Track Plans (Mostly N Scale)
An ongoing blog post with track plans that I will add to over time. I'll try to get the track plans for layouts I've actually built here as well as those I like or plan to build at some point. I'll make a separate post with HO scale track plans eventually as well. These were all done using AnyRail 5 running in CrossOver on my iMac.
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NEW! I've added links to the AnyRail files if you want to download the track plans and edit them in AnyRail. You should be able to right-click to download and save the files to your local computer.
Compact O Scale Switching Layouts
I'm interested in building a compact O-scale switching layout with Atlas 3-Rail track because switching with O scale equipment is, I think, more enjoyable because of the heft and size of the equipment. I would use true-scale O scale equipment, but designed for 3-Rail to allow for tighter radius curves and turnouts. I've recently seen some incredibly realistic compact O scale layouts. As long as you can get past the 3 rails, which can look really nice with Atlas or similar track that is weathered, you can have a compact switching layout in O scale.
This is the latest version I'm considering. Note that I wouldn't use all the little pieces everywhere for the final build, but rather cut them from larger sections to reduce the number of rail joints. This version is 22"x96" for the main section and removable section that won't normally be used. The main section would be just under 24" wide with a 1" fascia board and backdrop board.
AnyRail File: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3RailO_SwitchingLayout_2x8withloop2.any
Track
6015, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6015. Straight 1 1/4". 12
6050, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6050. Straight 10". 20
6051, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6051. Straight 4 1/2". 8
6052, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6052. Straight 1 3/4". 11
6066, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6066. Curve radius 18" (O-36), angle 30º 12
6070, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6070. Left turnout 10". O-54 4
6071, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6071 Right turnout 10". O-54 2
6072, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6072. Left turnout 14 1/2". O-72 1
6073, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6073 Right turnout 14 1/2". O-72 1
6075, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6075. Left turnout 10". O-36 1
6082, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6082. Crossing 22.5º 1
Objects
6040, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6040. Buffer/Bumper 1 31/32". 3
Here was my first idea in 2x8 feet:
AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3RailO_SwitchingLayout_2x8.any
Track
6015, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6015. Straight 1 1/4". 3
6050, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6050. Straight 10". 7
6051, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6051. Straight 4 1/2". 3
6052, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6052. Straight 1 3/4". 8
6053, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6053. Straight 5 1/2". 7
6066, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6066. Curve radius 18" (O-36), angle 30º 4
6070, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6070. Left turnout 10". O-54 3
6071, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6071 Right turnout 10". O-54 2
6082, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6082. Crossing 22.5º 1
Objects
6040, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track 6040. Buffer/Bumper 1 31/32". 4
Here is a 2x7 foot variant I might try to do instead:
This alternate version is probably better as the right portion of the layout can be operated as a 3-2-2 inglenook shunting puzzle with 40' rolling stock.
AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3RailO_SwitchingLayout_2x8alt.any
Here are alternate ideas, but larger, allowing for staging on the backside.
AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3RailO_SwitchingLayout_3-3x8.any
AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3RailO_SwitchingLayout_3-3x9.any
Frank's HO Scale Door Layout
This plan was submitted by subscriber Frank Guardabascio, and is a compact HO scale layout that will fit on a 36" x 80" hollow core door with some strips of wood added to the perimeter to slightly expand the base.
AnyRail File: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/Franks_Door-Current-Mod+4B.any
Track List
44501, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Curve radius 18", angle 30º 2
44505, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Curve radius 15", angle 30º 12
44510, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight rerailer, Straight feeder 9". 1
44511, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 9". 15
44514, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 4 1/2". 1
44541S, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 2". 2
44561, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Left turnout 9". radius 18" (remote) 1
44562, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Right turnout 9". radius 18" (remote) 3
44591, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Buffer/Bumper 2 3/4". 2
44592-1, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 3/4". 1
44592-3, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 1 1/4". 1
44592-5, H0 Bachmann E-Z Track, Straight 2". 1
2x4 Foot N Scale Maine Central
This is an N Scale Kato Unitrack version of the layout design that originally appeared in Model Railroader and was created by Paul Boehlert. Here is the Model Railroader link: https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/track-plan-database/ho-scale-maine-central-rr/
AnyRail File: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/2x4NscaleCentralMaineRR.any
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 6
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 1
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 1
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 4
20045, N Kato Unitrack 20045. Straight transition Kato/Fleischmann 2.44". 1
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 6
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 4
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 4
20100, N Kato Unitrack 20100. Curve radius 9.8", angle 45º 1
20101, N Kato Unitrack 20101. Curve radius 9.8", angle 15º 3
20170, N Kato Unitrack 20170. Curve radius 8.5", angle 45º 8
20171, N Kato Unitrack 20171. Curve radius 8.5", angle 15º 6
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 2
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 6
20222, N Kato Unitrack 20222. Wye turnout 4.96". (remote) 1
Third Street Industrial District
This is an N Scale Kato Unitrack version of the layout design by Bill Baumann in the November 1985 edition of Model Railroader. In this plan, the track descends and crosses below the mainline at the bottom left. The design had the track embedded in a street all along that lower, descending route. This is a track-heavy plan that would also be dense with structures. At some point, I'll try to sketch out structures, roads, etc, on the plan.
