Layout plan limbo..... - The Whistle Post

Bob Hollowell · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 12:58 AM

I am faced with building a HO scale layout in a 'L" shaped room that will amount to a shelf layout along the top wall, and a 5' X 7' main sectiion to the far right side of the room. This will allow for a "L" shaped 2' walkway along the front (bottom side) only.... the other sides will be against the wall of the small room that used to be my home office prior to my retirement. It will have two removeable "pop-up" access holes to handle problems and scenery work.

Here is a draft of my layout plan, I would appreciate any comments or suggestions, as I have been dragging out the building process with an endless stream of givens & druthers, questions regarding the "land-locked" aspect... since I will only have access from the front side and the pop-up's, etc.

I need to move on with the building process, but the whole thing seems too problematic... I guess I just have to jump in and start swimming.

Comments??? Thanks, Bob

Trainman1965 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 03:59 PM

Bob I think it is going to look great when you get it done. Post up some pic's as you work on it.

ak-milw · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 10:05 PM

Bob,
The layout as I see it is do-able. The popups can be a real pain though, but the only way I can see it work. The biggest problem area I see you will have is the yard against the back wall, unless you taper the front of the layout in to match the track line. Otherwise it might get real hard coupling and uncoupling cars in the yard. Just something to think about!!

Bob Hollowell · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 10:47 PM

Thanks, guys... The yard part of the layout will only be 2' deep, so I should be able to have reasonable access for coupling, etc. I forgot to add that the farthest two feet of the left side of the plan will pass thru into our utility room for the "turn around", as the "train room is only 11'-6" long.

I have 8' masonite panels cut in 30" high strips that I am using to wrap-around the train room for a "panoramic" background look, and have decided to just paint it sky blue without any clouds. The layout will be DCC (Digitrax), and will be based on circa 1948-1950 Montana operations of the Great Northern, and a small feeder line, the Montana Western Rwy (which is now RailLink).... which only had 26 miles of track in those days, and operated between Conrad and Valier, MT.

My motive power roster consists of:
2 ea. BLI E-7A's
1 ea. BLI F-7A & B unit lash-up
1 ea. BLI 2-8-2 "Mike"
1 Ea. BLI NW-2 switcher
1 ea. Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidated
1 ea. Spectrum 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler

Thanks again for the feedback.... Bob

ak-milw · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006, 09:02 PM

Bob,
From the looks of it, it should be a very interesting layout. Nice array of motive power too. If you are able to please post some pictures of your progress, It is always nice to see how other modelers might do things a little different and it gives the newbies to the hobby a place to start learning. Thanks for sharing this!

TallDude · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006, 10:38 PM

I like that track plan a lot! It has just about everything needed to keep things interesting. It might be a little hard to reach that top right hand back corner though. It will efinitely need a pop up there.