Build the Gateway Central XV
HO Scale Switching Railroad
Track Plan and Parts List
layout design, text, drawing and
photos by Richard Schumacher |
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The Gateway Central XV layout was designed as a small
switching layout the Division could easily take to train
shows and other events to promote the hobby of model
railroading. That layout was made as short as possible so as
to be easily transported in the back seat of a car. As such,
switching was made more complex (and the layout 6" shorter)
by having only one end of the run-around track able to hold
both the switch engine and a car at the same time. While
this makes it more interesting for switching contests and
train show display, this "puzzle switching" limitation could
"get old" pretty quickly on a home layout.
 If
you are interested in building this as a home switching
layout, or as a switching extension for your existing home
layout, the slightly bigger version on this page is
recommended. Both ends of the run-around can hold both a
standard diesel switch engine and a 40' car at the same
time. One more small industry has been added. And you can extend
the layout (or connect to an existing layout) using the "main line" track (the middle one on
the left side). Click
any of the photos and drawings for a larger version.
The layout is designed for a standard diesel switcher and
40' boxcars (at least four and up to seven, one could be a
40' gondola instead of a boxcar). The ends of the
run-around need to accommodate both the engine and a car.
You must remember this when laying the track and if you
add bumpers or end-of-track devices. You need to make sure
there is slightly over
12" between the run-around switch points and any bumper.
Related web pages:
Designing the Gateway Central XV
Project Railroad
Buildings and Structures on the Gateway Central XV
This layout uses Atlas code 83 track sections. The home
version shown here is 14" deep and 60" wide. The grid lines
on the diagram are spaced 12" apart. You will want to make
the layout slightly deeper if you plan to place a background
on top of (as opposed to behind) the layout. All turnouts
are Atlas code 83 #4 custom line. The size of the small
track pieces are marked on the diagram (get the small pieces
from Atlas, trying to cut your own from flex track is an
exercise in frustration). Unmarked sections on the track
plan are 6" pieces. A section of code 83 flex track was cut
into two pieces, their approximate lengths are marked on the
diagram (measure on your railroad before cutting!). A rerailer section was incorporated into the plan
because it makes that task easier, especially if children
are operating the railroad. The rerailer is positioned so it
may be sceniced as part of a
road through the layout. You can use either a conventional DC
or DCC throttle.
The structures are indicated by letter on the track plan.
Photos of the assembled buildings, and any specific construction details
for this layout (especially "C" and "E"), may be viewed by clicking the links.
This design uses Atlas code 83 track which has fine
detail and a realistic look. For this switching layout, the
track would normally be attached directly to the layout
surface. If you use some sort of roadbed under the track,
you will also need to raise all the buildings up by the
thickness of the roadbed so the docks and dock doors align
properly with the cars.
Quantity |
Part Number |
Notes |
| 1 |
Atlas #519 rerailer |
|
| 3 |
Atlas #521 6"
straight (pk/4) |
|
| 1 |
Atlas #522 3"
straight (pk/4) |
|
| 1 |
Atlas #524 straight
track assortment |
Small track pieces |
| 3 |
Atlas #561 #4 custom
line switch left |
|
| 3 |
Atlas #562 #4 custom
line switch right |
|
| 1 |
Atlas #500 super
flex-track |
Custom cut for two locations, see
layout diagram |
| 1 |
Atlas #553 terminal
joiners |
Electrical connection |
No insulated rail joiners are required for this track
plan. Sufficient rail joiners to assemble this railroad are
included with the Atlas track pieces. You will also need a
throttle (either conventional DC or DCC), a small switching
engine (an SW1, NW2, SW7, SW900, SW1200, SW1500, or MP15
diesel or an 0-4-0 or 0-6-0 tank engine - if you use a DCC
throttle make sure the engine has a DCC decoder), and four
to seven 40' boxcars (note that the switching tracks are not
long enough for 50' cars, they were designed for 40' cars).
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