Lurker first too long

[tank63]

I've decided after many years to build a small layout using Kato track. Period BR blue only but I've only a small space to build a layout. Space 2x6 but for the life of me I can not decided on what to model. Any advice would be welcomed

[dannyboy]

Welcome to the forum tank63.  A 'roundy roundy' will fit in a 2' width, or, you could consider an 'end to end'. How's that for helpfulness?  . Seriously, have a look throughout the layout threads for starters, you might get some ideas there.  I can thoroughly recommend Kato Unitrack and if you do go down that route, it is easy to make it look less 'plastic' like.

[Newportnobby]

Hi tank63, and welcome to the forum
I'd suggest an oval with a passing loop and a couple of siding as, in 6 x 2, you'll not get much more in. With a single oval being bi-directional it can make operation interesting. The advantage of an oval is you can use it to run in new locos and also run trains while sitting watching with a glass of your favourite tipple  

[RailGooner]

Welcome aboard tank63!

[tank63]

Thanks for the advice.
Just had a look through Ian Futters book on Scottish railways found a nice easy branchline with a small station. Very interested as I love Scotland and the people. Some class 20s,37 plus 27s should make a pleasing little layout.

[Ditape]

 

[Lawrence]

Very interested as I love Scotland and the people.

Clearly a well educated man with exceptional taste 

Are you planning to use the double track high speed curves, they work very well if you can squeeze them in, I don't recall the radii at the moment but you find something to whet your appetite here https://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html

[Bealman]

Very interested as I love Scotland and the people.

Clearly a well educated man with exceptional taste 

G'day from Australia, tank63, and welcome to the NGF! 

[Newportnobby]

Thanks for the advice.
Just had a look through Ian Futters book on Scottish railways found a nice easy branchline with a small station. Very interested as I love Scotland and the people. Some class 20s,37 plus 27s should make a pleasing little layout.

For such a layout I would really urge you to go for open frame construction i.e. the baseboard surface is only under any track rather than 100% coverage. This will allow you to create scenery above and below track level, something that will look really good in a 6ft length.

[Bealman]

Totally agree. 

[crewearpley40]

Agree with mick especially if intending to portray a water scene eg a loch, river where the river bed will be lower and foundations for high hills would be made going by scottish scenery

[Train Waiting]

Welcome aboard.

If you like BR blue and Scottish railways, it might be a good idea to look at the Highland or West Highland lines.  The Highland Main Line has a lot of single track and allows for a fairly wide variety of motive power.  The Far North, Kyle and West Highland lines have a bit less variety of motive power but the advantage of short trains.

Best wishes.

John

[crewearpley40]

Two layouts in n spring to mind : loch tat and loch oran
Maybe worth google ing them . Excellent u tube vids to ogle or teuchter if west highland fort William on this forum

[port perran]

Welcome aboard.

[tank63]

Looking  at the 70s/80s some branchline type of layout. So my question is if running a four coach train what would the formation be. Second can you get Scottish numbers to change the coach identity as I don't think any manufacturer does Scottish livery coaches as of yet.