Track Plan Desert Layout HO Scale, Size: 4,5 x 6,5 m (13,5 x 19,5 feet)

Space is a real problem here in Switzerland, as we are usually just renting a flat and do not own a home. Therefore, I decided together with my wife Melinda, to build my layout within our 4 1/2 room flat, just using my office 2, part of office 1 and part of the passage. The basic idea is to run long trains, two diff. ones at a time. That is the reason, why I will build double track. The max. grade is 1,5 % and the min. radius is 100 cm (39"). Please be aware, all markings on this plan are done in metric mesurements. The landscaping is reflecting Southern California's Mojave Desert. Inside office 2 along the walls will be Cajon Pass incl. Hill 582. In the passage will be a desert town, similar to Daneville of Pelle Soeborg's 'Mountain to Desert' Layout with buildings from Summit USA. To start building this project, I have to relocate several furnitures and make some clearence with all my thousand things. Hopefully, I will be able to start at the end of 2007!

Plan updated: March 15, 2007

Below are photos of a cardboard model in 1:10 scale made by Reto Frick.

Birdseye view of the whole layout. In front will be the desert town and inside office 2 will be Cajon Pass area. In the middle of office 2 are shelves which will cover the direct view.

In the passage, underneath and above the desert town are show cases.

When entering the passage, you will just see the desert town (right side).

Overview from the left side (inside office 2)

Overview from the right side (office 1). Note: There is a wall which will cover most of this view.

Inside office 2 left corner should become one day Mormon Rocks/Stein's Hill.

On the right side both tracks will go through the wall between office 1 and office 2.

Left corner shows the two levels. Lower level will pass the desert town in the passage and upper level will be inside office 2 over the staging yard.

On the right side I have 3 folding down segments to get access from office 1 to office 2

Inside office 2 will be a hidden 6-track staging yard below the main line.

See the very first photos of my layout as of 12/29/07 - Page 1/8 - click here

Updated: December 29, 2007

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