Model Railroad Design Software
Dot Liljenquist
NOTE: I'm in the process of updating the scripts that run the blog, so there will be changes made in the next few months. Comments no longer need approval, but you must be logged-in to view posts. If you want to become a member of this website, just click on the 'Sign-In' link on the menu bar for more information. Cheers, Rob.
Back in May of 2018, I was asked to design a micro urban industrial switching layout set in the transition era. The client also sent a track plan for a waterfront scene that he liked (I did as well), and wanted it used as the basis for the design that he wished to be mocked up in 3D. I assumed the track plan was from a British source, since it used a...
A new version of this blog has been in the works for the past few weeks, and it will hopefully be available soon. I'm not sure how much disruption there will be during the transition period, so please be patient. I will also inform you that once the blog is moved to the new server, the need to sign in will be eliminated. The sign-in was only there to combat the ongoing spam issue. Take care, Rob.
Back in March of 2018, I was asked by a member of the Micro/Small Model RR Layouts group to help design a minimalist layout with a beginner in mind. The design was to be done in N-scale, and had to fit a 11.5" x 36" space (the size of a 1x12-inch plank) and be based on an Inglenook design. The layout would be set in the American Southwest...
Back in February of 2018 I was asked to design a layout based on Baltimore & Ohio's West 26th Street terminal on Manhattan. After completing that track plan, I decided to tackle another similar design. I finally settled on Erie's West 28th Street terminal. The design was a lot more straight forward to duplicate than the B&O one, but of course...
This concept design was done back in March of 2018 for an owner of a partially completed N-scale pike who has grown weary of the level of operations required on the layout. The N-scale layout occupied this space, but had been dormant for a few years. Theowner was considering moving up to HO, and from modeling mainline operations to a more...
Back in 2017, I had been inspired by a member of a railway forum that was modeling a Soo branch line on a mini HO-scale layout. Since that time, I had taken a keen interest in modeling Prairie towns and grain elevators operations. So I began designing some small modules depicting small stations, with grain operations...
A member of the Micro/Small Model RR Layout Facebook group requested a HO scale layout featuring an end-of-the-line station to fill his 55x80 inch space. The proto-freelanced short line railroad would be located in South-central, or South-west Wisconsin during the transition era. The member wanted the layout to include ...
For anyone wanting to see my new layout designs, please join my Facebook group. We have a lot of talented track planners and professional railroaders in the group. It's a great place to get some help and feedback on your next project.
Just a heads up. This blog is scheduled to move to a new server at the end of the year. I'm not sure how seamless that process will be or how long it will take my blog to be available to the public again. I will not be updating the site again until after the move is done. To stay informed during the transition, I suggest you join my JoMRD Facebook group. You can find a link to it on the menu bar. Thanks.
These two 2'x4' On30 portable modules were done for a client's freelanced Cat Mountain Line. The narrow gauge railway runs from a small seaport out into the mountains to a mine in the pacific northwest sometime between 1930 and 1950. My client wanted the layout to include a pier, single track car ferry, mine, simple...
Back in December of 2021, a member on my JoMRD Facebook group, Gary Ruming (I named the track plan for him), introduced me to the Pompano spur in Florida, and I gave him some feedback and help with a track plan to fit his 66x96-inch space on 12-inch wide shelf. I was quite impressed with the area depicted in the prototype, and I wanted to create a...
This was done as part of a challenge on the Micro/Small Model RR Layouts Facebook group to design a HO-scale layout to fit in a 6'x6' corner. For this attempt, I decide to go with a modern single industry. Although I didn't specify the type of industry depicted, it could easily work for a few types. The plan is self- contained, with a reasonable sized...
Back in October of 2019, a client asked if I could design a modern switching layout for him in his very limited space. He then proceeded to say that he wanted a layout to fit in his 2x4-foot space, and he was wondering what I could do with it. Now, if you know me, I am always up for a challenge, but I also knew that such a space was...
