Owensville Terminal Micro Layout Build

Introduction 

Photo 1

Ian came up with an idea for the recently completed 2022 Christmas Micro Layout Challenge over on the Cartel Facebook Group. His inspiration for the challenge build was Carl Arendt's Square Foot Estate layout from many years ago. The challenge layout did not have to fit within a 12 inch footprint, but can go up to 576 square inches (4 square feet).

I originally came up with an idea, but unfortunately my design did not meet the layout requirement of two curved and one straight track off of the sector plate. I decided to go ahead and build it anyway, even though the contest is over. 

My Owensville Terminal Micro comes in at 481.01 square inches. That's almost 95 inches below the limit. The sector plate and any additional staging tracks do not count toward the 4 square foot limit.

Design (see photo 1 above) 

I started with an idea in mind and sketched it out on a piece of plexiglass and a dry-erase marker. This is a great way to try out ideas for baseboard and track arrangements. The contest layout had a requirement that did no allow turnout points, so a sector plate is needed to switch between the three tracks. This is located in the top right corner.

I'm using a personal favorite of mine, the tried and true baseboard method using foamcore clipboard boxes (see photos below). This method was originally developed by Chris Ellis. It is my preferred material and method for micro railway layout baseboards. This will be my third layout that uses foamcore clipboards. 

Photo 2

Photo 3

The baseboard sector plate is located in the upper-right corner (photo 3), and a tail track for fiddling cars on and off the layout in the lower left corner (not pictured). Each staging section will hold a 70 ton switcher and 40' boxcar. I'm borrowing a couple of foamcore clips from my Herrin Micro to connect these clipboard boxes together.

Inspiration for the Layout

The layout theme will feature my fictional Owensville Terminal Railroad. I started this freelance railroad over 20 years ago and it still holds my interest. I have developed a history for this fictional railroad throughout the years, and this micro layout will be based on that history.

Owensville Terminal Herald 

Owensville Terminal System Map

The original right-of-way was realigned in 1962 to reduce curves and grades along the line. The original right-of-way was abandoned north of the town of Oak Hill, Missouri. The track running to Oak Hill would stay in service as the Stephenson Branch due to numerous industries located at Oak Hill, including several clay pits located north of town. Unfortunately the clay pits were closed in 1967 and the tracks leading to the clay pits were abandoned. Just south of the clay pits resides an old feed mill that still receives cars by rail. Murray Christmas Feed & Seed is one of only four businesses still receiving rail service in the Oak Hill Area.

Up Next: Track installation and wiring 

Tom