So the wife and I just closed on our house today and started moving in!
I measured the walls where I'll be putting my layout and I have 5ft by 8ft to work with, but that would be putting the layout up in a corner. I was thinking a shelf, I can go as wide as I want, but it would need to put it above my computer.
I do have the basement, I could potentially put a shelf layout, and have it run around part of it, between the stairs and furnace. Would be a bit hard to get to, and would need a lift out, but I could have it all open in the middle and run around the room pretty much.
Anyways, I was looking for suggestions on what to do for a layout, basement that might be a bit of a pain to work on in some places, or a small shelf layout above the PC? I might get some N scale stuff if I do the basement HO, and put the N scale on the shelf.
A scale sketch will give people a chance to know the area you have availible.
Often an around the walls plan gives more layout area for a given floor area. Obstructions are a problem
I'll try when I get a chance. Busy moving, lol
I do have a picture of the corner that I can put the shelf layout in
http://imgur.com/a/OjgN9Sn
(For some reason the picture function isn't working for me, probably because I'm on my phone)
Wdodge0912(For some reason the picture function isn't working for me, probably because I'm on my phone) Add Quote to your Post
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Thanks! That's the area where I can put a shelf layout. The short wall on the left is 5ft, and the other is 8ft
I might see about getting N scale and putting the HO in the basement. The HO stuff I have is DC, so I'd just set up a single loop, and can get into N scale with DCC on the shelf. I can make the shelf as wide as I need to really, if a 5x8 table was possible there I could do that, but that puts it in the corner. I figured with an N scale on a 2.5ft wide shelf I could get a loop around the outside, and have plenty of room for switching on the middle
Congrats on the new house. Perhaps focus on that first than worry about the layout. That's secondary.
Agree with above that a picture helps.
Thanks. I got my part of moving done today. All the heavy furniture. Even the heavy queen bed power base up the stairs to the second floor.
Would a shelf that's 2ft or 2.5 ft be too wide?
I'm really thinking N scale so I can have a looping track. Since it's an L as well, I was thinking either a crossing, or a bridge over one track in the corner spot. Like a figure 8 that's been bent. I havent been able to find what I'm trying to explain, but pretty much the back track on the long side would rise up, and go over the front track on the long side. I'm sure someone knows or could figure out what I mean. I just figured if I would go N and go DCC right off the bat with it, since I'll need to buy everything pretty much. I'll set up an HO switching layout on DC power in the basement, I could loop it around and back with some extra work. But that way I'm not dumping money into all the old HO stuff I have or rendering it useless. The DCC N scale would be what would be seen by people anyways, so I can keep it simple with the industries and switching and such, and have some longer trains to let roll.
I'm without a PC, but here's the jist of what I mean (the picture button doesnt play nice on my phone)
http://imgur.com/a/puLawwd
Congratulations on the move!
Wdodge0912Would a shelf that's 2ft or 2.5 ft be too wide?
If you are going to build the layout over a computer desk then it is going to be at least 48 - 50" above the floor, or maybe higher. Your computer desk will likely prevent you from being able to stand close to the front of the layout. That means that you have to consider how far you can actually reach into the layout. It may be necessary to use a shelf that is 2 1/2' from the wall, but you might not be able to reach the back of that shelf standing on the floor.
The next question is "what do you want to run?" If you want 85' passenger cars or auto carriers then you will need to maximize your radii. That implies that a 2 1/2' wide shelf would be preferable. If you are going to run 40' freight cars then obviously you can use smaller radii and not lay track in the back of the shelf that you can't reach comfortably.
I would suggest doing a mock up with a 2 1/2' shelf at the height that you want your layout to be. A simple piece of cardboard held at the desired height will tell you a lot, but don't forget about the computer desk. A shelf that wide in N scale will allow for decent radii on the return loops, but as I said, you have to be able to reach the back of the shelf comfortably.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Your image:
Modulate, don't legislate, the benchwork depth. It need not be the same everywhere. Let the end loops be wider, then shallower elsewhere for easier reach and maintenance – especially in the inside corner.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Well, passing on the shelf above the computer. It would definitely stick out too far. I am going to see about removing the old fuel oil tank in the basements, and using that area for a layout.
http://imgur.com/a/2hJ13wZ
This is the area I'll have to work in. At least it's dry. I'll try and put it on top of the lip or whatever so I can squeeze a bit extra width out of it. I do have to be able to get in there though for the water meter and the breaker panel
"New house!!!". So the wife and I just closed on our house today and started moving in! I measured the walls where I'll be putting my layout and I have 5ft by 8ft to work with, but that would be putting the layout up in a corner. You bought a new house and only get alotted a 5x8 space. And all those !!!! ?? When you shop for new house, you need to make a layout space a top priority! Have you learned nothing?
