I am having problems thinking up a good layout that would fit my ideas. I only have room for what is at most a 6X10, but more likely will end up a 4x8 or 5x9. I am wanted an oval that represents an industrial spur branching off a mainline so the back side will have a double track with the oval branching off of it (if that makes since)
Also I am looking at the following industries.
*Scrap recycling (Might have it’s own engine)
Engine Works
Lumber Yard
*Oil Distributor
*actual prototypes that I must put in
does anyone know any good layouts that could fill my needs?
David, the fellas on here recently talked me into an “along the wall” type layout instead of further pursuing my ping pong table layout mods. Mine is essentially a folded dogbone with 110" length. Think a continuous run “U” shaped set up.
Do you have a spot which would work for that?
unfortunately I don’t
I would love to have made a u-shaped layout, but what is used now as the family office, but there were three doors in that room. so I kinda have a small area next to my desk in the family room that MAY fit a 4x8 in there.
So the oval is for the industries and the main line is just a “dummy” track along the back, or do you mean you want a main-line oval that branches off the back into an industrial area?
I want to have it look like this, but with industrial switching in the middle
It has been said many times before, but I won´t hesitate to repeat it. A 4 by 8 is certainly not the most efficient way to use a layout space. You will need access to at least 3 of the 4 sides, enlarging the necessary footprint to 8 by 10 ft.
If space is at a premium, why not try to think outside of the box? There are many different ways of building a layout w/o having a space as large(!) as 8 by 10 ft. available.
I am currently building a mini-modular layout in N scale, which fits on a desk, can be assembled/disassembled in just minutes and is really a joy to build and operate. Find more info on it here:
My layout
Or you could build a layout in segments which can be stored on a shelf when the layout is not in use. Look at this layout:
OK, the design could be improved (it lacks a staging facility), but it is a proven concept and fairly easy to construct.
Just food for thought!
Hi David,
you have a room with three doors and a 4x8 might fit just in beside your desk, according to your last entry. In your first entry you were talking about a possible 6x10 table. A bit difficult to match this information.
Since a reach-in over 30" is impossible, you need access around any table wider then 30". The best way to start is by a drawing of your room, including doors, windows and other limitations. Only then consider the boundaries of your benchwork.
Try to make your drawing more to scale; you might be surprised how much space these double S-curves will need. Even when you are using #4 turnouts and an 18 inch radius.
Some nice layouts with switching in the middle could be picked from the amazing web-side by Byron Henderson.
Smile
Paul