My new found space

[jep1267]

Hi yall,

I have come to the realization that I some room for a layout in my garage. I just moved into a condo with a garage. I was chatting with one of the neighbors who showed me the loft they had built in their garage. The ceilings in our garages are really high, 20-30 feet or so, and the loft was build over the garage door. There was a set of stairs that could be pulled down for access when the garage door was closed and enough room to stand up when in the loft. I was very excited when I saw this after having resigned myself to not having a layout anytime soon.

I have had 4x8s all my life and I'm really bored by them. I came to the realization that I'm tired of seeing my trains run around the scenery instead of through it...not to mention I hate the fact the straits are far too short and trains never seem to go anywhere. If I build this loft it will be a space of 9x9 or 9x10. My question is this (if it can be answered), What kind of layout can I fit in this kind of space? I was thinking either an ‘L' shaped dogbone or an around the "walls" type of layout, in HO scale. I like continuous running layouts and though I more into rail fanning I would like to add some industry sidings for a little bit of operations activities.

To sum up my druthers and givens (if I understand the terminology correctly)

Givens; 9x9 - 9x10 space

Druthers; Continuous running

                Dual mainline

                Track work that goes through scenery

                Industry sidings

Thanks in advance

J.P.

[cowman]

Sounds like you have found a good possible spot.  By your description of the stairs you could have them in the center of your room with a rail and gate to keep you from finding the garage floor quickly by accident.  Basements with stairs down into the center make ideal locations, so popping up into a room should be good also.  Since you like continuous running, an around the walls layout should fit the bill just fine.  You could put a small yard on one wall and service it from both directions and when you want them to just run it should be no problem.  The other walls could have a siding or two serving various industries to drop off/pick up cars when you feel like it.

I don't think I'd worry about windows, but you want to concider ventelation, insulation, heat or air conditioning and don't forget that if the garage is unheated you will want to insulate the floor if you are in a cold area.

Have fun,

[gandydancer19]

Sounds like you have found a good possible spot.  By your description of the stairs you could have them in the center of your room with a rail and gate to keep you from finding the garage floor quickly by accident.  Basements with stairs down into the center make ideal locations, so popping up into a room should be good also.  Since you like continuous running, an around the walls layout should fit the bill just fine.  You could put a small yard on one wall and service it from both directions and when you want them to just run it should be no problem.  The other walls could have a siding or two serving various industries to drop off/pick up cars when you feel like it.

I don't think I'd worry about windows, but you want to concider ventelation, insulation, heat or air conditioning and don't forget that if the garage is unheated you will want to insulate the floor if you are in a cold area.

Have fun,

I agree. 

Also, don't make your benchwork any wider that 24 inches.  If you build it in modular sections, you could take it with you when you move again.