Starting from scratch

2121 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by terrya, Sep 10, 2008

terrya

Discussion Starter · Sep 10, 2008

Hi to all
I am completely new to the hobby and seek some basic advice.
I will be starting my first model raiway layout in OO scale and it will be going in an aluminium porta cabin in the garden.
The outside dimensions of this cabin are 18ft X 7`6".
I would appreciate any advice on baseboard design for the inside which will give me the maximum amount of track space for future development.
The door leading in is on the end facing down the length of the room and is positioned on the right side.
All electrical points are fitted and heating is installed.
I would like to have a `show track` around the side which would give me the oppertunity of runnig an express on the maximum amount of track.
Everything else could be inside use with some room for scenery and effects etc.

Does anyone have any baseboard layout ideas please

terrya

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TonyDaly

· #2 · Sep 10, 2008

QUOTE (terrya @ 10 Sep 2008, 10:35) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi to all
I am completely new to the hobby and seek some basic advice.
I will be starting my first model raiway layout in OO scale and it will be going in an aluminium porta cabin in the garden.
The outside dimensions of this cabin are 18ft X 7`6".
I would appreciate any advice on baseboard design for the inside which will give me the maximum amount of track space for future development.
The door leading in is on the end facing down the length of the room and is positioned on the right side.
All electrical points are fitted and heating is installed.
I would like to have a `show track` around the side which would give me the oppertunity of runnig an express on the maximum amount of track.
Everything else could be inside use with some room for scenery and effects etc.

Does anyone have any baseboard layout ideas please

terrya

Here is a plan I'm building at the moment. Its for 15ft x 9ft but i'm sure it could be adapted to fit your size. It's an old C J Freezer plan. He has several books of plans available.
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll68/to...youtplanno2.jpg

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john woodall

· #3 · Sep 10, 2008

I will be honest, when you first start out it is almost as if you need to have as much track as possible on every board. As I grew older (wiser is somewhat debateable!) I decided that while my station would be functional and have a lot of track, that I wanted a low track to scenery ratio outside of my station area.

Personal choice as to whether you want to see trains passing through scenery or trains dominating scenery. Although it is a German plan, this layout has good scenic ratios. http://lokalbahn-reminiszenzen.de/gleisplaene/beyenburg.htm

John

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Kimbo

· #4 · Sep 10, 2008

Beautiful drawing, by the way, it looks almost like it has been designed with American principles in mind....

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Keith Underwood

· #5 · Sep 10, 2008

Hi Terrya
It depends whether you want continuous run or "end to end" type of layout. If you can find a good track plan book, such as the PSL book of model railway track plans by C J Freezer, that would be a good start: there is a plan on page 98 which looks good. As for the door access, a "duck under" or lifting flap would be needed to enter the room.
Keith

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7113

· #6 · Sep 10, 2008

Hi terrya, well you've got a good starting point with a portacabin. I would go along with the thinking that to start with you should keep things simple. Many a potential modeller has given up as they have been disillusioned with the lack of progress.

Oh and by the way - welcome to the forum.

Regards

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terrya

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 10, 2008

Thanks to all for the advice on starting the layout. I particulally agree that the danger can be over use of track and not enough scenery so I am trying to keep a good balance, that is more scenery than rail tokeep things in perspective so to speak.
The use of an access flap was mentioned which I have wondered about but imagined problems with the track joins etc. Is there a special way of introducing a flap that could be swung up or down to allow access? How would the lines be re-connected. It would certainly open up some more possibilities.
Excuse me if I seem a bit lost

but as I said, I am literally just starting into the hobby although my 60 years of living on this planet should have given me something to work with. Ha Ha

My other pastimes are outdoors so I am looking forward to having an interest that I can get involved in that doesn`t involve getting wet through due to our inclement summers.

terrya

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7113

· #8 · Sep 10, 2008

Hi terrya

There have been a number of discussions about the subject of lifting flaps, I think most recently in the thread RJR Springhead Junction. well worth checking out.

It can also be worth checking blogs for this sort of information.

Happy hunting.

Regards

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terrya

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 10, 2008

QUOTE (BRITHO @ 10 Sep 2008, 19:32) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi terrya

There have been a number of discussions about the subject of lifting flaps, I think most recently in the thread RJR Springhead Junction. well worth checking out.

It can also be worth checking blogs for this sort of information.

Happy hunting.

Regards
Thanks for the info Britho. Iwill certainly check it out
Tea is on the table

terrya

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