Enjoying simplicity

[spamcan]

Although I still enjoy operating my main layout I have recently gained a great deal of pleasure from operating this small circular layout which I constructed last year. It measures about 6ft by 4ft. Unlike my larger layout it is ready for use at any time of year with minimal preparation - a few circuits with the track cleaning wagon is usually sufficient. It was cheap to construct with second hand track. I mainly run my two Aristo-Craft Centre Cab locos and a Little Critter again second hand.
Athough we are all envious at times when we see photos or video clips of vast garden filling railways there is a lot to be said for a simple easilly constructed layout that does not cost the earth.

 

[The Devonian]

That looks wonderful Paul: very skillfully thought out.
Indeed a simple run, with few wagons is a must in the colder and shorter days.

 

[ped]

I Like,i like a lot,true what they say,(beautifull things come in small packages).

 

[spamcan]

Thanks Alan. The planting in the middle of the circuit has grown and thickened and this helps to create the illusion of the train disappearing. Also it can be viewed from several different angles.

 

[bazzer42]

I do like that arrangement, a lot to be said for simplicity. I have toyed with an oval in the attic and perhaps a couple of sidings. It always worked when we were younger, a Hornby Jinty and a few wagons - happy days.

 

[Zerogee]

Lovely little layout, and a great idea....

For a while now I've been very tempted to get some of Bertram Heyn's Radius 0 (sub-R1) feldbahn track, with its irregular rustic sleepering and weird little points, and do a minimum size oval with a siding or two as an indoor layout - I reckon it could be done in about 3'6" x 5' or so.

Jon.

 

[stevedenver]

ohhhhhhhhhhh and its yellow!!!!!

 

[ceejaydee]

I don't have an outdoor layout so enjoy a similar set up indoors which is dismatled when not in use.

The pleasure of just running trains on a simple oval or circle of track is an experience that can be so rewarding yet maybe we can lose sight of with the implementation of those grander layout schemes that we dreamt of in our former years.

Having access to a larger layout too means that you have the best of both worlds

 

[Hobo]

I love it!
and it's the perfect solution for a little "limited access" spot I have in the garden - time to rummage through the shed and see what track I've got!

 

[mole]

Could not agree more , on the layout I used to have it was the smaller loop that got the most use, did not have to leave the shed on cold wet day's, all way's ready to use, plus there was something nice seeing a small Stainz on a small train , a couple of wagon's and a small 4 wheel coach

 

[beavercreek]

I agree with you Chris and Spammy.....
I have the quarry section as a small part of the layout which is self contained and can run except when the snow is deep deep deep. I really enjoy having the Climax or shay tootling around as I can watch it from the warmth of the kitchen.
It is a shuttle but in effect goes sort of round and round.
It is about to get its link to the main part of the layout but I will always keep the option of using it on its own.

under the snow

 

[pghewett]

... but have you noticed how that "simple" oval quickly seems to acquire "just" a couple of sidings, "just" a small (oh, so small) loop and then hey presto, what have we here...?

GH

 

[Gizzy]

Nicely done Spammy....

 

[playmofire]

The beauty and satisfaction of simplicity!