I'm branching out to a micro layout

[potatan]

I've determined that a lot of my problems are that I'm trying to everything all at once and become paralysed with fear that I might do it wrong for lack of knowledge of, well, everything really.

So I've cut some bits of ply up and hopefully they will all stick together in an approximately 2ft x 1ft micro layout for trying things out, like digital accessories or something. Dunno really, just seemed like a good idea to cut some more wood up.

Now I've got an excuse to make mistakes while still having fun, and can tinker around with a few ideas whilst not affecting my original layout-in-progress.

There's obviously not too much I can do, track-wise, on a 610mm x 300mm board but if anyone has a suggestion for how I can maximise the learning opportunities from my prototyping I'd be happy to have them. I did think I could get a loop in somehow but I don't think a 135mm radius curve would take many locos, seeing as 228mm is 1st radius and most of them wouldn't run on that.

Edit: This is N Gauge, just in case that wasn't obvious

[aleopardstail]

its not a bad idea, as for the track plan, the diagonal maximises things but I'd go parallel for simplicity, maybe a short length of flexi between the to points to space the track slightly further, can then have the tracks parallel as well.

then the "theory" is the front track becomes a single track branchline, the rear one is a small siding, with a kick back into a loco shed or a loading dock (excuse to make a kit of one). rear track gets buffer stops the front one gets the end of the board, with perhaps a tree in front of the track to hide it.

pretty quick test board/scenic test and photo backdrop for locos

I used to have a 4x1 OO layout that got more in the same sort of space scaled down (except you have way more depth, in effect you have a 4'x2' OO plank)

pretty simple, a short sector plate (18" in OO, basically a tank engine and a pair of four wheel coaches, maybe three wagons), with two off stage roads, then a single track with a platform and a pair of kick back sidings. did mean with the sector plate in place some basic shunting was possible.

that got built essentially for the same reason, a test layout while I was working on something else, and it was made from scraps and offcuts

[potatan]

in effect you have a 4'x2' OO plank)

Ooh good point, I can do a search for OO 4' x 2' layout examples then shrink down as they are probably much more easy to find than N-gauge 2 x 1's

Thanks for the other comments too

[aleopardstail]

in effect you have a 4'x2' OO plank)

Ooh good point, I can do a search for OO 4' x 2' layout examples then shrink down as they are probably much more easy to find than N-gauge 2 x 1's

Thanks for the other comments too

keep in mind the point geometry doesn't scale exactly, but thats a very good shout. just be aware most such layouts assume very small locomotives (e.g. a class 08 or smaller is likely what it has) though there are a fair few done as a small TMD so locos only, but basically any locos going with the layout being basically a diesel fuelling point or similar.

also, it doesn't need scenery to make sense or any at all can be a nice way to practice but its an excellent way to get used to ways of getting points working and trains moving

[Dad-1]

Small bites - Got to say this is I believe the best way to go.

There IS a lot to learn and best to have some fun while doing so.
Micro's can be done in 'N' although the very light locos can have
trouble at ultra low speeds, but yes, Go for it !!

Geoff T.