With an island, you can have a backdrop down the center, so you get TWO backdrops! This also makes the layout seem much bigger because you can't see the whole thing from one spot.What happens on one side is out of sight from the person running trains on the other side.
However - before building a large island - sketch out your room. If you have room to pull a 16'x42" layout away fromt he wall and have enough room to walk on both sides, you likely have room for something more open and around the walls - again giving you a LOT more backdrop, but now with no reach issue. Doors, closets, and other things that need to remain accessible in the room can interfere witht hat though, which is why it's important to sketch it all out and plan before starting to slap lumber together. But an around the room type layout gives you more track to run on, the train isn't chasing its tail constantly, and you can use larger radius curves where your equipment will look and run better.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Or a step stool may be needed to work on the back parts if the layout is higher and has some depth.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Height of the layout comes into play as well. The lower it is, the further you can reach in to a point.
Mike
I am much shorter and can reach 30" for scenery work, about 27" to throw a switch but for uncoupleing, try about 20".
This bench is 18' x 6' and it is a little tiring reaching the turnouts in the middle at the top of the yard ladder. That will change when I add a few tortoises to flip the points. A three-foot reach is the absolute furthest I would go and only if it was for scenery. 30" is the most if you have to reach something on a regular basis.
Getting your radiuses up to the maximum you can fit will also make life easier and allow you to run more things. Could you widen the bench at the ends so it looks like a dogbone?
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Those dimensions will require walk-around access during building, maintaining, and using the layout.
You can keep it that wide at the ends to maintain your curve radii, and narrow it in the middle by pushing the front track(s) toward the back, especially if you have access to both ends (i.e. neither end is in the corner of the room).
For most people, 32 - 36" is the absolute limit of reach with any dexterity, and that's if the layout (including structures up front) is hip-high or lower so you can bend at the waiste. But that height tends to have you looking down on the layout, as from a helicopter or airplane, which displeasurably shows long cars/locos on short radius curves. At armpit height, 24" is probably the maximum easily-accessible width.
-- Andy - Arlington TX
Welcome to the forums.
Layout height needs to be considered along with arm length. The higher your layout, the less you can reach. Do a mock up with something to represtnt trees and buildings
I agree that 18" is quite sharp for a larger layout, if you can, go bigger. Can you add 6" or so to the sides of the ends to give you the small blob effect and the ability ot have a wider radius?
You mention losing your planned backdrop. You could put in a backdrop/scenic divider down the center. If you make it high enough you will have to follow your trains, as they go out of sight. Mine is just high enough, so thaat I can't see the action on the other side, but could communicate with another operator if one was there. My layout is short, so I operate mostly from the end. With a scenic divider you get double the backdrop space.
Have fun,
Richard
to the forum your initial posts are delayed in moderation. Doesn't last long if you are an active participant.
Most on the forum would judge your layout to have too narrow a radius given it's large size.
I worked in my father's mens store and you measure a man's arms from the center of his spine to the wrist, with the arm bent 45 degrees held parallel to the floor.
I an 6'-0" and wear a 16" -35 shirt. That's considered long arms. But I can't reach anywhere near 35" because my my chest and shoulder uses up almost 1/3 of that 35". Unless you are leaning on the layout, I don't know how you can possible reach that far, unless I misunderstand your layout or your knuckles touch the ground.
Electronic uncouplers can solve part of the problem, but you will need to scenic the layout possibly deal with a derailement over there.
Micro mark sells a platform that leans over the layout.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I'm building my first model railroad layout. It's 16' long and 42" (3.5') deep. I'm debating whether I should make it an island layout so that we can access both sides of the layout. I have a freight yard on one side and several spurs to industries on the other side. It's a loop layout with 18" curves at the far ends. The spurs are on the wall side but are a stretch to reach. I'm 6'2" with long arms and can do it, but when all the buildings are in place I'm concerned about accurately uncoupling cars, etc. I'm fine with pulling it away from the wall, but would be bummed to lose the ability to have a nice backdrop which I would like.