So I posted a while back about the area I had available. Well, it just changed quite a bit and now my plans are completely irrelevant. So now I have an area that is 10x4 to do whatever I want. However, I know this seems great, but I will not go smaller than 22" curves. Of course, I also want as big of a main line as I can fit, but with no room for a u-curve with my desired radius I am stumped. I guess I can go pickup the new magazine and check out their layouts for the 4x8 special, but I’m sure they use 18" radii.
____ happens to all of us. 22"r track will give you a turnback loop in a 4’ wide space. An alternative is to use flex track and you could slightly reduce your curve as necessary, without going way down to 18"r.
My dream space keeps getting “otherwize” used, so dream plans are just that for now. I am working on a MUCH smaller layout.
May I humbly suggest you consider working in N scale? 18" curves are quite generous, even for the biggest steam and longest cars. A train on an 8’ long straightaway would have around 30 cars in it, and you’d be able to include a decent sized yard and two or three towns in the space you’ve got.
Agree – At least consider N Scale – Here’s why from personal experience…
CR&T’s usable layout space is now apx. 5’x9’ – Final layout re-design is in full force as room preparation is now acceptable to “As Seen On HGTV” standards. The layout room ended up as a Layout/Library Room.
CR&T’s multi-level layout has a U-shaped cockpit, and space for a helix. It is mostly traction – Allowing for tighter radius curves. CR&T itself is still surrounded by a Pennsy mainline. Thus, the layout actually has 2 railroads.
N Scale makes CR&T possible with apx. 40 square feet on each level.
Your 10’x4’ Layout = 40 square feet – Also quite doable with slow but sure planning.
If i still lived in the motel with two rooms one to stay in and the other for the layout like i use to, or still in a single wide mobel home, the N scale in these modern times is what i will model,now with a full size basement the HO is where i will stay.
Regarding N scale - I have considered it. I was actually planning on it, but then I saw the locos, tiny!! Plus I have several HO locomotives I have my heart set on running.
Hamltnblue, 6 inches to a foot in what direction? It is possible for me to, but what for?
It’s not THAT tiny… And what good is it to have those nice HO engines if all they do is chase their tails around an oval? I recommend you look at the track plan library here and do a search of medium size N scale track plans…
What type of railroad are you planning to build? If it’s a fairly limited scope, like a switching operation or modest short line, HO will work well in that space. But if you want to represent any kind of main line action, you’re going to find your space sorely lacking.
Is your actual available open floorspace really 4x10 feet, or is it 8x12 feet, so you have room for 2 feet wide aisles on three sides of a 4x10 feet table?
How about describing the room the 10x4 foot area is in? Doors, windows, other uses of the room, other stuff in the room that must remain accessible, and so on and so forth.
