Southern_Trains_Fan Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Hey all, I've made the first baseboard for my modern image South London based layout. The total dimensions will eventually (it could be years yet!) be either 9' x 2' or 12' x 2'. The problem I'm having is what gauge to go for. I do currently have a rural based N gauge layout, and to be honest, I'm finding that I don't think N gauge is for me, as I have had many 00 gauge layouts in the past. For this new layout, I would like a raised up, 4-track mainline with a retaining wall either side and maybe a lower level 2 track line running underneath the mainline (perpendicular to it, so that the mainline crosses over the smaller line). I am aware that in 00 gauge, this would be extremely difficult in the space given , and would be an extra struggle to fit scenery and buildings in with it too. It would be fairly easy in N scale, but as previously said, I don't think N gauge is for me. I know that whichever scale I choose, it will not really restrict me from creating the scenery side of things, as I have looked at similar layouts in both 00 and N (namely Loftus Road (00), Hedge Hill Cutting (N) and Stoney Lane Depot(N)), and they have created the perfect London feel. If I chose 00 gauge, I would be happier in terms of the weight and size of things, and would be able to get much finer detail in, but would have to tweak the track plan a fair amount to fit everything in etc., but if I chose N gauge, I would be able to create a much more suitable, complex and larger track plan, which is what I really want, but then I would be restricted in terms of much finer detail, and may quickly end up regretting my decision of N gauge (which is the case for my current N scale layout), which I don't really want. In other words, I'm in a bit of a pickle So, I have no idea what scale to go with really. I have experience in both, so I have had a taste of 'both worlds', but still, I'm not sure What scale would you recommend? Cheers, Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 You are really pushing it to do this in 00, and you will need to think "outside the box". Some time ago Hugh Flynn drew a plan for a through terminus. The main line trains terminated, so only the loco and first coach, or power car + one needed to be modelled. any trains going further were dmu's or short freights. So it could be done, and no reason why you couldn't have another line crossing-I'd suggest Underground for London or some kind of metro. To my mind this kind of layout can be brilliant at a show (Earls Court is a good example), but I would find it frustrating to operate. For me, in the space you have, it would have to be n gauge for a roundy. Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Since you have a preference for OO, it might be more profitable first to think about what you might do to break out of your present space constraint? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern_Trains_Fan Posted June 18, 2016 Author Share Posted June 18, 2016 You are really pushing it to do this in 00, and you will need to think "outside the box". Some time ago Hugh Flynn drew a plan for a through terminus. The main line trains terminated, so only the loco and first coach, or power car + one needed to be modelled. any trains going further were dmu's or short freights. So it could be done, and no reason why you couldn't have another line crossing-I'd suggest Underground for London or some kind of metro. To my mind this kind of layout can be brilliant at a show (Earls Court is a good example), but I would find it frustrating to operate. For me, in the space you have, it would have to be n gauge for a roundy. Ed Hi Ed, There are endless possibilities with any size layout to be fair. As you say, even the smallest layouts can be used to create something great, but then again, bigger layouts can be used to create something amazing, especially in N scale, which is kind of why I'm steered away from 00 scale. I'll have to have a good think ] Cheers, Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 The level of detail on modern N gauge stock is amazingly good - but the range of RTR is more restricted. Why not map out what stock you need and see how easy it would be to get hold of? That would give you a different angle to work from. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern_Trains_Fan Posted June 18, 2016 Author Share Posted June 18, 2016 The level of detail on modern N gauge stock is amazingly good - but the range of RTR is more restricted. Why not map out what stock you need and see how easy it would be to get hold of? That would give you a different angle to work from. Hi Echo, That's a pretty good idea. i might just do that. It'd give me an idea of the ease and availability of actual products as opposed to layout size of each scale. Cheers, Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltic9014 Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Thought of Z or T scale ? hahaha Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern_Trains_Fan Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 Thought of Z or T scale ? hahaha Yep, very quickly, very briefly, and only once Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Kirk Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Hi, Why not think totally out of the box? Your space seems to indicate N gauge your inclination is 00. The late Jack Nelson modelled in perspective with the larger scale at the front. If you arrange your model with a proscenium (like a stage) so that you/your audience can only look at it from the front. You could have a city scene with a small terminus (CJ Freezer's Minories for example ) in 00.at the front and an N gauge main line (tight curves at either end hidden) higher up along the back. You have to be clever with your buildings and scenery but an authentic scene can be built up. It can be done, well it has been in the 1960s when there was not a lot to buy and most things had to be scratch built. best wishes, Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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