Never thought I'd say it. I have too much space. ON the horns of a dilemma.

[SpaceMouse]

I had planned to build an N scale Interchange track designed by Tony Koester. It takes 11ft x 14 inches and requires a six inch return on one side for staging. Well, my wife created a redesign for the area and I have no way out except to expand to 30" wide with a return 4 x 2 and two places for staging.

I'm stuck expanding on what TK designed.

I have no desire to do more than what he had.

I don't want to spend the time on this layout when I want to build the California Western an Northwestern Pacific.

I don't want to spend more money on than the layout than what TK designed.

But it will look dumb if I don't expand on it.

Oy Vey!

[ereimer]

can't you just expand the plan to fill the new space without making it more complex ?

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

can't you just expand the plan to fill the new space without making it more complex ?

Maybe. It's two intersecting yards. I haven't thought about it much. It just hit me. I'm at the overwhelmed stage.

[Texas Zepher]

I'm not certain I understand the problem. Just 16" of extra space for 11 feet? Sounds like an excellent industrial area along side the yard for "internal" switching.

[selector]

If an upscale move to HO [:D] isn't in the offing, then can you shoehorn a servicing facility in there? Little backshop, ash pit, etc., maybe even a turntable? Is this still the 1900 era we're talking about, or is this another idea altogether?

[JohnT14808]

Heck, Chip, just put an out cropping of rock there and call it "Space Mountain"!! People will come from miles around to see it!!!....{thinking they are at Disneyland!!} Put some mountain climbers on one part, some mountain goats on another...maybe Bigfoot poking his nose out if a cave or Boy Scouts hiking over the top.....boy...just THINK of the possibilities!!

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

If an upscale move to HO [:D] isn't in the offing, then can you shoehorn a servicing facility in there? Little backshop, ash pit, etc., maybe even a turntable? Is this still the 1900 era we're talking about, or is this another idea altogether?

This will be a modern layout. All big D machines. Mostly switchers--Geeps. I'm goin to figure this one out. But I can't help but think big. In my nature. Just I don't want to compromise the early 1900's logging operation.

TZ,

Koester allowed for industrial switching. Adding more means more buildings. The backdrops are covered. The idea of expanded industrial switching has it's merits though.

[John Busby]

Hi SpaceMouse
If I get the picture right you now have more space than originally planed for.
well I would take some of that space by expanding the area the track plan takes without actually altering the track arrangement.
But I would use most of the extra space for scenery development
regards John

[SpaceMouse]

I think I have had an epiphany.

What I like most about Model Railroading, I'm coming to realize is the creation of a small world with details and realism--even if it is a twisted sort of realisty that only I understand. A key feature to creating this reality is figures, people. And N scale figures are just too small to customize or see when I'm done.

Therefore, I'm going to take the added space and use it to create an HO scale switching layout. I guess I'm going to have to sell off my N scale stuff now.

This has been quite freeing.

[SpaceMouse]

This is working out better and better.

I can build the town of Fort Brag, the Lumber Mill and the yard. Later, I can build a track all the way around the room to the rest of the layout. By doing this, I can eliminate the second level which is one of the things that bothered me about my design.

[selector]

Doesn't get much better than that![tup][yeah]

[Adelie]

Well, as an N-scaler I hate to see you not get join us. However, if you can find a way to incorporate the added space into the larger layout, I agree with Crandell. Hard to pass that up!

[Anonymous]

So let me get this straight: are you going to have your existing HO layout, an N scale switching layout, an HO switching layout, all while planning the big HO empire?

Or are you committing to HO now?

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CARRfan

So let me get this straight: are you going to have your existing HO layout, an N scale switching layout, an HO switching layout, all while planning the big HO empire?

Or are you committing to HO now?

The basement layout for a number of reasons is a ways off. The way things are going, I will have the current 4 x 8 layout pretty complete in the next few months. I had planned to build a simple (meaning not many structures or scenery) interchange shelf layout in N to see how I like intensive switching.

So what the redesign does is make it possible to build one of the ends of the point to point layout and build a switching layout at the same time. This can be started before the rest of the basement is complete and ready for the larger HO layout.

So the middle step, the N-scale Interchange layout by Koester, has been eliminated.

[trainfreek92]

what scale are you building i thought you wear building N but you might abonden us?????[V] or will you become a multi scaler... Tim

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainfreek92

what scale are you building i thought you wear building N but you might abonden us?????[V] or will you become a multi scaler... Tim

I have always been HO, but I have been collecting up N scale stuff for the shelf layout.

Now, I'm not going to even get to try the small guys. Ebay here I come.

[pcarrell]

Spacemouse,

As I'm sure you know, one of the great advantages to N scale is it's track to scenery ratio.

If you've got too much room (wanna trade places?) I'd like to suggest more scenery, not more tracks. Keep the track plan simple and make the scenery around it grand and spactacular. Look at George Sellos' Franklin & South Manchester. I know it's in HO, but the scenery is very grand indeed. In fact, rather then detract from the trains which it dwarfs, it actually accentuates them by adding an element of realism of scale which is hard to duplicate for most because we have to use things like selective compression due to space limitations. You have the opposite problem from most.

This is your greatest advantage! I say, use it!

You know what they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

[SpaceMouse]

Well, I killed one bird with two stones here. I'm looking forward to designing the mill and town--and I even have allowed for siding.

[Jetrock]

WOO HOO! We've got the lad hooked--on operation, on HO, and on prototype modeling! HALLELUJAH, HE HAS SEEEEN THE LIIIIGHT!!!

A nice long shelf layout is a bucket of fun, and you don't have to wrench your back reaching the back of the layout...

[Anonymous]

Yes, a shelf layout will keep you from having to do this to reach your inaccessible track...



No offense to the Glendale MRR Club - I just came accross this picture and couldn't resist...

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CARRfan

That's exactly how I built the entire passenger yard at the club. I'm not sure if it's because I was the new guy or the young guy. My next project will be easier. I just have to climb. No crawiling.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

That's exactly how I built the entire passenger yard at the club. I'm not sure if it's because I was the new guy or the young guy. My next project will be easier. I just have to climb. No crawiling.

Hah - that's funny chip. You'll also notice in this picture there is a distinct difference in hair color between the "worker" and the TWO "supervisors". We all have to pay our dues in this life, don't we?

[jeffshultz]

That's one thing that has me a bit worried... I'll have a yard that may be technically out of reach in the back. I'm thinking about putting a foot high (maybe 6" deep) step the length of the yard to put it back within reach.

Of course, that's next year (or maybe 2007).

[Don Gibson]

Spud Mouse

Modern diesels, English Steam, HO, OO, N Gauge, Orphaned Engines, Huge Passenger station, tight curves, 1800's logging, 4X8 double decking, buying 'bargain's, or have I left out something? where does it end?

I think you need On3. You need focus. Too expensive? Look what you've spent already.

One or two engine's will be all you need. 1880's steam will keep you in tow - and give you something authentic for Western logging . Quality vs. Quantity. All your effort's will be in one direction. DCC sound will be much MORE impressive. HO buildings will simulate distance, and give you perspective.

Less work, more FUN. Don't say you weren't told.