Huge N scale locomotive depot
Dear model railroader! If you also own dozens of locomotives, then a nice place to present them attractively would be a great thing, wouldn’t it? Here a N scale track plan on 6′ x 3′ specially designed for your collection of diesel and steam locomotives.
Locomotive depot layout
What is it all about? Topic of this N scale model railroad layout is an extensive locomotive depot that fits on an area of 6′ x 3′. It’s an old depot, because we love our steam locos. Let’s say, sometime in the middle of the last century. And since diesel operation was also common at that time, some N scale diesel locomotives are standing next to our beloved steam locos.
We see many service facilities, a turntable and a huge roundhouse. Diesel locos get their supplies at the diesel filling station. Steam locomotives will first visit the large coal tower, water cranes and the inspection pits before they are stabled. So always enough reasons to move our locomotives. Buildings for maintenance and administration complete this N scale motive power depot.
But that’s not all. This track plan also provides a nice route especially for steam locomotives. A loco enters the scenery on the right, passes through the service stations and is then stabled in the engine shed. When the loco later sets off again, it leaves the MPD on a track to the rear into the “world”. As the track plan makes a hidden 180° turn in the tunnel, the steam loco will always come back with its chimney ahead. Let’s reveal the secret:
N scale track plan locomotive depot
Facts track plan turntable + loco shed
- I’ve build this N scale model railway layout many years ago with Fleischmann tracks actually on 160 x 80 cm, which is slightly smaller than 6 x 3 (approximatly 5.3 x 2.6 ft., see fotos below)
- Tracks: Fleischmann N scale (with ready-made ballast bed)
- Some straight tracks need length modification
- Wide radii visible, tight curves hidden in the tunnel
- N gauge turntable by Fleischmann
- Reverse loop in the tunnel needs no special electric wiring, if electricity feed-in goes via turntable. In this case no electrical short circuit arises
Download this track plan:
Download PDF (private use only)
Enough tech-talk. You want to see something.
Layout with roundhouse loco shed & turntable
N scale turntable
The electric N scale turntable from Fleischmann is the eye-catcher here. Tracks leave in 7,5° sections, but of course you can vary the position of the joiners. I can highly recommend this turntable kit. It is reliable and looks pretty good.
N scale loco shed
When using a roundhouse with that turntable, it should have sections of 7.5° or 15° angle. Fleischmann has a nice 7.5° N scale engine shed. However, the N scale roundhouse as seen on the fotos is from Arnold.
