G | O | S SCALES
Personal Model Railroad Layouts : Large Scale
S SCALE 17 FT X 21 FT
Description
Freelancing in Western Pennsylvania
Here at SMARTT we thrive on challenges, and this S Scale custom masterpiece truly fits the bill. Set in the picturesque rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, this mid-sized layout pretty much has it all.
Custom laser cut and kit-bashed bridges and structures Featuring 3-D printed super-detailed parts abound in this railroad empire. With almost 700 feet of track and 45 custom-built turnouts engineered to support scale, semi-scale, and tinplate wheels, this layout is an operator's delight.
The imaginative three-level track plan allows at least 3 trains to run independently and simultaneously with the ability for trains on any level to access another level. Below decks, hidden staging tracks allow new trains to enter the scene. Mainline open running is enhanced by an extensive Freight yard, passenger terminal, a locomotive service area complete with a turntable, and a couple of industrial spurs.
Technologically, SMARTT is again at the head of the curve, using Lionel's latest Legacy Digital Command System and supporting components in a unique approach to enhance operational capabilities to the max.
The magnificent hand painted backdrop brings the scene to life. extending the rural scenery naturally into the distance as the trains run by in the foreground on their way to the busy city a Freelanced urban scene filled with realistic details and vignettes.
Truly a layout appealing to the S Scaler who loves scale realism, yet also still has that nostalgic yen For American Flyer trains of days gone by.
Specifications
- Location: California
- Scale: S Scale
- Dimensions: 17 ft x 21 ft Around-the-wall configuration with central peninsula and swing-bridge access.
- Number of Modules: 14
- Min. Aisle: 28" inches
- Total Turnouts: 45 Hand laid S scale turnouts
- Turntables: 22" operating turntable
- Control System: Wireless DCC via iPad interface

Video
G SCALE 14 FT X 33 FT
Description
Fantasy Worlds under the Floor
This is truly one of the most unique projects we've ever created at SMARTT. While many railroaders are content to own a tabletop layout, or an around the wall, or even a hanging layout, Few ever consider embedding one in the floor of their luxury homel This imaginative client did just that, and he chose SMARTT to imagineer the whole thing! We were presented with a huge living room with a concrete Floor excavated to an 18" depth. From this beginning we created wonders From around the world AND BEYOND!
Starting in the real world there are replicas of Peru's Machu-Pichu. the Philippine volcano Mt. Mayon, and a meticulous replica of a Philippine fishing village.
Then we depart reality For a tour through the worlds of Fantasy. starting with JRR Tolkien's Shire, lovingly reproduced in two areas spanning 14 feet connected by a river with an operating water wheel. Four different super-detailed Hobbit "Holes" occupy these hills.
Further down the track, we encounter the spiky red stone Forests of Avatar, where key aerial movie battles were set. In one shady corner the Monolith From 2001 towers over several apes quarreling over a bone. Look hard in another corner and you may see Darth Vader glowering out.
Then there is the world of Harry Potter.
In J.K. Rowling's Fantastic arena, the trains start at platform 9% Fronted by a replica of King's Cross Station in London. Following the tracks leads to a pair of caves recreating the pivotal Horcrux search, one cave featuring Harry. Dumbledore and the submerged boat, the other showing the cave of crystals where the Horcrux Locket is hidden. Moving along, there is the cemetery where Voldemort was restored to his body in front of the terrifying tomb of Tom Riddle, his prior identity. Next on the path is the paddock where Rubeus Hagrid, groundskeeper of Hogwarts, lives in his stone hut. A little artistic license brings in the Whomping Willow (complete with a tiny Ford Anglia car) as well as Aragog the giant spider and a backdrop of the school itself.
Finally, the train makes its way through Diagon Alley, a thirty-Foot stretch crowded with replicas of some of the most Famous structures From the hidden London street. The whole Alley is here..rearranged somewhat, with key locations like the Gringotts Bank (topped by a rather angry dragon-the client insisted on this!), all the stores For buying magical wares for school, Olivander's wands. jokes at Wesley's, and evil artifacts as well at Borgin and Burkes. Not leaving a magical stone unturned, the Fountain From the Ministry of Magic glows at the center of the Alley. For those bored of the train, a quick hop home is available on the purple triple-decker Knight Bus.
There are classic railroad Features as well. A turntable, Facades of a machine shop, and other classic train structures leave no-one disappointed.
Though basically a G scale indoor layout, this eclectic masterpiece transcends a multitude of scales, all fitted seamlessly together into the nooks and crannies of the uniquely designed Framed squares. Because of the broad range of dioramas and the eclectic nature of the layout theme, the diorama scales vary--- From 1/24th scale for the Hobbit "Holes," and Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, all the way to Mt. Mayon's scale of about 1:8000 with many scales in-between. Fortunately, the floor support system acts as a view block, dividing the separate vignettes. And there is room to expand a sloped track leads to the floor surface level for a planned Future expansion through the outer wall and into the garden, revealing a whole new set of worlds to explore!
The entire display is embedded under a layer of " thick removable acrylic Lucite panels framed in fine stained wood. This is the ultimate glass topped coffee table layout - SUPER-SIZED!
Specifications
- Location: South Florida
- Scale: G Scale
- Dimensions: 14 ft x 33 Ft Unique Submerged below Acrylic Floor Configuration
- Number of Modules: 15
- Total Turnouts: 14 LGB turnouts 2 completely custom fabricated turnouts
- Turntables: 28" Turntable
- Track: LGB G Scale sectional track
- Control System: Wireless DCC
- Features:
- Layout is completely submerged into the concrete Floor with a polished wood and acrylic cover.
- Numerous depictions of locations from the worlds of Fantasy and reality including:
- Machu Pichu
- Mt. Mayon. the Philippines
- Philippine Fishing Village
- Lord of the Rings' Shire - AKA Hobbiton
- JK Rowling's Harry Potter Universe:
- Diagon Alley
- Ministry of Magic Statue
- King's Cross Station & Platform 9 3/4
- Voldemorte's Tomb
- Hagrid's Cottage
- The Horcrux Caves
- The Stone Spire Forest From Avatar -AKA China's Zhangjiajie Stone Forest

