85x60cm Z-scale mountain layout

[Ander88]

Last summer went to Japan and felt in love Rokuhan's shorties so had to build a small layout with them. I did not have much space so I decided the layout would be a mountain railroad that climbs from a city to a Shinto Shrine. I've been all year building the layout and now that it's almost done I would like to share some photos.

 

I know it is difficult to follow the railway through so many spirals, but will try to make it understandable. 

 

 

 

2D map turned real:

 

 

 

As you can see is a completely made-up railway and probably I will be mixing japanese elements that do not belong in that way. Sorry if the layout is not totally accurate. 

Still many small details are pending. I have already DCC-ed all turnouts and will try soon to start installing the decoders for the power chasis. Hope to finish soon and be able to take more photos and record some videos.

[Kingmeow]

What is the steepest grade you have?  No issues with loco power going up the mountain?

[Ander88]

The section with the steepest slope I would say is the one in red. Where it climbs about ~4cm in ~45cm of track section ~8.8%.

 

However the inversion that is prior to it (shown un blue), limits the trains I can send up the slope to 2 coaches maximum. While the tracks at height 0 are though for any train, the mountain stations and tracks are only though for 2 coaches length trains.

 

With 2 coaches 1 motorized + 1 chasis, the shortys climb up good. With more it would slip for sure. If I raise the modle slightly from one end, the motor chasis does slip at the straight section. Not at the curved section, probably because on curved tracks has better grip?

 

 

[brill27mcb]

Great concept! The drawings make it clear that it's a true "spaghetti layout" but it's one that works well. There's no need to worry about "accuracy" on a layout of this sort - it's more about the visual interest and appeal. This would be a great exhibition layout to take out and display at public shows. You can also keep yourself busy for a long time doing the "MeTheSwede" thing and tucking little mini-story scenes everywhere on it.

 

Rich K.

[Ander88]

Hi all, been this weekend starting wirh the decoders and It is really really to fit the decoders inside the chasis. Need still to improve my skills.

 

 

I only found two YouTube videos of people trying to do this. Any Shorty-user here that tried? Do you have any recommendations?

 

Keep you updated