"New house!!!". So the wife and I just closed on our house today and started moving in! I measured the walls where I'll be putting my layout and I have 5ft by 8ft to work with, but that would be putting the layout up in a corner.
I measured the walls where I'll be putting my layout and I have 5ft by 8ft to work with, but that would be putting the layout up in a corner.
You bought a new house and only get alotted a 5x8 space. And all those !!!! ??
When you shop for new house, you need to make a layout space a top priority! Have you learned nothing?
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Wdodge0912passing on the shelf above the computer. It would definitely stick out too far.
Even if you vary the depth of the shelf?
Wdodge0912This is the area I'll have to work in. At least it's dry.
So you have basically a unfinshed crawl space, with the only place you can stand up is where the tank is.
Or do you have another basement area, that you can stand in?
I think I'd stay upstairs, and make something work around the 2 walls. Much nicer enviroment.
Mike.
My You Tube
riogrande5761 "New house!!!". So the wife and I just closed on our house today and started moving in! I measured the walls where I'll be putting my layout and I have 5ft by 8ft to work with, but that would be putting the layout up in a corner. You bought a new hourse and only get alotted a 5x8 space. And all those !!!! ?? When you shop for new house, you need to make a layout space a top priority! Have you learned nothing?
You bought a new hourse and only get alotted a 5x8 space. And all those !!!! ??
The house was more of what the wife wanted than anything I wanted. I at least get a spot in the garage to park my car, and a spot to work on my other hobby, rc warship combat.
cuyama Wdodge0912 passing on the shelf above the computer. It would definitely stick out too far. Even if you vary the depth of the shelf?
Wdodge0912 passing on the shelf above the computer. It would definitely stick out too far.
Yea, it was hang way out at the ends, it's not so much the middle or anything. I suppose I could go for 18", but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get what I want on something that narrow on the ends, even in N scale.
mbinsewi Wdodge0912 This is the area I'll have to work in. At least it's dry. So you have basically a unfinshed crawl space, with the only place you can stand up is where the tank is. Or do you have another basement area, that you can stand in? I think I'd stay upstairs, and make something work around the 2 walls. Much nicer enviroment. Mike.
Wdodge0912 This is the area I'll have to work in. At least it's dry.
Yea, that's just the section I was thinking I could use. Want to keep it open to the breaker box, since the wife loves to use all the kitchen appliances all at once.
I do have a small spare bedroom, or if I did some good work to keep the wires from being chewed, I could put it in our rabbit room.
My computer desk, when seated, if I stretch I can BARELY reach the back edge - it's big, it's a mover's nightmare, I've had it for about 28 years. Not bad for a put it together thing from Staples - it's also VERY heavy and sturdy. I could put very wide benchwork above it and not hit my head while sitting here, or go higher and put it above my seated head height. Maybe something like that would get you enough room?
SOunds like the spare bedroom may be your best option though.
I only had one rule when looking for a house - a decent basement. Upstairs, she does whatever she wants. The basement is mine. Which is why I will finally get started on building a layout just as we hit 7 years here.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Wdodge0912The house was more of what the wife wanted than anything I wanted. I at least get a spot in the garage to park my car, and a spot to work on my other hobby, rc warship combat.
I see. The way you introduced the topic made it sound like a good thing for a layout. Sounds like maybe not so much.
I get the "happy wife, happy life" thing, but if trains are your passion, I would have thought it meant something different. Well, maybe when you hunt for the next house, you have a chat with the wife that this is something you want to prioritize.
We had no room in the apartment we were living in for much of anything. I did get a 1 car garage where I can set up a work bench and work on my main hobby, my warships.
I could potentially put a table layout in the room where we keep our rabbits. Just have to figure out a way to keep them off.
I might though be able to do a U layout in the bedroom too. If I move a dresser and vanity, I can do a U layout, and maybe even have a lift out section too to make it a loop
Wdodge0912I could potentially put a table layout in the room where we keep our rabbits. Just have to figure out a way to keep them off.
So, they aren't in cages? just bouncing around a room, in the house? How many are in there? Doesn't seem like agood idea for a layout in that room. Rabbits must rule.
mbinsewi Wdodge0912 I could potentially put a table layout in the room where we keep our rabbits. Just have to figure out a way to keep them off. So, they aren't in cages? just bouncing around a room, in the house? How many are in there? Doesn't seem like agood idea for a layout in that room. Rabbits must rule. Mike.
Wdodge0912 I could potentially put a table layout in the room where we keep our rabbits. Just have to figure out a way to keep them off.
Rich
Alton Junction
OK, you know that when a thread devolves into talk about loose rabbits, some nut it going to post the following video. I'm just sorry it had to be me this time.
York1 John
Rich, you really need to get a better pair of glasses.
