Model Railway Forum

Hi Folks

I'm a complete newcomer looking for a new little(?!) retirement project here. I have limited space and even more limited knowledge, but I really want to give it a go.

My dream is to build a little village (or cutaway of one) in 00. I bought the Highland Rambler Hornby starter set to kick off, and I see a problem already!
I have only around a 5 x 3.5 foot space for the layout. Very limited I know, but I'm only looking for a very unambitious setup. I've seen lots of pics and layouts on Google, so i can see it's doable. I know N scale would be better, but having got the set now, I think at my age that something half the size would be a bit much for my eyes and fingers!

I can see that the track supplied with the kit will be too big for my scheme. I need it to be narrower, but removing a few track pieces makes it unusable! Clearly I need a different kind of track. I know nothing of R1, R2 flexitrack etc, but presumably I need to change this track for one or the other?!

This is my dream, obviously with a lot less track, buildings and scenery! Well, it's something to work towards.

I will likely be asking for a lot of advice, just to forewarn you!

Thanks guys
Ray

Hi Ray, welcome to the forum.

How about something like this to start your thought processes off? If I'm reading the small print correctly you have the green track pieces.
R-

EDIT: I think in your set you will also have the R600 I have shown at the top of this image. Colouring in error on my part.

Thanks Roger. Impressive.

Yes, I do have the green track pieces, also the two R600, but not the R8072s. But what I have basically needs a 4 x 4 space, and even then goes right up to the edges all round, and the 4 foot width is pushing it a bit in my space.

I'm assuming that the inside track - with the R607 curved pieces etc would be rather smaller, and perhaps what I need as the 'main' track layout? I realise that i have to make sacrifices with the space, and really I wouldn't be too put out having just a single 'loop' as my layout. Means shelling out for a completely new track. How much is that? And does that render my R609s obsolete?! The starter set cost me £80, so not a lot, and I do like the loco. And I'm quite happy to gradually spend a few hundred more on the board, scenery, buildings etc - gradually!

Cheers
Ray

I have shown all Hornby track codes as that was the library I was using to put what you have on a 5x3.5’ board. Indeed the inside loop is 2nd radius and gives you a bit of breathing space. Peco track pieces are interchangeable with Hornby so you might want to consider those if you are going to flex your plastic. R-

That is a nice little set to start out with.

My question would be 'Why do you only have 5 x 3.5ft for the layout?'

Many, many years ago I built a layout on a sheet of hardboard that I used to store under my bed. When you look at exhibition layouts, most of them are built in sections. You could build a layout that is split left to right, say 70/30. So the front section has all the interesting bits, but the back third is behind the hills.

Thanks for the help guys.

I live in a small flat these days so 5x3.5 is unfortunately the most space I can manage. I found a decent deal for the R607 curves so will give those a try.

Cheers
Ray

You’ll be surprised what can be fitted into a small space.

Small space like this?

https://youtu.be/OKui9F1u334

Or like this?

https://youtu.be/1wQCU-imm5Q

What about this sort of thing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQPBuW66lBo

Thanks guys.

Incredible layouts

Ray