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| Last updated on January 19, 2021
Download this track plan from Great Model Railroads
Track plan at a glance
Name: Utah Belt
Layout designer: Eric Brooman
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 22′-8″ x 39′-6″
Prototype: freelanced
Period: the present
Style: linear walkaround
Mainline run: 173 feet
Minimum radius: 39″
Minimum turnout: no. 6
Maximum grade: 1.5 percent
Originally appeared in the 2006 issue of Great Model Railroads.
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I have loved the Utah Belt ever since I saw the first article years ago. Not only is it a beautiful Railroad, but through the design of always keeping the Railroad up to date means it has years of history like a real Road. It would be great if Kalmbach would put a book together from the begining to the present.
Great issue. I have many past MR issues featuring the Utah Belt and of course the 2006 Great Model Railroads, and couldn't resist grabbing this November issue with the great cover off the magazine rack. I have Trainz Simulator 2010 and would really enjoy having the Utah Belt trackplan and engines running on it. Needless to say, I enjoy some great locomotive action on my computer, with a lot of EMD ACs and older locomotives very similar to Utah Belt engines, pulling heavy consists up the grades.
I wonder how many copies they sell with the UB on the cover vs any other cover they put out? I bet the sales jump measurably, so its not surprising to see this outstanding creation on the cover. I have saved every photo and article that I have ever scene in a file going back to RMC days. I too would buy a video if there was one. Thanks to Mr. Brooman for sharing his passion with us all.
Having the honor of seeing the Utah Belt in person, and getting to know Eric Brooman; all I can say is the layout is as beautiful as the pics show it, and Eric is the kind of guy you'd want as a neighbor. Having followed the UB for many years, it was the highlight of a long trip! During the visit, Eric let me shoot any part of the layout I wanted. So, I shot the whole thing….Literally!
He and his wife Darlene were extremely nice to let us see the layout. A nicer couple you will NOT meet!
Wonderful layout, the concept(s) and execution are excellent. I do wonder about DCC though.
Beautifull layout , a stranger to model railroad would think this is a railroad that exist in real life . I model in N scale and I have an UBRR SD-60M , I pretend it's on lease ! I am waiting for my V&O and A&M units to come from FVM to join the roster , all these model RR mean something to me , they are all almost real RR !!!
I have a May 1981 edition of Railroad Model Craftsman which featured Eric's layout, a superb edition. Later when his layout appeared in Model Railroader simultaneously I had the privilege of contacting him asking him in depth questions about details beyond what we've come to enjoyseeing and knowing about the Utah Belt.
Eric is gentleman, a perfectionist, a very likeable man, a religious person who's very thankful in being able to do what he's done and share it with his fellow model railroaders.
Don LeJeune from ten miles north of Boston, Massachusetts.
Really nice! I remember the track plan from several years back when the hidden tracks were in the 'blob' in the central part of the plan. This is an outstanding layout. Nice!
I don't get it. I'm not much of a fan of modern railroads, western railroads or the type of scenery modeled. Yet this railroad in its previous and current incarnations continues to fascinate me. This track plan is a brilliant use of space and its execution shows a real artistry in creating a believable railroad. Utah Belt rates as one of my favorite model railroads of all time.
There are only three model railroads that I have devoutly followed in my life, the AM, the V&O, and the UB. I look foward to each issue that has the UB in it. I just wish there were some videos of it in action.
I love the concept and flexibility. Great railroad!
The Utah Belt is one of my favorite all time layouts! Keeping it Modern is keeping it real to me. That being said keep up the great work. Only thing better would be to see some videos of trains running realistic speeds around the layout.
I LOVE THE UTAH BELT VERY NICE MODEL WELL DONE
Hey Eric, love your work. Is the Utah Belt DCC now??
The thought that is put into the UB layout is fantastic. To have an ongoing story line for all the upgrades so that everything just makes since is great. I love it. I would love to see this layout in person some day.
UTAH BELT… Great layout, great autor, ideal for good ideas
The Utah Belt is an example, like the G&D, the V&O, the A&M, the Sunset Lines. and many, many others, both well known as well as those who are known to family members solely, of the implementation of ideas and concepts into a tangible system. Eric Brooman has captured the essence of what are the high desert/plains and Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. His efforts to reflect a modern railroad, yet retains its history. I salute someone who is a most accomplished railroader.
From her husban Mert . This has been the best year yet for Model Railroader. Better articles from begginer to senior modeler. You have included back room to train room any size or shape. This helps out the modeler that doesn't have a deep pocket. He can still get in the hobby, and as yoour title says be a MODEL RAILROADER. Thank You
Mert gardner