HO scale switching layout
Shunting like a champion! That’s what this HO switching layout offers in a compact size:
What is it all about? We see an industrial region somewhere on the outskirts of a large city. Factories, backyards and wasteland dominate the scenery, as is typical of urban areas. Due to the compact size of 3 x 6 ft., all industrial buildings have to fit exactly. So welcome to Kitbasher’s Paradise – and give your fantasy a run!
The focus of this HO switching layout is, of course, on shunting maneuvers. Move freight wagons from A to B and vice versa! There are 2 shunting areas for this, called “Timesaver” and “Inglenook”:
“Timesaver” and “Inglenook” are well-known shunting concepts for model railroad layouts. So this compact 3×6 baseboard offers switching operations in abundance!
The design of the landscape is also worth mentioning. The two shunting areas are visually separated by a high plateau. A road runs up there, dividing this HO switching layout into two halves. Thanks to this design concept, the layout is perfectly suited for two people to operate trains:
But industry and factories also need workers and employees, isn’t it? Fortunately, there are two small commuter stations. And since the commuter line is a simple oval, this HO scale switching layout also offers some runaround traffic:
While the commuter train is waiting, shunting operations can be done:
HO scale switching layout: Track plan
Facts 3 x 6 HO gauge switching layout
- Size: 3′ x 6′. This corresponds to 91.4 x 182.9 cm (approx.)
- Tracks: Märklin HO (“C tracks”)
- Concept: HO switching track plan with runaround loop, timesaver & inglenook
- Slight deviations in measurements are possible. Track planning software isn’t 100% accurate
- Some tracks must be adjusted to size. More: Cutting Märklin C tracks (YouTube)
Download this track-plan here:
Download PDF (private use only)
Donations welcome!