I can't currently find the anyrail file...I'll post it if I find it.
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 16
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 6
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 1
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 5
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 12
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 4 (part of track assortment pack)
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 2 (part of track assortment pack)
20101, N Kato Unitrack 20101. Curve radius 9.8", angle 15º 1
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 1
20111, N Kato Unitrack 20111. Curve radius 11.1", angle 15º 3
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 1
20130, N Kato Unitrack 20130. Curve radius 13.7", angle 30º 1
20150, N Kato Unitrack 20150. Curve radius 28.27", angle 15º 8
20160, N Kato Unitrack 20160. Curve radius 18.94", angle 15º 1
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 8
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 6
20231, N Kato Unitrack 20231. Right crossover 9.76". 1
20300, N Kato Unitrack 20300. Crossing 7.32". 15º (left) 1
Exciting 2x4 Foot Layout with Lots of Action!
This is a plan for a new project layout that I am starting. I have each individual level shown below the overview image, and then the track list after that. This layout features track on three levels, with four independent loops of track for lots of action. The middle level is an industrial switching area, while other loops are just for train watching.
Top level:
Middle Level:
Bottom Level:
Anyrail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/2x4doublelayerswitchingloop.any
Track listing:
Note that while I have amazon affiliate links for most products, often you can find them at hobby retailers for cheaper. I like fiferhobby.com and modeltrainstuff.com but check other stores as well. Note that as an Amazon affiliate, I receive a commission on any sales make through those links.
Number of pieces, track item, Amazon link
15 Kato Unitrack 20000 straight 9.76" (9 3/4") https://amzn.to/3iBLMb0
5 Kato Unitrack 20020 straight 4.88" (4 7/8") https://amzn.to/3ZrB4EJ
2 Kato Unitrack 20030 straight 2.52" (2 1/2") https://amzn.to/3kemj7M
7 Kato Unitrack 20040 straight 2.44" (2 7/16") https://amzn.to/3vXqZBA
4 Kato Unitrack 20048 bumper 1.99" https://amzn.to/3ZAas4c
4 Kato Unitrack 20070 straight 1.79" (in track assortment) https://amzn.to/3CKuuPX
1 Kato Unitrack 20071 straight 1.14" (in track assortment) https://amzn.to/3CKuuPX
12 Kato Unitrack 20100 curve radius 9.8" (9 3/4") angle 45° https://amzn.to/3GGhXho
4 Kato Unitrack 20101 curve radius 9.8" angle 15° https://amzn.to/3kbTkll
8 Kato Unitrack 20110 curve radius 11" angle 45° https://amzn.to/3CLCqQS
5 Kato Unitrack 20170 curve radius 8.5" angle 45° https://amzn.to/3vXG46a
2 Kato Unitrack 20171 curve radius 8.5" angle 15° https://amzn.to/3ILzwiW
8 Kato Unitrack 20176 curve radius 4.61" (4 5/8") angle 45° https://shop.fiferhobby.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=22591
4 Kato Unitrack 20203 Right hand turnout 7.32" https://amzn.to/3H0BwT7
1 Kato Unitrack 20222 Wye turnout 4.96" https://shop.fiferhobby.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16912
16 Kato Terminal Rail Joiners. https://shop.fiferhobby.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=12863
18" x 34" N Scale Industrial Area Layout
This is another layout I plan to build this year. This layout could fit on top of a dresser or easily fit on a desk. While small, the layout offers a lot of visual interest with the raised town area and multiple industries to switch along with an easily accessible interchange track on the bottom right of the layout plan. This layout would likely have four car spots to switch, though you could have another car spot on the main like at the top of the plan if you ignore the portion of the loop under the town during switching operations and use that as a car spot for the background industry.
