8' x 7' - inspiration please!

[quiksilver1979]

Hi All,

 

I'm a newby to this forum, but have had model railway layouts most of my life (I'll be 37 next week - just so you have an idea of who I am!)

 

I currently live in Ilkeston (Derbyshire) and will be moving up the road to a village called Smalley.

 

The wife has said from the outset that the study/bedroom 4 in the new house will be my hobby room (as well as the garage & the loft if it is clear enough to move about it and board!).

 

Anyway, the study is around 8' x 7'. I will be building at least an L shape layout on the walls without any obstruction. (2 walls are clear, one has the door on and the other the window).

 

I have OO gauge stuff.

 

I would like a continuous run, so I may have a slimmer section running across the window and a lift out section for the door, however, the door opens into the room, so I would in effect be barricading myself in whenever I wanted to run the layout! The other option is to only use 4'-5' of the room depth and the full 8' width, this way, the door can open enough to get in and out without the need for a lift out section... I could have branches into the two corners either side of the door too.. maybe a TMD on one and a small station for a DMU on the other... anyway, I digress!!!

 

I would be looking at the baseboards being 2' deep (apart from across the window).

 

The reason I am posting is to ask for your help. I am not great with imagination when looking at track plans or when using Anyrail etc, so if any of you have photos of your (or others') layouts (with permission of course!) that are housed in a similarly sized space (8' x 7' or 8' x 4'-5'), can you please share them on this thread to give me some inspiration, motivation etc... they need to be these dimensions, just so I can see what is possible in this space!

 

Thanks in advance

 

Steve.

[woodenhead]

Have you looked online for any books on layouts in small spaces?

 

There are quite a few about plus BRM do offer inspirational layouts in their trackplan publications.

[quiksilver1979]

Have you looked online for any books on layouts in small spaces?

 

There are quite a few about plus BRM do offer inspirational layouts in their trackplan publications.

 

Hi woodenhead, thanks for the advice.

 

I have looked into layouts in small spaces, but a lot of the material I have found are just track plans.

 

I am looking forward to creating plenty of scenery on my layout, but my downfall is feeling I need to use all available space for track!

 

I was hoping to collect a few visual examples of small layouts on this thread so I can see what is possible and also what amount of the baseboard people have used for the track vs scenery...

 

I will be trying to get to every model rail exhibition I can for inspiration too (with my camera), but not knowing the dimensions of a lot of layout photo's I find on google means I can't be sure of what is achievable...

[Brit70053]

Welcome to RM Web Quicksilver1979.

While I'm sure you will be offered layout inspiration in the fullness of time, (planning isn't one of my strong points) I was reminded of the similar dilemma which faced me when trying to install my current layout(?) - the inward opening door which would have seriously restricted the possibilities for the layout in what would otherwise have been the largest room I've ever had available for a model railway.

The solution came about most conveniently when the door hinges came away from their mountings, I know what you're thinking, but no, I didn't do anything to cause this and haven't replaced the door in any form - with my Wife's agreement. 

 

So, perhaps something for you and your wife to consider ? Would removing the door be unacceptable either in principle or in terms of being unsightly ? You've said you don't want to be barricaded into your room when operating trains, but your current situation is going to be very restrictive in terms of the layout dimensions you can aspire to.

 

If no door is unacceptable, perhaps a sliding or concertina type door could be substituted for the current obstructive fitting ?

 

Hopefully something you can think about as a possible solution to part of your quandary.

 

Good luck with the layout, whatever form and dimensions you end up with.

 

Regards,

 

               John

[MarcD]

In 8ft x 2ft you could fit a lot, even in 7mm scale. There are a few really good books out there on small layouts. Iain Rice has produced some great layout books. I build in 7mm both standard and narrow gauge.

 

You need to ask yourself a few questions.

 

What do you like to watch/model? Industrial, shunting, small station etc

 

Do you want to take the layout to show?

 

If yes would it keep you entertained at show and would it entertain the public?

 

Would the layout that you decide on keep you entertained once you have built it?

 

We have built a 7mm NG layout in a Ikea toy box 18inch by 9inch, 7mm standard gauge industrial shunting layout in 8ft x 2ft

 

our latest one is modular so the sections could be built in 8ft sections.

