This is an engaging little one-foot-by-four-foot layout that exactly fits on a shelf in my Listening Room (other hobby). There seem to be a boundless number of switching problems which can be devised to tax your patience, skill, ingenuity...and vocabulary. I operate it with my "Single-Knob Throttle" DC cab, the primary feature of which is the absence of the usual forward/reverse switch -- the direction is determined by twisting the throttle knob clockwise or counterclockwise from the "12 noon" position to go forward or reverse, respectively. I've found this to be perfect throttle for slow-speed yard work.
The track and turnouts are PECO code 55; turnouts are of the Electrofrog variety, with externally-powered frogs (when locos are moving very slow, power frogs virtually eliminate stalling on the frog). Since only 4-axle locos and short freight cars are found in this slow-moving yard, I used whatever turnouts I had around -- small radius, medium radius, whatever. Cork roadbed was also available; the cork is attached to the subroadbed (5/8" particle board), and the track to cork with Liquid Nails. If I did it over again, I'd still use all-PECO, but I'd switch to AMI Instant Roadbed; I used it on my new main layout, and I really like it. For more info on using the AMI, check NEW AWRR.
For further info on the turnouts, check PECO. Turnouts are activated with Caboose Industries type 220S ground throws, featuring a Single-Pole/Double-Throw contact integrated with the mechanism; this contact is what controls the polarity of the frog. I used ground throws here for four reasons:
Since my main layout is in the garage, this little gem can provide me with my "Model RR" fix even on the coldest days (when the garage is hoverng around 40°F). Give it a try -- use whatever you can scavenge for track and turnouts. Surely you can find 4 feet of shelf space somewhere. Get creative...and enjoy!
New 2-18-01