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Post by copperbearrails on Mar 27, 2024 4:04:13 GMT
Hey Everyone, Buckle up for this because its bound to offend someone on either side of the fence
Im looking to build my first REAL layout. My other layout is a *deep breath* Christmas layout! *GASP*
Its a 60x60 layout and started when I inherited my grandfathers Lemax Collection. I built the display and started with a Lionel Pennsylvania Keystone 0-8-0 set. We are switching to a Southern 4-6-2 Pacific train this year along with a few more Christmas themed peices of rolling stock.
For my "real" layout I was scrolling through an old MTH catalog and found this layout.
I believe it has O31 curves which should work on the engines I have. I also have a Williams Hudson 4-6-4 ( I think.) At the last train swap I was at, one of the guys mentioned not having tracks smaller than O72 but that seems crazy. I was wondering if the forum had any thoughts about trying to make this work out.
Wishlist:
O42 Curves 2 levels min. 2 loops small train yard
Am I crazy for trying to make this work? Is a 12x12 square practical for operation? Would a "U" work better? And Finally, WTF do I start for track selection? Lionel fast track is great but I dont like how thick it is. MTH Scaletrax has a similar issue. Gargraves seems to appeal to me the most but IDK how easy it is to set up and connect.
I understand this is a lot to breakdown but if you could chip away at it, I might have a layout in the next 2-4-8 months to years lol
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Post by firewood on Mar 27, 2024 5:05:16 GMT
Welcome aboard šš¼ and no, I donāt think anyone on this forum will be offended by mentioning Christmas displays and ārealā layouts together! š One of my local club guys does a store-window display every year with his Lionel and Lemax collection. I run an 10 x 13 L-shaped layout with 042 curves, so I hope it gives you some ideas. Hereās the link: o-gaugeforum.com/thread/2625/border-line-achievable-layout. Enjoy the journey, Dave youtube.com/@davew3804 |
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Post by dennym57 on Mar 27, 2024 5:22:22 GMT
I'm still waiting to be offended.
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Post by Adam on Mar 27, 2024 11:10:45 GMT
Christmas never offends on the OGF! We talk about it often.
While I think your idea is a bit of a challenge given that footprint, I do think it is achievable. Might require some trial and error.
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Post by david1 on Mar 27, 2024 12:09:27 GMT
My layout is a 24/7 Christmas themed with dept 56 buildings and figures. I have built many layouts in my life from realism to fantasy and whoever is offended can go pound sand. This forum is not one of those. We embrace whatever you like.
Myself I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Also just ask any questions, we are here to help.
Dave
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Post by seayakbill on Mar 27, 2024 12:29:19 GMT
Layout planning is a lot of fun. A lot of Christmas Tree layouts eventually become the start of a permanent layout. To check out your Williams Hudson, set-up a small 042 loop on the floor and give it a test run. Bill www.youtube.com/user/seayakbill |
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Post by healey36 on Mar 27, 2024 12:40:24 GMT
Is a 12x12 square practical for operation?
Would a "U" work better?
If you go with a 12x12 footprint, make sure there's access somewhere in the center, maybe in multiple places. My layout is an 8x14 "around-the-room" configuration, and I have trouble reaching across four foot wide sections, especially after scenery/structures. I have three loops, with the outer one having O-42 curves minimum. That way I can run some of the larger stuff (but not all of it). The next inner loop is O-31, and the inside loop is O-27. Access is critical, so make sure you plan for it (or get one of those topside creepers). Topside Creeper
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Post by atsda on Mar 27, 2024 22:28:43 GMT
Looking forward to what you come up with. Some kind of 'U' configuration would be good; however; this puts a crimp on using O72. Access points for the square layout is critical. In any case, make it about 36" off the floor so you can conveniently do wiring. Layout some track on the floor for planning purposes. What are you thinking about supports and the tabletop? Alfred
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Mar 28, 2024 2:14:36 GMT
Is a 12x12 square practical for operation?
Would a "U" work better? The real problem is getting to the center, whether for landscaping/repair or just retrieving wayward rolling stock. I'm fairly tall at 6 feet 2, but I find about four feet is the absolute limit that I can reach, even for minor tasks, and for any extended time or effort, it's hard to comfortably reach more than three feet IMHO (my 8 X 8 main layout is literally a stretch!). Sure, there are expensive rolling dollies available, and you could always build sturdy enough to safely go on top, but I think you'd be much better served designing with easy access in mind.