 

Go to a few big show and see what you like

 

MArc

[Londontram]

You could think about making it two levels with the track going into a tunnel or scenic break then dropping down and doing a circuit at a lower level before coming back up in another area you could also hide the fiddle yard in this lower level that way it wouldn't seem to be a tail chaser with more area available for scenery. Steve

[Rivercider]

Welcome to RMweb Steve,

 

we have had similar requests for inspiration before, here is one thread for example

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/48871-what-can-i-fit-in-here/

 

cheers

[quiksilver1979]

Some great advice everyone, thanks. Much appreciated!

 

I'll have a proper read later this evening and over the weekend to digest.

 

I do have a small (ish) layout at present which is a shunting yard/TMD but wanted something where I can run DMU's too so will require a small station.

 

My current layout (in progress) can be seen here on my blog (not updated for a while as been packing ready to market house & move!) - the posts are in reverse order on the blog, so the most recent appears first! http://edenfieldyard.blogspot.co.uk/ 

 

Welcome to RM Web Quicksilver1979.

While I'm sure you will be offered layout inspiration in the fullness of time, (planning isn't one of my strong points) I was reminded of the similar dilemma which faced me when trying to install my current layout(?) - the inward opening door which would have seriously restricted the possibilities for the layout in what would otherwise have been the largest room I've ever had available for a model railway.

The solution came about most conveniently when the door hinges came away from their mountings, I know what you're thinking, but no, I didn't do anything to cause this and haven't replaced the door in any form - with my Wife's agreement. 

 

So, perhaps something for you and your wife to consider ? Would removing the door be unacceptable either in principle or in terms of being unsightly ? You've said you don't want to be barricaded into your room when operating trains, but your current situation is going to be very restrictive in terms of the layout dimensions you can aspire to.

 

If no door is unacceptable, perhaps a sliding or concertina type door could be substituted for the current obstructive fitting ?

 

Hopefully something you can think about as a possible solution to part of your quandary.

 

Good luck with the layout, whatever form and dimensions you end up with.

 

Regards,

 

               John

 

Thanks John,

 

Unfortunately the study leads into the main entrance hall of the house, right next to the front door and so I am 99.9% sure the wife will want the door shut when guests come round! The sliding door, or other door options may also be an idea. The house is only 10 years old and so is quite modern and crisp on the inside, so whatever I do (if anything) with the door will have to be to a good standard!

 

Thanks again all, really appreciate the input

[quiksilver1979]

Welcome to RMweb Steve,

 

we have had similar requests for inspiration before, here is one thread for example

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/48871-what-can-i-fit-in-here/

 

cheers

 

Hi Rivercider,

 

Thanks. Apologies for not using the search function, this forum is unlike any of the others I have used in it's layout and navigation, so just getting used to it and finding my way around!

 

I will look through the link and also try to find the forum search so I can look for '8x7' related threads - TBH I didn't think that specific question would have been asked before, plus this forum is a lot livelier than any other MR forum I have used before, can't believe how many members there are active and replying within the time since I posted this thread!

[cliff park]

Of course if you do  ​take the door off it could make quite a contribution to the start of the layout !!

[quiksilver1979]

Of course if you do  ​take the door off it could make quite a contribution to the start of the layout !!

 

 

I've had a look at the link above, and I quite like the concept of the Crewlisle layout. It seems to be on one level on one side of the room and another level at the other, I could have an incline from one side coming down and a full loop from the lower level underneath the higher level... think that's just opened up another dimension of my imagination and is exactly why I started this thread.. now to find more info and photos of Crewlisle!!! 

[Rivercider]

Hi Rivercider,

 

Thanks. Apologies for not using the search function, this forum is unlike any of the others I have used in it's layout and navigation, so just getting used to it and finding my way around!

 

I will look through the link and also try to find the forum search so I can look for '8x7' related threads - TBH I didn't think that specific question would have been asked before, plus this forum is a lot livelier than any other MR forum I have used before, can't believe how many members there are active and replying within the time since I posted this thread!

You're welcome.

 

There is loads of stuff on the forum, but one problem with searching for it can be knowing what search terms to use.

I remembered that the Crewlisle layout was roughly similar in size to your available area so searched for that initially.

