing loop as in the first plan shown to create an out and back operating scheme .
Thanks. Good ideas.
I need your advice. I want to build a model railroad layout in a 20' metal shipping container. In my area, the temp will fluctuate from 30 to 100 degrees. I was not planning to heat or AC the container. Is this a workable idea?
You need a constant temp and humidity. So HVAC is necessary with plenty of insulation
Around the wall, shelf, layouts are my favorite kind.
Might just have to watch this!
Oh, there at 6:40 the San Jacinto District plan, one of my favorites right after plan 55, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake in the original 101 Track Plans book!
There are a lot of great track plans in these two books. Way to many to make a decision! Then there are all the other books out there with even more. Where do we start!
Have a safe turkey day this week to you and your family there, Tom
Thank you Charles, you do the same!
Tom, another good resource for shelf layout design are the books by Lance Mindheim. His books cover plans, design, and building, and offer layouts that are very easy to execute, as they tend to be all on one level.
Thank you for the additional information. It's always good to hear new resources from viewers.
Tom, hi, im a big fan of your videos. I would like to know the easiest way to build the bench work for the underneath staging area for the 2nd track plan you show (56 Ottumwa Central).and how to tie it in to the upper(ground)level benchwork. I am suffering from emphysema so I need to take the easiest approach to doin g these things, Your help would be greatly appreciated. Alan
Thank you Alan. There is no easy methods for building bench work. I have two videos on bench work in my seried Model Railroading For Beginners that might be helpful.
This would make a nice layout for a small spare bedroom I have which is 10’x7’4”. Unfortunately I would only be able to use 8 out the 10’ of length that I have, to make clearance for the door swing. I run HO scale, or would if I had the room to set them up permanently. It was always only for the holidays when I was younger or for as long as I was interested. My latest Amtrak line consists of locos and cars that need a wider radius to turn and would need to do a full circuit of the room without derailing. There are already wall shelves and an assortment of old tables and an old desk I could piggyback my bench work on. I do see potential in it, but there would have to be a lift gate by the door so I can get in and out of the circuit. I have opted for flexible track so I could adjust the radius for the longer cars and not worry about all those track couplings coming lose, which happens a lot with standard track. I know I have way too many trains to run on a layout this size. I was thinking of running my Amtracks, one small freight, and a trolley of that is not too many. Lol.
I always look at track plans and use a small portion of several to create my own design. I'll do the same with pictures and create something similar but not in the same surroundings. My layout is freelance with bits of ideas from many years of thinking what I wanted.
This is gonna be my next project for next yr. A shelf layout around the room.
Sounds great. Please show us your progress when you get started.
Toms Trains and Things oh i sure will tom. Planing on a double mainline with a few sidings or just a yard in it. Still in the planning stages but going slow so I can keep it in order and not having to go back and forth on crap I forgot.
Tom I really enjoy your videos. I recently got my dad's O scale trains out but I live in an apartment and don't have room to put them. I also recently went to a train shop and I am interested in getting HO train with DCC and sound. I wouldn't leave them up year round just for the holidays maybe October to the end of the year i want to do a holiday theme I have room for a 3x5ft table maybe a little more if my wife lets me lol will I have enough room to lay down my HO track. The gentlemen at the train shop told me I would be able to build an empire because is small is that true? Plus I may put my dad's trains in with the HO`s I am not sure. Also if you have DCC does it make sense if I get it if I am only putting one HO track down I like the sounds from the trains that's why I want to get it thank you hope you understand what I am trying to ask you hope to hear from you soon.
Your HO scale layout is going to need at least 48 inches minimum for your curves. If your doing only trolley, you may go down to 15 inch radius curves, but typically 18 inches is the bare minimum.
@@TomsTrainsandThings I am not going to run trolleys I just a xmas train lay out with one track maybe 2 but not sure depends on if I can fit it on a 3x5 board i may even make it bigger and put it under the couch or bed and does it make sense to go to DCC if I only have one track? Or should i do DC like i said i love the sounds from the DCC
The third layout literally is flip flopped of the design of my next layout literally, sadly though after exclusively collecting bn, sf, and sp locos my new layout will be a up local job ( I can get away with backdating to sp though) but 40+ bn and Santa Fe’s lose there need, any suggestions?
Change your mind. Design you layout for what you have if you have that much.
Dear Tom, your suggestions are good but being French our trains run on the left so Us plans are difficult to adapt , I do have the book you mentioned. Any suggestions on how to adapt? thanks
Thanks for watching. How about a mirror image of the track plan!
I appreciate your quick answer thank you, tried it but it didn't work?
