Gateway Central VIII (2001)

Minimum size HO scale track plan ...

text and digital photos by Richard Schumacher

Photos of the Gateway Central VIII project model railroad, taken at the Museum of Transportation's 2001 Family Fall Fest, where the winner of this railroad was announced.

This layout is 3'10" by 5'9". It is designed to fit in all standard size mini-vans and SUVs as one piece. All of the structures are attached with epoxy to the layout, making it easier to move. This is about the minimum size layout you can design in HO scale to run standard engines and cars and still have a continuous running loop. This layout was designed using Life-Like Power-Loc (nickel silver version) "train set" sectional track. The tall structures and road divide the layout into multiple scenes without the need for a backdrop. The road is constructed of the Walthers Cornerstone Concrete Street System kits.

	Gateway Central VIII 2001 Project Railroad Designed by Richard Schumacher
	Click on any of these photos to view the high-resolution version.
	The base of this railroad was a 2" thick piece of extruded (not "bead board") styrofoam. The lake was carved into the foam, the bottom textured with scenic materials, and water created with three thin pours of Envirotex epoxy.

Why build project railroads? Read the article on the 1997 model railroad to find out!

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This page last updated February 04, 2003