OK.........With a possible move in a year or two, I'm now looking for help in designing a small N Scale coffee table layout. About 30"x60" at most. At least this way, I'll have a layout that I can move with me, if/when the time comes. Want mainline running, but also some switching, to make things a little interesting. Either DC or DCC powered. Not so sure about type of scenery though. May not be able to build that verticle Colorado/DRGW kind of scenery! :sad: Maybe not even the rugged MRL scenery of Montana! If/when, folks would be aiming for either Helena or Great Falls, MT. Are there any area clubs in either location, with N Scale members etc..? As usual, any information, and/or help is appreciated! Thanks,
Another option Keith is to build a desk. I made a simple dog bone loop in a desk I built in high school. I hope to one day build an L-shaped desk that fits into a corner. I plan on having 3 different scenes. Just an idea. Try to get you a picture.....if I can get it cleared off!!
I've also seen the same thing done, with a specific scene, in a dining room table! Don't recall the magazine though.
There was also a "roll away" layout that fit under a bed. I would think that a cofee table layout would be best suited to an all switching layout, maybe set in an urban setting with lots of building flats representing the industries you would switch? Just a thought. John
My layout is 30"x60", has a long mainline run, lots of switching, mountainous terrain, and was initially intended to go into a coffee table. It is a "spaghetti bowl", but that's the compromise I made for several switching locations and a relatively long mainline run. It's going to be hard avoiding a "spaghetti bowl" kind of feel in a coffee table to begin with. Anyway, just to give you some ideas. ---jps
shooter: That's a nice layout and gives you plenty of different switching opportunities. Keith: I've seen several coffee table layouts over the years. Scenery can big a big part of these layouts and interesting trackplans can be formulated. Stay cool and run steam....
Hey, that's based on the Lake District Railway from 101 Track Plans! I like its looks, though it does lack a passing track. (I see you've corrected that problem.)
Keith, I haven't forgotten you, I had a major family crisis arise this week, and it's been crazy. Great Falls Model RR Club has a few N scalers, and an N layout, recently rebuilt. As for Helena, I dunno... Send me a PM about the real estate stuff as a reminder....
Hi Keith, I have a coffee table layout that I would be willing to sell. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks.
Well.....Reality hit but good! Mom was checking the Helena area online recently. She's rather disappointed, as many of the things she and Dad have here, they lose up there. Biggest concern for Mom though, is a Cancer center and related doctors etc....Something she CAN'T be without. As a result, folks ar gonna stay firmly put right here! Still, I kind of like the coffee table layout idea, so I'm gonna keep looking into that possibility!
Is GF lacking in cancer specialty docs as well? Missoula? I managed to get some books for you this evening.
Not sure if Mom took a look at GF. The more she looked, the more she liked the idea of staying put. Other things that she looses out on include: Cancer docs etc... NO quilting stores No ECC - Ecumenacle(sp) Catholic Church No senior center - strength training/excercise classes No Phelps shoe - Specialty shoe store here in town. Colder long Higher fuel prices These are just to name a few things! Also no N Scale Supply, Caboose Hobbies or train shows! Send the info when you can. No big hurry for it. I'm sure the folks will enjoy looking it over.
Not so fast, Trigger! Keith, I must respectfully disagree with you... I know there's some sort of quilting shop here, as a lady at church either owns or visits often. The curch: Beats me, but this town has LOADS of churches for a 53,000 population city. The cancer docs, I honestly don't know. Specialty shoes? Wouldn't know. Colder longer yes, but winters are just as fickle as in CO,a nd summer not as hot. More humid, but not too bad usually. Fuel prices are 2.99 here rightnow for regular. I'm willing to bet CO's crazy taxes have yours past 3.07/gal! We have a Walther's dealer in the club,a nd I order from hiim periodically. The lack of a decent shop sucks, but that's what Wigwag, Feather River, NSS, etc are for. As for train shows: Helena Railfair in the last sunday of April, and that same weekend on saturday is a show in Livingston. (F45 and other stored Merle engines) Helena is a great show for its size. I thought it was well worth the drive. If you still want real estate info, shot at me via PM. Otherwise, I'll save the postage.
