It is a 4' X 8' table don't know about elevations yet any suggestions? This is my tentative layout. It will be a mountain scene. A small Lumber/Mining town set in the 1950's. Does anyone have any ideas or adds to the design? Eric to post a pic you need to click on the thumbnail first and bring up the full image then click on properties. [ 24. March 2004, 01:02: Message edited by: Colonel ]
Does it have to be 4X8 or can you split it into an L shape say two or three by eight each side? Also does it have to be a run around or can it be point to point? Or possibly include a return loop at each end with basically single track running between? I suggest this because the 4X8 can be rather inflexible if you move. The other method offers the possibility to build it as a shelf layout or as modules that can be taken apart if you move. John Moore
Eric- The plan does seem to be good. I do agree that it appears to be slightly larger than 4' by 8'. Can you give us an idea of what space you have available for building your layout? Boxcab E50
That is the space. It does fit on a 4 X 8 table i have laid it out. I can not split the table it is as is, prebuilt. That is all that i have room for. But I could... Put in a shelf which extend up from the left upper hand corner then turns right and runs along the concrete wall. I will have a new picture Wednesday of the table and possible extension. Thanks for your posts and any that come in later. Eric
Change to smaller scale, because there is to much track crammed into space for a 'HO' scale layout with any hint of believability.
I tend to agree with pjb. You also say its a logging layout, but it sure doesnt look like one. 2 mainlines, plus quite large yards simply arent condusive to elevation changes and the industry associated with lumbar cutting / transporting / milling. Way too much track to have an 'immersive' lumbar scene. You could change it to an industrial port or something though....
Eric, I would have to agree with Disisme. You have way too much track for the applcation of mining or logging. But, I am currently working on a lumber/logging layout myself. Here is my website: http://www.ragingtorrent.com/david/index.html
My coment about this plan on a 4x8 is to be very carful running trains along the edge of the table. Nothing worse than a string of cars crashing to the floor. If clearance is tight, I would suggest a plexiglass "fence" to prevent this from happening. An exstention may be the perfect place for the actual logging opperation, then sending it to the yard for dispersal. I moved into N scale for more RR per square ft., but if you've already invested in HO, stick with what you like.
Thank you for clarifying. I do have a barricade on one of the sides. But on Atlas Software for drawing the plan it doesn't let you construct walls or barriers. One of the many drawbacks of RTS. I also have placed in reallignment track on the straights near the edges. I have also made some minor changes to the track which makes it closer to the center.