The Budget Model Railway Challenge: A suggested layout … from ChatGPT

Whilst playing around with ChatGPT, I decided to ask it to design me a layout to meet this challenge. I phrased my request as follows:

Please design me a model railway end-to-end layout that will fit on a 60cm x 23.5cm board and that uses Kato Unitrack. It should have at least one set of points and at least one siding. Please list the Kato track pieces I will need to make the layout.

In reply, it gave me the following answer:

Here is a compact end-to-end model railway layout designed specifically to fit on a 60cm x 23.5cm board using Kato Unitrack (N Scale). It features a main line, one turnout (point), and a siding, ideal for shunting small trains or scenic dioramas.

Layout Overview

• Type: End-to-end
• Dimensions: 60cm x 23.5cm (board)
• Scale: N Scale 
• System: Kato Unitrack
• Features:
• One main line
• One siding (via a turnout)
• Space for scenic elements or small structures

Required Kato Unitrack pieces

• 2 x 20-000 Straight track 248mm
• 1 x 20-020 Straight track 124mm
• 1 x 20-045 Turnout #4 left (or right) ~124 branch
• 1 x 20-040 or 20-041 Curve R481-15° or R282-45° (optional, if curving siding)
• 1 x 20-010 Straight track 62mm (for siding)
• 1 x 24-850 Bumper track (buffer stop)

ChatGPT's suggested track plan.

Total Length Calculation

• Main line:
• 2 x 248mm = 496mm 
• 1 x 124mm (with turnout) = 124mm
• Total: ~620mm (layout allows small overhang for board edge buffer)
• Siding:
• Branch from turnout: 62mm (or longer, depending on available space)
• Buffer at end (62mm)
• Curve optional depending on shape/orientation

Notes

• If you want to save a few cm, replace one of the 248mm straights with a 186mm (20-090).
• You can mirror the turnout (use #4 right instead of left) depending on siding direction.
• Power routing can be done via Kato 24-818 feeder track (substitute one straight if needed).
• A small engine and 1-2 wagons would suit this micro-layout.

This is very helpful, and although I will probably use the list of track as a starting point, I expect that my final layout will be somewaht different.