Hello,
I would like to build a micro layout in a wooden box with a hinged lid. The depth of the box I would prefer would be around 100mm. I have seen a selection of boxes for sale but I am not sure what size box to get. The very simple layout I have in mind is a straight forward oval with scenery. I want to be able to close the lid when not in use and make it small enough to either display on a desk or a shelf. The layouts I have built up to now have always been of a reasonable size but I have never tried to build a micro layout before so I would like some help with deciding what size box I would need. If anyone can suggest a suitable size box I would be very grateful.
Greg
Maybe Kevin @Phoenix (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5755) can give you ideas and inspiration?
I don't know if you found his layout Windmill Hill but it's worth looking at :)
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=39207.1410 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=39207.1410)
Jan
Hello Jan
Thank you for your reply.
I hadn't seen the layout but just had a look. Based on what he has done I think his layout is a bit too big. What I want to achieve is, for want of a better word, pocket sized. In my minds eye I think the box would need to be about the size of an average sized briefcase. I suppose what I need to know is how tight a curve I can get away with that will easily allow a small loco and small carriage or two goods vans to run unhindered and as I have never been good with understanding radiuses so I'm finding it difficult deciding on what box size I need.
Greg
I've seen a Youtube video of an N gauge loop & siding in a standard A4 boxfile. Used Kato 117mm radius curves and an 08 class shunter, I think. Can't find it now of course . . .
Edit: Found it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pQeqIvIBb0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pQeqIvIBb0)
Have a look at this link of ian Redman's work
https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf (https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf)
Hello,
Thank you for the link to Ian Redman. Very help.
Greg
Kato Unitrack is undoubtedly the best medium for such a compact layout with very robust sectional track down to 117mm radius. Personally I would opt for the 150mm radius. With up to date engineering quality models you would be surprised what goes round 150mm radius
If you want something about the size of a briefcase, why not use a briefcase?
£28.09 : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alassio-attache-briefcase-expandable-imitation/dp/B004VV4QMM/ref=pd_rhf_d_dp_s_pd_sbs_rvi_sccl_2_3/257-2857014-2307421?pd_rd_w=wCA30&content-id=amzn1.sym.172aea50-8ae8-47a0-805c-c0e1e5d5d710&pf_rd_p=172aea50-8ae8-47a0-805c-c0e1e5d5d710&pf_rd_r=J5P3RKNJ1YS952QHPN4R&pd_rd_wg=4bcet&pd_rd_r=78758fcc-412d-4fca-bdd7-d823efceb17c&pd_rd_i=B004VV4QMM&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alassio-attache-briefcase-expandable-imitation/dp/B004VV4QMM/ref=pd_rhf_d_dp_s_pd_sbs_rvi_sccl_2_3/257-2857014-2307421?pd_rd_w=wCA30&content-id=amzn1.sym.172aea50-8ae8-47a0-805c-c0e1e5d5d710&pf_rd_p=172aea50-8ae8-47a0-805c-c0e1e5d5d710&pf_rd_r=J5P3RKNJ1YS952QHPN4R&pd_rd_wg=4bcet&pd_rd_r=78758fcc-412d-4fca-bdd7-d823efceb17c&pd_rd_i=B004VV4QMM&psc=1)
Ross.
@Ross : he mentioned wooden boxes ... definitely more style than a "leather imitation" ...
- as radius, I think 150mm should be preferred. That makes the minimum box width about 340mm
- closing a 100mm high box: consider making a higher scenery element detachable. Same goes for the background.
- it also might be an idea to build the layout in the lid...you get a better view on the trains and scenery
I have just made a micro layout that fits into a mdf storage box that measures 320mm x 400mm by 190mm deep (it doesn't need this depth but I already had the box)
It has an oval of Kato 117mm radius track.
The layout is a removable insert that fits into the box which made it much easier to work on. I'm in the process of making another insert/layout for the box.
