OK, I’m getting closer to figuring out what I want. But, my question now is which of the following 3 should I do:
Pick a smaller layout (4 X 8 for HO, smaller for N) and figure that what I do is a winter project and a learning project and I’ll just replace it in awhile.
Pick a large layout (I can go up to about 8 X 9 1/2 in total with a 2’ section cut out, 2’ away from the wall) and design a complete layout on that and proceed.
Pick a large layout as per #2, design something that fits on the initial 4 X 9 1/2 main board with a rough idea of the rest of it but just work on the main board at the start. If I do this, do I still build the base framework for the entire layout but leave the top alone or???
That way, you have the entire platform in place, and you still have the option to partially build the planned layout this year with the rest to follow later.
#1 will prove frustrating and you will always be itching to expand it.
#3 is a variation of my response to build #2. The trouble with #3 is you initially commit in your mind to only build a partial layout.
#2 gives you so much more flexibility from the outset. As we say in Chicago, make no small plans !
The correct answer is really a personal choice, and depends on your preferences and inclinations. Some questions that I like to ask to draw out these preferences and inclinations:
What your purpose for building a layout at home? Because you think it’s what you do in the hobby? Because you enjoy building layouts? Because you enjoy operating layouts? How would you prioritize your reasons?
What are your operating preferences? Do you have a preferred operations style? Do you prefer to watch trains roll through scenery? Do you prefer walking along with the train, playing the engineer? Would you rather do some switching, using switch lists or some car forwarding scheme? Do you prefer multiple trains simultaneously, routing them by throwing turnouts? How would you prioritize your operating styles?
Do the limitations of smaller curve radius associated with table layouts bother you? Or are you content with smaller and/or older prototypes for your rolling stock?
How long can you stay interested in building a layout without running trains? Do y
If I can ever get into the room that was disignated the “train room” during house construction, I plan to put up my around the room shelf first. Whether I do the penninlula at first or not is to be decided. I have the basic track plan in mind, but will start in one location and develop the final plan from there. I will get a single track loop with a siding or two up and going so I can run trains. Then I will start to finish an area. As many posters have noted, even when they have a “final” plan in mind when they start laying track, it usually gets modified. The second area I develop may or may not be connected to the first. May do the town locations first so the trains will have places to go to, stop and switch. Also, could do some rural scenery for change of pace.
As stated above it is really a matter of personal choice. I want to get some trains running, even though much of the track will be in a temporary position. Then I can see what works and what doesn’t as I go.
My first layout was a donut-shaped 5 by 10. The framework was the base for three different layouts (track and “geographical” arrangements) over a period of five years. That last version was double-decked. Worked for me.
Iknow it goes against many tried and true vets who say build a small layout first. But for me, and I tried, I found that as richhotrain said, I was itching to move on the whole time. I never took that layout seriously because I knew it was a temp. So, it sank into the swamp. So I began building the one I am now. The full size layout. I’m building it in stages and how you do that is what ever will not cause you to give up. Lay all the track and continue with it a small scene at a time. Build some of the benchwork and work on the trackwork and some scenery and add to the benchwork a bit here and there (that’s what my choice is), then more track. Whatever you want that keeps your interest. This is my way based on the way I feel and knowing the way I am. Everyone is and will be different. Just something to consider as you make your choice.
I am just in the process of starting my 7th layout in my MRRing “career” of 46+ years. My recommendation to the OP is “Think big but start small”. Building a layout requires quite a number of different skills that need to be acquired or trained. This is best done with a small, but expandable layout, which can grow into that basement size empire you´d like to have.
Ulrich while agree with you in concept I must say, IMHO that there are much better layouts than that particular one… what’s left mine is in the garage and available for pickup - you haul. It almost put me out MR’ing for good . I thought it would great to dip my feet in N scale. It maybe great for learning building techniques but when you are done it will leaving wanting - in my case before I was done but I did finish it. You’ll wind up with 2 loops and not much else. Even adding to the plan in a after the fact manner, I found it still was very limiting to all but the purist of railfan only group. It would be best for the store front window. Having built this layout I would recommend the one in my previous post - it was designed by Jim Hediger.
Unless your plan includes your future expansions - as the book but beyond the book- it leaves very little option for change unless you build a complete other layout and tack this one on to it. With simple materials - ie ground throws vs tortoise - you could easily spend a $1000 on this and find yourself right back where you started.
Not meaning to bash the work of our host I just wouldn’t want the OP start off on a doomed path - IMHO.
If he has the room for an HO 4x8 then he has the room for a 4x8 n scale layout. Start small, expand, build a little, run trains, add a little more, run more trains, add some more etc. The N Scale coal line Linoel did about 10 years ago IN MR would fit nicely in that space and could be done in sections after the mainline was installed to get trains running.
Not trying to start a war just would feel bad not to have said this.
the link I provided was meant as food for thought - not for the OP to copy this design. Beginners tend to bite off more than they can swallow and end up losing interest in a hobby, that can be a companion for life when begun sensibly. Although there is a lot of good and not only well meant advice available, like in this forum and other excellent pages, coming up with a layout design that grows as your skills and interest grow, seems to be the toughest part of all. After all, aren´t we all tempted by the pictures of those empires we see in the magazines? But what´s the use of a layout that keeps you busy for years and your are still not able to run a train? Jeff Kraker has put it to the point in MR´s May feature and the additional explanation he has given recently here in the forum.
I am quite aware that apt beginners may outgrow the confines of those classic beginner layouts pretty soon and either start anew or lose interest - which would be a shame, because we all like to see the hobby grow.
May I therefore suggest, that our hosts picks up the idea of “Think big, but start small” and runs a series of articles on that issue?
Don, what part of model railroading is the most appealing part? Are you interested in a highly detailed bench, switching or just run trains?
If highly detail pike is what you are after, I would go with a smaller bench. I got a friend into the hobby a few months ago and he has not ran a train yet. He is enjoying doing the scenery and modeling buildings. Making hills, roads, trees and adding detail take a lot of time.
For my self, I enjoy running trains so I went with a bigger layout. Part of my layout is well done, part of it is just track, few buildings and grass mat. I get the same enjoyment from both sides of the bench. it will never be highly detail, but I am fine with that.