HO/O SCALE 22 FT X 31 FT
Description
Chicago in Miniature
This is another of our blockbuster combo scale layouts that is second to none. built by the dreamers here at SMARTT.This multi-level/multi-track layout Features about sixty turnouts for almost infinite operating maneuvers in High-Rail O-scale, delivering lots of action with the utmost realism. While the 3-rail mainline trains wend their way between a number of custom painted and upgraded operating accessories, scratch built structures, and
Fabulous one-of-a-kind bridges, there is also an independent double-track operating subway serving 2 stations. All of this O Gauge empire Features digital control for both Lionel and MTH.
As if this was not enough, one entire wall, over thirty feet long. encompasses an idealized HO scale version of part of the downtown Chicago skyline. Almost two dozen replicas of signature Chicago landmark structures, some reaching over four feet high. set the background of a busy city scene bisected by the Chicago River in the center. Selective compression and creative use of theatrical Forced perspective makes everything blend together naturally.
Of course, the Windy City would not be complete without the world Famous Chicago 'EL: Our model, like the prototype, is double-tracked. Bi-directional automatic operation where the trains make station stops at several replicas of real-world EL stops brings the whole scene to life. Adding to the mix is an operating Faller Car System passing back and forth under the EL and across the river.
Even with all this, there's room For expansion in the drop-in scenic sections surrounded by the EL. New structures can be swapped in and out of those areas currently left blank as new ideas are requested by the client.
Technology is front and center in this layout. The HO 'EL' trains are run by custom electronics. The entire EL itself, as well as significant parts of some signature buildings, were custom designed and Fabricated From high resolution 3D printed parts, as well as our usual menu of Laser cut and CNC construction techniques.
Finally a programmable multi-color light set running the length of the perimeter sets the mood.
Chicago...my kind of town!!!
Specifications
- Location: Illinois
- Scale: HO Scale and O scale
- Dimensions: 22 ft x 31 Ft Around-the-
wall configuration with central peninsula and swing-bridge access. - Number of Modules: 16
- Min. Aisle: 30" inches
- Total Turnouts: 58
- Turntables: 144 Ft O-scale turntable and matching custom roundhouse
- Track:
- HO operating "El line:" Walthers/Shinohara Code 83
- O Scale: 3 Rail Gargraves Track with Ross Custom Switches
- Control System:
- HO-SMARTT Custom Digital Back & Forth
- O-MTH-DCS/Lionel TMCC/Legacy
- Features:
- Faller Car System operating in HO scale Chicago themed section of layout
- Operating replica of Chicago Elevated Train, including replica of several actual stations.
- Realistic replicas of many of Chicago's most Famous structures, including the Sears Tower, the Wrigley Building. 333 Wacker, the Hancock Building. the two Marina Towers, and more!
- Numerous operating accessories
- O-scale operating subway line with super-detailed stations

