| Last updated on January 19, 2021
Download this track plan from Model Railroader
Name: Spartanburg Subdivision
Layout designer: Steven Otte
Scale: N (1:160)
Size: 3′-0″ x 5′-6″
Prototype: Southern Ry.
Locale: upstate South Carolina
Era: early 1940s
Style: island
Minimum radius: 9-3/4″
Mainline run: 11 feet
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of Model Railroader.
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I'm taking a little bit of "artistic liberties" with my version of this plan. First mirror flipped it and am building it as a L shaped layout with the interchange track going thru a mountain (as a scenic divider) and having it lead to an "industrial park". Instead of the logging camp I'm planning a tank farm for the area and going to have a coal load out instead of the "textile mill"
This is a nice little layout, the best I have seen for N Scale in this magazine for quite some time.
I may think this one over….
AUSTIN EBNER from ARKANSAS,
Then add a sawmill and RR the lumber! Have fun!! ;o)
I am an avid N scaler and I have been reading MR mag for many years I also would love to see more articles on N scale. I would like to see more readers photos in N scale,and more product reviews.
I built a slightly larger version of this layout and am currently in the process of electrifying it – old-fashioned DC – so I can be running trains soon. Mine measures 4' 2" x 6' 8" and uses kato unitrak; that stuff goes together extremely nicely.
Looks like a great compact layout–very inspiring!
Track is now laid and trains will run on it. 12/3/11
I am in the process of building the layout, I may use my modelers license to make some changes
Being an N scaler myself I agree MR does not have enough articles and ads about N scale. But I can't fault the magazine. It reflects the hobby. HO is the most popular scale so it gets the most attention followed by N. Just think of how the I, O, S, TT, V, and Z modelers feel they get almost nothing. Especialy the I, S, TT, and V people. If you model in one of those scales you scratch build almost everything.
Need more N scale like this!
It is a great small layout, and sorry to burst your bubble(and mine) but no logs were interchanged on common carrier railroads.Logs just went to sawmills.Its still a great layout.
What I've been looking for since I have limited space for a layout. I'm looking forward to building it. I would like to see Steven Otte's finished layout.
I love HO, mostly for the ability of kit bashing and scratch projects. Unfortunately I agree with Stan Curtis that I've no room so N Scale has become my scale.
One of my complaints about MR is the lack of N scale articles and ads. I've scanned several back issues of MR and have been disappointed in the number of ads for N scale power and rolling stock. I know it's out there!!!
with the help of staff member at kalmbach we built this works great nice layout running santa fe/rio grande.we recently added a 3×4 ft table to this not using track at joints we run an extension ,slid table to extension track join tables together and clamp.now a track plan we have plenty of track.thk u crt/friends
great layout and fun to build
Ideal for my small room, thanks!
great small layout for n scale
Great layout. I might even do it. I've looking for a small layout to do. And the logging camp is great to put in it.
It's great to finally see an N gauge layout that is truly meant for those of us who are not fortunate enough to have spaces large enough to house even a modest size N gauge layout. Great article. Would like to know more about the details of this layout and many more layouts like this one in future MR issues.
I always thought Spartanburg would make an interesting prototype to model, esp depending on the era — SR, Clinchfield, ACL, Piedmont & Northern. My current branchline layout is based on a similar theme in upstate SC so it's nice to see others with the same thought. Another interesting item that not many may be aware of, is the annual peach harvest with packing houses, reefer icing, etc similar to the citrus harvest in CA. That adds a whole new dimension to modeling the southeast.
great looking small layout..i printed it out for my neighbor who is building his first layout