Micro OO lockdown layouts

[RichJF]

Hi all,

Been absent from the forums for a few months, but have been creating a couple of micro layouts during Lockdown 3 & while still working at home! Nearly all of it is childhood stuff & 2nd hand items acquired from local model/hobby shops.

I built the table-top one...



then used the leftover bits to make a modern image cement works!


Any questions feel free to reply!

 

[Peter C]

Both of those look really cool - definitely a good way to spend time in lockdown! Those layouts look like good fun to operate too, with plenty of shunting. Have you connected them together when operating? That would be an interesting way of doing things (and one which has been used quite often in various layout set-ups).

-Peter

 

[Cowley]

They’re really good. I love mini layouts like that as it gives the opportunity to go to town on the detail.
What did you make the silos out of?

 

[RichJF]

Both of those look really cool - definitely a good way to spend time in lockdown! Those layouts look like good fun to operate too, with plenty of shunting. Have you connected them together when operating? That would be an interesting way of doing things (and one which has been used quite often in various layout set-ups).

-Peter

I started the 1st one without realising I'd make the second, so they are different height levels, but I could build an intersection that has an incline on it. It's simple DC rail droppers so only needs one power source.

They’re really good. I love mini layouts like that as it gives the opportunity to go to town on the detail.
What did you make the silos out of?

Silos are built out of kitchen towel tube! Cut in half & painted in matt acrylic.

 

[Peter C]

I started the 1st one without realising I'd make the second, so they are different height levels, but I could build an intersection that has an incline on it. It's simple DC rail droppers so only needs one power source.

Ah OK - if you wanted to make another project, it could always be a linking bit between the two, with everything on some sort of incline (although it might be a bit over-the-top for a simple connection!)
DC does make things so much simpler in many regards. For small shunting layouts like those, it'd be perfect and anything more would be a bit unnecessary really I think. Keep it simple and that way, if bits fail, it's much easier to fix it all (probably by poking bits with a screwdriver)!

-Peter

 

[Cowley]

It’s made me want to have a go at a micro layout one day. I’m sure I’ve probably got enough bits and bobs to do something.

 

[RichJF]

It’s made me want to have a go at a micro layout one day. I’m sure I’ve probably got enough bits and bobs to do something.

My table top yard is 3.5ft by 1.5 ft & the cement works is 3ft x 45cm. Perfect for 30-60mins fun while storable in my apartment. A few piece of Horny Settrack & still works 15 years after last being used!

There's some really amazing micro layouts on RMWeb/YT that inspired me. One contributor is a specialist at building industrial modules in shoeboxes & then linking them together!

My slightly custom 73/9 on the works!