DESIGNING THE SQUAREFOOT
The objective: To develop the smallest possible model layout
that would represent a
complete, working railway in G scale. Extreme narrow gauge was permitted!
The constraints: Minimum radius was 6 inches; the equipment
couldn't handle
anything less. There obviously was no room for a turnout (track switch) as it
would take up too much room. Required operations were: loading cars, hauling
cars at least a moderate distance, and delivering freight to some destination.
The solution: Use a sector plate (a swinging, turntable like section of
track)
instead of a turnout to switch from track to track. Provide a "Backstage"
area
to operate the layout, store cars and represent the "rest of the world".
The final design came out as an 11x14 inch layout, with pieces
cut out
that brought the final size to 139 square inches. It looks like this:
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