Being that I'm limited for space on my layout, it's just over 5' x 8', I would've liked to have added one or two more sidings, currently I only have one siding. This would enable me to place more sets on my layout and run them without having to rotate them from my shelves.
What's bad about my layout being small is also a good thing. I can break it down every year if I choose.
Just a thought, what about you?
Ray
Bayville, NJ
Life is what happens to youWhile you're busy making other plans - John Lennon
Just one Ray??
I thought about this from the start. I have a bigger layout but part of the thought process was to have as many pull offs as I could so I could have as many trains on the table at one time as I could. This cuts down on main line room but hey I am on conventional with more than 3 loops and a MOW track so my brain is already loaded. I like having a place for 8 trains at a time sitting on the layout with 4 trains running.
I wish I had shelves in the basement but a bit had to connect to the walls and I also wish I had two main loops that could run in different directions at the same time but too late. So there is a lot more than one thing I could change but my layout is controlled by cost, price, & value.
Run what you bung.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
wish I had put in a bigger basement.....
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
I'd stop building ovals.
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I am just in the building phase of my third layout. No more oval, I have a big U, so the only thing I would change now is more time and more talent to to get it farther along.
I want to run trains again.
Aflyer
Aflyer - I had you in mind when I posted this. Maybe you might get some other ideas from other here. Good luck.
Ray,
Right now I am getting started on the planning stage. I am thinking instead of 1 large one, maybe 2 or 3 smaller layouts to incorporate different themes, time periods and scales. I know that we are looking at plan books and that 1 layout is over $1600 in track alone. I am sure that you will be involved in this. Kev, eventhough I have TMCC, I still prefer my Transformer Controlled Postwar. Less trouble!!!!! And I can fix it!
John
Wish I had not started.......
just wish there was a way to not have to be so portable. alas my life requires constant motion so untill i retire i will have 2 settle for a layout in a shoe box i can set up what i can when i can
Hudson#685I am thinking instead of 1 large one, maybe 2 or 3 smaller layouts to incorporate different themes, time periods and scales.
This is what I am thinking about also. I would have one layout for prewar Flyer, another for Post war Flyer with the tinplate accessory's and another Hi rail S- Scale layout to run my modern S-scale equipment and do the scenery and track work as realistic as possible. The Hi-rail layout would use flex track,and scale switches, probably American Models. That way I could run traditional flyer on it. The Prewar O gauge track would be Gar Graves, and the post war would be classic Flyer post war track. I may even have a transition from Flyer to American Models track. I have a lot of S-Helper pin adapters I can use.
Major - HudsonJohn and I have talked about that same thing. The only difference I would do is, keeping the track from the same time period. An example would be a small layout from the 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's and finally the 1960's. That way you could see the progression in time. Although some might say the 1960's would be a regression. But setting up 5 layout's at 4'x8' each would need some space. What do you think Kev? Seems that you have the room?
AF53 Major - HudsonJohn and I have talked about that same thing. The only difference I would do is, keeping the track from the same time period. An example would be a small layout from the 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's and finally the 1960's. That way you could see the progression in time. Although some might say the 1960's would be a regression. But setting up 5 layout's at 4'x8' each would need some space. What do you think Kev? Seems that you have the room?
Sure Ray you and John bring everything you need to do it over and I will supply you all the room you want.
I would have built it outside and with minimum O72 curves... with 4 mainlines and 2 or 3 shortlines for industry.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
This is a good question to ponder... I'd change nothing really. My layout space is a 'clean slate' which I completely change every few years, according to what appeals to me - I've had themes based on circus trains, trolleys and interurbans, Thomas, the local C&NW branch, and lately, Ivor the Engine.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Get someone like Becky to do the art work seeing I can't afford that I'm stuck with what I'm stuck with lol actually its early for me to say as this will be my first layout that isn't just slap a board down and put some building on it and track and run it. I need to slow down and think what I really want out of this layout.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Clearances. I have several "choke" points that have become prohibitive with some of my trains. Try to stick with O-42 minimum curves if you are running modern-made equipment.
A lot of this is helpful to me actually as I'm now building my layout I have been using my scale Williams GG-1 to check for clearances as it swings the wides at the nose and been using 1 of my Atlas tank cars as I think they swing the widest in the center. Also my curves are going to be minimum O-54 if I do 3 loops O-63 if I do 2 with O-72 as the outside loop.
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