Well I did give it a go. Found 8'x2' laminated board and build one with basically the same design as yours except has one extra line marshaling yard, running four trains and wagons. Its become a rainy day project. In the process of wiring approximately 50 street and other light on the layout. It will never be finished and that's fine by me: I have gleaned a lot from your youtube channel, and appreciate it. Thank you again......
I mean im planning on doing a layout but its mostly budget and i want to attempt to show people its possible to do a 4x8 for cheap and building and loco restoration, only thing i'd buy new is code 100 atlas track but thats it everything else should be second hand unless its a bargain
Thanks to your video, I have built a 4x2 OO layout that can be seen on RUclips. See New Forest MRS Open Day November 2023 Part 2, Ipleigh Castle layout. I have written an article on it, and this has been accepted by Railway Modeller. And yes, Budget Model Railways get a mention. Several “enthusiasts” did ask about the 2 foot width, one guy said it must be TT-120! For some Modellers it is hard to accept my ten and a half inch radius, but as they say, seeing is believing........
Thanks for the support. Great news about the layout in RM, we have never bothered with the press as we don't really fit the norm, so we will look forward to the mention lol. Glad we could help your layout sounds great
Hi Mike&Doug Bloody fantastic video, for anyone just starting out in model railways.. this is Perfect. All to often we hear at exhibitions that people always say they don’t have the space for a layout. This could even be developed for a great exhibition layout. Can’t think why anybody would criticise or be negative about this. Amazing, Great work guys 😎👍 Regards Dan
Sounds interesting, I look forward to seeing your progress. Nothing wrong with different concepts.. all ideas are great, especially the ones that others have 😎👍
Good Morning guys, Just wanted to say thank you to you.. my 6 year old son has been wanting a layout for a little while now for his Hornby Stepney, Thomas,Percy, Toby few troublesome trucks and Annie&Clarabel to go on .. but after I showed him this video he jumped for joy and said he wanted a railway “That one, That one .. I would like a railway just like that .. it would be awesome” those were my sons precise words. So I got to work last night on a 5’x2’ baseboard and this morning we have trains running 😎👍 Cheers guys .. absolute Legends 👍👍
Hi Dan that's so great, thanks for sharing, so glad we could help, I bet they look great running round that layout, and it's small enough to not be in the way but big enough to put a station and some buildings and scenery on if you want.
Hi Guys, yeh track plan is almost the same as yours just got one siding off each end of station loop (inside) for goods shed one end and small siding at other end past signal box (platform mounted) for coaling platform & water tower. All wired up now with gaugemaster combi controller & this evening working on clearances on tunnels & platform edge. Can’t thank you guys enough 😎👍 Kindest regards Dan
I've been trying to work out how to fit a oo gauge layout in my room without it taking over! And you have worked it out! Bought a Hornby Caledonian Belle set for £1.99 from the local charity shop so off to a good start! Thank you
I'm not sure if this helps, but my experience is that it's pointless (NPI) to even consider a layout in any room "without it taking over" - it's what they do - even the smallest layouts expand to occupy all the space that's available - resistance is futile.
This is great .it inspired me to build a 2x 4 round and round for my grandson during lock down , split scene station one side tunnels both ends quarry the side . Thanks, now working on my own layout.
Ingenious! Very nice too! I agree, by and large, but if narrow gauge is one's passion, the heart wants what the heart wants. A word of wisdom to the wise - I wouldn't recommend using sandpaper to clean the railhead - it'll leave minute scratches which will get dirtier quicker and this increase the cleaning cycle. Once the track is clean (either using a good quality track rubber, cleaner [plastic friendly] or even a piece of hardboard), use a graphite pencil across the railheads. As long as there are no gradients (or heavy trains on ultra tight radii) the graphite will keep the trains running almost indefinitely.
Glad we could help. Lots of update videos on this layout and hundreds of videos of ideas so hope we can help. Any questions just ask. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe
Budget Model Railways I have now subscribed. Ive had a look through your vids. Are there any for a complete newbie looking to make a small layout ? Could be time for another vid 👍👍👍😂
I have been helping my son build a layout inspired by this. We didn't have anything to use as a baseboard so I brought a standard size (1/4 sheet) of 12mm mdf at B&Q (its 48" x 24" - 610mm x 1220mm) so a bit shorter but a bit wider than yours. We couldn't get a resonably priced bit of roofing felt for the ballast so I puchased a pack of 10 sheets of 120 grit emery sheets from Toolstation for less than £3.... The board isn't really long enough to allow passing loops but he has put in 2 sidings instead. This is a brilliant idea, keep the videos coming they are very helpful.
Sounds excellent! Being a bit wider will help on the curves, and my main layout has no passing loop but three sidings and it works fine. I'm so pleased we could help , lots more videos planned. Happy New Year
I bought my son a Hornby Thomas The Tank Engine when he was 3 in 2006 and I still have it. I now have nieces and nephews and this idea looks great for seeing Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel running again, and not needing so much space. Thank you very much for sharing this layout.
Not sure of the actual length I just bought two bits of second hand flexi tack about 3ft long. We are uploading a video on Tuesday of how we made it which should help.
I had bought the hornby 040 passenger freight a few years ago as a Christmas present to myself and some track packs. I quickly realised I hadn’t the room for a layout at home and there it sat in its box. I’ve been looking at a lot of videos online for compact layouts and I’ve decided this is the layout I’ll have. Off to the model shop tomorrow, I’m excited about trains again and my 3 year old is train mad too. A great father son project for us. Thanks!
Glad I could help. I have found a simpler way to lay tight curves using flexitrack. Pin it in the middle and curve it and pin as you go along till you meet the straight, then cut and use fish plates. Hope you have fun with your layout. Another option if you have 30-32in diameter is to use 1st radius set track which is about 3in less than that used in the train sets
@@BudgetModelRailways thanks again I’m sure it’ll be a learning curve as it will be my first layout. I’ll enjoy having the 18in radius as it will be much more transportable and easy to store. Good one to cut our teeth on
@@JMc.D it's certainly more manageable, bear in mind you might need to remove a coupling hook from each pair. We have loads of videos that might help, I'm currently building papermache hills, much cheaper and easier than plaster bandage etc. Anything we can do to help just ask. Have fun
This video solved a problem for the Frank Hornby Heritage Centre in Maghull (Merseyside), the town Frank Hornby made his home. Our Centre has very limited space within Meadows Leisure Centre in Maghull and we wanted to create a working Hornby OO gauge model railway. We've now followed your lead and we're presently building a 18" diameter layout. Thanks this video has been really helpful.
Been trying to get back into model railways! This video I can use to prove that me wanting to make a layout wont take up a ton of space! Theres space for sidings and everything, and maybe the bigger engines wont run on it but starting off small will help with scenery practice. This is very nice to see.