This modern era design was done for a client who is a professional railroader that wanted a modern era proto-freelance layout based on two industrial spurs in Shreveport, Louisiana where he works. The layout room was 10'6" x 11'6" and had a closet that needed access, but I could use a lift-out across both doorways. There are still a few...
This is a modern-era freelance Norfolk Southern N-scale switching layout loosely based on NS lines in eastern Pennsylvania. The track plan is designed to fit in a 8'8" x 11'8" L-shaped space using 18-wide shelves and 12-inch minimum radius. The design also has a continuous run option that will be used as...
The track plan was just completed for a client that wanted an HO-scale layout based on the Central of Georgia Railroad in south Georgia. It was to be based on the "what if" scenario that the Central of Georgia was still operating as an independent line in the 1970s. The L-shaped space was 6x10-foot and would fit along two walls of a small...
The layout will be semi-permanent, meaning, once built the layout will not be moved regularly, however, if the customer wants to relocate the layout in future, he should be able to do so without ripping off all the hard work. So my design had to cater to that critical requirement.
Now, even though AnyRail provides a 3D render which is helpful while building the layout to visualize track elevation, clearance and calculate gradient, it is quite difficult to get a workable idea about the complex benchwork that is the foundation to make this project a success. So, I built a 1:16 scale model of the model railway! Yes, you red that right! Here is a little gallery that shows how different components were built and how that is extremely helpful to visualize a complex project like this in extreme detail without even buying a single board of ply or even a piece of track!
This design is the same concept and scale, just in a larger space, thus allowing a small logging section on far left hand part. You also get an over and under action, much longer siding to run longer trains; narrow, long design to give a sense of distance, especially with the long and narrow stretch of the road in the front. It gives an opportunity to create a small town scene and sawmill crew quarters as well.
In 2023, I wrote an article about four young men under the age of 40 that were either modelers or worked in the model railroad industry. I had noticed a lot of young people working for various manufacturers at the National Train Show in Grapevine, Texas.
Beginner model railroaders, as well as veteran modelers, can be helped and motivated by this new 144-page softbound book. Author Lance Mindheim, a contributor to Model Railroader magazine as well as other Kalmbach Media publications, has laced together a broad outline of what you should know, how you should plan, and how you should proceed if you want the best results in creating a model layout.
The previous blog post on gondola kit builds featured HO scale Pennsylvania Railroad GRa class cars. That was the main focus of the group kit build project, but the door was wide open for our Pre-Depression Era railroad modeler group to build a gondola kit they had at hand. A few more models came off the workbench!
While planning the Peshekee River Railroad, I had some significant challenges to overcome. My home has limited space and my railroad would have to share my workshop. I do woodworking so the dust levels are high. The layout will need a way to be protected when doing my woodworking. The location for the railroad dictated that the layout would be above 55 inches and on a shelf to clear all my tools and equipment. With such a height, I also decided that the bench work should be modular so I could take sections down and work on them at the work bench. I also wanted integral lighting and backgrounds. The benchwork design evolved into a boxed frame design with an open front. When doing wood working, I would be able to drape a curtain on the front to limit exposure to dust.
Another small piece of 3/4 inch plywood will be required on the lower brace to maintain the 3/4 inch distance and keep the module level. If your wall is very uneven (like mine), a bolt/nut combination could be used. This allows for very small adjustments to make sure the layout is level.
At this time I have all the modules assembled and mounted to the walls. Most of the track is in place as well. I originally intended to use CFL lighting but will be using LED strip instead. More updates will be forthcoming.
Very glad you liked the article. As you can see from the photos, I took one unit off the wall to take the photos. With just the frame, sub-roadbed and track the unit weighs less 10 lbs or less. The frame is very light and as long as you use lightweight materials for the scenery the module can remain light.
Mine has been hanging in my basement for about four years. I preferred keeping the frame separate from the mounting board. The lip formed by the upper structure made attaching the cleat easy. Since 3/4 plywood is more expensive and heavy I feel i saved some weight and expense by using shorter cleats. Stability is good when several are connected together. A shorter layout like yours would be better served with the longer cleats.
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