I am starting a new layout and wanted to see if anyone could give me the best design type for my space. I was thinking a U shaped one based off of the long wall. I am still deciding between HO and N scale but would like to make the most out of my space.
I'm not a good one to give advice on your new layout, but there are a lot of talented people on this forum. They will be happy to help you but sometimes it takes a while for them to make a post.
You can also look at the Track Plan Database.
Is the entrance to the room on the upper right wall?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
What is that 8 X 5 area?
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Bugman,
Where is the door to the bathroom? Which side is it on?
The door on the "right" wall, how wide is it and where is it on the wall?
Is this your first model railroad? You've got a GIANT space to work with, but I wouldn't suggest trying to fill it immediately.
Dependant on where the bathroom door is, that sort of changes what options you have for the shape of the layout. Is this space shared with anything else, such as your railroad work bench, a desk for a computer, etc?
This space reserved for SpaceMouse's future presidential candidacy advertisements
You could install a very nice walk in U without running afoul of the doors, the bathroom or that pole and still have lots of room left.
bugman9317 there is another door
Anything else we need to know, electrical panels, furnaces, water heaters?
Imagine a narrow hall along the 19' wall that connects the 2 east and west doors. Then imagine a wall that comes from the pole down to the 14" wall. That redefines your space into a smaller foot print but it accomodates the access to all the doors. Inside the new footprint, a U shaped layout would fit nicely. If you did not put up a wall on the 19' hallway, you could access both sides of that leg of the layout. You can also increase the flexibility of the layout by using a dog bone layout folded unto a U shape. With a balloon track at each end, you can have loops to run continuous trains. This is similar to my layout which is a folded dogbone in a 23' x 7'6 space. I chose to go with N scale because it gave me a lot more flexabilityto work in limited space.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
You can put a substantial HO scale layout in the space. I have beleived that there are two problems with N. The first is that there is twice the amount of track to keep clean. I hate cleaning track. The second is that as time goes on eyesight fades, and handing the N-scale trains could be an issue, not to mention constructing the N-scale buildings, structures etc.
The main questions that I have are:
What kind of railroad are you looking to model?
What era are you planning on (it makes a difference with curve radius and turnouts)?
What kind of operations will be in it (yard, engine facilities, industries)?
If you do what's called a Givens and Druthers Chart, it may clear up some questions and give focus toward the design. A more detailed drawing of the room with regards to doors, windows, poles, and furniture would also clear things up. You don't have to fill the entire basement to build a good layout.
Also, is it a finished basement? This makes a difference in actual layout operations. Prepping the layout room ahead of time would pay off in dust and humidity.
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Mike Kieran
Port Able Railway
I just do what the majority of the voices in my head vote on.
bearmanThe first is that there is twice the amount of track to keep clean.
Not if one exercises self-control in the design. Allowing relatively more space for scenery, large structures, running room between towns, etc. is one of the strengths of N scale.
bearmanThe second is that as time goes on eyesight fades, and handing the N-scale trains could be an issue, not to mention constructing the N-scale buildings, structures etc.
Many fine N scale layouts have been built by older folks.
N scale is fine, HO scale is fine. It's a matter of prsonal preference. The Original Poster could visit trains shops and train shows to see each scale and make their own deicison.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Byron, I could not agree with you more, it comes down to personal preference.
bugman9317 Another thing I am debating is whether to do it in HO or N scale. I really like HO scale but also read posts that say you need a ton of space for a good HO layout.
You have enough space for either scale, depending on the era, theme, and the type of equipment you wish to run.
A U-shape or spiral peninsula design would likely fit well in either scale. Deciding on the elements you would like to include first will help you with a track plan and from that, the benchwork footprint.
Capturing obstructions like the post within benchwork is often the best approach.
Good luck with your layout.
bugman, since it appears you are starting from scratch, I would second Mike Keiran's comment about the room if it is unfinished, ceilings, walls, floor, lighting and electrical outlets. Man, I know some people who would salivate with the space you have to work with.
I'm one of them. May I make a suggestion about flooring. In the past, it has been suggested to install carpeting in the layout room. If I had a layout room, I would avoid dust gathering carpeting an put rubber mats like what's found in children's play areas/playgrounds. They are soft enough to walk on, easy to maintain, and give models a fighting chance when they take "the plunge."
I had a bit of time to play around with Anyrail and made a better sketch of the room.. I am going to get the Givens/Druthers done tonight..