Okay, for the first time (fourth layout), I'm actually building completely from scratch. Unfinished basement and no "legacy" benchwork, rooms, walls, etc. I have approx 14x20 with a 7x9 alcove area (see good news, bad news thread for that).
So... I've been 'round the block a few times, and I certainly know that "wider is better". I've experienced that myself. But how much is too much. I just finished some layout roughs using 32" mainline radius (when I say min. I mean mainline), and what seemed like (is) about twice the space I've ever had sure got eaten up fast.
I think back to days of 22" minimums and that 'squished' down to maybe 21 in a few spots if I'm honest... Oh how I longed for solid 24" radii. Now that I could easily do 24's... Here I am yearning for 30" plus.
So how much is too much? All but the most monster of articulated engines will take 24's... And I model 1940's PRR, so I'd really have to push the limites of prototype to run articulated anyway. I have long, long passenger cars (i.e. prototype length), but they did fine on my 21/22, so clearly 24 will work...
So at 30"+... Are we just talking aesthetics? Is there any real functional reason for more than 24" with my era, rolling stock and so forth?
I've never known the community to be shy, so have it it. Stand on your soapbox and explain to me EXACTLY why 30" is bare minimum, why anything over 24" is a waste, etc. etc... Let's hear it. I know what I think, I don't need YMMV or IMHO. Let's hear your uncensored, unvarnished opinion loud and clear. September's here and I'm a-start building in a couple months, so tell me know before I set screw to wood...
Kris
So... I've been 'round the block a few times, and I certainly know that "wider is better". I've experienced that myself. But how much is too much. I just finished some layout roughs using 32" mainline radius (when I say min. I mean mainline), and what seemed like (is) about twice the space I've ever had sure got eaten up fast.
I think back to days of 22" minimums and that 'squished' down to maybe 21 in a few spots if I'm honest... Oh how I longed for solid 24" radii. Now that I could easily do 24's... Here I am yearning for 30" plus.
So how much is too much? All but the most monster of articulated engines will take 24's... And I model 1940's PRR, so I'd really have to push the limites of prototype to run articulated anyway. I have long, long passenger cars (i.e. prototype length), but they did fine on my 21/22, so clearly 24 will work...
So at 30"+... Are we just talking aesthetics? Is there any real functional reason for more than 24" with my era, rolling stock and so forth?
I've never known the community to be shy, so have it it. Stand on your soapbox and explain to me EXACTLY why 30" is bare minimum, why anything over 24" is a waste, etc. etc... Let's hear it. I know what I think, I don't need YMMV or IMHO. Let's hear your uncensored, unvarnished opinion loud and clear. September's here and I'm a-start building in a couple months, so tell me know before I set screw to wood...
Kris