Hi Mike & Doug ; Great & inspiring video, just one "brick bat" though, DON'T use harsh abrasives like that sanding block to clean the track. It leaves scratch marks on the rail heads that act as a key witch encourages more dirt to stick to them. A small amount of WD-40 (theirs always another use.) on a bit of rag to wipe the rails should suffice. If the rails are badly oxidized after prolonged disuse in a damp shed the PECO track rubber should be enough to clean them. This (& all other abrasives)leaves a gritty residue that must be wiped off as well. Hope this is a helpful tip. Keep the great videos coming. Cheers; David.
Just to let everyone know that we will be uploading a video on Tuesday showing how I fixed the flexitrack as a few people have asked how we did it. Thanks
Well this was the first time I'd tried using flexi track, so I'm no expert, have you seen our video on how we did it? This is only 18 in so 24 in should be fine, my pug runs really well so possibly the Peckett will be fine.
Well this was the first time I'd tried using flexi track, so I'm no expert, have you seen our video on how we did it? This is only 18 in so 24 in should be fine, my pug runs really well so possibly the Peckett will be fine.
Am running n gauge using peco flexi track using 18 and 21 Inch radius trackseter on a. 14ft by 4ft running mainline trains. Flying Scotsman the dp1 etc. And 9 12 15 radius for branch line for smaller shunters and dmus. Hope this helps
Really impressed with this small layout, you've given me hope now as I have little space available, I'm a complete newbie to model railway's so I'll be watching the channel with interest, and with be building something very similar.
It finished up as a town layout called market town and was exhibited several times, quite a few videos on it. My main advice is keep things simple and use as much second hand and cheap methods as possible. Happy Christmas
I like it! My hobby is making really small layouts in various scales and gauges. I once built a 36" x 24" HO layout, 10-1/2" radius curves, all flexi trac, Atlas set-track switches. Ran an Athearn F7 loco, 40 foot box cars. Only a small amount of modifications needed on the loco. Layout since retired, on to the next project.
Wow! After not modelling for 20 odd years, and the previous 20 spent on 30foot N gauge layouts, inspiration! I WAS planning an Inglenook following a surprise gift of a "Country - Coast" set, but now we're thinking something better! Keep the shunting, but put it inside a continuous run, and STILL have room for a Fiddle and scenic development.. even a Tram served townscape on a higher level??? I await the promised follow - ups with much anticipation. Meanwhile, where's that spare bit of ply got to! Thank you for sparking the flame again!
Hi, thanks for your comment and glad we could inspire you . I would think that you could fit in all the above inc your trams. It will only take 0-4-0 locos and of course the Hymek! I have done the same on a first radius loop but that makes it 2. 1/2 foot by 5ft, depends how much room you have? Thanks again
Just come across this video. I inherited my 00 sets but rarely use it at the moment due to lack of space and falling for the 6x4 lie. I know what my next project will be! Keep up the videos, a great help.
Great video, just what I need for a layout in a caravan. Good presentation and plenty of concise information. I have a larger layout and many years experience, but have struggled to come up with a working compact OO layout. Thank you for sharing.
Very nice to see your small layoutI am thinking of building a small layout for myself as I am moving to a new flat where I do not have a lot of space thank you you gave me some good ideas good luck with yours
Wow! What an inspiration! Just started my own small 00 layout oval measuring four and a half feet by two feet wide. I have a fleet of 0-4-0 locos and plenty of rolling stock, so this will be perfect for them.😀
Surprise Flexi-Track curved to 18inches would not of even considered trying to do that. Yes totally agree cheap, available and space saving. What is there not to like, love it
This is an excellent idea for a train show layout, or something kids could play with. In the US, older equipment could negotiate curves as low as 12 inch radius, but for our more modern trains, a 14 or 15 inch radius would be necessary.
This is a great idea; it also gives you a ton of flexibility in terms of era, location and type of trains that you don't typically have in narrow gauge.
I know this is an old video, but it's inspiring. I have been into model railways since i was a around 6 years old. sadly I have very limited space, I did have a layout many years ago but i was unable to keep it going as the space became needed. but now i may build a new layout. I may try to make it a little wider however.
I'm currently making an N gauge version which is only a quarter of the size. More width gives you a few more options with locos and rolling stock. I hope you take the plunge. Keep it simple and just do it
Love this.. cheers for the inspiration. I definitely agree, a small layout is better than no layout - my locos have been locked up for too long. I’ve started working on a layout after seeing a bunch of the channel videos. 👍
009? Go for N. Here in North America, this would be built on a hollow core door from the local DIY centre. Flex track is great. Change the straight section to include a slight bend, but if a staging area, paint that area black. When the scenery is added, score; include a scenic divide if not a staging area. Small train layout madness is great, leaves viewers saying, I can build that! Please continue with this project, post up dates!
Hi, thanks. There have been three more updates , so have a look on the channel if you get time. More planned as soon as I can find the time between other projects.
I have a small exhibition layout based on the great laxey mine railway on 2 boards each 29"x 19" that fits in a large travel casethe boards are hollow and contain drawers that contain all the rolling stock and tools
Great video. I’ve got a part of my layout where I was wanting to have an elevated hillside track, but was put off making it a circular because the board was only around 1.5 feet. Now that I’ve seen this, I think I could make a little line for my little collection of 0-4-0s. Thanks for the idea
This has just saved me splurging un-needed wads of cash on n guage kit for my very young son I only have space currently for 3ft loop just to run Thomas around and never thought of Flexi track feel like a total idiot! Thanks
You should find that a first radius curve might fit that space, or try and find some old Jouef track marked 12 3/4 in which will fit into a 27in space. Or just use flexi track of course. Have fun, good luck with the layout
Just about to venture into a 00 gauge small layout,having only done N so far this is giving me a glimmer of hope.Would like to keep to 5 x 2ft if possible with the small 060 terrier
@@dismaldog I had a terrier chassis which even struggled on my 26in radius, it might be worth asking around, sadly it's possible 1st radius might be it's minimum?
Hi Mike&Doug Really brilliant idea, being this small anyone could have a model railway. Look forward to seeing how it progresses.Look forward to your next video. Dave
Food for thought. I think I'd be more apt to put an industrial switching layout in that space, but with this you are opening up a whole new world of possibilities. I've got to wonder if an American Mantua 0-4-0 and tender would tolerate those curves. Perhaps American prototype 1870's equipment like a Bachmann 4-4-0? Certainly any number of US 0-4-0t's and 4 wheel industrial diesels. Very interesting indeed, thanks.
Mike I may have seen this Small & Compact layout. Anyways very nice. I built a continous running layout in Ho years ago. Was supposed to be for exibition, but never showed. Due to circumstances beyond my control. I had 2 three coach passenger trains and 2 four wagon trains all running independent of each other in DC. The layout was 3 ft X 9 ft. With 18 inch radius curves. And # 6 switches. Layout was built on a flat 5/8 inch thick ply wood. And sat on a be Ping Pong table.
Before I watched this video, I tried an Bachman american 4 axle deisel switcher + a few 4 axle wagons on a less than 12" radius curve, and it worked ok! I didn't think it would. Then I watched this video. Wow! 9" radius for OO - seems almost unbelievable, but seeing is believing.
@@BudgetModelRailways I think I saw your video of that. I dont think the average american 4 axle locos and cars would be able to negotiate a 7.5" radius curve.