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Post by edlloyd on Mar 28, 2024 2:57:16 GMT
For me my challenge has always been coming up with the right track design for my limited space which is 12'x8'. Until now I have pretty much just stayed with 036 curves. While it has been fine I am finding it is time to try 072 or 060 which will really limit design but still give it a completely different look. All my layouts are temporary also. That may change in the near future too. There is a lot of things to take into consideration when designing a build. You have a nice sized space. You can do a lot in a 12'x12'. I am excited to see your progress and end result. Just enjoy the journey and feel free to post any issues along the way. This forum has a great bunch of guys more than willing to provide great advice.
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Post by curtis on Mar 28, 2024 20:26:09 GMT
I have a 32'x 55' layout. TWO BIG THINGS COME TO MIND!!!
1. Yes make at least ONE O72 Loop. BIGGER IF POSSIBLE! I have some engines that will not run on my O72 loops due to Curve CLEARANCES or BRIDGES right next to the curve. You NEVER (I REPEAT - NEVER) know what you will own in the future.
2. NEVER NEVER NEVER install switches in a mountain. THEY MUST BE ACCESSIBLE for repair. ALSO as mentioned above think of your reach. A three foot reach on a layout is about the max.
As add on note. PLAN AHEAD! Wire your layout to run DCS, Legacy and Conventional. If you wire it for DCS you are covered for the other two.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Mar 29, 2024 0:42:00 GMT
You may find my thread 'Have we liftoff?' instructive from a lessons learned perspective and what I employed for Halloween and Christmas 2023 which was 14'X12'.
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Post by copperbearrails on Mar 29, 2024 4:27:57 GMT
You never know who can get offended by these things. The "scale guys" Ive run into at shows cringe when I say Christmas display. The Christmas guys get offended because a "real display" is up for more than a month lol
Firewood I would like to see more of the scenery you're working on. The basalt mountain came out great and I might steal the BC tunnel idea for my display. I like the idea of having a dedicated upper level instead of trying to elevate tracks 5-6" even at 3-3.5% grade.
curtis (and others) I want to get a Turbotrain ( MTH 20-20035-1 ) eventually and it only runs on O-72 or higher. I don't see a way to have an O-72 in a 12x12 U shape. It does sound like running O-42 should be versatile enough to run most things.
For construction I was thinking a 2x4 frame with 3/4' mdf and 2' foam on top. I like the idea of "dipping" into the scenery. Whether its a culvert or a stream being carved out it can add depth. I understand needing access to the middle but I dont know how to solve that using that layout.
This is what Ive been working on using scarm. Im limited to 100 peices. The blue line would be elevated but it still leaves me with one loop. The line crossing the middle is also elevated and spirals down in the central loop. Idk if its clear in the picture. Looking at it now the east blue line may need to turn out left instead of right and come around the south side of my railyard. I think coming around the right and south side would give me enough room to climb. Im not sure what to do with the upper right. Maybe a town? Coal mine on the left side? Maybe have the left side cut out and have a quarry thats 12" deep?
I dont have a theme or backstory for my layout and reading some of your threads it seems to be a good starting point. Its clear I have a long road ahead but just the few comments you guys left have the creative juices flowing.
Thanks all!
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Post by copperbearrails on Apr 2, 2024 2:32:52 GMT
This is my latest version of the Wild West layout from MTH. ( It wont actually be Wild West themed.)
Light blue is an elevated cross-over Yellow is a small rail yard Dark green is just an elevated loop Red would ( eventually ) lead to a round table Light green would be for a quarry cut into the table.
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Post by dctrainguy on Apr 2, 2024 3:24:39 GMT
I am using gargraves flex track. I have O56 for my outer track , which I bought pre made and I bent my inner turn to O45. Thatās what good about flex track. You can make it work to your advantage. If you can get away without having to bend any turns then you could go with the pre made turnouts.
I am not a fan of the fast track. I dint like the way it looks. Thatās just my option. I love the way gargraves looks. I spent the money and went with the stainless steal track as well. Harbor Freight makes a nice mini chop saw to cut the track. You just need to make sure you file down your cuts real good.
With fast track you need to be almost perfect with your measurements.
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