Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
I guess space restrictions played the major role in the layout I finally "roosted on". Early, in the game, it became readily apparent that any layout had to be of the fold-up variety and was to be located in our garage. Luckily the weather, in Northeastern Alabama, is fairly mild (most of the year) allowing me to indulge in the hobby with the possible exceptions of mid-summer and mid-winter (the space is neither heated nor air-conditioned). As you probably already assumed, my vehicle had to remain outdoors any time the layout was in its folded down/running mode...a small price to pay.
Additionally, the design had to fit certain space criteria. Since it is hinged along its longest side the width of the benchwork couldn't exceed 30" (and that is a little too wide). I was looking through an old Atlas track planning book, and came across a small traction waterfront design that would fit my space restrictions. Like you, I basically copied the design with only slight modification and named the railroad the Sweethaven Harbor Railroad (admittedly stolen from an add-on to MS Railroad Simulator). It is a branchline of the Central New England that was never absorbed into the New Haven.
Problems? Sure. I am stuck with short sidings that make the use of 40' (or shorter) cars manditory. I can only use switching engines (MP15DC) and have to contend with #4 turnouts. I am not complaining as I am enjoying the hobby and have a number of switching problems that take the average person a couple of hours to complete. I guess what I am saying is that the excuse of: "I don't have room for a layout" just doesn't hold water. Our hobby is an endless series of compromises: available space, available funding, skill level, number of operators, etc. The secret?..Just have fun!!! Good luck and keep pushing iron.
"Keeping my hand on the throttle...and my eyes on rail."
Hello Mark,
I'm thinking about a small town station myself with two tracks so that two trains can meet such as RDCs or an F40 with two superliner coaches(does such a train exist?) or an F40 with a baggage car and a pair of amfleet cars my board would be 6'x1' and a 3'x1' board at either end for stock storage .
Malcolm.
I guess I just can hardly relate to the question, "How does one come up with a layout idea?" I have read so many train magazines and chased so many trains, I have plenty of ideas...
an isolated high-speed mainline carrying silver trains through the painted deserts, monument valleys and alongside the Pueblos of the southwest...
an island seaport...
a city with the geography, industry, and traffic of Houston, but with an architecture and cityscape more Hispanic-flavored like San Antonio...
an early 1900s line fighting its way with switchbacks and loops up the front of the continental divide over two miles high...
Layout ideas I have plenty. What I wonder how to come up with is:
layout space
layout time
layout money
layout models that accurately fit the layout idea
etc.