How can I implement multiple product listing layouts based on category

The following threads touch base on my needs but they appear to be old and inactive.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152117&highlight=product+listing+layouts

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119512&highlight=product+listing+layouts

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48433

I have 1.3.9h and have installed the column grid module (works great and takes care of 1 of my layouts), but I definitely need 1 more layout I will call the schematic layout. I may like to expand to a total of 3 or 4 layouts overall but I'll leave it at the first two for now. My questions would be is there an add on module already out there I'm missing, and if not could someone provide some guidance?

A couple of visual references for what I mean by schematic layout:
shops.oscommerce.com/directory/goto,4167 (sorry for using a competitor as a reference :lookaroun ) or

appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=232263

searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Maytag-Parts/Refrigerator-Parts/Model-MFT2771WEM3/3048/0161000/W1010091/00007?blt=06

From the database back end perspective, this seems easy to me. I either add a "layout" field in the categories table with 1=column/grid, 2 =schematic, 3=.... or add a new "Layout" table in MySQL with this data and query the two to get the same results. Am I on the right path with this. Again has anyone already done this that can share.