Here is the plan without the structure and road placements and such:
A Tiny 12" x 18" Diorama Layout
This is a simple loop of track for a trolley or tram, but features an winding road climbing a hill with a dense packing of structures. I plan to have a dense tree covering as well with all the structures lighted. It would make for a nice little display layout.
Here is just the track diagram
2x4 Layout with Lots of Switching
Here is a 2x4 foot layout that offers both continuous running and lots of switching. There is no run around track, but all the turnouts are trailing point turnouts when operating the layout counter clockwise. The operational idea is that the track on the bottom left is an interchange track where rolling stock can come on and
off the layout. Cars are picked up there, then switched at the various industries. The large structure on the bottom left with the track running through it could have another loading door on the "mainline" track, or the track inside the structure could be car spot if no continuous running is desired during an operating session. The inner three tracks on the left is also set up as a 5-3-3 inglenook design, so one could simply switch that section of track as an inglenook game, possibly while another train is orbiting on the main loop. The long switching lead for those three track spurs allows for one locomotive to switch those industries while another operates on the "mainline".
AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/nscale2x41.any
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 8
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 5
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 3
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 2
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 5
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 2
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 2
20100, N Kato Unitrack 20100. Curve radius 9.8", angle 45º 5
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 6
20111, N Kato Unitrack 20111. Curve radius 11.1", angle 15º 3
20170, N Kato Unitrack 20170. Curve radius 8.5", angle 45º 1
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 2
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 4
1' x 6' N Scale Switching Layout
This is a small N scale switching layout that is a slightly modified version of a layout designed by Rob Chant. The main changes were just to have the layout design work with Kato Unitrack. The layout can be operated with an extension to allow for trains to move onto and off the layout, or just switched without the extension.
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/1x6NscaleSwitchingLayout.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 14
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 1
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 3
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 3
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 6
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 1
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 1
20150, N Kato Unitrack 20150. Curve radius 28.27", angle 15º 1
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 2
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 4
The Executive Inglenook
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/nscaleinglenook.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
17" x 30" Desktop Micro
Here are the track plan and track list for the 17" x 30" N scale desktop micro layout I built. You can read more on that layout here: https://www.steves-trains.com/post/desktop-micro-layout-17-x-30
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/17x30track.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
Track List
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 2
20030, N Kato Unitrack 20030. Straight 2.52". 3
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 1
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 1
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 2
20172, N Kato Unitrack 20172. Curve radius 7.2", angle 45º (Compact) 7
20174, N Kato Unitrack 20174. Curve radius 5.91", angle 45º (Compact) 2
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 1
20240, N Kato Unitrack 20240. Left turnout 4.88". (remote) (Compact) 1
24818, N Kato Unijoiner 24818 5
2' x 3' N Scale Mini Layout
Here are the track plan and track list for the 2' x 3' N scale desktop micro layout I built. You can read more on that layout here: https://www.steves-trains.com/post/2-x-3-n-scale-mini-layout
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/2x3track.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
Track List
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 3
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 1
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 1
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 3
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 8
20100, N Kato Unitrack 20100. Curve radius 9.8", angle 45º 5
20101, N Kato Unitrack 20101. Curve radius 9.8", angle 15º 2
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 1
20140, N Kato Unitrack 20140. Curve radius 15", angle 30º 1
20170, N Kato Unitrack 20170. Curve radius 8.5", angle 45º 5
20171, N Kato Unitrack 20171. Curve radius 8.5", angle 15º 4
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 3
20301, N Kato Unitrack 20301. Crossing 7.32". 15º (right) 1
20505, N Kato Unitrack 20505. Curve radius 9.8", angle 45º (viaduct) 2
24818, N Kato Unijoiner 24818 8
Carolina Central
I've never built this layout, but have always liked it. This layout appeared in Model Railroader, and this is a Kato Unitrack version for a 32" x 80" hollow-core door. This version has an 11" minimum radius, but if you went to a wider 36" door you should be able to increase that to a 12.4" minimum radius.
