I am looking at ideas to condense a track plan in to a 10x10 HO layout. I am looking at using the gorm system from Ikea, because it will provide shelving and a clean look also. see link below:
The setup will be a modular design as I will still have one more move to go yet. I am using digitrax for my DCC system. I am looking at ideas to incorperate a lower staging into the layout I would like to do and perhaps a second level if it is feasible. I know i will have to get rid of some indutries, but a track plan is my main focus right now. There will be no helix as the room is not beg enough so a nolix has to be the approach for the second level.
The layout is below, please feel free to disect it, but the key points are: one Yard tops side, hartman spur, CN interchange and the LE&N Railway. The other yard can be on the lower level. I am seeking at least the main level and lower level-just seeking in put how to go about this. There does have to be a section that is able to open to enter the room. For the time being the layout will be in the basement, and then will be moved in to a condo.
Track: min #4 turnouts (prefer #5) 28 radius using six and four axle engines running freight and passenger service
You’re really looking to cram 10 pounds of, er, stuff, into a 5 pound sack. Really, your best bet would be to do it in N scale.
If you’re not willing to do that, let’s see if we can nail down what you really want.
You want the same features as that layout, but in a 10x10 space. Double decking is a possibility.
You want a sectional layout, as opposed to modular. Yes, this is kind of semantics, but a sectional layout is designed to be taken apart and put back together the same way every time, whereas on a modular layout, any module can be set up with any other, in any order, and they all connect properly, but now attempt is made to have continuous scenery between modules. On this note, will you be moving again once you get to your condo? If not, perhaps it would be better to just wait. Or build something small now, and expand it when you get to your new home.
You want your layout in the center of a room as opposed to around the walls.
This isn’t your first layout, because if it is, you’re really biting off a lot to chew (not necessarily more than you can chew, but it’s a risk).
As far as your other design choice… well, I like the GORM system too, but that’s hugely expensive stuff to be using for benchwork, shelving and clean appearance aside. May I recommend some other solutions, such as Sievers, Mianne, and Woodland Scenics prefabricated benchwork modules. These will cost less, and shelving can be easily added. Of course, the ultimate low-cost solution is to build your own. But I guess cost isn’t an object, or you wouldn’t be considering this kind of benchwork.
CT the term is blivet, a british term for 2 pounds of dung in a 1 pound sack. Ephemera aside, i think you are right, the best way to go is 1x2 and 1/4’ ply in I or C beams. use 2x2 for legs…
