I am looking for relatively simple track plans for an around the walls layout – about a 12 X 5 with 2-foot wide shelves. I’ve started with a double track oval with the outer loop hidden about half its length. I want the double track so that the kids can run a train while I operate but I don’t want to show too much track – sort of like the track-to-scenary ratio typically found in Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazzette. I know this is not a common mix of requirements but it meets both of my criteria. In any case, most plans I see look like bowls of pasta or something nearly suitable for a club layout. Your suggestions are appreciated.
If your room is truely 12 x 5, then you will have to make your shelves 18" or 12’’ wide r) at the most. Two foot wide shelves in a five foot room leave an isle width of only one foot. This is too narrow for most adults. A two foot wide isle would still it difficult for two adults to squeeze by one another without doing damage to your layout or trains if theywere near the edge.
Point taken – I think I’m off in my estimate because there is a lot of room to move around inside the rectangle of tables. In fact, I probably have too much space given up inside the circle but I built the tables to fit the walls of a prior house and then moved them into a room in my newer house, putting the end tables outside the longer tables rather than on the inner edge (admittedly hard to visualize without a diagram). In any case, its a pretty good sized oval (maybe I’ll measure it tonight so I get it right) and I just want some ideas on the best places to put yards and sidings. Thanks for the responses.
As you asked about ideas for yards, let me share some thoughts about the N scale shelf layout I am designing. I plan to build a 2-foot wide shelf around three walls of an alcove in the basement. The lengths of the sides will be about 15’, 14’, and 9’. The original plan was to put a large yard at one end of this uneven “U”, but I now think the yard will go in the middle section. This will allow trains to set out in two different directions, providing more operational interest.
Well my plan:
2 one foot wide shelfs going around a room that is roughly 14’x15’, one on top, 1 on bottom. The top will be the mainline and a few industries. The bottom, 2 staging yards, and a short line. I am open for ideas if anyone wants to post…
I have turned away from tables to Shelf mounted modules, removeable for upclose work. The shelf average width is 18 inches. Sticking with prototypical operation.
not too much room for structures, likely get kitbashed against the wall.
I have my HO around the wall layout in an old garage that I want to replace with a new steel shed 12’ wide X 15.5’ long. Q: I want to retain a couple of shelves - 2.5’ wide X 12’ long. Do you suggest mountining existing adjustable height legs on hinges onto shelves, fold & store while new shed built. Then unfold legs & instal stays. I would rebuild the other 2 shelves. Hugh.
Hugh again, the length of shed will be 17.4’. It is actually a shed 17.5’ L X 20’ Wide. Part will be my workshop but train part will be 12’ width X 17.5’ length. I live in Melbourne, Australia & we dont have basements. I do not like 2 tiered layouts as I 'cannot ’ climb after a stroke that I recoverd 97% +; well the boss claims I dont climb. You just ask her!
This is a 30 inch by 6 foot area…as you can see there is room for both track and scenery… I think that arround the wall is the way to go…sometime less is more!..also you should weather all your rolling stock and buildings…this helps by making things blend together and tie everything together…good luck…