What makes a good layout?

Help with designing your track work
unklehomer
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#11

Post by unklehomer »

Myself, to operate I like end to end shunting layouts, I like the process, and the puzzle side of it, I can see the appeal of prototypical operation for such layouts too (some very interesting techniques involving dice I've read about). This works for me at the moment with temporary "trainset" type layouts with set track, as that's all I have space for - though I will happily cut track up for one layout, to allow me to make more interesting geometry, and rarely set the track parallel to my boards any more.

Obviously there's nothing like just letting a train run, so my dream layout might be a small country station with a local industry to explain increased goods traffic and a really long scenic run in.

As a spectator I love some good shunting too (done well), though I can see the appeal of long scenic loops allowing you to run some long trains and let them snake through scenery, but on anything but a huge set up a loop still looks like a loop.

What I got very board of very quickly at exhibitions is what I call "How slow will your diesel Go?" layouts. Usually some form of fueling station, or marshaling arrangement, with umpteen diesel locos with sound, only one of them moving, just, a bit, if at all, and (sorry) palpable air of smugness emanating from behind the scenic backboard.

What I've found I do like at exhibitions is these same layouts when the owner nips for a drink or comfort break and the son or grandson is left in charge, because then lots of stuff starts happening and things start to move about the place. :twisted:
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RogerB
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#12

Post by RogerB »

Thats interesting as I am building my second layout as an end to end. I too am pushed for space and got fed up with my 6' 6" x 4' round and round layout. This one is 10' x 2', in two equal sections on wheels, that can be taken apart to "get the room" back :lol: R-

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Walkingthedog
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#13

Post by Walkingthedog »

A layout that makes you smile.
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brian1951
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#14

Post by brian1951 »

The constructor :)
Montfort

Re: What makes a good layout?

#15

Post by Montfort »

I'm a very bad constructor but I'm very happy (most of the time) with all my layouts. :lol:
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yelrow
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#16

Post by yelrow »

I spend more time constructing, than playing trains
Montfort

Re: What makes a good layout?

#17

Post by Montfort »

yelrow wrote: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:05 pmI spend more time constructing, than playing trains
Me too ! :lol:
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Walkingthedog
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#18

Post by Walkingthedog »

And me. :D
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yelrow
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#19

Post by yelrow »

what i need to construct now, is some floor/ garage roof insulation. My room is above the garage, and tis right cold underfoot. No probs with heating the room, just need the cold air to stop rising. Have carpeted floor, metal sheeting, then boards, but still finds a way. Heather thinks i need to fibreglass between joists, in garage ceiling below.
brian1951
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Re: What makes a good layout?

#20

Post by brian1951 »

yelrow wrote: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:40 pm what i need to construct now, is some floor/ garage roof insulation. My room is above the garage, and tis right cold underfoot. No probs with heating the room, just need the cold air to stop rising. Have carpeted floor, metal sheeting, then boards, but still finds a way. Heather thinks i need to fibreglass between joists, in garage ceiling below.
You need some Triso-super, its made in France.
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