Now, this isn’t a problem so much, it’s more of a decision. I can either build the layout in an upstairs loft which is roughly 18x18 feet, or a garage outside, which is about 20x15. The problem with the loft is the roof is slanted (it’s a log cabin), so on part of the layout, it couldn’t be quite so high, and the garage would need to be heavily cleaned first, and there is no insulation, so it would get rather cold in the winter.
I’m leaning more twords the loft, but any considerations I should take in either of these?
As you progress with the building of your layout, the climb up the stairs will become a real pain especially as you have to measure and re-measure something before cutting it on the table saw or circular saw, for example. Up & down gets real old–real quick.
An inexpensive space heater can be used in the garage if it gets too cold.
On the other hand, summer humidity might wreak havoc on your layout in the garage AND it gets to be a pain to have to get all bundled up just to work out there during cold winter months when skivvies may suffice in the warmer loft.
I have a layout upstairs and one in the garage. When I get more room, the garage one is going inside. I’ve made my decision—no more garage layouts if I have a choice.
That does actually. Humidity is bad. Bad = humidity. The loft is actually split into two parts, the other side is my bedroom, with a bathroom in the middle. My workbench is in my bedroom, so I figure most of the woodwork to be done after my layout is for the most part put together, can be done in there.
I live in N texas and mine is in the garage but, its insulated and has A/C and heat. I didnt really have another choice of location My track doesnt have any issues just gapped so it can expand and contract. I have a friend whose club layout is in a warehouse…man its so hot and so cold and they have nos track issues, gaps a plenty and not glued down spiked. If I had my way I would have built a structure in my backyard with A/C and heat maybe later in life I will have a garage and a trainroom
My layout is in our family room, which has sloped sides like your loft. Since I have to share the room with, well, the family, I have a 5x12 foot free-standing table. I put it on casters so I could roll it around, and pull it out from the wall to work on the back. This way, it tucks under the slanted roofline when not in use, and it’s more out of the way when my teenage daughter’s friends invade.
If you’re going with an around-the-walls layout, then having it under the slant is fine, as long as you keep it narrow enough. Access to all parts of the layout is important. The standard answer is that no part of a layout should be more than 30 inches reach from the edge, and I’ve found that to be a good number.
The thing that gets beat up in the humidity is lumber. People talk about their track “warping” in the heat, but it’s really the plywood underneath that’s doing that. If you use the 2-inch insulation foam (blue or pink stuff) then you will eliminate a lot of the problems.
The cost and effort in preparing the garage will add up quickly also.
Think about how the space around the layout in the garage will be used. If the door is left open or openned at all the amount of dust that collects will suprise you. Dust also = bad, dirty rails and locos.
I have a layout in the garage in Riverside Ca. and between the extreme heat, humidity, dust, and bugs ( I leave the door open at times and the lights atract them), I am always cleaning. The wife thinks I spend more time cleaning the garage than any other part of the house.
Do the loft/atic layout, The temperatures will be more moderate and you could model year round. I do not go in the garage when its over 100 degrees and it gets upseting at times.
Unless the loft undergoes extreme changes of temperature and humidity, I would opt for the loft over the garage. Both of those will reek havoc on the benchwork and track of your layout. As already mentioned by John above, dust and dirt are and can be an issue, too.
I would go for the loft. My layouts (2) are in the basement. I wanted the living room that we use once a year but… My parents wanted it in the basement. lol It is nice and cool in the summer but its a little cold if your in a t shirt in the winter. My personal reasons for using the loft (if I was in your position) would be I love classic cars and would use the garage for those. As you can not park them in a loft!! Also I assume your garage is not fineshed (cement floor and just drywall) while I assume your loft has carpet and paint. I bet you would like a nice comfterable layout room. Its your RR though. Tim
I’ve had a layout in my garage for 20 or so years. I’ve studded that garage door wall, insulated and apllied drywall. Have temperture controll and installed a dehumidfier. No problems, eccept the cars stay in the driveway. But I do not have a basement, and the wife is understanding.[:)]
