T-scale layout designs

A quick search for T-gauge layouts reveals a wide range of layout designs, most of them fitting into very small spaces - as this is a large part of the appeal of small scales.

But there's another reason why most T-scale layouts are small:  To save time and money.  I understand this motivation and intend to list a series of sample track layouts here soon, in T-scale.

An assumption is often made when examining T-scale layouts that elaborate "T" layouts must be highly costly.  While this can be the case, it does not need to be.

I am personally planning - it's a long-term plan and won't be done for a while - a T-gauge layout, and my track plan (shown below) is set on a fairly large space: 40" by 45", large enough to cover a table, and looping over and under itself in an appealing spaghetti-layout design.  The total track length exceeds 16' - over 16 feet of track...

What would this layout cost?  I've calculated the total cost of four-car train, control/power systems, and track components, at a grand total of $235 - which, while a substantial sum, is a relatively modest cost by model railroading standards... both because the cost of the scale parts is not as high as is sometimes suggested, and because this is a smart, efficient layout design.

One of the keys is that the wider-radius curves are less likely to derail, and not any more expensive than the smaller-radius curves, and another key is the heavy use of flex-track, which costs only $1 for every three inches of track... in effect, I'm maximizing the length of track per dollar, in the way I have planned my layout.

Here's the same basic design, but with a scenicing plan included:

My intention is to resell the layout on eBay at a price that undercuts the other, very overpriced, T-gauge layouts sold there, offering a better, bigger, more complex layout at a lower price while still managing to turn a small profit margin on it.

A list of relatively low-cost and compact layout designs like this one will be posted on T Gauge World later, offering T-scale alternatives to the larger-scale track plans offered in books like One Hundred and One Track Plans for Model Railroaders.

Also worth a look: An insanely elaborate design concept.   This is a page depicting a hypothetical $7000+ design for a T-gauge layout which would be a scale model of the entire state of Texas, 15 ft. by 15 ft. in size.  It'd be the largest T-scale layout in the world - if constructed - but the cost involved in such an ambitious design makes it unlikely to ever happen.  It is one of a number of art projects (some realistic and some not-so-realistic) showcased on TriumphantArtists.com.

Then Again?: If Penny Worlds proves successful, it could help launch a long list of other projects, including a bunch of new T-scale layouts, products, videos, etc.  Given enough time and enough success, a huge, ambitious 'exhibit' might become a real possibility.