Layout size for you O guys

[c50truck]

If, as it seems, the majority of us are running O gauge on small layouts, why is CTT wasting time on the "Layout challange of the week". I feel if I were in charge of PR at CTT I would want readership. And to get that is to get everyone excited about our product.

So why don’t they have a weekly pictorial of the most fun with O in the smallest space. Based on what I’ve read here, that would get the juices flowing, and in a positive light.

FYI, I have 58 square ft only to run on, but I enjoy every inch.

Rod L.

 

[4kitties]

I have a 14x22 around-the-wall layout with O72 and O81 loops, in a 14x25 room.  I feel so blessed to have a space this large.  When we added a master suite on to our home, in the overall scheme of things it cost very little extra to dig a full basement rather than a crawl space, and my wife graciously let me have the room.  If not for the trains, it would make a killer home theatre - and maybe it will, for the next owners.  But we don't plan to leave in the foreseeable future.

Joel

[Ole Timer]

Of course you guys are going to put a hole in the wall between both rooms and run a tunnel ? Wisha .... Wisha ! I'm not joking .

[Anonymous]

Well, I put together my first layout (on the floor). I'm going to use this one for the Christmas tree. It's a little under 4x8 but it looks great. I can't wait to get the tree up but I'm told I'm going to have to wait :) Still working on getting my "train room" together.

[Anonymous]

Mine is 12' x 23'  and is in a large  "bonus room" over the garage. Next one will be about 16" x 24"  when this house sells and we build again.

Model Trains is the one thing where size does not matter...just enjoy the space you have.

Tim

[laz 57]

Had a 5X 24 foot L shaped one for 6  year and took it down now have a 8X16 with  a toe of about 6X6 on it.

laz57

[johnandjulie13]

6' x 9' with hopes of future expansion.

John O

[Hogjaw]

Briane,

Appreciate your recent comments.

Was beginning to think I was out of my league in trying to set up a layout  especially after seeing all of the pics on net and in train mags of the massive expensive layouts that others are fortunate to enjoy. 

Presently, I have only a 40" x 60" track, Lionel O steam, 5 cars, and two grandsons who get to enjoy this with me from time to time.  I'm running this on the floor.  Being 60, you have to be especially careful in judging your steps to avoid stepping on the tracks/cars!!

Don't get me wrong, like a child, I do want more. 

But, I think we'll miss out on a lot if we fail to do as you have said "Just work with the space you have and have fun".  

Thanks.

Hogjaw 

[Anonymous]

My grandson and I just got into the hobby a few months ago and have 4'x16' so far..I am sure it will get bigger very soon..I'm thinking about adding 2' to one side making it 6' wide and maby adding another 4'x8' L on one end..All O-27 track..

[Deputy]

My plan is 8X16 with 072 on outer tracks and 054-042 on inner tracks. Track is MTH RealTrax.

Dep

 

[Ole Timer]

 Like I mentioned in another forum ... it's not the size of your layout ... it's the details . Take your time .. research on the web . You don't have to have it all at once . Fabricate items and do it your way . One hint ... always leave at least 1 or more dead head tracks so you can expand later with ease . That way you can throw another sheet of plywood down and make her larger and hook right up to the one you have with ease ! Put bumpers at the end of them and they look great . Am making realistic wood telephone poles and the old wooden guard rails with cable now . Anyone remember the wood and cable guard rails ? Anyone have plans for a steel water tower .... 1800 wooden ones were out in later steam era but that's all I can find .

[Jumijo]

  . . . Anyone remember the wood and cable guard rails ?  . . .

 

Remember them?! Heck, they're everywhere up here!

 

Jim 

[Ole Timer]

 And always remember .. if ya can't go out ... go up ! A jigsaw and some imagination and build a 2 or 3 level layout . Just what I'm starting now . Seems everybody builds only one level anymore ! GEEEEZ

That's what trestles do nicely ... half up ... other half for back down simply or fabricate with your plywood and jigsaw .

[Ole Timer]

 jaabat   ..... up where ? man I have'nt seen any for 10 years or more here !

[zwbob]

Mine is in the basement. Its 28 1/2 feet long and 9 feet wide at one end and 15 feet wide at the other end.