A rather beginner question

[Anonymous]

Hey guys whats up? I just got into the hobby a few months ago in the summer after not doing it for a few years. I didnt get much into it then but am rather full into it now. And ive got a question. So far ive got a 3x6 that im running a Kato K1 and a K2 that is set up as a small staging area instead of the siding. Im doing N scale running more modern stock such as SD-70s, and Well cars and enclosed auto racks. Now I figure that since im not too much for building scenary, and citys and such it would be better to build about 4 5'x1'1/2 modules that form a hollow square than just run a small 3x6 sort of solid layout (kinda like the N scale 4x8) so that its more or less trains running on about 2 solid tracks with some sidings and spurs along the way. Now the question. Since I have about 6x7 corner area in room would you say this is a good idea or just a 3 sided corner layout since this area is like a square corner? Im planning to run about 12 and 13 inch radiuses to accomidate the larger stock and such. Does this sound good? Anything you would do different or anything I should deffinately do different?

[lesterperry]

Maybe it is me , but you lost me in this at about small stageing yard instead of the siding

[Anonymous]

Ahh the K2 set is supposed to make a small passing siding in the K1. Instead I have set it up so its a small two track yard type thing.

[dgwinup]

I think the square would give you more operational enjoyment. 4 modules as you describe would give you 30 square feet of layout surface, while a 3x6 layout yields only 18 square feet, much of it lost in sharp radius corners.

The problem is the center hole. You would have to put one module next to the second module in an "L" shape, then close the circle with the other two modules in an "L" shape. This would leave you with a center hole 3 1/2 feet square. Not much room for turning around in, but excellent in terms of being able to reach any part of the layout.

You wouldn't gain much in having a U-shaped layout. Not enough width for return loops.

If possible, I would use the square layout idea, but try to expand at least one dimension to 8 or 9 feet. You said this area was in a corner. How much bigger is the rest of the room? Would it be possible to have the main portion of the layout in a corner, and run a narrow shelf around the room with liftout sections where needed?

For modern equipment, the larger radius you can use, the better the cars will look and operate. 12 and 13 inch radius is good, 18 to 20 inch is better.

Post more info on what you have available and what you would like to accomplish.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[ATSFCLIFF]

If you intend running the newer and larger diesels like the SD70's, you should have a larger radius of 12" and above. They look and run better especially those long twin stacks and auto carriers.
Cheers,
Cliff

http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html