I have a small 3x5' layout that I've been working on (I've posted about this layout here earlier this year).

The layout is coming along very nicely now and working really well. It has two loops of track which are connected, an outer loop (using 18”R curves) and an inner loop (using 15”R curves). There is one siding on the outside edge of the layout as well as some sidings — basically an Inglenook arrangement — inside the inner loop.

I’m now thinking of adding a small fiddle yard in the next little while. I would simply add an extra 12” to 18” onto one end of the layout. I would set up 2 to 3 storage sidings where various trains (i.e. "actors") could wait when they’re not “on-stage," on the layout.

I’ve never used a fiddle yard before on my layouts, partly due to lack of space. I also have a larger 4x6’ layout but it has never had a fiddle yard as well. I’m just beginning to understand the benefits of having a fiddle yard and was wondering if anyone could offer any suggestions or feedback.

I’ll try to post some updated pics in due course as well.

Rob

You could make a detachable fiddle yard that you could remove for storage, and only set it up when running trains.

nachoman Wrote:You could make a detachable fiddle yard that you could remove for storage, and only set it up when running trains.

Thanks, Kevin. That's a good idea, especially with my space limitations. I'm using 2" thick foam board so I should be able to work out a convenient way to connect an additional 12-18" to the layout. Then, when I have to store the layout, I'd still have the original 3x5' layout to store plus the smaller fiddle yard section.

Rob

Yeah, thanks, Kevin!! That is such a good idea, I may try it, too!!!

Rob: there are lots of fiddle yard variations. Basic is one track and enough flat space to hold your cars. This moves up to a yard with switches and sidings. Then "cassettes" which can be lined up with the track and can be rotated or shuffled to send the train back. Sector plates -- multiple tracks on a sliding, pivoted board. Transfer tables -- board that slides back and forth.
The 2mm scale guys ("No, it's not N gauge!") at GBTS had a sectorplate with a turntable on it.
Big decision #1: are you allowed to lift the cars or do they stay on the rails at all times?

David brings up a VERY good point. If you can fiddle the cars with the "0-5-0" then you can be as minimalist with track as you like. If you aren't planning on touching the cars (for detail reasons, oil & dirt on the hands getting all over that nice paint job, etc.) then the yard should be set up for automatic switching with uncoupling ramps or magnets, room for the engine to pull cars (a switch lead) and so forth. Will passenger trains be turned or backed in to the sidings? Will they back out if running the other direction around the layout?

These are issues I've been considering for my own Timesaver layout. I have 3' of extension room I can use and have considered possibilities from as simple as a stretch of track on a plank to a fully scenicked continuation of the current layout complete with engine house for the switch engine that works the landing and passenger station for the combine that comes with mixed trains, etc. Either way, I'd have some arrangement for storing rolling stock that is rotated on and off the layout. This is one thing I've noticed about switching layouts. After a while the primary interest (for me at least) becomes the variety of equipment.

On the West Ivy layout, it's basically one scene with a passing track that can hold a second train for variety. I thought about working a staging arrangement in a tunnel for swapping cars on and off the layout, but decided against that.

Glad to hear it's coming along and you're having fun with it. Share some pictures, please, whenever you can.

Galen.

Thanks, David and Galen. I'm thinking of a basic fiddle yard that will probably consist of 1 or 2 sidings of track, simply to store trains when not running. The 0-5-0 will probably have to be used occasionally, especially if I'm in a hurry or tired!

I did some measuring last night and, if I extend the layout by another 13" or so, I can fit two storage sidings in.

Cheers, Rob

Rob: one more consideration. If you use standard British couplings you'll have a chore switching cars in the yard -- need an extra 2" to separate them, plus an uncoupling tool.

BR60103 Wrote:Rob: one more consideration. If you use standard British couplings you'll have a chore switching cars in the yard -- need an extra 2" to separate them, plus an uncoupling tool.

Thanks, David. I have 2 Hornby uncoupling ramps but they don't always work that well. Can you recommend anything else? Rob

My staging yards are meant to act as fiddle yards, with the 0-5-0 playing a major role. While the yards are capable of being switched by a locomotive, the operating scheme, once all of the layout trackwork is in place, is to be by car cards and waybills. Cars arriving at a staging yard will be considered to have either reached their final destination or to be "in transit" to same. They will be removed from the layout and returned to their boxes on the storage shelves below, then replaced with other suitable cars for the next outbound train. Other than for servicing, locos will remain on the layout.
[album]372[/album]

Wayne

doctorwayne Wrote:My staging yards are meant to act as fiddle yards, with the 0-5-0 playing a major role. While the yards are capable of being switched by a locomotive, the operating scheme, once all of the layout trackwork is in place, is to be by car cards and waybills. Cars arriving at a staging yard will be considered to have either reached their final destination or to be "in transit" to same. They will be removed from the layout and returned to their boxes on the storage shelves below, then replaced with other suitable cars for the next outbound train. Other than for servicing, locos will remain on the layout.
Wayne

Thanks, Wayne. I hope to do something this as well, but obviously on a much smaller scale! I hope to simply have two storage sidings where I can park extra trains. I wouldn't mind trying a card and waybill system as well but I'm still trying to understand how they work and how I could apply them to a small layout. As mentioned, I do have an Inglenook set of sidings in the middle of the layout, so I can shunt and reposition freight cars before sending a train out to its destination. Rob

Rob: I made my own "Handy Decoupler" out of plastic. I cut a base unit out of .020 plastic sheet, a rectangle maybe 3/4" by 1/2" wide enough to uncouple 2 cars, long enough to go across the tracks. I made a handle from Plastruct tubing (various types) which was glued to the base. When this failed I drilled a hole in the base and ran a 2-56 screw into the tube. (I used a plastic screw and cut the head flush with the bottom. The handles were cut variously with 90 and 60 degree ends depending on how much clearance was available. 90 allows you to get right into closely spaced yards.
The base may need alteration depending on the brand of couplers in use.
The extra space is to get the coupler hooks clear.

BR60103 Wrote:Rob: I made my own "Handy Decoupler" out of plastic. I cut a base unit out of .020 plastic sheet, a rectangle maybe 3/4" by 1/2" wide enough to uncouple 2 cars, long enough to go across the tracks. I made a handle from Plastruct tubing (various types) which was glued to the base. When this failed I drilled a hole in the base and ran a 2-56 screw into the tube. (I used a plastic screw and cut the head flush with the bottom. The handles were cut variously with 90 and 60 degree ends depending on how much clearance was available. 90 allows you to get right into closely spaced yards.
The base may need alteration depending on the brand of couplers in use.
The extra space is to get the coupler hooks clear.

Thanks, David. This sounds like a good idea. Would you be able to post some pics of it?

(PS -- How do you like my son's rendition of Mallard in my avatar? )

Cheers, Rob