The layout I AM building

Sir_Prize May 24, 2001

  1. Sir_Prize

    Sir_Prize TrainBoard Member

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    The layout(s) that I'm building is posted at that Layout Depot.
    Here's the link...
    Ohio & Florida
    Awaiting ya'll wisdom and such. [​IMG]
    By the way the pics a little big, needed to get that detail. :D
     
  2. mdrzycimski

    mdrzycimski TrainBoard Supporter

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    <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sir_Prize:
    The layout(s) that I'm building is posted at that Layout Depot.
    Here's the link...
    Ohio & Florida
    Awaiting ya'll wisdom and such. [​IMG]
    By the way the pics a little big, needed to get that detail. :D
    <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


    I couldn't see the layout. It asked for a user ID and password. Do you have to set up your account to allow public access??
    :( :(
     
  3. Sir_Prize

    Sir_Prize TrainBoard Member

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    Oops, sorry!
    I didn't think you had, too. Looked around at others before I signed on. Hmmm....
    Guess go to the VIEW menu option, than under ATLAS click on the N SCALE. Should find mine. Apparently it is a little quirky liker Geocities. :rolleyes:
    Sorry about the run-a-round. Guess I need to step up speaking to my ISP 'bout that free 5meg of space they offered. :D
     
  4. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    In all honesty, I don't think you would be happy with this layout for long, and I think you can use the area more effectively. If I am right, help me here, is the room 7 by 9 or is the layout 7 by 9 and there is more room around. Could you please post the dimensions of the room it is in, where the door is, does it swing inwards or outwards? Maybe we can work with you and help you along. I would be willing to do that and I know Yankinoz would also. My specialty is getting lots of mainline is smaller rooms, your room size is my speciality. Yankinoz is more the track specialists. There are many others here who can help you as well.

    You have a good space to work with in N scale, but I don't think you are using that space very effectively in the plan you have submitted. I do however appreciate the effort you put into it.

    First you want larger isles - build it and they will come - is really true in model railroading. Although you might be a lone wolf now, I promise you others will eventually hear of you, and operations can be fun in and of itself.

    I am assuming you are older since you have the "retirenment capital" in your signature. Of course, this could be a wrong assumption. Larger isles are better for us old farts.

    Dividing a layout in two just gives you two small layouts without any of the benefits you could get by having a larger layout in the same space.

    You will want staging to link your railroad with the outside world. Staging is kind of like a yard, except it is used for your trains (your actors) to wait before they enter the main theatre area (your layout). So your trains sit off the main theatre area (in staging) awaiting their turn to make an appearance and WOW the audience....lol. Imagine two forks attached at the handles together. The tines on the forks are your staging. First a train leaves one end, then another train leaves the other end; they meet in the middle, one takes to a siding while the other passes. This is a simplified scenario to give you a feel for the operations. I am not suggesting a point to point layout, one thing is clear in your design, you want continous running, and you have lots of room for that desire.

    One of the most important tasks you will under take is to design a workable plan that will keep you entertained for many years to come. So consider you might have to come up with about 6 truly different ideas, and modifications of your final ones, before you can settle and build. But if you take the time and have an open mind, I promise you, you will be another happy railroader down the pike.
     
  5. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

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    Wow - I'm gonna put "track specialist" on my resume :D Thanks Rick.

    I actually don't have much to add at this point - Rick pretty much said what I was thinking. I am curious as to why you are splitting the layout into two parts tho.

    I do like that you put in the scenery and roads and buildings - this goes a long way to help visualize what the end product will look like.

    Sir Prize - If I recall you live near my folks. There's a great shop in Sarasota called Gulf Coast Model Rail or something like that. The last time I was there they were building a long shelf layout in HO and I am sure they could help show you the benefits of staging. Anyway - it's one of the best model train shops in the world IMHO and the staff there is super helpful and friendly.

    And Don't foget - staging does not have to be hidden - it can just as easily be out in the open - but that does take away from the "Wow" factor.

