BATMAN The results are in! And it seems the larger the layout the fewer turnouts per SQFT. There may be the odd exception, however, I should have asked a more refined question and ask what scale was being modeled. The conclusion is, we seem to be happy with what we have, which is a whole lot of fun that lets us escape for a while. Carry on.
The results are in! And it seems the larger the layout the fewer turnouts per SQFT.
There may be the odd exception, however, I should have asked a more refined question and ask what scale was being modeled.
The conclusion is, we seem to be happy with what we have, which is a whole lot of fun that lets us escape for a while.
Carry on.
So, this supports my theory that simply being larger, does not make a layout more complex.
To use my point, what is more complex, an eight track double ended freight yard 12 feet long, or an eight track doubled ended freight yard 24 feet long?
Their complexity is the same.......
So if a larger layout has longer yard, and longer sidings, rather than having more yards or more sidings, it is in fact no more complex than its smaller "version".
Think about you design goals no matter how much or how little space you have.....
I have 1500 sq ft, and will have only one visable freight yard......
Sheldon
Lastspikemike Now that is a brilliant small footprint layout. 9'x5' should be the standard minimum for HO. You can fit 24" radius and do an over/under.
Now that is a brilliant small footprint layout.
9'x5' should be the standard minimum for HO. You can fit 24" radius and do an over/under.
I guess my father was brilliant, the layout he built for me was built on two 5x9 pieces of 3/4" marine plywood framed with 1x4's - I know, over built, and thank goodness, I climbed on that to do work all the time.
It had 24" radius curves, over/under trackage, two separate loops, hidden staging tracks, passing sidings and industries.
ATLANTIC CENTRALSo, this supports my theory that simply being larger, does not make a layout more complex.
If I had three times the space, I do not think my layout design would be more complex. I believe I would use the extra space to get some running length so the trains could stretch their legs.
My layout design has all the features I want.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190If I had three times the space, I do not think my layout design would be more complex. I believe I would use the extra space to get some running length so the trains could stretch their legs. My layout design has all the features I want.
Hi Kevin,
I totally agree. If I had more space most of it would be devoted to running room and scenery. My design might change to incorporate different track levels and more bridges, but I wouldn't make my main urban scene any larger.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
My benchwork is 55 sq. ft., with a main line continuous run of about 50', and a total of 16 turnouts. All manual using Caboose Hobby's throws.
A 24" radius on each end.
Here's a clip from my YT channel, showing the layout, as a train runs the main:
Mike.
My You Tube
LastspikemikeThe other reason to expand the layout is to build a yard big enough to assemble long trains which then require longer main line to operate.
That is exactly what Sheldon has been saying for years. He has a whole thread on how he is trying to capture the immense nature of the prototype operations that have inspired him.
SeeYou190 rrebell My layout is very simular to Malcolm Furlow's San Juan Does yours also have that terrible switch-back to get to the turntable? -Kevin
rrebell My layout is very simular to Malcolm Furlow's San Juan
Does yours also have that terrible switch-back to get to the turntable?
Actual room size is 8'X 19' on 2 decks but the layout covers about 2/3 of the space on the bottom and about 1/2 on the top so about 330sq/ft with 52 turnouts. Lots of curved turnouts to save space and keep the radius' to 22".
Main Line is about 110' from lower staging to upper staging.
Scott Sonntag
rrebellAll this in a 96x30 space.
That sounds like an amazing layout. I had so much fun with my 2 foot by 8 foot first HO layout. It kept me railroading for more than a decade.
My last layout had a 4X10 footprint, with 9 turnouts. (1 curved.)
New layout will have a 12X12 L footprint (widest will be ~5.5 feet) utilizing 28" minimum radii on a single track main, with a planned passing siding (or two), 3 industry spurs (2 multi track), and a seperate interchange/staging yard. (Longest staging track ~6 feet)
If I counted correctly, counting staging/interchange yard, 20 turnouts. (If I use a second passing siding, 22.)
Layout as designed will operate point-to-point (out and back), but can continuous loop as well. It will model a short line operation from interchange to industries, (to points not modelled, using the possible second passing siding - hiden) and back to the yard. (Host a couple run-through's from Class 1 partner per shift as well.)
I have a headache today, so I'm not monkeying around with the Sq. Footage math...
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Thanks for the compliments on my latest photos, gentlemen. I have had a busy two days and am just seeing that you have responded positively to my newest adventure.
I have a way to go yet before I begin to polish my camera skills. Quite a bit of scenery improvement, a yard to build and make realistic, get my 14 year old TT working again...if I can...and then a major clean-out of the garage and train room after 5 years of chaos. Maybe by the fall.
Thanks for your encouragement.
In a 9.5x19 room, around the walls 30 in deep, 23 switches, 8 of which are in crossovers. I've removed about 4 to eliminate spaghetti.
But, I've added a couple to help simplify operation. By making spurs in to run- through sidings, it saves a lot of backing and uncoupling, and looks better. Dan
Basement HO layout. U shaped 14' across the bottom and 20' along each leg. Covers about 180 sq ft of surface. 31 turnouts. one turntable. two reversing sections.