John Candy wrote a recent Newsletter article "Perseverance in Gauge 3 " this is my reply.
The need for a layout in G3 can be overwhelming after the initial enthusiastic construction of a few items of rolling stock and perhaps a small loco. Not everyone has the space for 20 feet radius sweeping curves and double track main lines. :(
However, there is no excuse for not producing one's own layout to match available space, time and resources. Imagine some of the portable small scale layouts depicted over the years in major model railway monthlies. These can be translated into quite adequate layouts in G3. My attempt at a loft layout is an example of this. It is a minimalist attempt to capture a branch terminus with a run round loco release loop and a bay platform siding. It consists of a 3-way turnout and a single point. The fiddle yard is behind a scenic break tunnel mouth in a cutting. The length is 25 feet, the width is 2 feet 3inch and it is built on a framed set of 6 baseboards, 5 are each 4 feet long and the fiddle yard is on a 5 feet board. The emphasis of the layout is on operation. Shunting and running both passenger, mixed and freight trains according to a logical sequence. Variety of stock can stimulate added interest and novelty.
There is a website that should inspire called Micro layouts by Carl Arendt. Try Googling it. Although aimed at the smaller scales it is amazing what folks have achieved in the larger scales in terms of originality and diversity. We in G3 are not excluded we can do the same. This note I am hoping will stimulate imagination and encourage the waverers particularly the folks who join the society only to not renew their membership for the second year. I can sympathise with them as my initial impression was of an elitist group with main line coal fired steam locos and 10 coach trains running on double track mainlines at 100mph scale speeds and as such quite intimidating to the extent of potential personal inadequacy. But it need not be like this as at the other end of the scale we have an opportunity to create something special. :)
After attending my first AGM I realised that this is not the always case and members are very friendly and encouraging. Members are indeed creating portable layouts. :)
There is further scope for the creation of small compact G3 layouts depicting cameo locations beyond that of the small branch terminus.
E.g. Small siding shunting puzzle or a small loco depot or an industrial unit e.g. a dairy or brewery or gas works or a mine or quarry or a small harbour.
Check out Carl's website, a true source of inspiration for simplicity of small layout design. It can be a challenge yes, but very satisfying and as John states try not to set your sights too high and do not be discouraged. I can echo that sentiment.
Cheers
Dave
Very interesting Dave, your comments on this subject echo my own. As my current main modelling interest is in O Gauge, my G3 activities are limited to wagon building and hopefully in the not too distance future a small (L&Y) goods engine. But of course to keep my interest I also hope one day to build a small shunting layout in the garage.
As you say there are many articles in the model press, plus booklets, on small layouts. Those of you that have come from O Gauge will be aware of the booklets they have produced on this subject. One of my favourate such small layout that shows what can be done in a very limited space is John Dale's 7mm LNWR "Alexandra Yard" as published in Issue 1 of RailModel Digest. This is only 6ft long by 19" at its widest with a 3ft traverser 'off stage', so roughly equating to G3 would be feasible in a space 18ft x 3ft!
Another web site that may give inspiration to like minded folk is the one dedicated to the 3+3+5 "Shunting Puzzle" Layout at www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/index.html. I am working on a couple of designs based on this concept for both 7mm & G3, which will include a run-round, one end of which will be 'off stage' and operated by a traverser. My simplest G3 idea utilises 3 A4 Y turnouts giving 2 outer sidings (one coal siding, one loading dock) with a central head shunt for the run-round, which as a minimum should again be feasible in 18ft.
Derek.