We've also tried time-out. We would put him in his bedroom. Sometimes he would cry initially, but he would settle quickly and then we would let him out. Often we would go in there and he'll be sitting on the chair reading a book as happy a Larry. Didn't seem like much of a punishment, so we started putting him in the little corridor because there's nothing to do in there. He would just sit there or lay on the ground until we let him out, but he seems quite content there too. Sometimes he would even start singing...
But that is perfect. He doesn't need to sit there and think about what he has down, he just needs to calm down so he can come out and be part of the household again.

I agree it is normal for the age. I am doing a course on the 1,2,3....Magic approach, and I am finding it really user-friendly and helpfull with my charming little screaming banshee.