I found the Kato track very good to work with and would recommend it for ease of use. I can run Farish Austerity tanks, Poole Farish 08 shunter, Minitrix Dock tanks and a Tomix Percy. They pull a selection of Peco four wheeled wagons and a short wheel base brake van.
I'll try and post a photo.
PS The lighthouse folds down for storage.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/279-270623085440.jpeg)
Whatever you have handy.
My smallest one is in a shoebox (and no it's not a roundy-roundy layout!
http://zeniv.linux.org.uk/~alan/BootLaneGoods/ (http://zeniv.linux.org.uk/~alan/BootLaneGoods/)
(http://zeniv.linux.org.uk/~alan/BootLaneGoods/pict2456.jpg)
@silly moo (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=279) very nicely done Veronica. Likewise @EtchedPixels (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=222) The picture in your post is not showing for me, but having looked at the link, another nice layout. Just goes to show that you do not need a big space. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Gordon on June 26, 2023, 11:58:12 PM
Kato Unitrack is undoubtedly the best medium for such a compact layout with very robust sectional track down to 117mm radius. Personally I would opt for the 150mm radius. With up to date engineering quality models you would be surprised what goes round 150mm radius
Thank you for the advice on the track. I do have a reasonable amount of spare Kato track which I need to check. But as my luck normally goes I won't have any 150mm radius curves! :D
Greg
Quote from: Gordon on June 26, 2023, 11:58:12 PM
Kato Unitrack is undoubtedly the best medium for such a compact layout with very robust sectional track down to 117mm radius. Personally I would opt for the 150mm radius. With up to date engineering quality models you would be surprised what goes round 150mm radius
Thank you for the advice on the track. I do have a reasonable amount of spare Kato track which I need to check. But as my luck normally goes I won't have any 150mm radius curves! :D
Greg
Quote from: AlexanderJesse on June 27, 2023, 06:11:33 AM
@Ross : he mentioned wooden boxes ... definitely more style than a "leather imitation" ...
- as radius, I think 150mm should be preferred. That makes the minimum box width about 340mm
- closing a 100mm high box: consider making a higher scenery element detachable. Same goes for the background.
- it also might be an idea to build the layout in the lid...you get a better view on the trains and scenery
Thank you for your advice concerning the box width. That is very helpful. Also thank you for the advice about the scenery.
Greg
Quote from: silly moo on June 27, 2023, 09:45:22 AM
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/279-270623085440.jpeg)
A really nice looking layout. Your layout is design and size is just what I had in mind.
Greg
Quote from: Gyppy101 on June 26, 2023, 02:45:39 PM
Have a look at this link of ian Redman's work
https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf (https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf)
I visited the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend yesterday, and Ian Redman was there with 3 of his layouts:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723104933.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133445)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723105057.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133446)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723105157.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133447)
His website is also well worth a look:
www.smallnworking.co.uk/ (http://www.smallnworking.co.uk/)
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Papyrus on July 02, 2023, 10:58:03 AM
Quote from: Gyppy101 on June 26, 2023, 02:45:39 PM
Have a look at this link of ian Redman's work
https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf (https://www.wsng.co.uk/Documents/Small%20N%20Working.WSNG.pdf)
I visited the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend yesterday, and Ian Redman was there with 3 of his layouts:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723104933.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133445)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723105057.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133446)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/2975-020723105157.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=133447)
His website is also well worth a look:
www.smallnworking.co.uk/ (http://www.smallnworking.co.uk/)
Cheers,
Chris
Hello Chris,
Thank you. They are great looking layouts. Just the type of thing I am think of doing.
Greg
Ken Jones did a layout in a VHS case. Have a look at..
https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/layouts/kjl.html (https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/layouts/kjl.html)
Quote from: Malc on July 03, 2023, 12:09:08 AM
Ken Jones did a layout in a VHS case. Have a look at..
https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/layouts/kjl.html (https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/layouts/kjl.html)
Hello Malc,
Thank you for sending the link. Ken's layouts are amazing. A really inspiration.
Greg