Hi there . I'm in the process of building something like this in 00 on 6ft x 2ft using flexitrack. I've managed to run an 0-6-0 Jinty on the curves, but it did involve filing down the flanges on the centre axle (philistine! wot me!) kept derailing otherwise. Ran a BO-BO Diesel round the curves no problems. Keep it up, I'm all for working on a budget. All the Best Gav
The trouble is the inside wheels or possibly both sides will wheel spin or slip if you ignore the data from the manufacturers, that's why you find the wheels wear dramatically faster. Lighter loads with shorter wheel bases will wear slower but still wear.
a great idea really love it, i'm currently working (planning stage) on an N layout and looking at new loco pricing in shock; thinking now that your idea may work better
I tried N and 009 and the price is an issue, so this was my attempt to see if I could achieve the space savings they offer but in a quicker, cheaper more reliable way . So far so good.
Actually very nice!! I can see it with lots of scenic details and all! Now you got me undecided on which layout to build, something like this or a shunting layout haha cheers mates!
This is both, you can do a lot of shunting with two sidings, you could even put a third or even fourth off of the other end of the passing loop. For me it means I can both shunt and watch a couple of different trains go round so for me it's ideal.
I've gone with N but this look a awesome, I'm looking forward to see it coming along. I would add an extra siding on the (fiddle yard) which would allow you to run 3 loco's on the layout and give enough storage to keep the 3rd loco out of the running loop when no longer needed
i put a 20" oval in the middle of my 8 x 4 layout for the little bloke to hav a play with and did as u did with the 040 and the smaller coaches....and i can roll my bigger stuff into the station and back out again through the curved points but it wont take the curves so he runs the branch line to the station and i pick them up from there onto my loops.....great idea for a small space may do 1 for my shed just for the hell of it
This is a very neat layout with a lot of potential. It seems to me that, given the size of the stock, you could use this as the basis of a Wisbech & Upwell or Wantage Tramway-based layout. Not one for the finescale crowd, but they're never happy anyway.
I managed to fit a HO layout into a 6"x12" space the curves are incredibly sharp but I can run pretty much any 0-4-0 but cannot haul any wagons due to the American type of couplings but with some modifications I could probably run a full train on it.
Nice n simple, cheap n cheerful but most of all fun. Given the current times, this might be the answer for someone with limited room n budget. I've always had a soft spot for small n micro layouts. They have many plus points and are always a challenge to get the most out of a confined space. Will be interested to see how it all turns out. Got a new sub here.
Ever thought about trying O-16.5/On30? You basically put bigger cabs on the locos (plenty of conversion kits out there) and there are endless possibilities with the rolling stock - generally not available cheap 2nd hand, but you can use OO scale chassis and new wagon bodies on top.
Yes I have looked at it and am quite tempted but it will have to wait until my massive list of projects gets smaller, or I retire , or when the lottery, or all three!
I have Subscribed i find your videos great! I am new to this interest and am planning to build my own layout,the trouble with me is i always want to go big straight away,watching this video has proved to me you can have a smaller layout and enjoy it just as much! Thank you.
It would be worth making a First Radius Layout with this track plan in the inside or a Hornby Track Mat size layout with your track plan incorporated in the centre.
Not sure if I have missed an update on this video. Have you concidered doing larger and larger flexitrack layouts, 24" 28" 32" etc and see what runs well. Just a thought. By the way after seeing your video on track screws I have decided to go that way. You are dead right it is so much better than anything else. Cheers! :)
There were a lot of updates, it became my market town layout and was exhibited several times. I actually went smaller down to 15in dia, 28-32 etc is to hear 1st radius
I've seen one much tighter than that - about 9 inches! It was a demonstration oval for a OO-gauge motorised tram, on display at the old West Yorkshire Transport Museum (Ludlam Street Depot) in Bradford.
Would be ideal for a model of a light railway (e.g. K&ESR) - they use small locos 4 & 6 wheel carriages etc. You could also run any stock you liked without being unrealistic.
Goodness me. What a masterpiece. But the problem with 1/76 / 4 mm / OO Gauge is that everything so easily looks out of proportion in a compact space. On a separate note I remember the fun I used to have with Hornby 1st Radius Curves especially when I came back into the hobby in 2006 and built 'Shedshaven' which I operated until 2009. I left the hobby in 1993. Then I managed to get a Bachmann 'Run on 2nd Radius Minimum' Class 220 Voyager to run on 1st Radius track in 2008 ... The overhang at the front was ridiculous and nothing could pass it but I still chalked that one up!
I bought a new CR Pug for £12, it is an absolute terrier of an engine too, bit wobbly on the rails but is like greased lightning even with a long consist lol
You can go even smaller .My one used 7 inch radius .Kadees greatly help with couplings .My Hornby pecket and a Bachmanns USA 0-6-0 went round the curves OK but a hornby terrier wouldnt .
It would make a nice industrial layout with a factory, brewery, gasworks, mine, in the centre. You could even make it double sided so the whole layout is senic!
Well done for showing that. Sam's Trains does a crackers video on how tight a curve a train can get round . . . trust me it was unbelievable how tight they got to. I have the Hogwarts Express which is a 4-6-0 and it says minimum 3rd radius. It happily runs round my 1st radius curves when laid down carefully. Found I had to solder flexitrack to the straights or points to keep the curves clean and not kinked. So you have proved a very valid point as I had half thought about a second layout in 009 or N. Question: Am I right in thinking that If you fit N gauge track will that run N gauge and 009 gauge locos on it ?? That's got me thinking.
Thanks. The main issue is coupling lock with rolling stock, so whilst you might get the loco round smaller I found about 15in diameter is about the smallest if you want to pull anything. N track will run 009 and N
This would need Flexi track which is not ideal for a starter. Perhaps look at some of my other videos like my current shed layout which uses set track. It all depends on how big a base board you have that's really the starting point.
Well that's impressive. I live in a small bedsit flat and have OO gauge stuff I'm working with 2 plastering tables (When they arrive) something like this is more than do able with the right locos smallest loco I have is a bachmann pannier tank
After todays video this makes sense to me, how on earth do you run multiple trains on your layout. I'm new in this hobby and your channel is great to watch. ...thx for sharing and keep save. 👍
We don't run multiple trains. We run one at a time, but hold others in the sidings isolated by the points. Thanks for watching and just let us know if we can help
My board is 2.5ft wide. I put in a seperate isolated straight run. Using a £13 shuttle controller it automatically runs a train back and to, while I control the other one on the main loop. . Great video thx
The original Rovex Series 1, Standard track and Triang Series 3 inner curve radius was tighter than the later Super 4 / System 6 / Series 7 inner curves used today. The Jouef / Playcraft inner curve radius is tighter than the Hornby inner curve radius.
Thank you for showing that. I want to build one in my garage 16ft length but only 2 and half feet wide. I want to do oo gauge and I didnt think it was possible but I do now. Thank you
Awesome! I've often wondered what the minimum radius is for short 4-wheel locos and rolling stock. Presumably they could even go a bit tighter than this.
