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Post by atsda on May 18, 2024 3:27:08 GMT
I have almost decided on the size and configuration of my new layout tabletop. None the less, I am trying to maximize the layout length and features. I came up with the following crazy idea – one that I am unlikely to do; although, it is tempting.
I have planned to leave space (for walking access) at the end of the layout near the closet. The closet extends nearly the width of the room (half its length are folding doors). The useable interior is about 2’ x 6’. I can build a shelf in the closet at the height of the layout top, put one or two tunnel portals through the drywall and connect track via bridege(s) from the layout to track in the closet. I could do a reversing loop in this way. For example, have a switch on the layout that directs the train into one or the other of the portals – the train would make the turnaround on the O31 semicircle. (I could even have a short spur inside to assemble and release consists. (Don’t let my wife know that I would be cutting holes in the house.) Alfred
*What crazy ideas have you had for your layout?
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Post by josef on May 18, 2024 9:27:37 GMT
I used my large closet, bi-fold doors removed, as a storage track area. Made up consists there to come out and enter the 2 mainlines in my old layout. I had 5 tracks approx. 6 foot lenghts. Kept rooling stock and my roster of engines there also. Used opening, no holes in wall. Worked great.
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Post by seayakbill on May 18, 2024 11:14:59 GMT
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Post by atsda on May 19, 2024 0:39:23 GMT
Walt, you have certainly not wasted closet space. I like what you have done; and no cutting through drywall. I'll now have to consider how to bring track out of the door opening.
Today I went to the local home improvement store to check out the layout top material. Also, I have large cardboard panels cut to various sizes to see how the plywood panels would fit in the room - allowing for maximum surface area and walk around space. Alfred
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Post by josef on May 19, 2024 9:47:04 GMT
Walt, you have certainly not wasted closet space. I like what you have done; and no cutting through drywall. I'll now have to consider how to bring track out of the door opening. Today I went to the local home improvement store to check out the layout top material. Also, I have large cardboard panels cut to various sizes to see how the plywood panels would fit in the room - allowing for maximum surface area and walk around space. Alfred I used a custom made bridge to span from closet to layout, Removable.
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Post by Adam on May 19, 2024 9:50:17 GMT
I have been regulated to a utility area in the basement (for now). The space was good enough for only a 8x4 footprint. This has forced some crazy and creative thinking to keep the fun going. The result? A bi-level layout!
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Post by atsda on May 20, 2024 14:25:01 GMT
Adam, good going. I like the bi-level concept. Alfred
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Post by josef on May 20, 2024 17:14:24 GMT
I have been regulated to a utility area in the basement (for now). The space was good enough for only a 8x4 footprint. This has forced some crazy and creative thinking to keep the fun going. The result? A bi-level layout! It looks a lot bigger the way you set it up. I was amazed first time I saw your layout here.
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Post by firewood on May 20, 2024 20:11:46 GMT
The longest section on my layout is 13’ - I was hoping for a lot longer, BUT… at the lower left of the picture you see the return loop on the 13’ section. It was supposed to continue for about 8’ more. The straight run extension was not to be, as it would’ve passed through a wall into the space under my basement stairs. To make an 042 clearance work in there I would’ve had to remove the wall studs on one side, leaving only the sheetrock between the stairs and the small space. So much for that idea… Dave  Attachments:
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Post by Adam on May 20, 2024 22:12:13 GMT
I have been regulated to a utility area in the basement (for now). The space was good enough for only a 8x4 footprint. This has forced some crazy and creative thinking to keep the fun going. The result? A bi-level layout! It looks a lot bigger the way you set it up. I was amazed first time I saw your layout here. Thanks. I do feel as though I have maximized the fun. Its compact, but it is a bit cluttered in my opinion. I have been thinking of some ways to pretty it up a bit. Then there is that time thing that keeps getting in the way.
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