Hello everybody. I seen billions of train shows in Missouri and they have alot of long layouts like the one in Illinois called the great train expo. What I have at home is just two 4x8 tables and they are both seprate layouts. Do you have any long layouts that you would like to tell me about?
sincerely
Ryan LaPlaca
The “long layouts” you see are probably modular layouts - each 2x4 section is a self contained section and most of them are probably owned by different people. The size of the layout depends at least partially on how many people contribute how many modules to the layout at that particular show.
if they are big and moved to a train show, they must be modular. I built 4 HO modules, our usual configuration is a 20x60 oval but if there is room we pull out all the modules and do a 60x60 L shape. We wanted to get away from the usual “module” look where the scenery doesnt match up, we built everything to blend together, thats why we can only do the 2 configurations.
My layout is in a small space but has I’m thinking maybe 3 50-60 car trains and maybe 1 or 2 local trains, a Yard switcher. The N scale Group I’m with our layout is like 40x60 or something like that Double track main, Most of the scenery matches up but we have an area that is just kind of Generic, so that we can all have something to add, I might build a Module so that i can take it with me. Downside is, None of the members have enough space for the entire thing to be set up all at once, We can only set it up a few modules at a time, Biggest problem with that is only 1 Module has 4 legs, the rest interlock to that.
Not all long layouts are modular. Shelf-type layouts, designed for a long mainline and realistic operations, can get quite long. My last layout featured a 250 foot long mainline on three decks, or about four scale miles (in HO). The “longest” layout I’ve ever operated on features ten scale miles (600+ feet!) on two decks.
Yep there is the big problem. We have been in different malls for the last few years negotiating for free space. Luckily in all that time we have always had a place to leave the layout set up and havent paid a dime for it. Unfortunantly our luck ran out a few months ago after we displayed at the George Bush Library so the whole thing is in a couple of storage rooms right now. Luckily my layout and the club layout are there to keep me busy. I just finished the last of the trackwork at home, and last month we finished the mainline at the club. The visible mainline run is a little over 1000 feet but there are still lots of yards and hidden trackage to lay.
I have a fairly long layout which is mostly around the walls (on 3 to 4 decks) and there are several peninsulas. Total track is 2800 feet which is fairly close to 44 scale miles. It is located in a 25 by 75 basement.
It can keep up to 40 operators busy for hours switching cars.
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Holy Moly! [:O] Thats a lot of freakin trackage. Do you have any pics of posted on the web?
No yet but they are coming!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Billions. That’s a bunch.
[#ditto]
Up here in the northwest we are fortunate to have several modular groups in HO and N scales. Check the NMRA module specs for both guages. I am building Free-mo modules in HO because I love big curves and turnouts like #8’s and 9’s. Last May was our second annual combined PNW-RPM and Free-mo meet in Bellingham and we had about 85 feet including (2)- 14 foot yards! Next tear should top 100 feet! It is great fun operating with folks from all over including several from B.C. and the Precision models displayed were awesome! The modules were in various stages of completion from bare foam decks to completely scenic’ed. By following the simple specs the Free-mo modules can be put in any location on the set-up in either direction. By emulating the prototype we had a lot of fun with lesser trains taking the siding in deference to one of higher class or direction. They key is to Enjoy! Happy railroading!
hi bob h
is your layout in your home or is it in the basement of a building off of main street in clarion?if its in the clubs basement i would like to come down when you have an open house and see how you wire for the o gauge layout that is there.i realy enjoyed how well the trains ran both the ho and o gauge,if i remember right there was also a n gauge layout.i will be starting my o gauge 3 rail this fall as soon as i can finish the floor and layout top. i don`t think my sig nature is working. dutchman