Just signing on and learning my way around the website. I model HO and an in the process of building a 6’6" X 12’ layout ( #56 in the book 101 Track Plans).
I look forward to chatting with all of you at some point and time.
Bob
Welcome. There have been number of people finding this sight, even as I did a few months ago. I hope you find it as useful as I. A nice plan to start with. As you progress, ask specific questions and you will get many responses, some of which are useful and more of which are at least interesting. I like mountains and scenery. We look forward to your interests and skills.
Bob,
[#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)] Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. That’s why the forum is here.
I am familiar with the 101 Tracks Plans but don’t know #56 right off hand. Bob, with the size room you’ve stated in your post, I’m afraid that the only viable layout for you with those room dimensions would be an around-the-wall layout. A 4 x 8’ piece of plywood coming off the short (6’-6" or 78") wall will NOT give you adequate aisle space - i.e. only 18" on either side. Unless you are Cher, you’ll need at the very minimum 24" (and preferably larger) aisles to move around comfortably.
Bob, I don’t want to discourage you from your original plan, but you can only work with the room that you have. For my vantage point, an around-the-wall layout for the room you have picked out is your best option.
Just my [2c]s…
Tom
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome] to the forum Bob.
Like Art, I also hope you find this site as useful as I have. We will try to help you as best as we can.
ICMR
Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]
And WHERE did Bob state the size of his ROOM??? He stated the size of his LAYOUT, not his ROOM. Guess that makes your 2 cents worth a little less than that. LOL[:D]
Welcome to the forum, Bob![:)]
Jeff
Jeff,
Doh!..Guess I should have read Bob’s post a LITTLE more carefully, huh?..[D)] Okay…now that I’ve been corrected…I STILL think he oughta go with an around-the-room layout. [:P]
Thanks, Jeff! [:D] (Got any extra change on you?)
Tom
Hi Tom,
I agree, around the room is the way to go, if possible. But to each his own (at the moment, I don’t even HAVE a layout).[:D]
Jeff
welcome !
Welcome to a Great Forum!
Make sure you get one of the free layout programs and see if the layout in the book works as shown. Often MR make compromises in the pictures to fit their magazine layout. I did one from that book that was supposed to be 9 inches by 8 foot. When I got the layout drawn, to make all the curves and turnouts fit, it was 12 inches by 11 feet.
And Tom’s suggestion about considering an option other than the 'Island" layout is a good one. A layout the size you are suggestiing will have spots you can’t reach and you’ll spend a lot of time walking from one side of your layout to the other when you want to be running your trains.
Welcome to the nut house [D)]
I have had 2 4x8 and am working on my third around the room. Each was dictated by the space I had, not my ideal layout. My ideal is still a dedicated wing on the house and a layout that looks like the G&D. You need to start with what fits your room and your inclinations, not mine.
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome] This is my 100th post. so i just wanted to say you are welcome here[^] Tim
Bob, welcome the the forums.
Feel free to ask or answer questions!
Gordon
#56 in my first edition is the “Dayton & Northern”. A double track oval with broad curves and an operation pit in the center. Is that the one?
Do you have large locomotives or long cars that need those nice broad curves?
WELCOME [#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
This is a fun place… everyone is willing to lend a helping hand, and share a few laughs!!! Hope your stay here is long and enjoyable[:D]
Broad curves are good for high speed passenger runs, aren’t they??!? Or perhaps Bob has one of those spiffy 4-8-8-4 steamers that just make me grow faint. Welcome to the forum, Bob!!