From the Editor
Introducing the variable location layout
We usually have an idea of what we want to model – the scale we will use, the era, the region, and the railroad. Actually getting around to building the layout is another thing, but having the basics in place is a start.
But what if you have more than one favorite railroad? That was the dilemma faced by John Ciesla, whose HO scale Eastport Branch model railroad is featured on this month’s cover.
John’s 15 x 20-foot layout consists of connected modules that hug the walls of his basement. Each module can operate as separate switching layout or combine to give trains on this New Englandthemed layout plenty of running room.
“New England-themed” isn’t a very specific description – and that’s the point. John took a different path and built what he calls a “variable location layout.”
John has collected equipment from many Northeast railroads, and he uses the same scenes to represent railroads from Long Island to the Maine coast.
“This helps keep the layout fresh,” John explains.
Hey, if you can’t decide what to model, model it all! Check out John’s article starting on page 40.
Alex Nawotka’s N scale layout is set at the opposite side of the continental U.S. in western Montana and eastern Washington State, and it has some thoughtful design aspects of its own.
Although this is Alex’s first serious layout, and measures just 10 x 10 feet, he included adequate hidden staging, a small yard for switching, and a few wellchosen industries.
“It came out much better than I expected for the first time doing this,” Alex told author Tony Koester. Read how Alex’s good planning paid off in Tony’s feature starting on page 48.