Japanese Model Trains, Trams and Light Rail - Layout Gallery
Over the last two years I have created ten N scale model train layouts. Each one was a freelance design and featured different types of trains, trams or light rail. The method I use for layout building is simple but effective. Each layout was created in 6-8 weeks in my spare time. Total time for each layout is around 100 hours. Click on the layout images to see a larger version.
Cityscape Layout - 2008
This was the first layout I created and it also was the largest. It measured 65" (165cm) wide and 75" (190cm) deep. Two tracks were used, the main line was DC and the light rail was DCC. Bachmann EZ-Track was used which had the advantage of piers that could easily elevate the track. The main aim was to build a layout that would feature very fast trains from USA (Bachmann Acela), Japan (Kato Shinkansen JR 500) and Europe (Minitrix ICE). I also used two Fleishmann Desiro railcars for the light rail line. The Kato Shinkansen was the best of the fast trains. Later I added a Tomix 800 Kyushu Shinkansen to run on the layout as well. I also used some Bachmann freight trains that were purchased when I first started collecting model trains. Click on the images below to see a larger version.
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Metro Layout - 2008
My second layout was designed to run Japanese trains. It's dimensions were 65" (165cm) wide by 40" (102cm) deep. For the track on this layout I used Kato Unitrack. Three lines were used, two on at ground level and one elevated. All three lines were operated with DC control. There were six Kato station platforms in total on the layout. The main purpose of the layout was to run Japanese commuter and suburban trains which consisted of Kato Series 211-3000, Kato Series 321, Kato Series E217 and Tomix Series E233-1000. I also used my two bullet train Shinkansen's on this layout. On the right of the this layout I created a new layout using the Bachmann EZ-Track from the first layout. This section was 80" by 32" and connected to the Metro layout by a turnout switch that allowed me to run trains from one layout to the other. Click on the images below to see a larger version. (see the Video Gallery page for more of this layout)
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Little Tokyo Layout - 2009
This layout was designed to feature the Modemo trams that I added to my collection. There were three trams from the Tokyu Railway Setagaya Line and two from the Enoshima Electric Railway. The size of the layout was 42" by 30" which was smaller than my previous layouts. This layout used Kato Unitrack and had three separate lines that were controlled with DC. Even though the space was limited, it suited the trams which are much shorter than the trains I had used in the past. I also used a little shunter locomotive and some Japanese freight wagons on the inside line for some variation. Occasional I also ran some Japanese railcars too. These consisted of the Tomix JR Diesel KHIA 120 from the Kansai and Takayama line. Later I added the Micro Ace JR Tokai KHIA 11-200 and 11-300 to enhance my railcar collection. Click on the images below to see a larger version. (see the Video Gallery page for more of this layout)
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Toyama Portram Layout - 2009
For this layout I decided to created a smaller "micro" layout that is very common in Japan. This layout used Tomix track that has smaller diameters than I had used in the past. The trains featured ware the Tomytec Toyama Portram LRV. Initially I created a 30" x 20" layout that featured a city location. This had two lines that were run under DC control. Two sidings allowed me to use four LRV's on this layout. I was so pleased with the result that I created a second 30" x 20" layout that was set in a suburban location. This featured two more LRV's. I placed the two layouts side by side to make a 40" x 30" layout. It was a very entertaining with the four LRV's running at once. I then made a third layout that featured a depot for the LRV's. It measured 36” x 20” with two lines and four turnouts. Click on the images below to see a larger version. (see the Video Gallery page for more of this layout)
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"Inaka" Layout - 2010
My latest layout is a fictional Japanese rural railroad based on the Nagoya Railway in the Gifu City. The size of the layout is 60" x 30" (152.4 cm x 76.2 cm). There was a total of 45 buildings on this layout which was more than I had used in the past. I also used some "mini"station platforms from Tomix. Again I used Tomix Fine Track and designed a folded figure-8 for the layout (a diagram is below). I mostly used Modemo trains on this layout which included the Meitetsu Railway MO 510, Meitetsu Railway MO 750, Meitetsu Railway MO 600 and Meitetsu Railway MO 750 Snowplow. I also used two versions of the Tomix Hakone Tozan 1000 "Bernina" and some trams from the Enoshima Railway as well. The Enoshima Type 600 "AKADEN" and the Enoshima Electric 100 "trolley pole". Click on the images below to see a larger version. (see the Video Gallery page for more of this layout)
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Model Rail Design Software - AnyRail
Planning a layout can be a time consuming process. The help of a track planning software program can make the process easier. I use the AnyRail program which I find very intuitive to use. It suits the various types of track that I use and it creates very nice looking diagrams. I also use it to experiment and visualise ideas for layouts. Below are some of the designs I have created with AnyRail. Click on the images below to see a larger version.
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Experimental Model Train Layouts and Photography
Below are some photos of the experimental layouts that I have created. A range of photography techniques were used including Photoshop. Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of each one.
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