After designing a few model railroads for operation in small spaces, I have
come to the conclusion, long held by others who have gone before me, that the
size of the space is not as important as how we use the space we have. I think
we many times get the cart before the horse in choosing or designing a
beautifully scenicked layout that allows trains to simply run in circles like
an elaborate Christmas tree set-up
A prime example is the LOWELL & SOUTHERN plan that appeared in a recent issue
of the NASG Dispatch. I only described basic operation, but the opportunities
for expanding operations without expanding the layout abound.
The modus operandi I have settled on for interesting layout design based on my
experience and observation is a mix of an end-to-end main line running (or
cleverly designed and generally blocked continuous run feature, such as an
interchange track) mixed with switching and spotting cars at each end. This
forces cars and locomotives to move back and forth prototypically and attain
the most realistic operation.
boB (sorry Andre, someone pinned that on me and I like it!) Nicholson
________________________________________________
--- In [email protected], Simon Parent <sparent39@...> wrote:
>
> Well,
>
> The main reason I agreed (with my wife) to move a few blocks away 4 yrs ago
> is to go from a 2 level 1600 sqf house to a one level 1200 sqf house. The
> difference? Basement(not counted in house sqf)... I didn't care about the
> 4rth bedroom on the second level and the formal dining room on the main
> floor and now have a 1200 sqf basement (compared to 800) where half is the
> layout (12 x 50) and the other half is divided between my workshop (12x16)
> my office (12x12) and some space for a bathroom and laundry room. Another
> plus, from a 9 x 19 garage to a 17x20 garage for woodworking and casting
> shop.
>
> Now, my wife sometime talk about moving again (the most we stayed in the
> same house in the last 22 yrs is 5 yrs.) This time my answer is no until we
> are retiring outside the big city to a custom made house in the country to
> my layout and shop space requirements.
>
> I think there are many things outside our control but when we can, we can
> all choose our priorities and how we want to do things. (my choices may
> sound crazy for many though :))
>
> Simon
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
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