Without being absurd and being more practical, what would your wish be for the ideal size and shape of your next layout (assuming that you had the space)? Thanks.
If I could, I'd expand my current layout to a shelf style covering the full length of the room it's in now. As is, it's a 9 by 15 "U" shape with the main part on a 4 by 9 table. So I'd build off the end of the 4 by 9 and make another "U" at the opposite end of the basement. Since the new "U" could be larger, I'd have a return loop at that end. I'd also close the original "U" with lift-out bridges so I'd have a long mainline run.
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I normally like to reply that I would like the entire basement as opposed to being limited to one room, but a basement sized layout carries with it some problems as well. A large layout solves the problem of too little space and replaces it with the problem of too much space. What I mean by that is the fact that as layout size increases, the cost and time required to build the layout also increases. Although I enjoyed building my layout just as much as I enjoy operating it, I am happy that the initial construction is completed and I now have something I can be proud of. Time and money are always in short supply for me, so I probably would never be able to complete a large layout since life can change quickly and it is always possible that the layout might have to be dismantled due to a job relocation or some other unforeseen circumstance.
Because of this, I would have to say that I am more or less satisfied with my present layout. It is an 11 X 8 foot J-shaped layout. I would have preferred a U-shape, but a frequently used closet door prevented this. The 36" diameter curves limit my choices of motive power and rolling stock, but large locomotives are expensive and it is nice to have money left over for other things such as food. I prefer mining and logging themed railroads so most of my rolling stock is short ore cars and log cars, which fit nicely on my small layout.
Karl
Even the huge G&D layout started small. I like the idea of creating a nice layout of smaller proportions and as time goes on adding to it. Always plan ahead for future expansion. What you may like now may not be what your prefer later. By always having an operating layout and a portion under construction you can get the best of both worlds
Believe it or not, I'm perfectly happy with my 5x8 layout. I do, however, belong to a modular group, so I help to scenic and run a huge layout a few times a year. My 5x8 has only 2 loops of track, but the urban/city scenics are quite detailed...right down to the interiors of the buildings.
I'd like to have a few separate layouts. I've seen a few configurations I like a lot and I'd build them using different track systems.
I would build using T-rail, Super O and tubular. I would also build a tremendous Standard gauge around the room layout.
I think my main wish would be to have a larger layout room for a somewhat larger layout. It seems I have more buildings which I have purchased over the years than I have room for. I would also like to have a three track mainline instead of a two track one. My longest straight track run is about seven feet long and I would have liked atleast about double that. Other than that my current new layout is fun to operate and will have to do since the size of my train room is not changeable. Well, then again, there is that 8'6" long by 4'0" wide walk-in closet at one end I could eliminate if I take down the wall. Hmmm....
Cobrabob.
In this photo you can see the door to the closet where I may be able to gain some more real estate for layout expansion. The closet is the width of the room (8'6"). These cold Winters in the Cleveland, Ohio area offer a person plenty of time for model railroading! Can you say Railroad Tycoon! LOL!!!
Scenery has been started since the above photos were taken.
Toy Trains, they are not just an adventure, they are a way of life !
We have a good-sized F shaped layout, with the lower "arm" of the F being a yard. I wish we could make it into an E: it would make for longer mainline run, and soften a really nasty grade (on a curve, no less!). but, nothin' doin! Making lemonade from lemons, having a "ruling grade" does add some interesting aspects to operation!
Even more than that, though, I wish I had any layout at all in my apartment! As it is, I have to drive to my parents' to run trains. Don't know how long I'll be living here, so I'm kind of afraid to start anything
THANKS TO ALL for your replies.
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