AdamF
Western Thunderer
So, with the need to motorise and test the 517 chassis (and to provide a not unwelcome distraction from the burnt fingers, pressure perspiration and intensity of my first S7 build) I am starting to scope out a layout project (to be my first) on which to run the finished article.
So, the crucial question - how much space do I have?
Living in central London, in short, not much!! I have a space in my railway room/home office of about 8' by 2', which, with some clever design (someone else's, then
) could be expanded about 2' in length and 1-2' in width.
At the moment, and having read an interesting thread here about the relationship between all the dimensions involved in designing and presenting a layout, it seems to me that my options are:
1) change scale;
2) build something of a compact test track with plenty of interest in the surroundings and, perhaps, some perspective modelling.
As to option 1), whilst a pleasantry (at least for now...), it has in the past been something that has caused me a disproportionate amount of trouble and I have been guilty of chopping and changing my mind on scale and gauge (together with membership of a number of societies) to the point of distraction, to the point indeed where the hobby was no longer fun.
Which is why I have determined to make the scale and gauge that captured my attention for the hobby work with whatever compromise is needed to make it work within my limitations. I will prove to myself that I can do it!!!
Option 2) it must be!!
In terms of the setting, as much as I love a well rendered bucolic country terminus with exquisite scenery a la Barry Norman, it strikes me that I can't fit something like that in the space I have. Which means I am currently looking at my other love - grotty Victorian London!!! I am trying to sketch out a compact industrial arrangement set amongst imposing London style buildings (maybe in low relief etc.) and retaining walls. Needless to say I won't be basing it on a prototype!
We shall see - I also need to think about a scheme for expanding/storing the layout. My main aim, I think, will be to try and avoid too much railway and have much of the focus on the surroundings - I would hope that that distracts from size and potential lack of operational interest. That and I suspect I am more of a builder than an operator!!
I'll keep posting on this topic as things/thoughts develop. In the meantime, if anyone has any experiences to share of working in similar circumstances or any schemes that they found worked for them/mocked up well, it would be great to hear them.
So, the crucial question - how much space do I have?
Living in central London, in short, not much!! I have a space in my railway room/home office of about 8' by 2', which, with some clever design (someone else's, then
) could be expanded about 2' in length and 1-2' in width.At the moment, and having read an interesting thread here about the relationship between all the dimensions involved in designing and presenting a layout, it seems to me that my options are:
1) change scale;
2) build something of a compact test track with plenty of interest in the surroundings and, perhaps, some perspective modelling.
As to option 1), whilst a pleasantry (at least for now...), it has in the past been something that has caused me a disproportionate amount of trouble and I have been guilty of chopping and changing my mind on scale and gauge (together with membership of a number of societies) to the point of distraction, to the point indeed where the hobby was no longer fun.
Which is why I have determined to make the scale and gauge that captured my attention for the hobby work with whatever compromise is needed to make it work within my limitations. I will prove to myself that I can do it!!!
Option 2) it must be!!In terms of the setting, as much as I love a well rendered bucolic country terminus with exquisite scenery a la Barry Norman, it strikes me that I can't fit something like that in the space I have. Which means I am currently looking at my other love - grotty Victorian London!!! I am trying to sketch out a compact industrial arrangement set amongst imposing London style buildings (maybe in low relief etc.) and retaining walls. Needless to say I won't be basing it on a prototype!
We shall see - I also need to think about a scheme for expanding/storing the layout. My main aim, I think, will be to try and avoid too much railway and have much of the focus on the surroundings - I would hope that that distracts from size and potential lack of operational interest. That and I suspect I am more of a builder than an operator!!
I'll keep posting on this topic as things/thoughts develop. In the meantime, if anyone has any experiences to share of working in similar circumstances or any schemes that they found worked for them/mocked up well, it would be great to hear them.