Hmm, those are indeed some old track plans. I feel like there has to be a decent amount of things that are missed with something that old. I guess you can call them shelf layouts, but I’m not sure how well they fit with what people are thinking about now. Also, I think you mentioned that first n scale layout is good for a first project, but it looks incredibly complex and I don’t think id really advise anybody work on a second level for their first layout. Does the book go over how to build the second level at least?
That HO layout near the end is one of the best things I can suggest though, or at least something like it. It’s nice that it is much more simple and feels more real.
Nowadays I’d recommend one of Lance Mindheim’s recent books.
It’s also helpful to get the computer program AnyRail to design what you want and then print it out full size, taping your sheets together so you can lay it out and see how it feels.
The book was published in 2010 and I did this video in 2016. Some of the layouts in the book go as far back as the late 50's. As for building the second level, there are many publications on bench work and I also have a few videos on benchwork, scenery, wiring etc
love your videos, do you have any tips on how to get your track plan on to your benchwork
Thank you Graham. There are many different ways it can be done, one would be to draw squares on your layout to correspond with the graph on your drawing. Your plan has to have graph lines for this to work. Then by taking measurements, transfer the drawing to the layout. Another way is to print out life size templates of the track your using and lay them out on your layout. What I do sometimes is to lay out EZ Track sections and transfer the outline to the layout. I do this mainly to check to see if what is on paper looks the same on the layout!
Thanks for the advice
hi Tom... besides the book you can also look up maps of prototypes & modify a portion of them into a shelf layout.. thanks for sharing.. vinny
Thanks for the info Vinny. Viewers can see the links for maps and other resources on my last video on track planning and on my web site..
Tom I'm thinking of powering my turnouts(15 of them)and , as a real rookie as you know, would appreciate your guidance re the type of turnout motors and what equipment do I need. I run DCC from a NCE Power Cab.
Hi Andy, if you want to completely automate the operation through throttle control, you can use the Tortoise Switch machine with the Switch 8 Mk2. With the Mk2 you can also connect the Button board to it to operate the turnouts from buttons on your panel. OR, to just operate with switches on your panel with the Tortoise SW Machine, eliminate the Mk2 and operate the switch machines from DPDT switches.
There are many switch machines available that will do the trick, but I prefer the Tortoise. Let me know if you need any more help with this!
I believe it was model railroader that used to and maybe still does had a monthly brain teaser that showed a small layout and presented a switching challenge. I always thought those would make awesome shelf layouts.
I have a stack of model railroader from the past year I have to catch up on. I'll look for them!
Great video Tom! Im looking for plans for a 9 1/2ft x 10ft donut aka around the walls. Do you know of a place online that has track plans to look at?
Thanks John. Take a look on my web site, I have about 30 links there for track plans.
tomstrainsandthings.com/important-features/useful-links/
Great video as usual. Ours is still in our lounge
+Chris O'Connell Thanks Chris. Anywhere is a good place for a layout. My next one is going in the dining room.
Yes general ideas and seeing ideas help the drive to continue working on them.
Works every time
THANK YOU...for sharing.
Thank you Gary.
nice job tom happy thanksgiving to you and the family
Thanks Scott, same to you!
I thought this book was a list of layouts with what track to use to make the exact same layout.
That would usually be in ones published by Atlas, the ones that make the track
Great ideas for planning shelf layouts, Tom! I hope you will have a very happy Thanksgiving. I'll be working that day driving my big rig down the highway to keep America's freight moving.
-from Tom Pilling
Thank you Tom, and as always drive carefully. Hope you can find a good dinner on Thanksgiving.
Great shelf railway .Thumbs up to you .Hope you like mine diesel dave's
Thanks for watching. Yours looks great!
Thank you for your kind words.l have subscribe to your channel@@TomsTrainsandThings
my mistake, it's the first plan you show.
I'm waiting for the collector's edition: 202 Track Plans. One book, cheaper price. -Mark
When it's available, you'll find it on my Amazon page. BTW, when you click on the Amazon links on my web site, it should now take you to Amazon Canada. Haven't tested it out yet, but Amazon says if your in Canada it will now direct you to Amazon.ca. Not sure if it's available for the /shop/ page
Like 🚂
Thank you Gary
Look at the lens when you're making videos ;-)
Your Welcome Sven
Probably could have cut out the first 4 minutes of this video ... LONG introductions really are not needed ... that info could have been provided in the text accompanying the video. Time is valuable, don't waste it, videos should just jump right into the meat. Thanks for sharing.
Whenever you do videos, you can do them as you like. My videos go into detail for the beginning modeler so they can learn more than just slam, bam, thank you ma'am!
Really, four minutes into a 11 minute video before you actually show a track plan.