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US Model Railroad Layout in TT Scale

Deutsche Version

After several visits of the USA, I came up with the idea to build a small model railroad following a US theme. In TT scale, this is a real challenge since nothing is available from commercial manufacturers. Even the range of small manufacturers that make small batches for TT is quite poor. To get a layout within an acceptable time, in difference to my other layouts, I did not follow a specific prototype. But the layout should look as real as possible under the given circumstances. As my other layouts, this layout follows the principle "long & narrow". It is a real micro layout consisting of two modules that can be folded into a transport box of which the backdrop plates form the sides. This way, I can carry the layout even in public transit.

Size: 150 cm x 15 cm (59" x 5.9")

This picture shows the layout in an early stage in November 2006:	Here is the layout folded into a transport box:

Tracks for American layouts are some problem in TT scale. The TT scale Special Interest Group (SIG) of NMRA officially recommends Tillig track which is a European product. In a small scale it is quite acceptable, at least for light tracks. The theme of the layout is a single track line through an industrial area in the Chicago region in the late 1950s. The track running along the front edge of the layout is a dark territory main track operated under Timetable & Train Order. Except for a short stretch on the right end of the layout it is yard limits. All other tracks are industrial spurs. The two crossovers very close to each other from a small loop that allows to turn around a single car. Thus, the track configuration forms some kind of a "micro timesaver".

photo gallery, part 1	photo gallery, part 2	photo gallery, part 3	photo gallery, part 4

More photos of this layout on Flickr