Great video! Been modelling in both 00 and 009 for a while now. And have both gauges on my layout. You’re completely right about the price and complexity of 009. Especially for people starting off in the model railway hobby. It’s defo not the way to go. However, once someone has experience. Money to spend. And an interest in narrow gauge. It’s a wonderful gauge to model once money and space isn’t an issue. And some lovely little layouts can be made with it 🙂
Wonderful to see a small double o gauge lay out I am thinking of building one when I move to my new flat I am wondering what would be the biggest engines I could get round could I get a class 37 could you answer this thank you
Sadly you will be limited to 0-4-0 steam locos mostly. I did get a Class 08 round it, and an old Hornby class 35 hymek went round no trouble as did an older Lima class 33 (but not the later ones). A 37 would be too big.
Nice tutorial which I will borrow the idea of to demonstrate DCC auto reversing in OO on a test board. I have been able to use stay alive capacitors in DC by the way which can help the locos with the low number of pick ups or insulfrogs etc.
Hi Mike&Doug, thanks so much for your previous tip, this was just to say I have measured up my space and arrived at a size of 6’x2.6”. Inevitably I have bought some wrong curves before I caught up with your video. But thanks to another of your videos I have now worked out a layout similar I think to your show model with the raised street scene and curved embankment wall. Made a station by Super quick that might have to be cut down a bit in its length. As a question do you think it possible to convert the Hornby Thomas engine smiley face into say a small shunter by stripping off the cab and fitting a new cab body? Thanks again Bob Oxford...
Sounds good, you might just be able to use 1st radius. Super quick are quite easy to convert. I would think simply replacing the smiley face with a normal boiler door and a repaint would give you a nice little shunter. Equally I have picked up two Hornby 0-4-0 locos for £10 each recently so bear them in mind. Remember to leave enough clearance to run larger locos as the Hornby bo bo diesels will go round 1st radius. Hope this will help
Nice video but I've managed less than 400mm turn with OO gauge and 13 wagons behind it on flexi track . Had to use black paper clip to couple the petrol wagons. I would send you a video if possible to prove this 👍🏻 I don't mean to be Na Na but you can go tighter with success 😉👍🏻
I have made the same it featured in many of our earlier videos, 7.5in radius and was exhibited several times, I was able to simply remove one coupling hook
This is a great little layout, though you might end up with abnormal wheel wear if you are runnning trains round tight curves all the time. I reckon if tried you could almost get a class 35 or another BoBo loco round the end curves though in its current layout its a bit too small to have such a large loco on the layout. Its a great idea and I cant wait to see how it develops
Sir, you are a genius! I read your message again and realised the one loco I had not tried was my Hornby 35 Hymek, and of course as it's an older model it goes round just great! Many thanks
This moment of genius has answered my biggest question. Where am I going to put a model railway that the missus would accept? Just so happens I have a nice 8ft x 20” space at the side of my bed. So a slightly larger radius and a decent length
Result! So glad we could help. In fact the extra two inches might allow you to run 0-6-0's and should eliminate any issues with coupling lock. With 8ft you could also get a bigger passing loop in allowing you to run longer trains, and you could add additional sidings off the other end of the passing loop? Let us know how you get on .
Well I did give it a go. Found 8'x2' laminated board and build one with basically the same design as yours except has one extra line marshaling yard, running four trains and wagons. Its become a rainy day project. In the process of wiring approximately 50 street and other light on the layout. It will never be finished and that's fine by me: I have gleaned a lot from your youtube channel, and appreciate it. Thank you again......
One thing I love about this channel is that you do really concise videos.Unlike some others who do a 35 part series on building one layout
I mean im planning on doing a layout but its mostly budget and i want to attempt to show people its possible to do a 4x8 for cheap and building and loco restoration, only thing i'd buy new is code 100 atlas track but thats it everything else should be second hand unless its a bargain
Good for you and good luck with it. We always use second hand track and have had no issues so you could even look at that?
Is there something wrong doing a 35 ep series on one layout?
Only that people might get bored of it, it really depends on the content, style and quality
@@BudgetModelRailways I follow chadwick, new junction, everard and more and love their long series
Thanks to your video, I have built a 4x2 OO layout that can be seen on RUclips. See New Forest MRS Open Day November 2023 Part 2, Ipleigh Castle layout. I have written an article on it, and this has been accepted by Railway Modeller. And yes, Budget Model Railways get a mention. Several “enthusiasts” did ask about the 2 foot width, one guy said it must be TT-120! For some Modellers it is hard to accept my ten and a half inch radius, but as they say, seeing is believing........
Thanks for the support. Great news about the layout in RM, we have never bothered with the press as we don't really fit the norm, so we will look forward to the mention lol. Glad we could help your layout sounds great
Hi Mike&Doug
Bloody fantastic video, for anyone just starting out in model railways.. this is Perfect.
All to often we hear at exhibitions that people always say they don’t have the space for a layout. This could even be developed for a great exhibition layout.
Can’t think why anybody would criticise or be negative about this.
Amazing, Great work guys 😎👍
Regards Dan
Thanks Dan, we had thought about developing it into an exhibition layout, I've got an slightly unusual concept scenically for it .
Sounds interesting, I look forward to seeing your progress.
Nothing wrong with different concepts.. all ideas are great, especially the ones that others have 😎👍
Good Morning guys,
Just wanted to say thank you to you.. my 6 year old son has been wanting a layout for a little while now for his Hornby Stepney, Thomas,Percy, Toby few troublesome trucks and Annie&Clarabel to go on .. but after I showed him this video he jumped for joy and said he wanted a railway “That one, That one .. I would like a railway just like that .. it would be awesome” those were my sons precise words. So I got to work last night on a 5’x2’ baseboard and this morning we have trains running 😎👍
Cheers guys .. absolute Legends 👍👍
Hi Dan that's so great, thanks for sharing, so glad we could help, I bet they look great running round that layout, and it's small enough to not be in the way but big enough to put a station and some buildings and scenery on if you want.
Hi Guys, yeh track plan is almost the same as yours just got one siding off each end of station loop (inside) for goods shed one end and small siding at other end past signal box (platform mounted) for coaling platform & water tower.
All wired up now with gaugemaster combi controller & this evening working on clearances on tunnels & platform edge.
Can’t thank you guys enough 😎👍
Kindest regards Dan
I've been trying to work out how to fit a oo gauge layout in my room without it taking over! And you have worked it out! Bought a Hornby Caledonian Belle set for £1.99 from the local charity shop so off to a good start! Thank you
What an epic bargain. Lots of updates on this layout if that helps
I'm not sure if this helps, but my experience is that it's pointless (NPI) to even consider a layout in any room "without it taking over" - it's what they do - even the smallest layouts expand to occupy all the space that's available - resistance is futile.
So true , resistance is futile lol
This is great .it inspired me to build a 2x 4 round and round for my grandson during lock down , split scene station one side tunnels both ends quarry the side . Thanks,
now working on my own layout.
