Track Plans

O Scale: 1:48 - 1/4" = 1'

• Overall size: 16'x 13' 

• Grid spacing: 12"

• Minimum radius: 15" at Geyser Gulch trestle

• Mainline ruling grade: 1% 

• Track: Peco On30 code 100

• Control: DCC ~ NCE Power Cab

• On30 track elevation: 52" - 53" above floor

• On18 mining tram: 57" - 58" above floor

Thunder Mesa Mining Co. ~ On30 Complete Plan

Revised 12/18/20

Here is the most up to date plan for the TMMC. The layout is being built in six sections with a wall mounted backdrop wrapping around three sides. Center aisle width is 36". Most track is on the level, with only a slight rise in elevation along the backstretch near Horse Thief Canyon.

An On18 mining tram, the Horse Thief & Never Mine, runs at a higher level between the Never Mine tunnel through Baxter's Butte and ore transfer bins near Hanging Rock.

The newest addition to the plan is the Calico Mountain Extension, adding a reverse loop to the On30 mainline and the On18 Calico Mining Company running in a figure eight at a higher level.

The Evolution of Thunder Mesa

The TMMC started out as a very simple 3' x 6' scenic display with a loop of track. Here's how plans for expanding the layout have evolved over time.

On30, On18, 3/8n20, HO, and HOn30 Track Plans

Below are plans for other model railroads that were started or merely dreamed about. Some came before Thunder Mesa and some may yet be built. 

N Scale Track Plans

Before modeling in On30 or HO scale, I planned and built several layouts in N scale (1:160). Here are a few plans from the archives.