Trackplan

Buffalo Creek & Western HO scale layout trackplan.

Tom Johnson’s Cass County HO scale layout has been an incredible inspiration to me. The majestic scenery, the simple yet engaging track arrangement, and the rural theme all captured my attention. I had been an N scaler for decades, but after reading Tom’s article in the October 2022 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman, the HO scale freelanced shortline bug started to bite.

I usually draw my own trackplans, as I enjoy designing for operations. However, Tom’s layout is so well executed that I’m adapting his track arrangement for my Buffalo Creek & Western Railroad.

I also like the idea of a small, slow-paced layout. It gives me the chance to finish it without worrying about starting a never-ending larger project. Moreover, I can operate the layout myself in about an hour or invite a friend to join in.

While Tom’s layout is set in rural Indiana, mine is located in north-central Montana in a similar rural town named Maple Hollow. The 1980s are a special period to model, since shortline railroads were beginning to grow. It’s also a happy time from my youth that I remember vividly.

Here is the trackplan, with a grid spacing of 50 cm.

HO scale offers greater reliability than N scale. Since my layout focuses on slow moves and switching, I find N scale less dependable than I’d prefer.

In addition, the detail level of 1:87 scale and the wide availability of products provide more opportunities for both realism and workability.