N scale shelf layout

We are all surrounded by shelves, aren’t we? Bookshelves, cupboard shelves or office shelves make our lives easier. So why not place a model railroad layout on a shelf? It’s an interesting concept because we use the existing furnishings of a room. It requires little space and our model trains become an integral part of the room. Here an idea on 31.5” x 19.7”:

Shelf layout track plan N scale

track plan N scale shelf layout

Facts

  • Size: 31.5” x 19.7”. This corresponds to 80 x 40 cm
  • Tracks: Fleischmann N scale (tracks with ballast bed)
  • 2 turnouts, 2 double slip switches

What is it all about? A small switching layout on 31.5 x 19.7 inches that fits on a bookshelf. There is space for a little loco and 3 short freight wagons. The task is: Move each wagon to its destination! We have silos, a crane, a small factory and a siding that branches off to a warehouse in a 45° angle. Check out the interesting shunting options!

Scenery here is a harbour. But this track plan could be embedded in any other industrial setting. On the left hand side we have a bridge. The track above is without function, but the bridge itself has an important function. It serves as a visual scenic divider and it conceals a fiddle yard. The tracks behind the bridge are necessary to pull out wagons for shunting operations.

Tracklist N scale shelf layout

Download this track plan here:

Download PDF (private use only)

Donations welcome!

Track plan designer
trackplans download

Enough tech-talk. You want to see something:

N gauge shelf layout

N scale shelf layout

I realized that track plan many years ago with Fleischmann tracks. More Impressions:

N gauge shelf layout
Model railroad shelf layout
Model railway shelf layout
Model train shelf layout
Shelf N scale layout
Ship N scale

What is a shelf-layout?

When placing a model railway layout on a shelf, the dimensions have to be small in depth. However, a shelf layout can be large in length. It can be designed as an L-shape or U-shape running along the entire wall of a room. Or you build a mini layout to be placed on a small windowsill.

Shelf layout track plans are often based on a point-to-point concept. Model trains run from A to B and back again.

Advantages:

  • Does not dominate the room

    The model railroad layout is discreetly placed on a shelf

  • Oval-shaped track plans possible in N scale

    With a shelf depth of 20 inches, even 180° turns are possible in N gauge. 20 ” correspond to 50 cm

  • No woodwork necessary

    Ready-made shelves make building a model railway layout quick and easy. IKEA shelves in particular are popular

  • Dust protection

    If the shelf has doors or flaps, these provide dust protection

Wanna see more N scale layouts?