Hey all. I have been lurking on this board for about 6 months now. This past summer I was cleaning out my shop and happened upon 2 boxes of old Lionel train stuff that was my older brothers (circa 40’s to 60’s). I never had my own train set, and typically just watched my older brothers play with this Lionel set. I set up a test track and was somehow able to get a loco and some rolling stock going, which my two boys (ages 3 and 5) thought was really cool. I must say I caught the bug a bit watching that Lionel train run around the track.
So I start thinking about setting up a permanent track. When I look at the Lionel stuff, all the switches are broke, most of the track is all rusted – everything is a mess. Knowing how expensive and space consuming O gauge can be, I figured if I wanted to do a train set-up, HO would be the way to go. So I started sniffing around on the internet, and found this wonderful website. Everyone here seems very nice and helpful (a rarity on the internet indeed!). I have learned quite a bit reading threads on this forum, and have been truly amazed at some of the layouts and scenery some of you have.
I have been messing around with the RTS software, designing a layout for the space I have (4x8 with an approximate 3x3 spur), and I wanted to get some feedback from you knowledgeable people. I don’t know when I will get around to starting my layout – I am hoping to start the benchwork in a couple months (there is a bathroom I have to gut remodel in the house first to keep the wife happy), but since I can’t start the physical work, I can still dream about what it might look like, right?
Anyway, here it is. Please offer any comments that might make this layout better, more interesting, etc. I would love to do an inner loop of sorts, but it seems like most of you don't condone any radius under 18 degrees, and I just don't see how to get an inner loop unless you go to a 15 degree radius. What is everyone's thought on this? Is 15 degree too tight for use of lot's of engines and stock?
I look forward to your comments, and look forward to learning more about this hobby. Thanks.
So I start thinking about setting up a permanent track. When I look at the Lionel stuff, all the switches are broke, most of the track is all rusted – everything is a mess. Knowing how expensive and space consuming O gauge can be, I figured if I wanted to do a train set-up, HO would be the way to go. So I started sniffing around on the internet, and found this wonderful website. Everyone here seems very nice and helpful (a rarity on the internet indeed!). I have learned quite a bit reading threads on this forum, and have been truly amazed at some of the layouts and scenery some of you have.
I have been messing around with the RTS software, designing a layout for the space I have (4x8 with an approximate 3x3 spur), and I wanted to get some feedback from you knowledgeable people. I don’t know when I will get around to starting my layout – I am hoping to start the benchwork in a couple months (there is a bathroom I have to gut remodel in the house first to keep the wife happy), but since I can’t start the physical work, I can still dream about what it might look like, right?
Anyway, here it is. Please offer any comments that might make this layout better, more interesting, etc. I would love to do an inner loop of sorts, but it seems like most of you don't condone any radius under 18 degrees, and I just don't see how to get an inner loop unless you go to a 15 degree radius. What is everyone's thought on this? Is 15 degree too tight for use of lot's of engines and stock?
I look forward to your comments, and look forward to learning more about this hobby. Thanks.
And yes 15" is rather tight and so is 18" for that matter bigger is always better but we all do what we can .