    [ 27 May 2001: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
     
  6. Sir_Prize

    Sir_Prize TrainBoard Member

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    Hmmm.... Points absorbed and understood.
    One reason for spliting is a ceiling to floor window; which is 52" across.I figure that to be around 2500' in n scale. :eek:I'm considering a 'removeable' bridge between the two; to give some long runs. The ends being connected by the purposed bridge are the ones closest in the pic. It would be just below the layout frame, and double track.
    Another reason is to give me chance to build my skills, and see what can be done. Plus, I like to just see the trains go by; at this time; so the 'north' side reflects this. That leads to the reason for the 'south' side. I put in some mainline, branchline, and stub switching to let me see how that feels. I'll try it out and see if my 'empire' will have a great deal of this, or just a balance of all aspects.
    The biggest reason is that this is in my bedroom. So, all space must be chiseled out. The space the two plans use is what could be carved out. Giving me what's kind of an oversized bookshelf layout. By calling it layout and not layouts I'm keeping myself mindful that the two represent a continuous area, although not connected. Do to the fact I'm still under mother and fathers roof limits visitors, so for awhile it will be my world alone.
    Also, my fleet and rolling stock are small; at this time. So the plan fits my current stock.
    I guess it all hinges on the fact this is my first and that it will need to be moved in the future.
    RSN48 love the anologies. Hope the above helped tell where I'm coming from.
    Yankinoz that's the place that got me started. Yup they are pretty cool. The HO shelf layout is coming along. Slower than they'd like, but it's sceneking up.
    Hmm...I think I hit it all.
    Oh ya! I'm 31 :D
     
  7. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    Well, I have been kicking around in my head something that might give you more operating interest. There is a layout you probably have already seen, but you might want to check it out again. It is in the April 2001 of Model Railroader p.66 Called The Metro Belt & Terminal RR. This plan would be very easy to modify for N scale, you could also gets lots more in the same space. You will notice on page 67, three options are presented on the same layout. Check it out why don't you.
     
  8. TC

    TC E-Mail Bounces

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    While we are looking at layouts here is one more to look at. This is a 6'x14' HO scale layout. Mainline switches are #6's and yard switches are snap switches. curves are 22" radius. Flex track will replace sectional track. Any comments will be welcomed.

    Thanks TC [​IMG] Layout Depot
     
  9. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

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    TC - start a new topic and let us know a little bit more about what you want to do with your layout. Prototype, how you want it to run, what the room is like, etc.
     
  10. rsn48

    rsn48 TrainBoard Member

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    I'm still thinking about you. In the Model Railroader issue of March 1995 starting on page 74, there is a layout entitled The Arcadia Terminal RR. What I like about it is it is "semi-permanent." The builder has created an "end of the room" layout which can be easily transportable to a new location and re-set up in very short order. It is the only layout using this idea I have seen but it seems very practical.

    Basically, the ends of the layout are expandable plates that are tightened into the wall, but not affixed. He only has a couple of legs (folding) underneath since the pressure against the walls is what holds the layout. When he wants to move, he unwinches the plates, folds the legs, and away he goes. The layout isn't a continuous loop, but it looks like it would be a lot of fun to run.

    This layout also would be easily expandable in the future as further room was acquired.

    Rick Nicholson

    [ 30 May 2001: Message edited by: rsn48 ]

    [ 30 May 2001: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
     
  11. Sir_Prize

    Sir_Prize TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks RSN48.
    I guess the big thing is this is my first and kind of a 'private' thing :confused:. I guess what I'm trying to type is... I've spent 4 months thinking on it. Time to get off the fence. This looks the way I like, time to build. When it's done I will have learned from it. The help offered is great and the insight into your ideas will be remembered.
    Plus, all the Railers around here appear to be hiding; at least the N'ers; so I doubt it'll be a 'clubing' place. So, it will be my world. MINE YOU HEAR! ALL MINE! HA!HAHAHAHA!
    [​IMG] [​IMG](lightning flash and crack of thunder) Oops...Ummmm...aaaa....
    I've started some plans for my Empire (#1). That one will need it's own room, and is strictly Florida. A fantasy one, but home none the less.
    Thanks for all the insights and such.
     

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