Z scale above the desk.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
8ft by 5.5ft is the area in the bedroom I can build. If I did a square around the outside with one side being a lift out, that should work, right? Might be a bit squeezed, or just a single rail on a very narrow shelf on one side.
Pretty much a 2.5ft or 3 ft shelf on one wall 8ft long, and 3ft for the one end as well. Then come up the other wall a few inches for a return line, and have the lift out bring it back to the start.
What would be a good width to consider for a single or double line looping back?
I have a MRR magazine with a 5x9 ft track plan in it that fits tons of operation into a small space. Its in a modern urban setting and offers intermodal and autorack operations, as well as a small Amshack, a bit of staging, and a complete loop. It also has grades for visual interest. The plan is in HO scale, which means that if you decided to build it, you could fit even more stuff in since you are modeling in N.
Let me know if you are interested, and I can give you the name of the layout and in what magazine it is in.
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
http://imgur.com/a/fLIl0c7
Here's what I'm thinking for the bedroom. I'm not sure how wide to make the narrow return path around the outside of it. Nor how to set it up with the curves, like how much needs to be there for them before the lift out section. If I can keep it HO, I would like to do that, but could go N so I have a nice area to work with. Would also make the lift out section wider to get into the middle
A house sure beats an apartment and if purchased, then at least you are building equity too. My first recent home purchase was a town house but my wife and I looked at many so we could find space for a layout.
Our budget was limited but we did manage to find one with the 10x18' basement room. But when we reached a point we could afford something with more space, we still had a hard time finding a stand-alone home with a good, open basement space. Many were divided up into rooms that were no good or shapes that weren't layout friendly.
My wife eventually found a home that was bank-owned and a longer commute with a decent basement but it was unfinished. After remodeling the kitchen and a few other things, all on a budget, we finished the basement doing most of the work ourselves; being amateurs, and not spring chickens, it took use nearly a year but it's done now.
Anyhow, I did see you mentioned a single car garage, ahem. Just sayin ... someone with a real passion for trains would probably find a way to make that space work. Might need to insulate it and provide heating/AC however.
The garage is going to be a work area for my boats and parking my car for now (driveway needs work to be a 2 car spot)
I suppose I could have some kind of stow away type thing that drops down from the ceiling. Pull it up to park the car or work on boats, then lower it down when I want to run some trains.
There's a heat duct in the wall. It looks like it's just stuffed with some towels to plug it up. Somewhere too I should have an electric radiator.
AC will be coming soon. House needs it first but I'm also looking at one of the ones that mounts on the wall and has the little unit on the outside, just run the 2 hoses out and plug it in.
Your room plan. You'll have to add to the inside corner of the narrow sides, to get a radius around the curve. Take a 2' long stick, hold one end in space, by you, keeping it in one spot, maybe against your belt, rotate the other end the stick in an arch along the wall, it will give an idea of what a 24" radius might look like, and about how much you'll have to fill in the corner.
I wouldn't go with a shelf less than 8", with the track close to the wall, leaving room for landscaping on the edge to help keep anything from falling to the floor.
I'm guessing the door is on the side with the longer narrow shelf? for a lift out section?
It's a place to start, better than with the rabbits, or in the dungeon by the fuel tank.
You can also go the the black bar on top of this page, point at "How To", the middle drop down column, click on track plan database, there is a search function, and see what is in here.
And/or take BNSF up on his offer, and see what it's about, and/or consult with the professional track planner in her Cuyuma (Byron).
Wdodge0912 The garage is going to be a work area for my boats and parking my car for now (driveway needs work to be a 2 car spot)
See when you came into this forum, you exposed yourself to people who are long time train nuts. Trains are not generally a secondary or tertiary past time, but a passion for many in this forum.
I mean, that garage is prime layout space and boats? (if I could afford a floating money pit, I might have one but I've put a tarp over it and put trains in the garage barring having no basement or house space.
When I was a grad student, I had a home with a 2 car garage, and still managed to fit an L shaped layout in it with 30 inch minimum curves and 18' long sidings and a decent yard, and my (ex) wife could still park her Pontiac Grand Am on one side of the garage. We train nuts try to find a way to make things work. Unfortunately my ex-wife was a train hater and well, it wasn't the only reason we parted ways but it was a biggie.
Anyway, good luck.
mbinsewi I'm guessing the door is on the side with the longer narrow shelf? for a lift out section?
So the bedroom I would be putting it in has an area that comes off of the room, and is behind the upstairs bathroom. It's 8ft deep and 5.5ft wide.
Here's a rough drawing of the bedroom. I marked the 8ft and 5.5 ft sides as well. It's not to scale at all, but shows a basic shape and where things are.
http://imgur.com/a/yJ00aA6