Hi SpartanCook
All layouts are different so ideal space is user pays
That said you need enough open clear floor space to build the layout
having some extra space for an area for coffee and reading train books
and an area for model building is good if you can get it.
a fully lined etc and prepared attic prferably not divided into rooms would be nice you would want the stairs in the middle somewhere for unimpeaded acsess
And no domestic storage area that would be a serious error.
regards John
SpartanCookI am looking for a shelf style layout that has a complete loop. Long mainline runs, I am modeling the alaska railroad with the long proposed link to the Canadian railways.
SpartanCook
I have never heard of this proposal. How long an extension of trackage would this require?
Dave, from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
If you are going for a walkaround design, look for an entrance (stairs) in the middle of the room somewhere.
My wife doesn't care as long as it's extra space and isnt taking up a bedroom or such. We have our first kid coming in September.
I am looking for a shelf style layout that has a complete loop. Long mainline runs, I am modeling the alaska railroad with the long proposed link to the Canadian railways. ( to add some variety to my layout). This layout would have many elevation changes through mountains. Envisioning modeling both the summer on one half of the room and winter on the other
Decide what you want YOUR railroad to do, this will tell you what shape and room size would be best.
For me having plumping close is important, not putting on a coat and boots ever to get the train room good, etc.
Next thing, what does your wife/partner say. Little ones in the future?
Life is a compromise.
Dave
I can't imagine there's a one size fits all best, even when you're talking about a purpose built structure specifically designed to host a model railroad. Your personal preferences will dictate all and anyone else's inputs are barely relevant. I mean, you already expressed a preference for natural light, but I'd want a room with no natural light at all.
The High Bay at Goddard Space Flight Center is my hypothetical perfect room! Its the largest cleanroom in the world. No dusting the layout in there, although working in a bunny suit would be a bit of a hassle. And most of the 1.3 million cubic feet is going to waste because it so tall.
Or...my dad and I once conjectured that properly outfitted twelve foot diameter concrete drain pipe segments could be used to build a large underground layout with unprecedented ability to make straight trackage...
Hello everyone, so I just bought a house with a nice sized basement in November and finished my benchwork for my first large layout.
Well now there have been some changes with work and we may be moving again. Now I will be not going forward until things clear up with what location I will be in long term.
My question is going forward what is the best type of room I should be looking for in a new home round 2. What type of room and what shape is best?
I like the idea of finished attic area above the garage for natural light, or the basement. basically if you were looking for a space for the next 20 years of layout building how large would you want it?