The Lengthy Lineage of Little Layouts, Part 4: A '75 vintage micro in N-6.5

An N-scale, 16" x 23" layout using Z-gauge track; Railroad Modeler, Jan '75I was pleasantly surprised to see this charming micro-layout as I began my read through the 1975 issues of Railroad Modeler. There it was, only 32 pages into January '75, looking like a lost time traveller from 2026.The layout is a tour de force of micro-layout construction by Jim Finnell, the owner of Durango Press. The base was made from corrugated and artist cardboards. The track and turnouts were scratchbuilt from code 40 rail and HOn3 wood ties. The "transistorized" power supply and controls were built into the base, so the entire layout formed a single unit. I was pleased to see a thick-base design (which I estimate to be about 5.5") that I am partial to even though it was probably used simply to accommodate the controller housing.The scenery was made from plaster and rubber molds, trees were scratchbuilt, and the ground cover was a combination of natural and store-bought materials.Even the locomotive was…