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/CarolinaCentral.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 15
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 3
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 2
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 1
20045, N Kato Unitrack 20045. Straight transition Kato/Fleischmann 2.44". 1
20048, N Kato Unitrack 20048. Buffer/Bumper Type C, 1.99". 4
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 3
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 2
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 4
20111, N Kato Unitrack 20111. Curve radius 11.1", angle 15º 7
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 11
20140, N Kato Unitrack 20140. Curve radius 15", angle 30º 1
20160, N Kato Unitrack 20160. Curve radius 18.94", angle 15º 2
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 4
20203, N Kato Unitrack 20203. Right turnout 7.32". (remote) 4
20452, N Kato Unitrack 20452. Straight 7.32". (bridge) (gray) 1
20520, N Kato Unitrack 20520. Curve radius 12.4", angle 45º (viaduct) 1
24818, N Kato Unijoiner 24818 15
3' x 5' Fun Pretzel Layout
This is a take on this awesome little layout I saw on Facebook:
This version is quite a bit larger, at about 3'x5', and has an 11" minimum radius on the inner folded dogbone, and a 13.7" minimum radius on the outer loop. The double cross over allows the two loops to be run as one circuit, or two trains to be run at the same time. There are no operations involved here, this is just a layout to watch trains run on, though it would be possible to add a few industries in various places if so desired. This is a layout I may build soon. Track on the left and right side of the layout behind the green lines would be inside of tunnels, though I would have the sides of the layout open for easy access to the track.
Track List
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 4
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 2
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 1
20030, N Kato Unitrack 20030. Straight 2.52". 4
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 2
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 1
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 2
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 12
20111, N Kato Unitrack 20111. Curve radius 11.1", angle 15º 6
20120, N Kato Unitrack 20120. Curve radius 12.4", angle 45º 4
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 3
20130, N Kato Unitrack 20130. Curve radius 13.7", angle 30º 3
20132, N Kato Unitrack 20132. Curve radius 13.7", angle 45º 7
20140, N Kato Unitrack 20140. Curve radius 15", angle 30º 1
20150, N Kato Unitrack 20150. Curve radius 28.27", angle 15º 1
20160, N Kato Unitrack 20160. Curve radius 18.94", angle 15º 1
20210, N Kato Unitrack 20210. Double crossover 12.2". 15º 1
20434, N Kato Unitrack 20434. Straight 9.76". (bridge) (black) 1
20452, N Kato Unitrack 20452. Straight 7.32". (bridge) (gray) 3
20462, N Kato Unitrack 20462. Straight 4.88". (bridge) (gray) 1
24818, N Kato Unijoiner 24818 10
Here is a modified version of the same layout with some general scenery ideas. This allows for off-layout staging or a connection to other modules.
Download the AnyRail file: https://stevestrainsfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/3x5track.any (right click and save the file, you won't be able to open it directly)
Track
20000, N Kato Unitrack 20000. Straight 9.76". 5
20010, N Kato Unitrack 20010. Straight 7.32". 1
20020, N Kato Unitrack 20020. Straight 4.88". 1
20030, N Kato Unitrack 20030. Straight 2.52". 5
20040, N Kato Unitrack 20040. Straight 2.44". 4
20070, N Kato Unitrack 20070. Straight 1.79". 4
20071, N Kato Unitrack 20071. Straight 1.14". 3
20110, N Kato Unitrack 20110. Curve radius 11.1", angle 45º 12
20111, N Kato Unitrack 20111. Curve radius 11.1", angle 15º 6
20120, N Kato Unitrack 20120. Curve radius 12.4", angle 45º 4
20121, N Kato Unitrack 20121. Curve radius 12.4", angle 15º 3
20130, N Kato Unitrack 20130. Curve radius 13.7", angle 30º 4
20132, N Kato Unitrack 20132. Curve radius 13.7", angle 45º 6
20140, N Kato Unitrack 20140. Curve radius 15", angle 30º 1
20150, N Kato Unitrack 20150. Curve radius 28.27", angle 15º 1
20160, N Kato Unitrack 20160. Curve radius 18.94", angle 15º 2
20202, N Kato Unitrack 20202. Left turnout 7.32". (remote) 2
20210, N Kato Unitrack 20210. Double crossover 12.2". 15º 1
20434, N Kato Unitrack 20434. Straight 9.76". (bridge) (black) 1
20452, N Kato Unitrack 20452. Straight 7.32". (bridge) (gray) 3
20462, N Kato Unitrack 20462. Straight 4.88". (bridge) (gray) 1
24818, N Kato Unijoiner 24818 12