Sounds really great, glad we could help, good luck with yours
Ingenious! Very nice too! I agree, by and large, but if narrow gauge is one's passion, the heart wants what the heart wants.
A word of wisdom to the wise - I wouldn't recommend using sandpaper to clean the railhead - it'll leave minute scratches which will get dirtier quicker and this increase the cleaning cycle. Once the track is clean (either using a good quality track rubber, cleaner [plastic friendly] or even a piece of hardboard), use a graphite pencil across the railheads. As long as there are no gradients (or heavy trains on ultra tight radii) the graphite will keep the trains running almost indefinitely.
good to know
New to the hobby. This is absolutely what I’ve been looking for. Brilliant
Glad we could help. Lots of update videos on this layout and hundreds of videos of ideas so hope we can help. Any questions just ask. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe
Budget Model Railways I have now subscribed. Ive had a look through your vids. Are there any for a complete newbie looking to make a small layout ? Could be time for another vid 👍👍👍😂
@@Cyclerepairz our latest series is how to make a small layout for complete beginners so maybe that will help? I think there are 4 so far
I have been helping my son build a layout inspired by this. We didn't have anything to use as a baseboard so I brought a standard size (1/4 sheet) of 12mm mdf at B&Q (its 48" x 24" - 610mm x 1220mm) so a bit shorter but a bit wider than yours. We couldn't get a resonably priced bit of roofing felt for the ballast so I puchased a pack of 10 sheets of 120 grit emery sheets from Toolstation for less than £3.... The board isn't really long enough to allow passing loops but he has put in 2 sidings instead. This is a brilliant idea, keep the videos coming they are very helpful.
Sounds excellent! Being a bit wider will help on the curves, and my main layout has no passing loop but three sidings and it works fine. I'm so pleased we could help , lots more videos planned. Happy New Year
I bought my son a Hornby Thomas The Tank Engine when he was 3 in 2006 and I still have it. I now have nieces and nephews and this idea looks great for seeing Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel running again, and not needing so much space. Thank you very much for sharing this layout.
Hi Jason glad we could help, if it's the six wheel Thomas it might struggle but you could widen it a bit to say 20in then it would be ok?
Yes, it is the 6 wheel Thomas. 20in will be fine. If I go 20in curve, what type of track should I use?
Not sure of the actual length I just bought two bits of second hand flexi tack about 3ft long. We are uploading a video on Tuesday of how we made it which should help.
Thanks. I look forward to seeing the video.
Hi Jason, the video is available now, if you have a look
I had bought the hornby 040 passenger freight a few years ago as a Christmas present to myself and some track packs. I quickly realised I hadn’t the room for a layout at home and there it sat in its box. I’ve been looking at a lot of videos online for compact layouts and I’ve decided this is the layout I’ll have. Off to the model shop tomorrow, I’m excited about trains again and my 3 year old is train mad too. A great father son project for us. Thanks!
Glad I could help. I have found a simpler way to lay tight curves using flexitrack. Pin it in the middle and curve it and pin as you go along till you meet the straight, then cut and use fish plates. Hope you have fun with your layout. Another option if you have 30-32in diameter is to use 1st radius set track which is about 3in less than that used in the train sets
@@BudgetModelRailways thanks again I’m sure it’ll be a learning curve as it will be my first layout. I’ll enjoy having the 18in radius as it will be much more transportable and easy to store. Good one to cut our teeth on
@@JMc.D it's certainly more manageable, bear in mind you might need to remove a coupling hook from each pair. We have loads of videos that might help, I'm currently building papermache hills, much cheaper and easier than plaster bandage etc. Anything we can do to help just ask. Have fun
This video solved a problem for the Frank Hornby Heritage Centre in Maghull (Merseyside), the town Frank Hornby made his home. Our Centre has very limited space within Meadows Leisure Centre in Maghull and we wanted to create a working Hornby OO gauge model railway. We've now followed your lead and we're presently building a 18" diameter layout. Thanks this video has been really helpful.
Been trying to get back into model railways! This video I can use to prove that me wanting to make a layout wont take up a ton of space!
Theres space for sidings and everything, and maybe the bigger engines wont run on it but starting off small will help with scenery practice. This is very nice to see.
I've just been experimenting with a similar size layout, you can get larger diesels around and the older Hornby B12 steam loco so a bit of choice.
Reading your comment inspired me to put some sidings in my new micro layout so it's a virtuous circle
Hi Mike & Doug ; Great & inspiring video, just one "brick bat" though, DON'T use harsh abrasives like that sanding block to clean the track. It leaves scratch marks on the rail heads that act as a key witch encourages more dirt to stick to them. A small amount of WD-40 (theirs always another use.) on a bit of rag to wipe the rails should suffice. If the rails are badly oxidized after prolonged disuse in a damp shed the PECO track rubber should be enough to clean them. This (& all other abrasives)leaves a gritty residue that must be wiped off as well. Hope this is a helpful tip. Keep the great videos coming. Cheers; David.
I wouldn’t have thought this was possible before, very innovative.
Thanks
Just to let everyone know that we will be uploading a video on Tuesday showing how I fixed the flexitrack as a few people have asked how we did it. Thanks
Well this was the first time I'd tried using flexi track, so I'm no expert, have you seen our video on how we did it? This is only 18 in so 24 in should be fine, my pug runs really well so possibly the Peckett will be fine.
Well this was the first time I'd tried using flexi track, so I'm no expert, have you seen our video on how we did it? This is only 18 in so 24 in should be fine, my pug runs really well so possibly the Peckett will be fine.
Really depends what you goin to run. Size of layout etc.
Am running n gauge using peco flexi track using 18 and 21 Inch radius trackseter on a. 14ft by 4ft running mainline trains. Flying Scotsman the dp1 etc. And 9 12 15 radius for branch line for smaller shunters and dmus. Hope this helps
Hi BMR’s, could you give me a list of track materials for this layout? I would like to build it.
Really impressed with this small layout, you've given me hope now as I have little space available, I'm a complete newbie to model railway's so I'll be watching the channel with interest, and with be building something very similar.
It finished up as a town layout called market town and was exhibited several times, quite a few videos on it. My main advice is keep things simple and use as much second hand and cheap methods as possible. Happy Christmas
I like it! My hobby is making really small layouts in various scales and gauges. I once built a 36" x 24" HO layout, 10-1/2" radius curves, all flexi trac, Atlas set-track switches. Ran an Athearn F7 loco, 40 foot box cars. Only a small amount of modifications needed on the loco. Layout since retired, on to the next project.
Sounds great. We have too many projects on the go, but hoping to finish this one at least !
Wow! After not modelling for 20 odd years, and the previous 20 spent on 30foot N gauge layouts, inspiration! I WAS planning an Inglenook following a surprise gift of a "Country - Coast" set, but now we're thinking something better!
Keep the shunting, but put it inside a continuous run, and STILL have room for a Fiddle and scenic development.. even a Tram served townscape on a higher level???
I await the promised follow - ups with much anticipation. Meanwhile, where's that spare bit of ply got to!
Thank you for sparking the flame again!
