Name: Butte Line
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 38 x 38 feet
Prototype: Union Pacific’s branch line from Pocatello, Idaho, to Butte, Mont.
Locale: Southeastern Idaho and south-central Montana
Era: 1954
Style: Point-to-point walkaround
Mainline run: 280 feet, including hidden staging and return loops (140 feet excluding staging)
Minimum radii: 48″ main line, 32″ yards, staging and return loops
Minimum turnout: no. 8 main line, no. 6 yards, staging and return loops
Maximum grade: 2 percent
Benchwork: Modular ladder frames with attached backdrop
Height: 53″ to 57″ in scenicked area (49″ with hidden return loops included)
Roadbed: Vinylbed
Track: Micro Engineering code 83 flex track, main line and return loops; code 70 sidings, yards, and staging; code 55 on some spurs
Scenery: Paper shell covered with plaster cloth, rubber rocks
Backdrop: Handpainted plywood
Control: NCE wireless Digital Command Control
The track plan originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of Model Railroader. Click on the link to download a PDF copy of this track plan.
I noticed this layout has 2 hidden staging areas at opposite ends of the plan. How does the designer blend the staging areas with with the live area of the plan. From the picture in the May issue and the PDF file on the website it looks as if the live area of the layout runs directly into the staging area. How are are the staging areas concealed. I am new to model railroading but eventually would like to work up to a layout like this one. Love the magazine and layouts.