While I will take a crack at something for your current table arrangement I really do agree with Mark and Bob. A "U" shape is ideal.
The thing to consider which is very important, does Mo have room for a "U" shaped arrangement. We really don't know what space is available at all. All we know... "are two tables". at right angles to each other. That's the $64,000 question. Stay cool and run steam...
Hi, Here is the scope. I put the new table on both side of the current one and look at each arrangement very carefully. What you see in real is much different than seeing it in a picture. U shape does not help and the reason is I already have a big mountain on the west side of the first table. This is going to block the view if you put any new table to the right side of the existing one. Look at this photo: Putting the new table to the west of the current N-18 and make a shape of L, is Ok, but it does not give you the feeling of continuity. Please see this photo: I already put the wheels on both tables, so I hate to cut the new table in half in addition the right side does not show because of the mountain. I liked the two tables side by side, as seen in the following photos. It gives a depth of field and it is about 14.25' long. Another photo The following photo shows the depth Continuity in this photo As I said before seeing the real thing is different than seeing the picture. Side by side looks very pleasing. What do you think? I am still open to your ideas. I am not going to rush in this as I did on the first one. Like Mark tulip says “Lesson Learned". Thank you all so much for all you kind support. Mo
Here is my idea. I cut your table down the middle for you. The scenic divider can be moved 6"s either way to allow more space as you see fit. For a detaied yard and industrial areas take a look at and adapt from some of the door layouts More later
Mo Either way you do not want to have the tables up against the wall. As said above 18" to 24" away from the wall should afford you good access. Since you have wheels on the table legs you can always move the tables out of the way. Just make sure the transition tracks between the tables are like Ntrack so they come apart. I like the "L" shape and Grey Ones idea for a layout. Grey One always has good well respected ideas and comments. I for one like the idea of the two tables together length wise. Great vista, depth and of course the opportunity to run long trains. Good Luck with your plans
I like the tables length wise also. Not only will you get to run longer trains (which my kids like) but it also looks like it takes up less room. The "L" and "T" look like they take up the whole room.
Hi Steve, First thank you very much for taking time in helping me. I deeply appreciate that since I am new to this hobby and do not have any experience running trains. The plan you made for me is designed for L shape. As I figured out the looks and the location of the layout in my basement goes very well if I put the two tables in straight line. So is there a way to modify it. For yard I would like to follow the instructions mentioned on this web page: http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html As for dividing the scene, you did it long way, how about east and west. What do you think? It is always good and important to ask people who took this road before. If I knew a long time what I know now I would have gone to the shelf style. N-18 was a big mistake and I got involved in it because I did not know anything about this hobby. Thank you so much again for being so helpful. Mo
Mo: Just because there is a mountain on the right hand side of N-18 shouldn't be the deciding factor in making an inverted "U" layout. I have hidden track on the JJJ&E that can't be seen from the point where I seat most of the time to operate the layout. I have handheld throttles so I can completely see all the movement of trains from different vantage points. Stay cool and run steam....
I think you should use the side by side configuration, especially since you will want to tie the track from the N-18 plan into your new track. With your mountain on the right that leaves the left side of N-18 available for reworking so that it flows into the new area. From looking at your N-18 trackplan I think this is the only practical choice. It will mean that some of the original work is mostly hidden from view, but if you preserve a walking aisle on the right of your tables you will still have access. You have done quite a lot so far. Keep this fun and save the complications for other parts of life! ACLer
Thanks Bob. The mountain is not the only reason. When you look at it in the context of my basement it really looks much better to be end to end. I have a clearance from the wall from the right side and top about 18". That is good to walk around if something needed to be fixed. Thanks again. Mo
Thanks ACLer for your support. I really arranged the two tables many ways. At the end it really looks good the way I have now in the context of the basement layout. I left about 18" from the wall on both sides. Now what I need is a very good plan to go with it. Thanks. Mo
Yep, you can do the divider any way you want You can rotate the drawing a shift the current leads to the N-18 to the same location. For now put a large oval on the new table. Use Kato Unitrak so you can easily change, then change it again. It took me 9 months to "finalize" a plan for the GandG. Then using Unitrak with trial and error I put together the current plan. Have fun. Edit: Try this site - http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm for ideas. Think how you might incorporate them. [ March 07, 2006, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Grey One ]
