What makes a good layout?

[yelrow]

Thanks, Brian,having looked at cost, have made appt with bank, for loan, taint cheap

[brian1951]

Yes it is expensive, i used a british type about half the price, the results are amazing, it has the same effect as 4 inchs of kingspan.

[Chops]

Reliability.

I once observed an elevator that had its workings exposed through plexiglass and stared as it went up and went down with all its gears and pulleys working in perfect synchronicity. I remember asking myself, "why can't my trains run like that?"

I belong to a model rail club for the last couple of decades. One of the few left in the USA that has its own building. The designers wanted to wedge as much stuff into 1600 square feet as the could. The aisles are barely two feet wide. I am fluent in saying "excuse me" in both English and Spanish. Two duck unders. Real Harvey Wall Bangers, those things. The other major issue is that the planners had a penchant for tunnels. And plenty of subterranean stretches that would make the Tube blush.

Two learning points, no pun intended, 1. don't put turnouts under a tunnel. 2. Install a rerailer, or two, or four under the most inaccessible stretches.

In short, what works for me is keeping it simple and accessible. I've had more enjoyment from a 4x8 roundy round, large by UK standards, than I have from large, unreliable layouts.

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion." - Henry David Thoreau

[Chris]

Always interesting to hear peoples opinions on why they choose things. Given a hopeful house move in the year thoughts are more on what can be done to a new layout than continuing with the current one.

certainly the need for a layout that gives you enjoyment is key.

[Pannier Tank]

This is a great thread!

For me, a good lay out must operate well, locos and trains should all run smoothly, even at low speed. I have been to shows and on many an occasion seen people having to tap, push or even remove loco's because they are not running.

The next thing I look for is nice landscaping with plenty going on, little vignettes and plenty of people to make the lay out come alive. Lots of little details added too. Once the viewer has seen the train go past it is nice for them to have some thing to look at and 'discover'.


Clean track, rolling stock, buildings, ground work is very important. Not clean as in no weathering but clean as in no dusty building roofs, coach roofs and the like.


Having said all of that, any one who takes the time and effort to build a model railway, be it a Hornby Track Mat or fully landscaped 50' lay out has my respect and admiration.

John

[jeepee]

IF it makes you happy and content after a hard days work, and if you are fulfilled and relaxed by your hobby then "it's a good layout"

[glencairn]

What makes a good layout? I think it is one that makes the operator happy (not necessarily anyone else).

What makes me happy is having a layout that has two time zones in two different areas. I like my trains to run through scenery - urban and country. See Steam trains to Sovereign Street and Diesels to Glencairn Scholarsgate
The trains run at a reasonable speed that is enjoyable for me to watch.
The trains that run must have a purpose. They run from A to B with specific loads - passenger & goods. They run to a timetable that (to me) would be feasible.
Because the trains that run are in different time zones the scenery is to what I like, though not true to prototype. It is scenery I am happy with.
The trains that run may not be prototypical, but what runs, runs for a reason. Therefore okay for me.

Then best of all, my Grandchildren arrive. (3 boys and 2 girls. They all get involved) The whole lot goes out the window. Some engines called Thomas and Percy et al seem to take over.

Then that (to me) makes a good layout.

Glencairn

[Tony House]

At a show a layout with something moving at all times, not bothered if it is landscaped or not. Wish more would have moving road transport they do not look right surrounded by dust. Trains move why not the road transport.

For home use my last layout gave the most enjoyment it was an end to end with continuous running. That way the train started off from A travelled around the circuit a few time then arrived at B the same time train started at B travelled a few time around the circuit to arrive at A then the next trains left. A and B where 4 platform terminal stations with small loco change facility. I made it so it could be any of the big 4 BR steam BR diesel in Green or Blue (Having rolling stock for all I could run what I wanted that day/week)

[bulleidboy]

Like many have already said - I spend more time constructing/building than running trains. It can sometimes be weeks since a loco moved. I'm happy just pottering away. BB

[Walkingthedog]

Same here BB.