Hey Railfans,
I've got two 80" x 30" closet doors upon which to build a layout. How should I arrange them? Should I make a 80 x 60 squarish-rectangle, a 160 x 30 long rectangle, or make an "L" shape out of them? (I'll follow up with some diagrams of the basic shapes.)
In the end, I'd like my track plan to be mostly mainlines with a few sidings. I'm neither experienced nor wealthy enough to put in a bunch of switches at this point.
Any ideas?
Thanks for the input, Jim. I have the space to do whichever. We have an old basement that we don't use for anything but storage.
Additionally, I've uploaded some 3D diagrams of the shapes to my Gallery (just to give you some idea of the proportions).
I have been struggling with this myself lately.
I'm not working with doors, but 2x4' sheets of MDF, which appropriate structure underneath.
I had initially built up structure for a 4x6' layout. Basically, figuring that something like 4x8' is common, but I didn't want to allocate that much space.
I drew up several track plans, and got one that I liked. I transferred the plan to the board, and discovered one huge problem. If my layout is beside a wall, it is basically impossible to reach the back edge of the layout without either pulling the layout out from the wall, or climbing on top, which will obviously become impractical once I start building.
I've started working on slightly different layouts, and I am finding that I can come up with better ideas for layout, and more flexibility for yards and sidings, by stringing the layout out. I haven't settled on L vs. Long yet, but I'm leaning a bit toward Long right now. Hopefully I will sort that out in the next month or so and really start building.
In your case, I wonder if L might be nicer than Long, simply because you would be able to see more of the layout at the same time. With Long, you would have over 13' from one end to the other. In addition, with over 6' to work with, you can still incorporate some nice sidings and other detail on your mainlines, and have room for a yard when the time comes.
Actually, I've been leaning away from the squarish shape for that same reason.
Personally, I've been considering the L, but that starts a new debate on how to set up my layout. That L shape naturally draws the eye to the corner, so naturally, I should put something interesting there. I was thinking about putting up a city in that area, then having an industry at either end of the layout. Would that much stuff make it too 'busy'?
Another factor: I'd like to try my hand at making an urban area, which may require some room. Perhaps it could be in the corner, and then radiate out toward the ends...?
Hi there ... Given what you said about wanting a long mainline, I'm thinking the long rectangle with a folded dogbone trackplan should give you just about everything you want. In any case if I had the room that's what I'd go for. Room for lots of trees too. I really like trees. Happy rails to you.
John
Actually, I've been leaning away from the squarish shape for that same reason....
I can also atest to that. I had a previous layout that I couldn't reach certain areas. My present endeavor is no more that 24" across giving me easy access.
That L shape naturally draws the eye to the corner, so naturally, I should put something interesting there. I was thinking about putting up a city in that area, then having an industry at either end of the layout.
That is an excellent idea. It mirrors prototype very well. A central point where the majority of goods and services are, or pass through, gives excellent purpose to a railroad.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Jim R
I know Mother named me after a railroad man, but it's too late now, I'm afraid. Much, much too late.
Hoagy Carmichael
Powered by Drupal - Modified by Todd Vaules
Joined: 2008-04-18