Hi, thanks for your comment and glad we could inspire you . I would think that you could fit in all the above inc your trams. It will only take 0-4-0 locos and of course the Hymek! I have done the same on a first radius loop but that makes it 2. 1/2 foot by 5ft, depends how much room you have? Thanks again
Ps, first update was put online yesterday if you didn't see it?
Just come across this video. I inherited my 00 sets but rarely use it at the moment due to lack of space and falling for the 6x4 lie. I know what my next project will be! Keep up the videos, a great help.
Well smart for kid or people that have not got the space to build a big layout well done lads keep it up
Thanks Dave
Great video, just what I need for a layout in a caravan. Good presentation and plenty of concise information. I have a larger layout and many years experience, but have struggled to come up with a working compact OO layout. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome, have fun with your layout
Very nice to see your small layoutI am thinking of building a small layout for myself as I am moving to a new flat where I do not have a lot of space thank you you gave me some good ideas good luck with yours
Thanks and you
Wow! What an inspiration! Just started my own small 00 layout oval measuring four and a half feet by two feet wide. I have a fleet of 0-4-0 locos and plenty of rolling stock, so this will be perfect for them.😀
Thanks, your layout sounds great too,
Do you have any pictures of your layout, love to see them. Happy New Year
Happy New Year ! As I can't post pictures here, I can post on your facebook page... facebook.com/budget.railways.5
Surprise Flexi-Track curved to 18inches would not of even considered trying to do that. Yes totally agree cheap, available and space saving. What is there not to like, love it
I even made a 15in diameter layout but I did need to play with the couplings
Fantastic ....Please include a full shunting puzzle sidings in the layout .
Absolutely brilliant upload. Love your passion for going against the supposed norm. You are saving people £££££s in the process.
Thanks for your support. I'm currently working on one even smaller, it's only 15in across!
Budget Model Railways I can't believe how smooth the green loco runs on this little layout. 15 inches across? Unbelievable scenes!
We have a video out Tuesday about controllers with video at the end of locos running on my new 15in across layout
Budget Model Railways awesome. Look forward to watching. Cheers from up here in sunny Hull.
This is an excellent idea for a train show layout, or something kids could play with. In the US, older equipment could negotiate curves as low as 12 inch radius, but for our more modern trains, a 14 or 15 inch radius would be necessary.
We have a possiblity of exhibiting it at the end of the year
This is a great idea; it also gives you a ton of flexibility in terms of era, location and type of trains that you don't typically have in narrow gauge.
Thanks, I'm really pleased with it, spent today working on the town scene which is coming along nicely.
Just caught this video, excellent! Ideal for limited space! Thanks for uploading!
I know this is an old video, but it's inspiring. I have been into model railways since i was a around 6 years old. sadly I have very limited space, I did have a layout many years ago but i was unable to keep it going as the space became needed. but now i may build a new layout. I may try to make it a little wider however.
I'm currently making an N gauge version which is only a quarter of the size. More width gives you a few more options with locos and rolling stock. I hope you take the plunge. Keep it simple and just do it
Love this.. cheers for the inspiration. I definitely agree, a small layout is better than no layout - my locos have been locked up for too long. I’ve started working on a layout after seeing a bunch of the channel videos. 👍
Great have fun with it and glad we could help
009? Go for N.
Here in North America, this would be built on a hollow core door from the local DIY centre. Flex track is great. Change the straight section to include a slight bend, but if a staging area, paint that area black. When the scenery is added, score; include a scenic divide if not a staging area. Small train layout madness is great, leaves viewers saying, I can build that! Please continue with this project, post up dates!
Hi, thanks. There have been three more updates , so have a look on the channel if you get time. More planned as soon as I can find the time between other projects.
So the trains which are HO are doing 9" radius? I've got to tell you, you are fast becoming my favourite site !!!!!!
Thanks for your support. It means I have HO going round a board that would normally be used for N
I have a small exhibition layout based on the great laxey mine railway on 2 boards each 29"x 19" that fits in a large travel casethe boards are hollow and contain drawers that contain all the rolling stock and tools
Excellent just what I'm looking for. 👌 from Northern Ireland.
Glad we could help
Great video. I’ve got a part of my layout where I was wanting to have an elevated hillside track, but was put off making it a circular because the board was only around 1.5 feet. Now that I’ve seen this, I think I could make a little line for my little collection of 0-4-0s. Thanks for the idea
That would look great.
This has just saved me splurging un-needed wads of cash on n guage kit for my very young son I only have space currently for 3ft loop just to run Thomas around and never thought of Flexi track feel like a total idiot! Thanks
You should find that a first radius curve might fit that space, or try and find some old Jouef track marked 12 3/4 in which will fit into a 27in space. Or just use flexi track of course. Have fun, good luck with the layout
Love the site - love the track - just starting and just what I need 👍🚂
Just about to venture into a 00 gauge small layout,having only done N so far this is giving me a glimmer of hope.Would like to keep to 5 x 2ft if possible with the small 060 terrier
You might struggle to get the terrier round 12in radius curves, an 0-4-0 or older 0-6-0 should be ok
@@BudgetModelRailways -building the layout around this loco so might have to increase size a bit then-thanks
@@dismaldog I had a terrier chassis which even struggled on my 26in radius, it might be worth asking around, sadly it's possible 1st radius might be it's minimum?
Hi Mike&Doug Really brilliant idea, being this small anyone could have a model railway. Look forward to seeing how it progresses.Look forward to your next video. Dave
Thanks, that's what I hope, a couple of people have already used the idea to get started on a layout.
Food for thought. I think I'd be more apt to put an industrial switching layout in that space, but with this you are opening up a whole new world of possibilities. I've got to wonder if an American Mantua 0-4-0 and tender would tolerate those curves. Perhaps American prototype 1870's equipment like a Bachmann 4-4-0? Certainly any number of US 0-4-0t's and 4 wheel industrial diesels. Very interesting indeed, thanks.
Thanks Andrew
Mike I may have seen this Small & Compact layout.
Anyways very nice. I built a continous running layout in Ho years ago. Was supposed to be for exibition, but never showed. Due to circumstances beyond my control. I had 2 three coach passenger trains and 2 four wagon trains all running independent of each other in DC. The layout was 3 ft X 9 ft. With 18 inch radius curves. And # 6 switches. Layout was built on a flat 5/8 inch thick ply wood. And sat on a be Ping Pong table.
Sounds epic
Great idea. Going to give it a go. Thank you
Before I watched this video, I tried an Bachman american 4 axle deisel switcher + a few 4 axle wagons on a less than 12" radius curve, and it worked ok! I didn't think it would. Then I watched this video. Wow! 9" radius for OO - seems almost unbelievable, but seeing is believing.
I built an even smaller one with 7.5 in radius but you have to alter the couplings slightly, but it works
@@BudgetModelRailways I think I saw your video of that. I dont think the average american 4 axle locos and cars would be able to negotiate a 7.5" radius curve.
