Need some help

[Train 284]

HI! Just a 14 year old lookin' for some help
OK everyone heres the story, I currently have a 4x8 layout, I'm adding a 4x4 section later, but I want more. Do you think there is anyway I could somehow loop around and have the next part of the line next to the original 4x8, but still with some room in between for operating room? My layout is in my garage, so it requires careful planning. Anyboby out there have some advice?
Thanks! [:)]

[cacole]

If I understand your question correctly, you want to connect the two layout segments but leave room in between them so you can get in there? Connecting the two layouts could easily be done by running a connector track between the two. For ideas on how to do this, check the NMRA's modular layout construction standards on the NMRA Web site at http://www.nmra.com . Scroll down the left hand column to Standards and RPs, and then look for Modular Layouts.

If you want to connect them but still have open space, I would suggest that you use a removable bridge of some type. Atlas makes a good 18-inch long curved truss bridge that could be used for this purpose, if 18" between sections is long enough.

[Don Gibson]

GET A LARGE PAD WITH CROSS SECTION LINES such as Staedtler 11 x 17 at Stationary Stores / Office Supply / etc.,. and with a Large TAPE MEASURE.
1. Draw with ruler and pen the inside of your Garage and location of Doorway's, partitions, post's and other obstruction's to scale.A square can represent feet or inches. For example 2" or 3" per square should handle your Garage's interior.

2. Draw with ruler and pencil in area's alotted for storage or cars.
3. Draw in your 4 X 8 Layout. Better yet draw it to the same scale on another page, and CUT IT OUT. (Now you can move it around).

Now you see the opportunities (and limitations) for expansion.

If you drew the garage's original outline in ink, you can see through another sheet placed squarely on top, and come up with several plans.

[tpatrick]

Maybe you could use the 4x4 area for a helix and erect another 4x8 directly above the original. Then you would have double the operation in the same floor space. Also your trains would have a starting point and a destination for point to point ops.

[dehusman]

Don't overlook cutting the 4x4 in half and making a 2x8 along one wall. It might fit better in a garage, and can hold a branch line or a yard. Or look at putting the 4x4 near the middle of one side of the 4x8.

Dave H.