4X8 or 3X11

[Anonymous]

This'll seem like a strange question, but I have space enough in a storage room in our basement for either a 4X8 layout or a 3X11.  I've been reading a lot that looks like most pro's recommend the longer narrower designs especially for a branch line with switching that I'll be modelling.  What do you guys think?

 

Mike 

[kansaspacific1]

It would help to know:

. the scale of the layout.

. basic track arrangement - ie:  straight line with sidings, an oval?

Chuck 

 

[Anonymous]

It'll be HO scale and it'll be straight line with sidings, basically a freight yard at one end and a servicing terminal at the other. 

[SpaceMouse]

If it is a point to point, then go longer. If it is against the wall, then only go 30" wide.

[selector]

... either a 4X8 layout or a 3X11.  ...for a branch line with switching that I'll be modelling.  What do you guys think?

 

Mike 

I think that you should avoid the 4X8 since it will not give you the advantage of a nice yard length, plus it will be difficult to access it unless you have access on all four sides.   If you had been thinking of placing it in a corner, or just one side against a wall, you will have reach problems.  Not so with the narrower and longer setup that will still provide you with some scenery, several parallel yard tracks, and one or two industrial sites.....all within reach.

You can add a peninsula in another home or another room.

[cuyama]

I think the longer, narrower space will work better for what you have in mind. I did a similar HO layout in slightly more length and less width.

You can click here to read more about this layout, modeled after the real-life Hoboken Shore RR.

Byron

[kansaspacific1]

As everyone says, go with the extra length for that type of layout.  One suggestion relative to Spacemouse's caution on 30" depth.  Don't put any track deeper than that, but you might consider use of the extra 6" behind that to provide more realism to your scenery, especially if your scene is in an urban setting.  I'm planning an area which I may take close to 4 foot deep, just to come as close a possible to the prototype scene.  I'm making matboard mockups to see just what it will look like before I decide.  My planned area for this is about 14 foot long, and I need about 24 to 30 inches of depth to duplicate the prototype track arrangement.  (This is in HO)

Chuck

[IRONROOSTER]

I would do a switchback by enlarging the Vandalia Short Line shown on this page http://www.nmra.org/beginner/vandalia.html - plan near the bottom.  It's 1.5 x 10 ft but could really benefit from some more depth.  The extra foot of length would help also.  

Enjoy

Paul 

[R. T. POTEET]

This'll seem like a strange question, but I have space enough in a storage room in our basement for either a 4X8 layout or a 3X11.  I've been reading a lot that looks like most pro's recommend the longer narrower designs especially for a branch line with switching that I'll be modelling.  What do you guys think?Mike 

You would probably have been better served if you had posted the size of this storage room and ask for advice from the readership on considerations for using that space.  You should also have specified what scale you are anticipating modeling in!

You can turn HO Scale around on a four foot wide space using eighteen inch radius curves; you cannot turn HO Scale around on a three foot wide space and you, therefore, are restricting yourself to some sort of switchback operation.

And what's a 'pro'?

[secondhandmodeler]

This'll seem like a strange question, but I have space enough in a storage room in our basement for either a 4X8 layout or a 3X11.  I've been reading a lot that looks like most pro's recommend the longer narrower designs especially for a branch line with switching that I'll be modelling.  What do you guys think?Mike 

You would probably have been better served if you had posted the size of this storage room and ask for advice from the readership on considerations for using that space.  You should also have specified what scale you are anticipating modeling in!

You can turn HO Scale around on a four foot wide space using eighteen inch radius curves; you cannot turn HO Scale around on a three foot wide space and you, therefore, are restricting yourself to some sort of switchback operation.

And what's a 'pro'?

Now that was a helpfull response.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

I think you need to think outside the box, or at least the rectangle.  As was stated, the scale and size of space would be very useful to know.  You might have room for the classic 'waterwings', or some variation, and be able to get the best of both worlds to a degree.  To get a pretty good idea of what will fit into a certain size and shope, you might want to seriously consider John Armstrong's book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation".  It can really help you through the beginning 'back of the envelope' part of the process, and help to clarify in your own mind what you envision at the end of the process.

 

[BRAKIE]

I suggest building a linear industrial switching layout and forget the 4x8 unless you want continuous operation of course..

As a word to the wise a switching layout can become boring as can  loop running on a 4x8.

If you decide to build a ISL then I urge you to plan it well and avoid the time saver design.