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Revelation: Operating on a 4 x 8 layout--choose alternate route
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A couple of these guys make good points about, possibly, the almost necessity of "learning" on a 4 x 8. <br /> <br />I had a couple as a kid, and know I don't need to go down that road again as I'm starting again as an adult. <br /> <br />But yes, there are things you learn on that 4 x 8 for sure, that are possibly just part of the growing process. <br /> <br />Chip - I'd like to throw this thought out there - I think you're in the process of designing your basement empire. <br /> <br />On the learning curve, you're way up from where you were before the 4 x 8, right? But you (like me) may not yet be like a Joe Fugate, David Barrow, (insert hobby-pro MRR'er name here). You might want to consider going for "layout #2" next, rather than "the basement empire". Just a totally unsolicited recommendation. (This is where I deserve to be told to go take a hike, near a cliff). <br /> <br />My next layout will be my first one as "an adult with the ability to do what I want to do", and I know I need to keep the size and complexity under control. <br /> <br />In short, if I had a huge area to work with, I think I'd still go with a moderate-sized layout. The "basement empire", if it ever happens, will likely be after much more experience, and after I know exactly what I'm doing. <br /> <br />Some food for thought - check out Bob Smaus' track plan (link below). Pretty simple, and this guy is a pro, and frankly does some of the best modeling I've ever seen in our favorite magazine. <br /> <br />His very first layout was a 3ft x 11ft shelf layout. This is his "#2 layout", I believe. <br /> <br />http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/MRmap.html <br /> <br />http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/trains_2.html <br /> <br />This layout goes to show even a "pro" could have a totaly killer layout, that is quite simplistic. <br /> <br />While I'm at it, have you seen Pelle Soeborg's layout featured in MR a bunch this year? That was his second layout also. It is quite "un-complex". His first was even simpler - featured, I believe, in 1998. <br /> <br />Chip, I love your enthusiasm for the hobby. Seriously man - thanks for all the insightful posts that get us all thinking / worked up / excited.
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