O SCALE 14 FT X 26 FT
Description
Compact Chicago Styled Layout
This compact project packs a lot of layout into a moderate space. On the lower level alone, there is almost 200 feet of staging track with room to run several trains. Best of all, much of it is visible through decorative portals in the benchwork so you can enjoy watching all the action.
At ground level, there's a detailed city Façade with a really long elevated bridge running through its commercial and industrial sections and crossing the river. Three independent mainlines means multiple trains can run constantly. All have access to the staging tracks below, and all can stop at various stations and spurs. The lines run through the mountains and serve a small rural town and a massive power plant. Mainlines 1 and 2 utilize SMARTT's perfected swing-bridge Feature while the upper level Folded dog-bone with its two return loops allows continuous operation even with the swing door open.
Finally the custom-installed high quality polished wood veneer makes this layout more than just a work of art, but also an object of fine luxury Furnishing in its special room.
Specifications
- Location: Illinois
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 14 Ft x 26 Ft Around the Room with swingbridge access
- Number of Modules: 13
- Min. Aisle: 28" inches
- Total Turnouts: 35
- Track: 3 Rail Gargraves track and Ross Custom Switches
- Control System: Wireless DCS / Lionel TMCC/Legacy
- Features: Multi track Dutch-door style swing-bridge

S SCALE 16 FT X 54 FT
Description
New York Central/ Chicago Themed S Scale Model Railroad Layout
A run from Chicago past the industrial northeast to the mountains of upstate New York is the theme of this New York Central based S Scale model railway. Above the city streets, trains rumble over Chicago's Famed "EL" bridge on their way towards the oil refineries and rail yards near Gary. Indiana.
Continuing eastbound trains head into the mountains of northern Pennsylvania and upstate New York. A sleepy town provides a way-station For weary travelers before they continue their journey, skirting along deep canyons while crossing a multitude of bridges with rivers raging below.
Operations on this dual-track mainline with hidden staging tracks is a source of never-ending pleasure. "High Balling" with ultra long trains on this extended track plan design helps recreate the heady days when railroading and rail-Fanning was at its peak.
Specifications
- Location: Illinois
- Scale: S Scale with lower level O Scale subway
- Dimensions: 16 ft x 54 Ft Around-the- wall "dog-bone."
- Number of Modules: 21
- Min. Aisle: 28 inches
- Total Turnouts: S Scale - 27 O Scale none
- Turntables: S Scale - 22" (118')
- Track:
- S - Nickel Silver code 125 (155 lb scale) rail
- O - Gargraves
- Control System:
- S - Wireless DCC and Wireless TMCC.
- O - Conventional with automated station-stops
- Features: Access to mountain area loop via Dutch door style swing-bridge.

Video
O/S SCALE 15 FT X 45 FT
Description
Pennsylvania Horseshoe Curve Themed O/S Scale Train Layout
Pennsylvania Railroad's legendary Horseshoe Curve in the peak of the Fall season is the central theme of this exciting model railroad layout. Expansive broad sweeping curves help recreate the fond memories of watching heavy rail traffic from a focal point Famous with rail-Fans From Far and wide.
Travel beyond the curve, past the town of Altoona, the rail yard, and the industrial areas. Along the route both the O gauge and S scale portions of this layout pass over several magnificent bridges and viaducts while skirting the cliffs and mountain ranges of Appalachia. Together with a plethora of super-detail structures and numerous vignettes, this model railroad display is both a visual treat and an operational delight for the would-be railroad tycoon.
Specifications
- Location: Michigan
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail and S Scale
- Dimensions: 15 ft x 45 ft combination Around-the-wall / Island Configuration.
- Number of Modules: 8
- Min. Aisle: 5 Ft 5 inches inches
- Total Turnouts: 0-21 5-2
- Turntables: one 28" (112') O Scale
- Track:
- O - Gargraves and Ross
- S-S-Helper / American Models
- Control System: O & S- Conventional with central control panel

