Here is my layout idea with a target time period of the 1880's on an island off the west coast of Mexico. I am 99.997132% decided on going with Sn42, that is S scale using HO scale code 100 track for an S scale track gauge of 42". All buildings and trains will be S scale. Obscure, I know, but I like the feel and look of S, but not the cost and definitely not the layout size of standard gauge S scale track. This trackage will allow me to bashup cheap HO locos and rollingstock to make my stable of S scale narrow gauge equipment. Keeping costs to a minimum is essential due to the low initial capital available and projected slim profit margins for the newly formed Corporación Minera Cabeza Dura. At this time mineral rights, mine and millsite construction areas, and right of way for railway have been procured on an 11' x 11' area deemed suitable for the extraction of minerals, primarily Oro y Cobre. Here is an excerpt from the recent right of way and primary infrastructure funding negotiations with the planning commissioner : Representante para la Corporación Minera Cabeza Dura : "Honey, you know, that middle bedroom looks awfully messy with all of that stuff we have stored in there. How about if I build a storage unit with curtain fronts to hide all of that junk?" Planificación Comisario: "Wow dear, that's a wonderful idea. Sounds like it won't cost that much either. Ya know, I could pick up some of those cheap Mexican blankets for the curtains " Gotta love it when a plan comes together so beautifully. :wig: Here is the basic layout I have arrived upon. It will be a 78" x 96" girder table with plywood road structure and light as possible scenery made of foam and/or plaster based papier mache covered with plaster in an effort to make the finished top unit movable in one piece. The girder structure will be 6" tall on a 35" tall base, and the "zero height" will be a foam base constituting the ocean and harbor. The "zero" track height will be another 2" above the water, so around ~42" to the lowest track and 52" to the Ore tipple trestle, and maybe 65"" to the highest peak of the island. The top will be removable from the base storage unit to allow removal through a 3' doorway (35" clearance). Here is the basic track plan I have arrived upon, drawn using Anyrail. The entire layout consists of 18 3' flex tracks and 4 switches, for a total track investment of "about a hundred dollars". All curves are >12" radius and all grades are < 4%. My largest loco will likely be an 0-4-0 and rollingstock will most likely be 24' maximum. Here is a really rough sketch showing the basic topography and building layout. Darker shading is higher elevation. Blue is ocean.... This is my basic idea that fits the space I have and the budget available. I am quite open to suggestions, but bear in mind that I need to keep the initial track cost in the "about a hundred dollars" range and this is about the largest I can make this layout. I might add a spur in the town area yet and this volcanic island is still "molten" and could be shaped a bit still. The overpasses with these grades will actually work with O scale if I decided to go On30, but I am feeling good about S, the one thing I am having a hard time finding (at least at reasonable prices) is S Scale figures. I might have to get Military figures or such and sculpt them with soldering iron , dremel, and bondo to get what I want . I plan on ordering the basic gear for this tomorrow night. Thoughts or suggestions before I take the plunge into the really dark side of MRR'ing???
You will not be able to reach the center from the outside. And 6 1/2 X 8 feet is not very portable.
But do what you want and fave fun.
Gidday Stoker, I really like the thought you've put into this project, right down to the budget and most importantly of ALL, prior planning permission from the "Planificación Comisario", , but don't do it !!!!
These two photos show the dismantling of part of a layout at the club that had a similar scenario to yours. Designed with small four axle diesels and short coupled steamers with short trains in mind it ran flawlessly even with 18 inch radius curves and 4% grades. A lot of time was put in to get it so. So why was it dismantled? Because we couldn't darn well reach to do even a half decent job on the scenery !!!!
I don't wish to rain on your parade, but would beg you to reconsider your width of layout before you suffer our fate.
Here' a current thread on the subject of reach.........http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/217283.aspx
Have Fun,
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I can only recommend to heed the warnings stated by the previous posters.
A layout of this size is not at all "movable" and even id you employ lightweight materials, this beast will still weigh quite a bit.
The reach issue is a serious one - there is no way you will be able to work in the crater area, unless you sit on a swing above the layout.
The idea of an island layout is certainly intriguing. If you redesign your concept so you can build the layout, say, in 4 sections that bolt together, you´ll be able to realize your dream.
Build it like a brick outhouse so that you can kneel atop it to do what you have to do to get it to look good and to run well...reliably. Get used to dragging a footstool around so that you can reach into deep parts of the scenery to create it, and then to correct problems such as derailed trains.
I hope your back is strong and in good shape. You'll be putting it to good use, and often.
Oh, and think about places you'll place one hand on which to lean when you do the three-point climb to reach something. That will get lots of wear over the years.
Crandell
Hi Stoker,
I've read your postings on several forums, let's get the basics right.
Looking at your plan you are willing to accept a 12" minimum radius. You do want to be able to have a train orbiting around. You have a spare room used for storage so it would be nice to have a layout on top of e.g. cabinets. The total space is 11x11 and you want your layout to be portable. Your aim is to have your lowest track at about 42" high.
I would prefer my trains more on armpit level and I would prefer no reach over 24". Having said this, with a minimum radius of about 15" a U- or a doughnut-type are quite possible. The first will need two blobs probably about 36" wide, doable if they are not to long, anyway within the 39" reach you are willing to accept. A doughnut (donut) will need a lift-out or swing gate. Exploring these alternatives might be worth the effort; especially when your layout has to be portable. An along the walls type of layout can easily be built in sections; not larger then 6x2 or 4x3.
I do understand money can be an issue, however a model railroad takes years to complete. You might be able to add some more turnouts in the future.
BTW why did you add a reversing loop onto your plan? Why not a passing-siding or run-around?
SmilePaul