Who else, besides me is following the current MR G scale layout project? Fantastic and impressive is all I can say, I love my S, but a SP themed G branchline layout would look impressive in my 25 X 70 space, why even GP-7s can be had in Black Widow colors. Must resist these thoughts or i’ll got nothing accomplished.
Dave
I like the large scale and have thoughts of laying some track outside to use some of my engines. The problem is, I only have a few cars. This will take time to get a sufficient amount of cars to make some of my engines look like a prototype train.
It is a nice change in size and I have always enjoyed having the engines, just have not used them in any outside setting.
I have found the size to be attractive, but the scale mess is a serious drawback. There are at least 5 scales here - 1:20.3, 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:29, and 1:32. Unfortunately, not all products are labeled as to scale. So I am unsure what exactly is available for whichever scale one would pick. Still, if I had a whole basement for it, it would be tempting.
Enjoy
Paul
I have anOn30 layout inside and an F scale (NMRA 20.3 is now F) hope they continue to sort out the scale mess. Anyway back to topic., the garden RR club I belong to is getting a building two stories with a layout area 24x24 the use of which has been donated.
There are only a few members with indoor building experience. Guess who will have to come up with a track plan and do the benchwork?
Its a challange I like. I doubt it will be SP. CNR or CPR most likely up here in the great white.
The article in MR has some good ideas and discusses some of the problems you can run into. It will be fun.
Get a Live Steam 2-6-0 if you do it
James
Did some doodling of possible track plans this weekend, just to test the theory, U shaped point-to point. Min. radius 10ft. #6 turnouts (over 1feet in length apiece) handlaid code 148 rail, (close enough to 110lb.) Single track main, terminating on both tails with a through siding and a couple of industries, stagging off to the aisle side, just a couple of tracks.
Together, not more then 15 turnouts total . Enterance to the operating area would be via the area between the tails, no duckunders with a undecided control system, A aisle would permit access to the stagging yard (well, one at least, still have to work out the design elements for the second)
Aristocraft has announced that SD7/9’s will soon be available, adding further fuel to the fire for change …One thing is clear, large scale is going to consume a lot of time and materials and there are some rolling stock issues, scratchbuilding would take on a whole new meaning in this size. One factor in it’s favor, some aspects are more affordable then S.
[:D]Dave
Dave,
These may not be SP models but they should get the attention of any 1:32 scale modeler. Start drooling!
http://www.fineartmodels.com/pages/index.asp?content_area=3&sub_area=10&product_area=10
The problem with 1:32 is that there is less avalable than in 1:29 scale. That and the whoping huge price difference between items in the scale. I would consider a 1/29 scale layout, that way you can use USA and Aristo much easier priced GPs and SW-1’s, USA even has a new S-1000 switcher all for about $300 each or less.
I have spent the last 3 years planning my indoor large scale Borracho Springs layout which is now on hold till a new garage is built to house it. I would be glad to help any way I can with the planning of it… Vic
Agreed, the selection available in 1:29 closely mimics what will be needed to model the SP. Prices are still less then what I pay for some S scale items. i’m leaning towards USA and Aristocraft excusively for motive power, 1:29 it shall be. Appreciate the offer of assistance, no doubt i’ll be needing it.
Dave