{"id":413,"date":"2017-01-03T13:05:53","date_gmt":"2017-01-03T18:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/brickmodelrailroader.com\/?p=413"},"modified":"2017-01-03T13:05:53","modified_gmt":"2017-01-03T18:05:53","slug":"matsons-landing-in-l-gauge-a-layout-from-start-to-finish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brickmodelrailroader.com\/index.php\/2017\/01\/03\/matsons-landing-in-l-gauge-a-layout-from-start-to-finish\/","title":{"rendered":"Matson’s Landing in L-Gauge \u2013 A Layout From Start to Finish"},"content":{"rendered":"

For several years I’ve wanted to write a set of articles covering the design and building of a LEGO\u00ae<\/span><\/sup> train layout from start of finish. With the new year and the launch of Brick Model Railroader, I have the opportunity to do so. This post is the kick-off to a series of articles that I’ll write as I design and build a new layout: Matson’s Landing.<\/p>\n

The original Matson’s Landing is an HO scale layout<\/a> designed by modeler Jack Matson. I discovered the layout years ago while scanning through \u201cMicro\/Small Layouts\u201d at the Carendt.com<\/a> blog. While many model railroading publications feature the grand basement-filling layouts of master modelers, Carendt.com focuses on small track plans that fit into a minimum amount of space. The designs on this site perfectly capture what S scale modeler and author Trevor Marshall defines as \u201cAchievable Layouts\u201d<\/a>. In other words, layouts that are small enough to be worked on in a reasonable amount of time, but large enough to be entertaining. Given our large track scale, Achievable Layouts are perfect for the L-gauge builder.<\/p>\n

<\/a>As can be seen in the original track plan, the Matson’s Landing layout offers lots of opportunities for a LEGO builder. The display contains two scenes, divided down the center of the plan. One side showcases a waterfront logging camp, where logs are off-loaded into the river\/lake to be floated to a mill, while the other side of the display features a wooded landing area where logs are pulled out of the forest. While not a lot of space is allowed for train cars, there is plenty of room for switching a few loads of logs with a small steam or diesel locomotive. The setting of Matson’s Landing could also allow for some steep grades with lots of brick-built scenery.<\/p>\n

My initial plan is to scale up the HO design to fit L-gauge track size and geometry. For the article series here on Brick Model Railroader, I hope to cover the following topics:<\/p>\n