I an faced with limitations in space for layout building.
I live in a condominium that has insufficient space for a year-round setup. I am an HO man, with some N scale hardware, and would like to know what some of the options are for building a professional layout that could be assembled for display from roughly November-January and could be taken down and stored for the remainder of the year.
Any thoughts or resources in getting such a project started? HO is preferred, but N would be an option.
Any help or direction would be appreciated as I have been out of the hobby too long and really would like to get back into it!
First of all: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
With only a 3-month window to work with, I would lean toward an N-scale layout myself to reduce the size and weight you’d have to deal with. A module-style unit (2 x 4’) might be your best scenario, as this will allow you the ability to tear it down and store your layout out much more easily. You might even want to think about extruded foam insulation for your base.
A single 2 x 4’ module would work for an N-scale layout if you wanted continous running, but only point-to-point for HO. A multi-module layout would be better suited for HO, again, making it easier to store for the majority of the year. For HO, you could eliminate more weight by even making the individual module depths shallower. And, another idea. If you wanted, you could even cart the module unit(s) with you to your other destination for storage or setup there.
Anyhow, Dave, hope that helps. Keep us posted on what you decide to do, and if you have any additional questions you want to ask.
From my limited experience with condos, you are really limited not only in usable interior space but also in limited storage space.
N scale would be a better choice, given your limitations. If you want a single unit, I would recommend at least 30" wide, 32" is better. That gives you a little more room for a larger radius in your turns. It would have to be at least 30" or 32" long, too. Total length is limited by your space available, and 48" will give you a nice size layout to work with. These dimensions will allow you to have oval-shaped tracks, small elevation changes and room for sidings or a small yard.
For simple switching style layouts, you can use 12" to 15" for a big N scale layout or 15" to 18" for a small HO layout. Length is still limited by available space.
Construction using blue or pink foam (2" think is best) would make for a very light and portable layout. With a 2" thickness, little bracing is needed for N scale and minimal bracing is needed for HO.
Keep asking your questions here on the forum. There is a huge supply of answers that haven’t been used yet! LOL
If you don’t mind hearing from somebody who’s just gotten back into the hobby after a five year hiatus. A switching layout, like has been suggested by a few others, is probably going to be the way to go. It can be kept small and shallow, and still remain interesting.
I have a serious lack of space, myself, and I’m currently constructing a slightly modified N scale version of the Pioneer Railroad prject layout, that started in the Sep ‘94 issue of MR. For N scale it can be brought down to 4’ x 1’ and actually gains space over the O scale original’s 12’ x 30"
For a switching layout, it would be best to have staging tracks, where the layout connects with the rest of the world. If done right, the staging could be made removable, so it would only have to be up when the layout is actually being run.
Whatever you go with, I agree with dgwinup’s advice to build it from foam insulation board. It’s rigid and durable, but will keep the weight down, for easy movement.
An Inglenook or Timesaver switching puzzle is a great way to go. You can get an HO Inglenook into 4’ x 1’ or less, the Timesaver needs about 6’ for 50’ cars.
I personally like the Gumstump & Snowshoe, especially when built with an Inglenook puzzle at the lower terminal. Fits comfortably in 8ft x 18in in HO, the original was built in 1ft x 6ft. Makes into an interesting shelf layout for display, and can be operated by 2 people.
For a foundation for the 8ft version, I would use 2 framed foam sections that can be stored facing each other. See http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModConstr/ModConstr01.htm for the best instructions I have seen on building suitable sections.