Mitchell's Layouts: mentored by Ellson and Armstrong

     Don Mitchell. Walkaround Model Railroad Track Plans (1991) Don Mitchell’s track plans showed up not only in Model Railroader but also in the NMRA Bulletin and other magazines. He emulated both John Armstrong and Frank Ellison, and occasionally mentions them as mentors. He begins with ergonomic constraints, such as typical reach, and discusses principles of layout design entailed by giving his clients what they wanted. Thus a few of these layouts are for the train watcher, but most are for operators, or those who just want to watch trains occasionally when operation doesn’t appeal.
     All the layouts were designed for specific spaces, so they also show what can be done when nooks and crannies and stairs and furnaces and other obstacles force compromises. The smallest, the Oakville Central, is 37" x 70", to fit under a bed. It’s an oval with a short runaround track, a small yard, and a bunch of industrial spurs. It does nicely as inspiration for an N scale layout-on-a-door (a once popular style), which would allow a couple of passing sidings, and additional yard track or two, more spurs, and (most desirable) a more expansive scenic effect
     The largest design is for the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. It’s more of a guideline,  

showing a carefully arranged mainline depicting Tehachapi Pass, with both operator and public viewing spaces on three levels. The yards, industrial switching areas, etc, are left up to future development. The design supposes phased construction, so that something worth displaying can be created quickly, and the extensions into the rest of the display space can wait for revived enthusiasm and renewed funding. The Wiki article about the Museum doesn’t mention Mitchell, and the existence of several other layouts suggests that only phase one of his design (the pass itself) was built.
     Most of Mitchell’s designs are for fairly large spaces, half a basement or garage. He prefers lobes accessible from both sides, but accepts the occasional need for pop-up or rear access. He likes eye-level or higher backdrops to help focus attention, and mentions the need for adequate ventilation. In discussing operating scenarios, he had to consider the limitations of DC control systems; many of his designs would be a joy to run with DCC. His style is less personal than Armstrong’s and Ellison’s, but he does allow himself an occasional pun. A book worth studying. ***