If all you had was a 1x6 shelf . . .

[Dr. John]

If all you had for layout space was a 1x6 shelf, would you . . .

Switch scales and build a switching layout in N, HO or On30?

Display some of the trains or accessories you already own?

Create a diorama?

Sell it all and give up on trains?

Store what you have, experiment with a different scale, and wait for the day you can build something bigger?

Or something else?

When I was in that situation a while back, I built a 1x6 HO switching layout and kept my O and S equipment. Now I'm starting on a new O layout and the 1x6 will be part of an On30 layout.

[Roger Bielen]

Get a stronger pair of glasses and give "N" a try with a point to point with either a turntable or run arounds at the ends and a lot of switching.

[pbjwilson]

I'm one that has limited space and has built layouts in the space you describe.

One was a shelf that I put in my sons room when he was just 2 yrs. old. It consisted of a straight run of track with bumpers at either end, and I ran a Lionel trolley back and forth on it. For added entertainment there was an animated freight station that was activated with an insulated track section. Thats asfar as I took it even though I thought of adding a backdrop of storefronts and some street lights. It was entertaining, but operating more than a few minutes became monotonous.

Also built a 1' x 5' HO switching layout. One switching engine and a 40' boxcar could be manuevered thrugh a maze of turnouts and sidings. My son, 6yrs. old at the time, had alot of fun with this one because it operated like a real railroad. He could pick-up and drop off railcars on a number of sidings, and you had to plan your moves to make things work and fit.

If I were to build another shelf type layout I think I'd go with On30. The same amount of trackage could be fit as an HO, but detailed with 1:48 figures and details.

But then again a diorama with Standard guage would be alot of fun too!

[Anonymous]

If all I had was a 1x6 area to work with, I'de certainly use it for N scale to get the biggest "bang" and maximum fun.

[Anonymous]

I would go with Z--one of the two fastest-growing scales in model railroading. I'm working on a new briefcase layout in Z now, and will later have another shelf-type layout of the type you mentioned. If you want to pack a maximum amount of railroading into the smallest space, there is no alternative to Z.

And, yes, I wear bifocals. I can still work with Z as well as I can work with N scale or any of the others. Those who can't need to pay a visit to their local eye guy at the earliest possible date.[8D]

[FJ and G]

"When I was in that situation a while back, I built a 1x6 HO switching layout and kept my O and S equipment"

------
Dr John,

Were you in a prison cell?[:D]

In a recent MR magazine, they showed a z scale layout in a briefcase that was pretty neat.

I've also seen a really nice G-scale layout in about a 2X3 ft layout, complete with a turntable.

I'm curious why you chose On30 and not On36. BTW, I think you could incorporate on Onwhatever industrial track into a 3-rail layout. I am tempted to do that when I construct my lower shelving.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Buy a bigger house or add on a room is another option.[:D]


[#offtopic] BTW, Wabash Cannonball, do you know that none of the rest of us can see your photo. [:(]

[FJ and G]

Actually, I'd go with a 7-level N scale layout with a helix at either end

[IRONROOSTER]

I'd build a Sn2 layout switching layout along the lines of the Gum Stump and Snowshoe.

Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Hello All: I would go with the N, sell my O stuff & find a bigger place, then go back to O[:)]. Kind Regards Steve

[Anonymous]

I have 2x8 in HO. I am in process of building a town. It may even take several 2x8's on that one wall before they are ready to go into some future empire.

[Dr. John]

Dave, my secret's out! [:D]

Actually it was a case of no basement, no spare room, no usable attic space and a very crowded workshop that brought about the 1x6 layout dimensions. Plus, it was designed to be portable to take to train shows (although I never did).

I like On30 over On36 (aka On3) for several reasons: Far less expensive using HO mechanisms w/ kitbashed superstructures or ready to run Bachman On30 than buy On3 brass. Also, I do not have to handlay track in On30 - I can use Atlas HO track, heavily weathered and ballasted with dirt and weeds, and it looks fine to me.

[Anonymous]

Yea, I know. This forum is the only place on the internet that my image doesn't show up in. It works great on webpages and emails, just not here.....[V]