Video
O SCALE 9 FT X 17 FT
Description
Nostalgic Super-O Lionel Train Layout
A nostalgic walk down memory lane is the prevailing idea behind the creation of this compact but superbly detailed model railroad layout. Taking a cue from Lionel trains of the post war era, this layout Features Super-O track throughout, the prized toy train track of its day. Although this is a three rail layout running both Lionel and MTH trains, that is where the toy train aspect of this project ends. Scenery and structures on this layout are of award winning contest quality without compromise. Full interiors. entertaining vignettes, personalized signage, custom lighting, and sound effects, abound on this miniature treasure.
The adventure begins with a detailed homage to the Baites (Bates) Motel, where a nasty shadow lurks behind the shower curtain, and Mother rocks in her chair under the gloomy nightlight. Or if that's not your cup of tea, go two doors down to the C-D bar and grill. where all the miners From the Yours Mine and Our Mining Company wash away the day.
See the ski slope, the li'l red school house, and the many charming industries, all guarded by the cop behind the billboard. Finally take a walk down Main Street where you can visit one of the many establishments, including the medical offices of Dr. Phil Goode, and Dr. Frank N. Stein.
Countless jokes and themes of personal significance are everywhere on this project bringing a smile and a thrill to all those who are "in the loop."
Specifications
- Location: Florida
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 9 ft x 17 ft "L" shaped island layout
- Number of Modules: 2
- Total Turnouts: 10
- Track: Lionel Super-O
- Control System: Conventional
- Features: Push-button operated sound effects

Video
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O SCALE 22 FT X 51 FT
Description
Classic Americana O-Scale Model Railroad Empire
This model railroad layout is the ultimate Family home entertainment center. Conceived to be a representation of classic Americana, spanning the United States from coast to coast, this layout has something for everyone! Super-detailed buildings loaded with interiors are everywhere to be seen. Machine shops, lumber yards. even the air traffic control tower are lavished with tiny yet intricate detail. Almost all of these are personalized with names. signage, and themes of Family members and close friends. Set in magnificent scenery this three-dimension miniature world is truly alive.
Stop by the ball park and watch the little leaguers play an inning. Old Hank's firing up the grill. Then cruise over to the Drive-in movie with real 13" screen that plays anything you like. Grab a subway and head into the city for a touch of the night-life, or if you're driving. stop by Dirty Harry's operating car wash to spruce up the old clunker. While you're waiting take the trolley and visit the downtown shops and eateries or go people-watching at the massive Grand Station.
To Further delight the kids this fascinating project also includes several classic Lionel operating accessories. With the push of a button, young entrepreneurs can become instant oil or mining tycoons, just like their grandparents did
Grab a pencil... make a list of Family and friends you want to commemorate... and we'll help you build your own empire!
Specifications
- Location: Boynton Beach, Florida
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 22 ft x 51 ft Around-the-wall with central peninsula and swing-bridge access.
- Number of Modules: 20
- Min. Aisle: 30 inches
- Total Turnouts: 79
- Turntables: one 36" (144)
- Track: Gargraves and Ross
- Control System: Converted DCC walk-around plug-in
- Features: Operating custom 13" LCD screen drive-in theater

Video
O SCALE 30 FT X 70 FT
Description
O Scale 30 ft x 70 ft
For those who love watching long trains roll by. this layout should exceed their wildest dreams! With over half a mile of track, high speed Freight and passenger runs are the mainstay of this spectacular model railroad empire. Though a Freelance concept, prototype fidelity is prevalent in all the elements of this fantastic project. Set in the early 1950's when steam locomotives had reached their zenith and diesel locomotives were coming well into their own. this layout catches every detail of the gritty era.
Broad sweeping curves and vast complex bridges are the order of the day on this showcase layout. No less than three heavy industrial style bridges, the shortest being over twenty Feet long. span the highly detailed cityscape that is one of many focal points.
Seventy Feet away, in the rugged southwestern style scenery spectators can fight over a ringside seat as the four independent mainlines converge in another group of intricate bridges that weave over and under one another. Meanwhile, those that miss out on those seats can enjoy watching passenger trains roll into the thirty Foot long. ten track station with a glass roofed canopy stretching over six feet long. Or, marvel at the 36 Foot long Freight yard and complete locomotive servicing Facilities for both steam and diesel.
Classic architecture of the era is everywhere to be seen on this layout. Chicago style warehouses based on real prototypes surround the grand passenger station, while the urban area is an original concept embodying influences From New York, Boston. Cleveland, Chicago, and Detroit.
Built on a grandiose scale indeed, this project personifies SMARTT's capabilities for those high net-worth individuals who already have it all and are seeking the ultimate in a home entertainment investment.
Specifications
- Location: Midwestern US
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 30 ft x 70 Ft Around-the-wall layout with central peninsula.
- Number of Modules: 29
- Min. Aisle: 30 inches
- Total Turnouts: 96
- Turntables: one 36" (144')
- Track: Gargraves and Ross
- Control System: Wireless DCS with multiple Functional control panels
- Features: Access to aisles from stairways on lower Floor

