Nano Ridge

A continuous run layout in one square foot?

Nano Ridge is an N scale continuous run layout in just one square foot.

The layout at a glance

Name: Nano Ridge
Scale: N (1:160)
Size: 12" x 12"
Prototype: Freelance
Era: Early 1950s
Style: Continuous / pizza
Benchwork: Foam board
Roadbed: None
Track: Kato Unitrack
Turnout minimum: n/a
Min. curve radius: 4 5/8"
Max. grade: None
Scenery: Static grass and ground foam
Backdrop: none
Control: Kato controller

Design

After the success of my one square foot switching layout (Nano Industrial), I wondered if it was possible to also build a continuous run layout in one square foot.

After doing some research I discovered that Kato produces 4 5/8" radius curves in its line of Unitrack. I wondered what trains were designed to run on such sharp radius curves, surely Kato would produce the trains to go with such track?

As it turns out Kato produces trams to run on such sharp curves. However, they also produce a line of train sets called the Pocket Line which uses the same chasis as the Kato trams. I managed to pick up a train set at my local hobby dealer and was delighted to find out it runs on the 4 5/8" radius curves.

The design of the layout is straightforward, a 12" (305mm) square base with a circle of 4 5/8" (117mm) radius Kato track. A tunnel helps to hide the loop of track and a small station completes the scene.

Nano Ridge Track Plan
Nano Ridge overalall view
This overall shot shows the layout setup on a small table ready for operation.

Construction

Construction of such a small layout is rather easy and went very rapidly.

Base

Given that the layout was designed to sit on top of a table or book case, it has no legs. This made construction of the base very straighforward. I used some 2" (50mm) thick insulation foam board for the base and carved out the tunnel using a sharp craft knife. Finally I painted the sides and underside flat black.

Bob, the engineer gives a wave to the camera before his train departs.

Track and Wiring

The track is Kato Unitrack 4 5/8" (117mm) [20-176] radius curves. A single set of Kato feeder rail joiners [24-818] is sufficient to power the whole layout and connects directly to the Kato controller. I drilled a small hole through the base to run the feeder wires through.

I chose not to paint the rail on this layout and ballasted it using Arizona Rock and Mineral N scale Northern Pacific ballast which I feel is a close match for the molded plastic ballast on the Kato Unitrack.

Here the train ducks into a tunnel on its way to the next station.

Structures

For such a tiny layout I wanted a really small quaint little station and Woodland Scenics' The Depot [BR4942] is perfect for this little layout. It is a pre-build structure with a lot of nice details and interior lighting.

If the train doesn't arrive soon these passengers will be unhappy. The beautiful little station and figures are by Woodland Scenics.

Scenery

The scenery on the layout has a bit of a European flavour largely due to the tunnel portals which are from Peco. I used some Sculptamould and some acrylic washes to create the hill.

A large amount of ground foam from Woodland Scenics was used to create the bushes against the hillside. Some rock castings, also by Woodland Scenics, were added. All the trees are made from Woodland Scenics tree armatures painted a flat brown and then some dark green clump foliage was added.

Static grass was applied using the Woodland Scenics Static King to the front areas of the layout. I used a combination of light and medium green in 2mm and 4mm lengths. A few strands of straw coloured 7mm lengths were added, this really adds an extra dimension to making the grass look real.

Scenery products are from Woodland Scenics. Simple details like vehicles and figures really help to bring a layout to life.

Details

This layout really offers some great detailing opportunities. The station parking lot is a great place to add some vehicles - these are a set of sedan and pick up truck by Busch.

Figures are a great way to bring a layout to life and all the figures on the layout are by Woodland Scenics. The station is a great place to add some travellers and passengers waiting to catch a train. An Engineer was added to the locomotive. Finally the ridge on the top of the hill is a neat spot for some campers.

The ridge is a popular spot amongst hikers for camping.

Rolling Stock

For this layout I only have the one Kato Pocket Line passenger train set which is based on a Japanese prototype. The train set is rather clever in that the tiny steam locomotive is not powered, the motor is actually in the first passenger car which essentially pushes the locomotive along while pulling the second passenger car. Despite the tiny size of the train it still boasts a decent amount of detail which shows up in close up photos.

This little trains is part of Kato's Pocket Line series.

Operation

Train whizzes past the station.

Theres not much to say about operation on a layout such as this as the train simply runs around the loop of track chasing its tail. It is relaxing to sit back and enjoy the train running through some beautiful scenery, disappearing into the tunnel and reappearing at the other end.

Final Thoughts

Despite this layouts tiny little size it was a load of fun to build and its great to sit back, relax and watch the train run around chasing its tail.