Examples of model railroad layouts with AnyRail

Eric Consemulder

With this design (download AnyRail file), Eric wants to challenge clubs to build quite a big layout.

Eric tells the following story:

"Earlier, in quiet times, the village of Two Bergen was not so lively. It got its name because of the beautiful location where it was founded 540 years ago. There was the valley, nicely cut out between the two peaks. There was only a limited service, with a small slow train two times per day. Then, there was Frederikshaven, the harbor, where most of the people living in Two Bergen were employed. Many of them worked in the shipyard. The goods for both the village and the shipyard arrived in the harbor, where the goods for the village were further transported by train.

Because of the immense economic boom, the local economy tripled, bringing enormous problems in terms of housing for all the workmen. Of course, the local authorities wanted to keep the beautiful atmosphere of the village, so expanding Two Bergen was no real option. Finally they agreed to build a whole new town in another nearby location. They named the village Nieuwhaven (New harbor), because of the spectacular growth of the harbor.

The construction work attracted builders, who needed to eat, and thus attracted shops. All in all, Two Bergen and Nieuwhaven formed a prosperous community. It kept its historic beauty, and modernized at the same time.

Now, Nieuwhaven has its own administration and its own hustle and bustle. There is a big market square with various activities, a few high-rises for housing and offices, all fairly new and modern. So Nieuwhaven bubbles with energy, while Two Bergen is quiet and peaceful.

The track plan on the layout shows that we're proceeding in this economic background. It's possible to run both commuter trains and freight trains. As it's so big, the best solution is probably to digitally control it. There is not much support for steam traction, but that would be way in the past anyway.

I think this track plan has much to offer for anyone. Happy building!"

This layout (download AnyRail file) is constructed with a wide variety of tracks from various manufacturers. Of course, more standardization is required before it is built. The designer's comment:
"Only the future knows if this layout will be built or not. Taking the size and the cost into account, it's very unlikely though. Not all tracks fit so well, but it's only a first setup. The main themes are the container transfer in the center, and the coal transfer in the upper and lower areas. The heights and grades need some more work as well, but the spiral at the upper side will be 6 rounds. At the lower side, probably 4 rounds are required."

This layout (download AnyRail file) has been projected for RocoLine. A lot of effort has been put in the landscaping.

Dave Gann

Hudson Central Railroad (download AnyRail file). The designer says:

"This is my layout, the Hudson Central, which is a standard gauge, HO scale freelance railroad. I am using Atlas Code 83 and I have started to construct the benchwork in my basement. The layout is a blend of switching, a fiddle yard and a continuous loop.
I have used several other model railroad CAD programs but AnyRail is by far the easiest to master. I was designing my layout in a matter of minutes".
Best Regards, Dave Gann, USA

Zoltán Rigó

Big Station (download AnyRail file1, hidden yard: AnyRail file2), designed for Fleischmann Profi track. The designer says:

"I bought your perfect program some weeks ago. I had a TT scale layout 20 years ago. Well, this inspired me, that is why I decided to make a similar big station which I would like to share with everybody".
Best regards, Zoltán Rigó, Hungary

Merv Hourigan

Newcastle Station (download AnyRail file) is designed with Peco Setrack. The designer says:

"I purchased your program some months ago. I have found it extremely helpful and also entertaining. I would like to share with you a copy of the layout that I am about to start constructing. It will be fully digital controlled. The idea is inspired by a Hornby track plan book cover photo of Newcastle station. Once again, thank you for the giving me the ability to bring an idea into practice".
Regards, Merv Hourigan, Australia.

Peter Hanenberg

Waldeck (download AnyRail file) has been created for Märklin K track. The designer says:

"Many railroad enthusiasts cannot resist buying powerful engines and famous express trains and running them on their layout. This design however, is more modest and realistic. The theme is a single track secondary line around 1950.

Traffic through Waldeck station on the right hand side of the layout is coming from two hidden stations. It's possible to have trains return from the same direction, but that's not necessary. Run around traffic is possible. The number of tracks in the hidden station is only indicative; there is more than enough room for extensions.

A visual division is projected to separate the small station of Bechstein from Waldeck. This division gives a lot of opportunities for scenery, in which the trains will be visible along long stretches of track, even when you have to walk to the other end of the table.

One or more connections to industrial zones or a freight station will make the operations even more lively".

Bad Wissemburg (download AnyRail file) has been designed for Märklin K track.

Any similarity with existing locations or stations is pure coincidence. Inspiration for Bad Wissemburg station came from MIBA magazine. Similarities with this design are not coincidental!

The placement of a turntable at the end of the stub tracks is very 19th century and very nostalgic. The turntable is slightly oversized for the era. Not that this is very problematic, because in the 1950's any kind of traction was possible. In reality, most turntables from the "Länderbahnzeit" were removed and replaced by bigger ones elsewhere in the yard, but in Bad Wissemburg it was decided to replace the old turntable with a bigger one in the same place; there was no other room available.

The village is a reasonably well known spa, in a hilly area. There is much train traffic because of the tourism. Still, it is possible to run heavy trains because of the firm soil. This is a nice excuse to run a wide variety of collected engines. For the same purpose, a parade stretch is available to show off your engines.

Rob Boone

This layout (download AnyRail file) has been designed using the Fleischmann Profi library. The train table has already been constructed. The coal mine is almost done.

Floris van Roekel

This layout (download AnyRail file) has been designed for Fleischmann Profi and has beautiful flex curves.

Albert van Loo

This layout (download AnyRail file) has been projected for Fleischmann Profi.

Frans Slootman

This layout (download AnyRail file) has been realized with Tillig Elite. Its construction is already underway in the attic. Please mind the dangerous stairwell in the middle!