Small logging layout .

[metalworkertom]

Hello everyone now that I'm basically retired after heart surgery and without much room in my current living arrangement.  I'm looking for ideas for a small logging layout in a 28x 52 area . I haven't seen anything on line that I really liked . What ideas do you fine folks have ?

[wm3798]

@randgust You're needed in surgery!

[metalworkertom]

Randgust I have had enough of that already!!

[mkearns]

Plan 2x40001 from Mike's Small Trackplans has a bottom loop and then an elevated branch. I could easily see a logging scene up top and a small engine bringing logs down the branch to a mill.
http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm

The plan was converted from Atlas to Kato Unitrak by Steve's Trains
https://www.steves-trains.com/post/n-scale-track-plans

Both are for a 2x4 plan but the track is pretty close to the edge. With a couple extra inches each way you might be able to give your track a proper offset back from the edge. Or widen the radius slightly and give you more options for locomotives and industries.

[mkearns]

There's also this plan from MRR. Designed for On30 but should scale appropriately around your limits in N.

https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/track-plan-database/modeling-a-narrow-gauge-railroad-in-a-small-space-in-on30/

[garethashenden]

This is smaller than asked for, but may offer some inspiration:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=43696.0

[randgust]

I started with an 18x36 stacked loop-to-loop portable module of a sawmill layout that ended up as a feature article in Model Railroader, the Hickory Valley.   Designed it to fit on a dresser.

It was started in 1976 and is still operational today and will be at the N scale Altoona show in September.

About five years ago I developed a stand-alone 'partner' layout that does a clear-cut logging 4% switchback down to a log pond, that 'finishes' the Hickory Valley with a clear-cut to sawmiil layout.  That's called the "Ross Run" module and has the build thread here.

That one is 21x42 inches so that I wasn't cramping the Atlas Shay on the 8" curves of the original Hickory Valley module.   It will also be at Altoona.

Together, they make a 21x78 logging railroad that goes from forest to sawmill, and it's designed to fit into my T-trak module that also features the main line interchange with the PRR.

I've got two Shays, a Heisler, a Class B Climax, two Class A Climaxes, and a couple of rod locomotives following local prototypes.   Video of all this on YouTube as well, just search for Randgust.

PM me if you want plans, photos, etc.   Or come to Altoona!

Original HVRR:


Link:  http://www.randgust.com/HVRRlayout.jpg

Married up with the Ross Run module (now nearly finished, still doing trees)



Link: http://www.randgust.com/rossrun14.jpg

[metalworkertom]

This is smaller than asked for, but may offer some inspiration:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=43696.0

I thought of this one actually , modified some of course.  It definitely gives inspiration remember when it was built.

[metalworkertom]

I started with an 18x36 stacked loop-to-loop portable module of a sawmill layout that ended up as a feature article in Model Railroader, the Hickory Valley.   Designed it to fit on a dresser.

It was started in 1976 and is still operational today and will be at the N scale Altoona show in September.

About five years ago I developed a stand-alone 'partner' layout that does a clear-cut logging 4% switchback down to a log pond, that 'finishes' the Hickory Valley with a clear-cut to sawmiil layout.  That's called the "Ross Run" module and has the build thread here.

That one is 21x42 inches so that I wasn't cramping the Atlas Shay on the 8" curves of the original Hickory Valley module.   It will also be at Altoona.

Together, they make a 21x78 logging railroad that goes from forest to sawmill, and it's designed to fit into my T-trak module that also features the main line interchange with the PRR.

I've got two Shays, a Heisler, a Class B Climax, two Class A Climaxes, and a couple of rod locomotives following local prototypes.   Video of all this on YouTube as well, just search for Randgust.

PM me if you want plans, photos, etc.   Or come to Altoona!

Original HVRR:


Link:  http://www.randgust.com/HVRRlayout.jpg

Married up with the Ross Run module (now nearly finished, still doing trees)



Link: http://www.randgust.com/rossrun14.jpg

Thanks Randy I would definitely like to see more of your layout .
I have One of your Climax engines , A Showcase Shay that needs a lot of cosmetic work. A 0-6-0 Minitrix for from the woods to mill and other taskes.  And quite a bit of other rolling stock .

[randgust]

Even with a tiny little logging module, you can do some real fun.... this was last year at Altoona.



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/rossrunpond1.JPG

That's my Climax B, Woodland Scenics deep pour water.

The stumps in the background is the clear cut logging scene, but the rest will be reforested in second growth, debris and saplings

[Spades]

Link: http://www.randgust.com/rossrun14.jpg

For the Ross Run Module have considered modeling clear cutting?

I will show myself out.

[spookshow]

If you can manage 6' x 3', MR's Kootenay Lake Navigation Co is a fun little layout -



I built a mirror image version of that track plan once upon a time -



-Mark

[Dwight in Toronto]

Just curious … can someone please post some details about the September Altoona event?

I might possibly be up for a road trip around that time!

[randgust]

Here you go....

https://sites.google.com/a/theaamr.org/aamr/welcome-to-the-aamrs-website

[Lemosteam]

Here is my switchback logging N-Trak Module, still in progress.  It is a 4' x 2' corner module.  The logging portion will be controlled independently of the NTrak and is designed after the Cass Scenic Railway, having switchbacks to the top and then back down on the Ntrak Mountain loop to a sawmill that would have an interchange transfer to a lumber yard loading spur off the inner NTrak loop for interchange. Unfortunately there are no real NTrak setups within 50 miles from me that could use it, but I still plan on completing it someday.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=44943.msg580317#msg580317