The layout designs on this page were inspired by Carl Arendt's incredible Micro Layouts for Model Railroads web site. While these tracks may be too small for serious racing, they are perfect for displaying the most prized slot cars in your collection. Their miniature 2×4 foot platforms are also small enough to set on a display table at swap meets or wherever slot car racers congregate.

Landscaping is must for these little gems. HO scale model railroading scenery products can easily be adapted for Micro Tracks landscaping. Woodland Scenics offers a complete line of landscaping products ideal for these Lilliputian layouts.

All of these 2×4 foot layouts use the model railroading trick of canting the layout on the board slightly so that the track itself is never parallel to the edges of the table. This method of orientation makes the track appear larger because the eye does not perceive a static edge and adds visual interest to an otherwise symmetrical design.

Each of the layouts presented here fits on a 2×4 foot piece of plywood. A simple 1×2 dimensional lumber frame provides a light-weight, but sturdy base. The small size of these layouts lend themselves well to transport and storage, so keep the frame work to a minimum. The shallow frame also provides a simple means of hiding the track wiring, a must for these small tracks.

Home improvement stores such as Lowes, Home Depot and Menards sell pre-cut 2×4 foot plywood sheets for under $10.00. Due to the small size of these layouts, 1/4" or 3/8" plywood is sufficient. A micro layout can also be built on a 2×4 foot piece of Homasote, but you'll have to fasten the track to the board with glue if you build your layout using this type of construction material.

This first layout design uses an elongated figure of eight to provide even lap lengths of 8.71 feet for each lane. The over and under configuration adds visual interest while still allowing for 4 lanes of racing on only a 2×4 foot base.

Track Inventory:

Straights

(4) - Tomy AFX 9" Straights

(10) - Tomy AFX 6" Straights

Curves

(12) - Tomy AFX 9" 1/8 Circle Turns

(12) - Tomy AFX 6" 1/8 Circle Turns

View Color Coded Track Section Drawing.

This next raceway uses three different turn radius sizes to create an interesting 4-lane track with lots of landscaping possibilities in only 2×4 feet of space.

Track Inventory:

Straights

(2) - Tomy AFX 15" Straights

(6) - Tomy AFX 6" Straights

Curves

(2) - Tomy AFX 12" 1/8 Circle Turns

(12) - Tomy AFX 9" 1/8 Circle Turns

(10) - Tomy AFX 6" 1/8 Circle Turns

View Color Coded Track Section Drawing.

This raceway is a variation on a standard oval. Once again the track is laid diagonally to give the illusion of a larger layout.

Track Inventory:

Straights

(8) - Tomy AFX 9" Straights

Curves

(12) - Tomy AFX 9" 1/8 Circle Turns

(12) - Tomy AFX 6" 1/8 Circle Turns

View Color Coded Track Section Drawing.

This raceway makes an ideal replica of a small 1/4 mile oval dirt track. Painting the track surface with Rustoleum Flat Brown Camouflage spray paint will make this track look just like the real thing.

Track Inventory:

Straights

(4) - Tomy AFX 15" Straights

(8) - Tomy AFX 6" Straights

Curves

(8) - Tomy AFX 9" 1/8 Circle Turns

(8) - Tomy AFX 6" 1/8 Circle Turns

View Color Coded Track Section Drawing.