New layout

[Anonymous]

Greetings,
This is my first (of many I presume) post. I am finishing a room for an O gauge layout. I have room for a table about 14x21 feet. While I want to have as much layout as possible, I realize that a solid 14x21 layout makes access an issue. Any suggestions? Are there any really good O guage layout designs out there that anyone can recommend?
Thanks,
Steve

[FJ and G]

Why not go around the room with a shelf-style layout? You'll get a longer mainline.

The 1st 6 photos show my shelf layout I'm working on. It will have a wire running down the center and I'll update that site next week with photos of the wire:

http://davidvergun.tripod.com/index2.html

[lionelsoni]

I agree. Around the walls. It sounds like your room must be at least 18x25 feet. So, if you don't want to have bridges across the entrance, you could easily design a decent folded-dogbone-type layout in that space.

If you haven't put the door in yet (or even if you have) I recommend making it swing out rather than in.

[spankybird]

You can try a "U" shape layout. This is like what I have. click on the web icon to see more of the layout, which is about this size.



tom

[Big_Boy_4005]

It is often difficult to look for a layout design for a particular sized space. I think you would do best to design it yourself. In addition to what Dave and Bob said about going around the walls, try to keep your maximum reach to 48" or less. Try to keep your aisle width to 36" or more. Try to keep your minimum curve to 072 or greater. Those rules will give you a start in trying to see how much benchwork will fit into the space. Remember you don't have to fill it all.

[Anonymous]

I've been reading John Armstrong's Track Planning For Realistic Operation, and his ideas and information are excellent aids to layout planning. While much of the content is targeted to operating as the prototypes do, many of the ideas, especially about layout design, space utilization, design standards, etc. can be applied to any scale and realism level.

I've been working on a large basement layout in three-rail O scale, and after reading this book several times, I've made numerous changes to my design that should result in enhanced operation, reliability and appearance.

[Anonymous]

A terrific layout can be found in the July 2003 issue of CTT. Called "Loads in, Empties Out" it is designed for a 12X16 foot room. It has continuous running, switching operations and several operating accessories. It could easily be enlarged for your space.

I plan on using this layout as the inspiration for mine when I finally have a "bonus room" to build it in.