Toy train operating and collecting

Just returned from our continuing Florida home search.  Of course, part of the focus for one of us (I will let you guess who) is an eye on a dedicated 'layout' space.  With no "basement" possibility, that option being a dead issue, I was wondering what would be the average size of an existing Florida layout. 

If you are in Florida, could you just post the size of your layout and if you have any advice for this "property virgin"  I'd certainly appreciate it.   As always, many thanks.

My layout is housed ina two car garage that was enclosed to make a room. My layout measures12.5 x 22 ft and is double decked at a height of 36 and 52 inches. There is a ramp at a 4.5% grade connecting the two levels.

My layout is 11.5 x 11.5 in a spare room off the garage. In hindsight, I could have used a 13.5 x 17 room that was more in the body of the house but an off to the side room - as opposed to bring in the mainstream of the living area. Depending on where in Florida you are moving, you want to take into consideration the heat can be oppressive if you aren't near a cost. Which may make a garage layout impractical. The real estate market is severely devalued and certain types of banks are sitting on a large volume of OREO properties which can be purchased at very low prices. You will need to take into consideration that such properties may require some work considering they have probably been empty a while, but in the long run, you can come out far ahead.

I am in Ocala. I have a large model airplane collection,thus didn't have the option of another room in the house.I purchased a 10 X 12 pre-built handi-house. I insulated and finished the interior,added a 5000 BTU AC unit which runs at 77 degrees all year long to keep away condenstion. It has been about eight years with no problems. Cheaper than building on a room. The AC raised my elec bill about $12.00 a month.If you like this option keep away from deed restricted property.I have one friend who is not allowed to put in a window AC.

                                                                    Ed

ASCH-Frank53-Ed:    Thanks for your info. Appreciate it.

i took down a car porte (yeah, spelled that way on the drawings), put up a 2 car garage and built a room over the garage for the trains. gave me roughly 21x21 feet. we also got a utility room and a completely renovated kitchen out of it.

My layout is in an upstairs bedroom, took out an old water bed and painted most of the walls. The layout is about 11 ft. by 8 ft. with a second level of 6 ft by 4 ft, also have a track that runs over the top of the first level which is supported by one inch oak strips that I got at a job where I worked. There is also a third level of track that runs around the top of the room about a foot from the ceiling.

I also have an H.O. train layout about 4 ft. by 5ft. with an upper level of H.O. race cars. Still have about 6 Aroura H.O. thunderejet 500 series cars.

For Florida indoor air conditioning is a must have! Here in West Palm Beach it gets very hot and humid, so a dehumidifier may be an item to consider if you have a layout that is in a garage or shed style building.

Just heard that Florida Power & Light is raising the electric rates starting in October! Also home owners insurance is expensive down here because of hurricanes.

Also Florida has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation!! Might be a nice place to retire but if you are under 55 you better have some kind of money saved up to come down here as your chances of finding work are super slim or none.

Lee F.

F.Jerome - Lee F.:   Many thanks.