Nice JIM.
laz57
Jim, what's neat about this hobby is the creativity factor and how we all take similar components everyone uses and use them differently.
I think you'll select the plan and idea that suits you most. But as someone who has become something of an expert at small layouts, here's some general observations:
-Unless all sides (or at least 3) are accessible I tend to go with a narrower layout. It's a drag to not be able to reach on to the layout to fix, repair, clean or just have access.
-Keep your operating accessories up front or within easy access. Non-operating structures could go towards the back or less accessible areas.
-As a cost savings, utilize manual switches for yards or up front within easy reach. The Lionel postwar 1024 manual switch has a slightly smaller base, which may allow for some more scenery options. I use switches of many vintages, but chop the base down in size to literally just the track alone. On small layouts, this opens so many other options. Manual swtiches can also be made to operate from the front of a layout using nylon fish line or bicycle brake cables. Making your own track end bumpers out of scraps of pine can also make for a few more inches of space on a siding. I've installed a flashing red light into mine like the Lionel or K-Line one, so I get the effect of another flashing light on the layout without taking up the space of the Lionel bumper on the track.
-Put monuntains, bridges towards the back or inner less accessible parts of the layout, but make sure you can always have access. Putting a tunnel toward the back with the backside of the mountain "open" will allow you access for cleaning track and unplanned derailments.
-Unless you are using TMCC, having insulated blocks will make operation more fun and vaired. An easy solution to cut down on under-the-table wiring is to make some kind of railside power box (like the style used for the Lionel/MTH infared controllers) and have a small slide switch on the top of this. You'd place this right at the point of the insultated block, and then run the wires from each section of track to this box elimating longer wires leads running to a control panel.
-Try to find the newer style K-Line 027 switches if you are using 027 track. They are greatly improved with a small switch box housing - even though they do still have the large footprint.
-Utlilize the edges of the layout. For example, I have uncoupling tracks on track running along side the edge of the layout. I've used Rubbermaid Kitchen Divider Trays spray painted black as dump trays on the edge of the layout board. I can dump loads into these without taking space for a dump tray on the main layout.
-Ulilize smaller buildings to have more space. For example Lionel has their operating smoking diner, but K-Line also has a plastic kit diner which is much smaller - but easily improved. I completly re-did mine my custom window treatments and an added smoke unit inside. The K-Line Police Station is a somewhat small building even for 027. But I added a base to mine to raise it up (like a concrete foundation), added a loading dock, and painted mine to be a small factory. I took my MTH opertating loading platform and cut off part of the roof and base on each side to make it smaller so it fit into the space where I wanted it. There was some wasted space on this accessory with nothing on those parts anyways. The Plasticville Fire Station can easily be modifed into a small industrial building.
-If you have kids, or just want to entertain company, it's a nice idea to have a few buttons for operating accessories not on the main control panel (where you are likely standing) but on the edge of the layout board at other locations where vistors may be standing. This way they do can operate something.
-Many accessories have large bases that take up extra space. I made new bases for my K-Line Bubbling Water Tower and Operating Beacon Tower out of basswood that insert into the layout surface. I took my K-Line operating Junction Tower and modified the lower section stairway so it leads into the structure instead of away from it - which made it easier to place on my layout.
Also on my layout I have only one cut-across reverse loop. To change the direction of the train back, I just run the train backwards through the loop. But to each his own: some like straight out running and some like to do yard switching. I like to to both and tried to make my layout accomdate both.
brianel, Agent 027
"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
Jim,
The layout looks great! Lots of running options in a small space.
Chris
alot of good info brianel...i am just starting a 027 layout, go tubular, and am finding some issues with design of the track..
jim i like a few of your plans i may steal an idea...if thats ok....
Jim Fortner wrote:
Hey Jim, this one looks great, what's more is that now you can access the whole track without touching the train, plus it gives you plenty of switching options. My vote is for this one.
This should fit nicely and I'll put wheels on it so I can pull it out and scenic the back side.
I like the last one.You got in every thing needed to not be frustrated and in SIX by SIX feet.
Bargain with "She who must be obeyed" for the space.Have fun.
Jim, What is the largest size you can run 31, 42, 54? You might want to try and look ahead at that possibility, is there a favorite engine on your wish list, and will it fit? Or, accept the fact that OK this will accomodate 42, if I ever go bigger I WILL have to redo the layout.
Just a thought.
The double reversing capability is a must!!!
Oh yeah have you noticed the number of viewers on this thread?
Good job!!!!
Don
HA! Good one!
Well, I'm trying to stick to one side of the room as much as possible to prevent people from having to go around through the living/family room to take food and water to Chewy's bowl etc. This is going to be a table that I can keep together after it's time for a more permanent layout in the basement, with wings added on to fit the space now. I hope to actually have the basement done this year still - at least walls up and maybe get some flooring done, so probably within a year from now I'll be able to move to the basement. I'm taking advantage of my wife's desire for me to move my current layout out of the way to pay for this one! When I finally do the basement, I'll try and have some wider turns as well, but this is just a temporary one.
rogruth wrote: I like the last one.You got in every thing needed to not be frustrated and in SIX by SIX feet.Bargain with "She who must be obeyed" for the space.Have fun.
SWMBO won't let me move the China Hutch. It's not like we ever use that stuff, either - it's just a show piece. Oh well, I'm getting a couple hundred bucks worth of switches, track and wood out of the deal so I can't complain toooo much
Rather nice for TEMPORARY! Maybe you could just move the TV and the Couch to the basement, then wouldn't have so much work.
Good idea! I'll pitch that one later and see how it flies!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month