What to do with some freebie frame and plywood

[Packer]

Well I found a frame that could have been used for a small table or something. When I say found, I was out walking and it was next to a neighbor's trash can I took it home. That was a few months ago. I then found a piece of 3/4" plywood in another neighbor's pile that is almost the same size (a little bigger, but I cut it to fit). So I wound up putting the two together. The only thing is it's an odd (and rather small) size of only 21"x39"

So far I've mocked up some track on it for an HO scale diorama. I've crammed a double-tracked main with road and river running parallel, with a branchline going off to the side, over the river on a scratchbuilt trestle (a WIP) and crossing the road.

But the idea of another purpose keeps sneaking into mind... A small N-scale layout, as I've been curious about it. But what can be done in 21x39? Ideally some roundy-round and some switching.

Does the railwire collective think I should stick with the rather small HO diorama, or try a small N scale layout?

[Blazeman]

I'm finishing a 28 x 24 "Christmas" layout that will sit on a long coffee table alongside the table top tree. Have to introduce the snow and icecicles effects. Have a frozen pond and bare trees.  Being almost a foot longer, you may be abe to design some switch work into the mix since you would have room for an industry and team track

[Packer]

Blazeman, mine's 3 inches narrower though...

I've played with SCARM track planning software. I tried Atlas for track and used sectional track only (Haven't figured out the flextrack in the program)

I tried code 55, but couldn't really get anything on it without being on the very edge because of the 10" minimum radius and switches being longer. I tried code 80 and was able to come up with something similar to my old 4x8 HO layout, because there were snap switches and a 9-3/4" radius.

Here's what I though of:


The top one is code 80, the bottom code 55. If I would go through with this, the power would likely be a GP7/9 and cars would be limited to 50' max. The only issue with code 80 plan is the tail track, which may be too short and stems from the fact that I don't know how long an N-scale 50' car coupled to a GP7/9 would be.

[DKS]

But what can be done in 21x39? Ideally some roundy-round and some switching.

That 21" dimension really limits your options. Honestly, if it was me, I'd use the plywood to repair the garage door or something along those lines, hunt down a track plan I liked, and build the layout to suit the plan, rather than the other way around. Just sayin'.

[robert3985]

That 21" dimension really limits your options. Honestly, if it was me, I'd use the plywood to repair the garage door or something along those lines, hunt down a track plan I liked, and build the layout to suit the plan, rather than the other way around. Just sayin'.

What DKS says....+1

[TiVoPrince]

HO
could yield a fine photo-diorama.  Introducing roundy-round for N would not seem to add a lot.  Slicing the plywood lenghthwise to double the overall length and 11.5 inch width might allow for a more reasonable N switching layout...

[jimmo]

Test track.

[Catt]

I like Jimmo's idea myself.you do do a small radius loop with both facing and trailing turnouts to test both locos and cars on.Maybe practice your scenery techniques on.

Concider this fair warning though doing such things can cause you to take your little layout to shows where you have to answer a zillion (not really but bit will feel like it) questions on how you did this or that ,or what that locomotive is and who makes it.

Not to mention people asking "Is this N scale?" Trust me if you have a billboard size sign stating the scale people will ask.You will have fun.

[mmyers]

Z Scale.

[Packer]

That 21" dimension really limits your options. Honestly, if it was me, I'd use the plywood to repair the garage door or something along those lines, hunt down a track plan I liked, and build the layout to suit the plan, rather than the other way around. Just sayin'.

Beggers can't be choosers, but I'm agree with you.

HO
could yield a fine photo-diorama.  Introducing roundy-round for N would not seem to add a lot.  Slicing the plywood lenghthwise to double the overall length and 11.5 inch width might allow for a more reasonable N switching layout...

I'm leaning towards the HO pfoto-diorama. I have the track already, just need some foam, cork, and shrubbery...

[Lemosteam]

Maybe think about an N Scale diorama?  Nice gorge or valley arch  or truss bridge over a ravine...