When planning a small model railroad layout, it’s important that you know the limitations that a small space can impose.

Although the space available for the model railroad layout might limit the choice of scales, the major limitation is usually in the choice of themes that can be effectively modelled in the space available.

In most cases main line model railroad themes wouldn’t fit. Whereas, a limited space may be better allocated to creating industrial, branch line or tramway themes. A mainline theme may still be possible if the model railroad layout is scaled down.