Hi there . I'm in the process of building something like this in 00 on 6ft x 2ft using flexitrack. I've managed to run an 0-6-0 Jinty on the curves, but it did involve filing down the flanges on the centre axle (philistine! wot me!) kept derailing otherwise. Ran a BO-BO Diesel round the curves no problems. Keep it up, I'm all for working on a budget.
All the Best Gav
Sounds great. We can get Bo Bo round 24in but 18in seems a bit too far, although my old Hornby Hymek is quite happy to run round an 18in curve.
The trouble is the inside wheels or possibly both sides will wheel spin or slip if you ignore the data from the manufacturers, that's why you find the wheels wear dramatically faster. Lighter loads with shorter wheel bases will wear slower but still wear.
a great idea really love it, i'm currently working (planning stage) on an N layout and looking at new loco pricing in shock; thinking now that your idea may work better
I tried N and 009 and the price is an issue, so this was my attempt to see if I could achieve the space savings they offer but in a quicker, cheaper more reliable way . So far so good.
Actually very nice!! I can see it with lots of scenic details and all!
Now you got me undecided on which layout to build, something like this or a shunting layout haha cheers mates!
This is both, you can do a lot of shunting with two sidings, you could even put a third or even fourth off of the other end of the passing loop. For me it means I can both shunt and watch a couple of different trains go round so for me it's ideal.
If you wanted, you could have this AND an Inglenook style shunting layout on a higher level! Plenty of Prototypes.
Well done, it is very interesting how you made this layout so compact.
I've gone with N but this look a awesome, I'm looking forward to see it coming along. I would add an extra siding on the (fiddle yard) which would allow you to run 3 loco's on the layout and give enough storage to keep the 3rd loco out of the running loop when no longer needed
Lots of progress on the more recent videos
That's a really good little layout. And give me some ideas.
I am not big on kitchen islands but here you have revealed their true worth!
Lol
i put a 20" oval in the middle of my 8 x 4 layout for the little bloke to hav a play with and did as u did with the 040 and the smaller coaches....and i can roll my bigger stuff into the station and back out again through the curved points but it wont take the curves so he runs the branch line to the station and i pick them up from there onto my loops.....great idea for a small space may do 1 for my shed just for the hell of it
Great idea! Thanks
This is a very neat layout with a lot of potential. It seems to me that, given the size of the stock, you could use this as the basis of a Wisbech & Upwell or Wantage Tramway-based layout. Not one for the finescale crowd, but they're never happy anyway.
Hi, yes that would be a great prototype to copy. Fine scale guys are only happy if it cost a kings random and took a life time to build! Lol
I managed to fit a HO layout into a 6"x12" space the curves are incredibly sharp but I can run pretty much any 0-4-0 but cannot haul any wagons due to the American type of couplings but with some modifications I could probably run a full train on it.
Nice n simple, cheap n cheerful but most of all fun. Given the current times, this might be the answer for someone with limited room n budget. I've always had a soft spot for small n micro layouts. They have many plus points and are always a challenge to get the most out of a confined space. Will be interested to see how it all turns out. Got a new sub here.
Thanks for the sub. The layout was eventually completed, exhibited several times and then sold. Quite a few videos on it
Ever thought about trying O-16.5/On30? You basically put bigger cabs on the locos (plenty of conversion kits out there) and there are endless possibilities with the rolling stock - generally not available cheap 2nd hand, but you can use OO scale chassis and new wagon bodies on top.
Yes I have looked at it and am quite tempted but it will have to wait until my massive list of projects gets smaller, or I retire , or when the lottery, or all three!
I have Subscribed i find your videos great! I am new to this interest and am planning to build my own layout,the trouble with me is i always want to go big straight away,watching this video has proved to me you can have a smaller layout and enjoy it just as much! Thank you.
Glad we could help and good luck with your layout, let us know how you get on and thanks for your support
Why have I not thought of doing this!?! Awesome idea! :-D
We have a couple of updates on this with another due on Friday, glad you liked it
looking forward to them! :-D
Something that many had not considered and it means you could add if desired, an additional loop inside a first radius circle for shunting.
It would be worth making a First Radius Layout with this track plan in the inside or a Hornby Track Mat size layout with your track plan incorporated in the centre.
Not sure if I have missed an update on this video. Have you concidered doing larger and larger flexitrack layouts, 24" 28" 32" etc and see what runs well. Just a thought. By the way after seeing your video on track screws I have decided to go that way. You are dead right it is so much better than anything else. Cheers! :)
There were a lot of updates, it became my market town layout and was exhibited several times. I actually went smaller down to 15in dia, 28-32 etc is to hear 1st radius
@@BudgetModelRailways Thank you!
I've seen one much tighter than that - about 9 inches! It was a demonstration oval for a OO-gauge motorised tram, on display at the old West Yorkshire Transport Museum (Ludlam Street Depot) in Bradford.
Mine is 9in radius so. I assume you mean 4.5in radius which sounds unlikely? I have built as small as 7.5in radius
@@BudgetModelRailways I can confirm that it was 9 inches. But is was to demonstrate a motorised tram.
I guess you could get a loco round but not wagons
Would be ideal for a model of a light railway (e.g. K&ESR) - they use small locos 4 & 6 wheel carriages etc. You could also run any stock you liked without being unrealistic.
It ended up as a town scene and was successfully exhibited several times
Great idea. Look forward to seeing it complete.
There are lots of narrow gauge, 7mm layouts on OO track out there. You would have to change loco bodies etc., but you’ve got 3D printing, so ....
We have plans to make a 7mm loco body at some point
Seriously love it.
I got myself a Flying Scotsman train set today and am very keen to start building my layout etc.
That's a nice set, although it sadly won't run around this small layout.
here I was worried about building a 2100mm x 700mm layout in oo gauge. You have given me faith.
Goodness me. What a masterpiece. But the problem with 1/76 / 4 mm / OO Gauge is that everything so easily looks out of proportion in a compact space. On a separate note I remember the fun I used to have with Hornby 1st Radius Curves especially when I came back into the hobby in 2006 and built 'Shedshaven' which I operated until 2009. I left the hobby in 1993. Then I managed to get a Bachmann 'Run on 2nd Radius Minimum' Class 220 Voyager to run on 1st Radius track in 2008 ... The overhang at the front was ridiculous and nothing could pass it but I still chalked that one up!
Excellent, thanks for the compliment
I had 4-4-0 2p and 4p locos running on my 5 by 2 foot layout
I bought a new CR Pug for £12, it is an absolute terrier of an engine too, bit wobbly on the rails but is like greased lightning even with a long consist lol
It will run very slowly as well
hey a classic ! im looking to build a layout for my son on a paste table, so this gives me some great ideas ! thanks :)
Again this is totally awesome! I love the approach to model railway building. Very inspiring.
Thanks Bert
You can go even smaller .My one used 7 inch radius .Kadees greatly help with couplings .My Hornby pecket and a Bachmanns USA 0-6-0 went round the curves OK but a hornby terrier wouldnt .
It would make a nice industrial layout with a factory, brewery, gasworks, mine, in the centre. You could even make it double sided so the whole layout is senic!
