Hello all,
I’m currently working in HO scale and do not want to switch to N scale. I have a room that is 8 x 10. Can a decent HO layout be made in this scale? I would like the layout to be in an L shape with continuous running and a little switching. Is it reasonably possible?
Thanks,
Jesse
Do a Google search on “model train layouts” and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.Many interesting plans have been designed that could fit in this space.However,you’ll have to consider access to the whole layout surface.In HO,the benchwork has to be fairly large to allow train turnaround and if backed to the walls,becomes hard to work on.
If you are willing to work with short, low-speed trains a very nice layout can be built along the walls of an 8 x 10 room. By keeping the shelves high and narrow you can even use the room for other purposes.
Short, low speed trains could be run by a logging road, mining development, urban switching zone, bucoloc branch or short line, seaport, even a major industry’s intra-plant rail system. Depending on your choice, operating pace can be anything from laid-back to frenetic.
If you would like a variety of different cars, think about modeling a major rolling stock repair and modification facility.
Admittedly, you won’t be able to run unit trains or long passenger consists, and huge articulateds or a multiplicity of six-axle diesels would probably be inappropriate. Or maybe not, if you decide to concentrate on a major engine terminal or locomotive repair facility.
Contrary to one expressed opinion, an around-the-wall layout is easy to access, and provides much more useable real estate than an island or ‘one end against the wall’ layout. Your room will barely accept the traditional 4 x 8 rectangle with minimum 24 inch aisleways - or the same surface area can be used to put a two foot wide shelf around half your room. Anything you build along the other two walls is a bonus - and you’ll have a space four feet wide to build and operate from.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Go to the interactive section of the website and check for track plans for your room size and layout type.
I did a quick search and didn’t find anything when I used L shape as the keyword but look through some of the other plans and maybe you can adapt something.
Have you considered an around the room layout instead of that “L” shape? This can be built as 24-30" wide sections against the walls. Curved or 45 degree corners would allow for broader curves. A narrow center peninsula could also be incorporated for a “Y” and/ or small industry or engine sevice.
The only drawback to this design is that a lift out, swingaway or drop down will be needed at the room access to eliminate a duckunder.
The plan you propose would need 180 degree turns at both end needing substancial space creating benchwork that is 48" wide. Yes, it could be narrowed slightly at the inside turn of the “L” but this would cause “S” bends in the track. Access to the rear track and scenery would be a tough reach. This L style would be almost all curved track except for some short straights at the back walls (4ft and 6ft)
Is this a decent layout?
It is 8´ by 8´, but can easily be extended by 2´. A joy to build and fun to operate.
Yes, you can. However, in this space you’ll have to place the layout against the walls. By making the layout 5 feet deep on both legs of the L you leave a 3x5 corner open for operating. You will need access hatches to reach the parts of the layout next to the walls. This is not ideal and you probably should avoid turnouts on the rear part of the layout.
As others have noted, an around the walls layout may be better for you. You’ll need a gate/liftout/duckunder at the door, but once inside you have easy access to the layout.
Enjoy
Paul
I would go with a 2 track main line all the way around
THAT would take the fun out of operating this layout - unless you just want to watch two trains go roundy-round. It is those “bottlenecks” which need to be resolved in operation, that add to the fun!
Different strokes for different folks
It is watching two trains passing each other on the mains that does it for me
There is another thread currently floating around that debates point-to-point versus continuous loop.
Not that the proposed layout is point-to-point, but the expansion of the proposed layout, as UncBob suggests, could be done quite nicely without defeating the challenge of operating to get around those bottlenecks.
In other words, just like point-to-point versus continuous loop, single mainlline versus double mainline could be rendered academic by constructing a double mainline with bottlenecks.
I like both ideas.
Rich
It’s funny how people read things. When the OP said L shaped, I thought about an L shaped shelf along two walls instead of an L shaped table. But yes a good layout can fit in the space if you design with it instead of against it (IE, big diesels or big steam, long trains, etc, while possible, won’t fit the space as well as locals, branchline, or similar as stated above. But then you could do an around the walls style modeling a junction with heavy mainline if you allow for it. One of the early Track Planning annuals had a version of the V&O in a 12x12 room.
Andy Sperandeo’s San Jacinto district plan is a great example. It was designed for something like 9x12, but could be shrunk down.
Another alternative is to take a typical 4x8 or 5x9 table top plan and stretch it to fit the room. Leave the inside open and you’ve just created a shelf layout. I’ve often thought the Jefferson, Memphis, & Northern from the 80s could be done that way.