Hi everyone,
I am trying to figure out how big of a N scale layout I can build. I have made some simple plans and indicated the measurements.
I saw a video from Youtube in which the man explained how he joined together some Ikea tables to create a simple layout. Since I don't have powertools and his idea is simple to implement and not expensive at all, I will also use Ikea tables named "Linnmon".
There are three size of "Linnmon" tables I can use.
1. 100cm X 60cm
2. 150cm X 75cm
3. 120cm X 60cm
Which one of those three plans do you think is the best? Or if you have any other layout ideas, feel free to let me know.
Stéphan
As a general rule, it is unwise to be wider than 24 inches or 60 centimeters from an accessible edge of a table. So any design that has one 60 cm table against a wall and another in front ot it will cause problems.
Do you have enough space to make a 24 inch wide donut with a hollow centre to operate from. This would mean ducking under on the side not against a wall.
davidmurrayDo you have enough space to make a 24 inch wide donut with a hollow centre to operate from. This would mean ducking under on the side not against a wall.
No I don't have that much space.
I assume you're doing HO scale. You would only have space for 1 reverse loop or a wye. I think plan 2 would be the best, for something like a switching layout. If its N scale that could work as a full loop layout. The "U" shape provides some interest in the shaping of the track and operations, I think better than an L.
Max Karl, MRL and BNSF
Ahhh sorry, I forgot to mention the scale. I am going to build a N scale layout. I just added this info in the title of my thread.
Well them, any of those 3 could work for an n scale looping layout. I think 2 is the best because of reaching and shaping for possibilities, but 1 and 3 could work as well. It all really depends on what you want to put in the layout, how big each desired part is, the order/position, and the running of the trains. Once those 4 are figured out, all will fall into place. First figure out what you want to do with the layout, and which industries/tracks you will need for operations. Then the size of those, then what order will they be in (dont want a shipper of a product next to the reciever.) Then make sure the trains run correctly for your operations and make some sense. (only has to be prototypical if you want it to be) Adding interest or complications to operations is always good, just make sure it isn't required for all operations, (Like requiring 4 switches to be moved everytime a loop is made) because some days you might just want to get straight to it.
Hi Stephan,
All of the points made are good ones. Might I suggest that you get a couple of broadsheet news papers and stick them together and lay them on the floor in the patterns you want to try.
Kneel down with the patterns on the floor and check where you are likely to lay track and check your reach. Use a marker pen and perhaps mark out your anticipated plan for that shape and again check your reach for areas...
Seeing it like this may help you visualise what you might like to play around with. You could try the operating pattern on Trainz. Have a look at the Rail Modeller Australia number 2 and you may see what I mean with the working with Trainz making your Trainz layout to the shape you have available.
Cheers from Australia
Trevor