All good ideas thanks. It ended up as a town scene and has been exhibited twice, lots of update videos online
Well done for showing that. Sam's Trains does a crackers video on how tight a curve a train can get round . . . trust me it was unbelievable how tight they got to. I have the Hogwarts Express which is a 4-6-0 and it says minimum 3rd radius. It happily runs round my 1st radius curves when laid down carefully. Found I had to solder flexitrack to the straights or points to keep the curves clean and not kinked. So you have proved a very valid point as I had half thought about a second layout in 009 or N.
Question: Am I right in thinking that If you fit N gauge track will that run N gauge and 009 gauge locos on it ?? That's got me thinking.
Thanks. The main issue is coupling lock with rolling stock, so whilst you might get the loco round smaller I found about 15in diameter is about the smallest if you want to pull anything. N track will run 009 and N
New to this, don’t have anything yet, what would I need that’s in this layout. Thanks for the information
This would need Flexi track which is not ideal for a starter. Perhaps look at some of my other videos like my current shed layout which uses set track. It all depends on how big a base board you have that's really the starting point.
I’m inspired
Thanks for sharing
A newbie
Anything we can do to help just ask
@@BudgetModelRailways cheers
Well that's impressive. I live in a small bedsit flat and have OO gauge stuff I'm working with 2 plastering tables (When they arrive) something like this is more than do able with the right locos smallest loco I have is a bachmann pannier tank
Good luck with your layout
After todays video this makes sense to me, how on earth do you run multiple trains on your layout. I'm new in this hobby and your channel is great to watch. ...thx for sharing and keep save. 👍
We don't run multiple trains. We run one at a time, but hold others in the sidings isolated by the points. Thanks for watching and just let us know if we can help
My board is 2.5ft wide. I put in a seperate isolated straight run. Using a £13 shuttle controller it automatically runs a train back and to, while I control the other one on the main loop. . Great video thx
Sounds epic
The original Rovex Series 1, Standard track and Triang Series 3 inner curve radius was tighter than the later Super 4 / System 6 / Series 7 inner curves used today.
The Jouef / Playcraft inner curve radius is tighter than the Hornby inner curve radius.
We have used the Jouef track it's 26in so quite a bit smaller
nice one,you would have some pretty tight curves on a light railway,this is a little gem,shows what can be done.jpj
We were at Chatham dockyard last year and they have some seriously tight curves.
Thank you for showing that. I want to build one in my garage 16ft length but only 2 and half feet wide. I want to do oo gauge and I didnt think it was possible but I do now. Thank you
If you can stretch to 31 inches you could even get 1st radius set track in. Glad we could help, you will be able to build a great layout with 16ft!
If you use all 30-31in you should be able to get 0-6-0 and larger steam locos, and most older large diesels
Awesome! I've often wondered what the minimum radius is for short 4-wheel locos and rolling stock. Presumably they could even go a bit tighter than this.
The locos can but coupling lock would stop you pulling anything sadly
Great video! Been modelling in both 00 and 009 for a while now. And have both gauges on my layout. You’re completely right about the price and complexity of 009. Especially for people starting off in the model railway hobby. It’s defo not the way to go. However, once someone has experience. Money to spend. And an interest in narrow gauge. It’s a wonderful gauge to model once money and space isn’t an issue. And some lovely little layouts can be made with it 🙂
Very true
Inspirational. Brightened up my Christmas day morning.
Many thanks, happy Christmas
Love this video! I'm hoping to apply your principle in HO.
As the track is the same it will work just as well, in fact slightly better as HO is smaller
Wonderful to see a small double o gauge lay out I am thinking of building one when I move to my new flat I am wondering what would be the biggest engines I could get round could I get a class 37 could you answer this thank you
Sadly you will be limited to 0-4-0 steam locos mostly. I did get a Class 08 round it, and an old Hornby class 35 hymek went round no trouble as did an older Lima class 33 (but not the later ones). A 37 would be too big.
Very good. Thank you.
Excellent video.
Thanks
Nice tutorial which I will borrow the idea of to demonstrate DCC auto reversing in OO on a test board. I have been able to use stay alive capacitors in DC by the way which can help the locos with the low number of pick ups or insulfrogs etc.
Thanks, I will bear that in mind. I've got three 0-4-0 locos that run ok without hesitation so it might be the locos as well.
If it works, it works! :) nice one!
Well said thanks. The finished layout was well received at 3 exhibitions
This is an inspirational idea. Guess what I wanna do now!
Thanks
Hi Mike&Doug, thanks so much for your previous tip, this was just to say I have measured up my space and arrived at a size of 6’x2.6”. Inevitably I have bought some wrong curves before I caught up with your video. But thanks to another of your videos I have now worked out a layout similar I think to your show model with the raised street scene and curved embankment wall. Made a station by Super quick that might have to be cut down a bit in its length. As a question do you think it possible to convert the Hornby Thomas engine smiley face into say a small shunter by stripping off the cab and fitting a new cab body? Thanks again Bob Oxford...
Sounds good, you might just be able to use 1st radius. Super quick are quite easy to convert. I would think simply replacing the smiley face with a normal boiler door and a repaint would give you a nice little shunter. Equally I have picked up two Hornby 0-4-0 locos for £10 each recently so bear them in mind. Remember to leave enough clearance to run larger locos as the Hornby bo bo diesels will go round 1st radius. Hope this will help
all the on my layout are 18" ( my layout is 4'x8'6", so not a small layout) and I run pacific locos & 9Fs on it.
Nice video but I've managed less than 400mm turn with OO gauge and 13 wagons behind it on flexi track .
Had to use black paper clip to couple the petrol wagons.
I would send you a video if possible to prove this 👍🏻
I don't mean to be Na Na but you can go tighter with success 😉👍🏻
I have made the same it featured in many of our earlier videos, 7.5in radius and was exhibited several times, I was able to simply remove one coupling hook
Great idea, you could model a nice industrial or light standard gauge railway like this.
Thanks, that was my intention
Nice one Mike and Doug.
This is a great little layout, though you might end up with abnormal wheel wear if you are runnning trains round tight curves all the time. I reckon if tried you could almost get a class 35 or another BoBo loco round the end curves though in its current layout its a bit too small to have such a large loco on the layout.
Its a great idea and I cant wait to see how it develops
Hi we tried a class 25 and it didn't want to know, but like you say it would be too big for the passing loop.
Ps, I had the same thought about the wheel wear, but it will help if I run the locks both ways.
Sir, you are a genius! I read your message again and realised the one loco I had not tried was my Hornby 35 Hymek, and of course as it's an older model it goes round just great! Many thanks
This moment of genius has answered my biggest question. Where am I going to put a model railway that the missus would accept? Just so happens I have a nice 8ft x 20” space at the side of my bed. So a slightly larger radius and a decent length
Result! So glad we could help. In fact the extra two inches might allow you to run 0-6-0's and should eliminate any issues with coupling lock. With 8ft you could also get a bigger passing loop in allowing you to run longer trains, and you could add additional sidings off the other end of the passing loop? Let us know how you get on .
Ps take a look at the updates for how the layout developed