In the late 1970's I had a small N-scale layout. Its main location was on a 2' x 4' piece of particleboard. I had already built a number of plastic kits such as motorcycles, airplanes, buildings, etc. Some of these were used on the layout. The equipment was only a single steam locomotive and a couple of freight cars - whatever was in the original Fleischmann starter kit.



The next photo shows a close-up of a small, completely scratchbuilt diorama. It featured a small shop area, with a sign over the entrance on the road. There was a loading ramp, and some random trash.



Because space was limited in our house, I sometimes had to set the layout up on the bookcase in front of the window in my bedroom. I created a double-track mainline with lots of activity. The set-up would stay up for weeks and I would add to it from time to time.



The double-mainline terminated at an engine house. The engine house's doors could be opened. The scene depicted here shows a crew building an overpass over the line using two cranes. The bushes were lichen.



Further to the left, we see the active construction of two houses. These were kits as well as the fully built house on the left.



Next we see a flower nursery with two greenhouses. These were of interest, because my grandfather had two large green houses and many smaller ones in his business.



One last photo that shows the little switcher move through the manually operated turnouts.