O SCALE 20 FT X 29 FT
Description
O Scale Colorado Themed Model Railroad Layout
This layout of a lifetime has something for everyone!. Magnificent scenery depicting the mountains of Colorado, towering trestles. intricate bridges, a delightful urban city-scape, and several super-detailed industrial areas, complement a challenging track plan that adds mystery and mystique and will never get boring.
For the prototypical purist, there is a Fully Functioning signal system patterned after the New York Central Railroad. For the toy train enthusiast, there are several reworked Lionel and other animated accessories that will bring a nostalgic smile to those who grew up in Lionel's heyday. Realistic mining vignettes and a
wonderful rural country scene complete the artistry of this unique project.
But this layout is more than a work of art; it provides challenges to the most demanding operator. There are numerous hidden storage tracks, two hidden helixes, and a complex control panel that indicates turnout position, block occupancy, and signal conditions throughout the layout.
Specifications
- Location: Virginia
- Scale: O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 20 Ft x 29 Ft Around-the-wall configuration with central peninsula and swing-bridge access.
- Number of Modules: 11
- Min. Aisle: 28 inches
- Total Turnouts: 58
- Track: Gargraves and Ross
- Control System: Wireless DCS and TMCC

Video
HO/O SCALE 27 FT X 32 FT
Description
HO/O Scale US Themed Club Sized Model Train Layout
This multi-scale club-sized layout delivers an entertainment packed thrill For Friends and Family members of all ages. Featuring a traveling odyssey from the southwest to Chicago, Cleveland, Appalachia, all the way to New York City, this layout will entertain For a lifetime. From a Full Featured steel industry to coal mining. logging, urban transit, and mainline "high-balling", this layout has it all!
This Photo Gallery has pictures of the HO sections of the layout. For O-gauge action, this layout can't be beat. The trains start at the Full yard and turntable in the American Southwest, reappear in the area of the dingy Chicago tenemants, roll through the Appalachian mountains, and circle the New York Harbor before starting home again.
Specifications
- Location: Ohio
- Scale: HO and O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 27 Ft x 32 ft Three peninsula style against-the-wall configuration.
- Number of Modules: 14
- Min. Aisle: 36 inches
- Total Turnouts: HO63 O-25
- Turntables: HO - Three: 1 18" (130') and 2 12" (90')
- Track: HO Code 83 O Gargraves / Ross
- Control System: HO plug-in DCC. O Wireless DCS/TMCC

Video
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HO/O SCALE 21 FT X 29 FT
Description
HO Scale/ O Scale New York Central Model Railroad Layout
The theme of this Freelance version of the New York Central Railroad is set in the mid-1950's Steam to Diesel transition era. It even Features a European twist in the mountains. Broad curves and large motive power provide plenty of action for this highly detailed HO and O scale combo layout.
Magnificent bridges, viaducts, and a spectacular hand painted scenic backdrop are the hallmarks of this contest quality three-dimensional work of art.
Specifications
- Location: Ohio Scale: HO Scale and O Scale 3-Rail
- Dimensions: 21 ft x 29 ft Around-the-wall configuration with central peninsula and swing-bridge access and an external peninsula against the entry wall.
- Number of Modules: 12
- Min. Aisle: 28" inches
- Total Turnouts: 1
- Turntables: Two HO units - 1 12" (90') 1 18" (130)
- Track: HO Code 83 O Gargraves /Ross
- Control System: HO Wireless DCC O- Wireless DCS/TMCC
- Features: Three track Dutch-door style swing-bridge for room entry.
