KATO USA
Precision Railroad Models
West Coal
This plan is actually a MODIFIED version of a plan originally drawn by George Sebastian-Coleman and published in the January, 2002, issue of Model Railroader as “A Western Coal-Hauler in N scale.” We have modified George’s plan to eliminate the need to trim several pieces “to fit” as he originally drew it. Our design requires no trimming of any sections.
Furthermore, George’s original plan is a point-to-point configuration. This arrangement essentially required the train to always enter the large yard in the center of the layout. It is not possible for the train to go around the layout without returning to the central yard. Our design, on the other hand, will allow the train to go completely around the layout without going into the yard, if desired.
As you can see, we have also re-sized the layout so that it will fit on a 3′ X 15′ table. However, if you do not want to cut your table to this size, two pieces of 4′ X 8′ plywood laid end to end (4′ X 16′ overall) give you plenty of room to increase your operations.
Finally, with the stategic use of Insulated Unijoiners and additional Feeder Tracks and/or Terminal Unijoiners, it would be possible to operate several “blocks” independently from one another with this layout. One train could be running on the mainline while separate switcher locomotives work the central yard and spur track in lower right corner.
Click Plan to Zoom In!
Bill of Materials
QTY
Stock #
Description
62
20-000
248mm (9 3/4") Straight Track
8
20-010
186mm (7 5/16") Straight Track
8
20-020
124mm (4 7/8") Straight Track
1
20-030
64mm (2 1/2") Straight Track
20
20-040
62mm (2 7/16") Straight Track
12
20-046~048
Bumper (Use any of three styles)
1
20-050
78mm - 108mm (3" - 4 1/4") Expansion Track
2
20-091
29mm (1 1/8") Straight Track
2
20-100
249mm (9 3/4") Radius 45 Curve Track
14
20-110
282mm (11") Radius 45 Curve Track
2
20-111
282mm (11") Radius 15 Curve Track
4
20-120
315mm (12 3/8") Radius 45 Curve Track
3
20-130
348mm (13 3/4") Radius 30 Curve Track
7
20-140
381mm (15") Radius 30 Curve Track
3
20-150
718mm (28 1/4") Radius 15 Curve Track
3 (13)
20-160
481mm (19") Radius 15 Curve Track • (10 Included in turnout packages)
5
20-202
#6 Left Turnout
1
20-203
#6 Right Turnout
1
20-210
310mm (12 3/16") Double Crossover Turnout
5
20-220
#4 Left Turnout (Includes S60L/R Straight Tracks)
5
20-221
#4 Right Turnout (Includes S60L/R Straight Tracks)
1
20-301
186mm (7 5/16") Right Hand 15 Crossing
1
20-430~434
248mm (9 3/4") Single Track Truss Bridge
Optional Items
QTY
Stock #
Description
?
24-818
Terminal UniJoiner, 35" Leads [1 pair] • Use one pair for each block of track you wish to control independently.
10
24-840
Turnout Control Switch
1
24-842
DC Converter (If 24-840 is used)
?
24-843
Terminal Adapter Cord • Used to connect Terminal Unijoiners to power pack.
There will be extra pieces left over from the #20-091 Straight Track Assortment and turnout packages. These additional pieces can probably be used to lengthen a spur track.
The #20-032 64mm (2 1/2") Uncoupler Track could be inserted on each siding to allow magnetic uncoupling.
