Greetings all: I was just starting an L-shaped layout 1 1/2' wide x 16' (one section), 1 1/2' x 8' feet (the other). My wife has never been enthusiastic about putting a shelf layout on two walls of the family hobby room, although I have agreed to let her claim half of the room for her quilting and sewing. Yesterday a daughter gave me two folding tables, one 6' x 2 1/2', the other 5' x 2 1/2'. I suggested that I build the layout on these tables, remove the one shelf that is up and fill screw holes and paint those spots. My wife loves the idea. Although I'll have less space for a railroad, I will be able to build a decent layout. With the extra width I should be able to have continuous running, which the original layout did not provide. I might even be able to put in that wye that didn't fit so good on the original layout. There are good and bad points about starting over with a smaller layout, but I'm actually excited about it. Now all I have to do is make the track plan. The goal remains unchanged: a freelance Midwest shortline, a subsidiary of the Milwaukee Road. Time frame is 1950-70. I can still locate, I think, the three towns that were going to be on the original layout. Since I am not an electrical whiz, all turnouts will be handthrown (Peco code 80 insulfrog). I have a walkaround throttle. There will be no DCC; I have a dozen locomotives and am not interested in converting them. Besides, most of my rolling stock as well as the engines must be converted from Rapido to MT or other couplers, and this is first priority after the layout is well underway). I welcome your suggestions. John Adney Marion, Iowa
Sorry folks. In my "starting over" post I neglected to mention the scale: N (what else?). John Adney Marion, Iowa
John, so many of your comments sound oh so familiar.I wish you well on your new adventure,and dont forget to interchange with the Soo
