Scale Delema

[Anonymous]

I have a space in the yard for an 8ft x 10ft layout. What would be a good scale to get the best posable layout with this space? S,G, or O and what the standard lengths of track are, example, straight (how long) Curves, radious and lengths. Please forgive me, but I am just getting started in the hobby, garden railroading.[[:D]

[Anonymous]

Are those measurements in meters or feet?
The plastic sleepers (ties, or what ever you like to call them) in G scale track are treated against UV rays from the sun. If you are looking at other scales such as O or S, the plastic is designed for indoor use, so may not last long outdoors depending on what level of UV you get in your area of the world.
A quick search on the net should get you the track sizes. From memory the straights are 1ft, 2ft and 5ft. The curve radius come in 2ft, 4ft and 5ft (so diameter of circle is 4ft, 8ft and 10ft.) You can also get a rail bender and make any size you want.

[vsmith]

In feet its going to be a tight layout in G, but even in O the diameters are equivelent and will require the same space considerations. If you stick with G you can put a small loop with some sidings using a 5 foot diameter curves will let you use most diesels and some steam locomotives.

[Anonymous]

I would use G Scale, space is tight however, therefore purchase small locomoties and small rolling stock along with smaller buildings. Purchase 2 or 3 starter sets and purhase some straight track and perhaps 2 switches for a siding. We have a large layout in our back yard and will be constructing a layout just somewhat larger than this in our front yard for our neighborhood children.


Mikadousrp

[Anonymous]

Yeah mate don't forget this is an international forum and you should be more circumspect when stating any measurement. Boh imperial and metric is preferred on this forum these days

Here in Australia we are not allowed to have non metric conversations,nor make non metric statements. Though "give him a centmetre and he will take a kilometre"just doesn't have the same ring to it!

As far as yourmeasurement are concerned I think it is too smallfor "G" scale as this is the only scale worth doing, I wouldn't do anything and get a bigger area.

Regrds Ian

[Anonymous]

Hi Doug
Now that is what could be called a tight corner in "G"
you could well be "up a well known creek without a paddle".
I am sure with a bit of ingenuatie a layout can be fitted in but don't go down to R1 (2') use 2"6"
as a minnimum.
Very small locomotives will be the rule as well as tiny rollingstock
if you have the LGB industrial set the one with a Tiny loco and 4wh industrial
type 4wh wagons thats about what will fit in "G" even in "O" your looking at the same.
"S" and smaller in the garden forget it.
regards John

[van buren s l]

Don't let anyone talk you out of a small G guage layout. As others responding to your post have pointed out, small industrial equipment would work well on a 10 x 8 foot railway. Take a peek at Eric Lloyd's equipment on page 67 of the February 2005 issue of GR magazine for examples of small industrial rolling stock. While he scratch built his equipment, similar cars and locomotives are available ready-to-run. Also,check Carendt.US on the web. There are several layout plans that could easily be adapted to G guage for the space avaiable to you. A couple of years ago I expanded my layout and occasionaly have regrets.

Bob

[ondrek]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Douglas LeRoy

I have a space in the yard for an 8ft x 10ft layout. What would be a good scale to get the best posable layout with this space? S,G, or O and what the standard lengths of track are, example, straight (how long) Curves, radious and lengths. Please forgive me, but I am just getting started in the hobby, garden railroading.[[:D]

My G scale will be 7'x16' so i know exactly what you are dealing with. I am going to use 5' dia turns. with a few 4' dia turns here and there.
my layout plan :


So for 8'x10', i would use G, you might be limited to smaller engines just as i will, but they can be just as entertaining as the others, and less expensive too boot!

Kevin