QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse QUOTE: Originally posted by Train 284 I like the track plan Randy! This thread is linked to a resources for Newbees. Most beginners think in terms of a 4x8 layout and end up spending a lot of money on a dead end. You guys are not helping. Here I am trying to point out the downsides of island type 4x8s and the post here are mostly encouraging these layout. In reality, they are not as efficient as a similar space consuming shelf layout.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Train 284 I like the track plan Randy!
QUOTE: Originally posted by hminky Or if you didn't screw your 4x8 up bad enough and it came out well you can always incorporate the 4x8 into a larger layout. http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/trackplanning/image/track_plan_final_concept.bmp Just a thought Harold
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
QUOTE: Originally posted by CARRfan A couple of these guys make good points about, possibly, the almost necessity of "learning" on a 4 x 8. I had a couple as a kid, and know I don't need to go down that road again as I'm starting again as an adult. But yes, there are things you learn on that 4 x 8 for sure, that are possibly just part of the growing process. Chip - I'd like to throw this thought out there - I think you're in the process of designing your basement empire. On the learning curve, you're way up from where you were before the 4 x 8, right? But you (like me) may not yet be like a Joe Fugate, David Barrow, (insert hobby-pro MRR'er name here). You might want to consider going for "layout #2" next, rather than "the basement empire". Just a totally unsolicited recommendation. (This is where I deserve to be told to go take a hike, near a cliff). My next layout will be my first one as "an adult with the ability to do what I want to do", and I know I need to keep the size and complexity under control. In short, if I had a huge area to work with, I think I'd still go with a moderate-sized layout. The "basement empire", if it ever happens, will likely be after much more experience, and after I know exactly what I'm doing. Some food for thought - check out Bob Smaus' track plan (link below). Pretty simple, and this guy is a pro, and frankly does some of the best modeling I've ever seen in our favorite magazine. His very first layout was a 3ft x 11ft shelf layout. This is his "#2 layout", I believe. http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/MRmap.html http://www.bobsgardenpath.com/trains_2.html This layout goes to show even a "pro" could have a totaly killer layout, that is quite simplistic. While I'm at it, have you seen Pelle Soeborg's layout featured in MR a bunch this year? That was his second layout also. It is quite "un-complex". His first was even simpler - featured, I believe, in 1998. Chip, I love your enthusiasm for the hobby. Seriously man - thanks for all the insightful posts that get us all thinking / worked up / excited.