 

Just a thought regarding your concern about barricading yourself in the room, would it be possible to arrange a layout with a lift out section by the door for use when continuous running, but with still usable 'end-to-end' with the lift out section removed?

 

I see you like a bit of BR blue, and good luck with what you choose 

 

cheers

[quiksilver1979]

You're welcome.

 

There is loads of stuff on the forum, but one problem with searching for it can be knowing what search terms to use.

I remembered that the Crewlisle layout was roughly similar in size to your available area so searched for that initially.

 

Just a thought regarding your concern about barricading yourself in the room, would it be possible to arrange a layout with a lift out section by the door for use when continuous running, but with still usable 'end-to-end' with the lift out section removed?

 

I see you like a bit of BR blue, and good luck with what you choose 

 

cheers

 

I am thinking of a permanent solution to my door issue.. and I do like my BR blue! need to work backwards and get a BR Green diesel (not decided which yet) and a Black 5 eventually, I've seen both Hornby and Bachmann do a Black 5, in my mind Bachmann will be the better model, but it's cheaper than the Hornby one! 

 

Anyway, I'll have a play with paint and try to upload a 'sketch' of the idea I have... then people can tell me if they think it's possible!

 

Thanks again

[quiksilver1979]

 

This is the idea I had, which allows the door to stay open. I could have a main line loop, and a brand one side of the door and a TMD or similar the other...

 

Any ideas greatly received!

 

I no longer have access to any rail design software (I have gone all Macintosh), so if anyone has any time spare and fancies seeing what kind of radius I would need for the above, that would also be very much appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

Steve.

[Brit70053]

I am thinking of a permanent solution to my door issue.. and I do like my BR blue! need to work backwards and get a BR Green diesel (not decided which yet) and a Black 5 eventually, I've seen both Hornby and Bachmann do a Black 5, in my mind Bachmann will be the better model, but it's cheaper than the Hornby one! 

 

Anyway, I'll have a play with paint and try to upload a 'sketch' of the idea I have... then people can tell me if they think it's possible!

 

Thanks again

Good to see that doing 'something' about the door isn't exactly off limits, though I appreciate your concern at spoiling the presentation of a fairly newly built property.

Regarding your sensible   proposals to move back in time with your loco stock, please be aware that Bachmann do not have a Black 5 in their range. They do a BR Standard Class 5, the prototype of which was largely based on the LMS designed Stanier Class 5 (Black 5) which is available from Hornby.

 

Regards,

 

                 John

[quiksilver1979]

Good to see that doing 'something' about the door isn't exactly off limits, though I appreciate your concern at spoiling the presentation of a fairly newly built property.

Regarding your sensible   proposals to move back in time with your loco stock, please be aware that Bachmann do not have a Black 5 in their range. They do a BR Standard Class 5, the prototype of which was largely based on the LMS designed Stanier Class 5 (Black 5) which is available from Hornby.

 

Regards,

 

                 John

 

John, thanks for the info, I think I may have stumbled on the Graham Farish N Gauge Black 5 (which appears under Bachmann, as they now own Graham Farish???)

 

Anyway, the loco I have had my eye on is this one:

 

http://www.hattons.co.uk/52584/Bachmann_Branchline_32_509_Bachmann_Branchline_32_509_Standard_class_5MT_73109_in_BR_lined_black_with_early/StockDetail.aspx?gclid=CJ_J5cjjzc4CFaYy0wodRt0Mmw

 

Looking now though, I do much prefer the Hornby Black 5 here:

 

http://www.hattons.co.uk/98101/Hornby_R3323_Hornby_R3323_Class_5MT_Black_5_4_6_0_44694_in_BR_Black_with_late_crest/StockDetail.aspx?gclid=COORy9Hkzc4CFYMK0wodhA8FJA

 

I'm doing things in reverse, I grew up with a keen interest in the sectorised diesels of the 90's and never cared much for knowing anything about steam loco's (although have always loved the sight/sound/smell of them!) - I then moved onto the earlier diesels (BR Blue + large logo) and now I am starting to take more interest in steam loco's but have only really been learning bits and bobs this year, so please excuse my ignorance!

 

Thanks again for the information, much appreciated!

 

Steve.

[Brit70053]

John, thanks for the info, I think I may have stumbled on the Graham Farish N Gauge Black 5 (which appears under Bachmann, as they now own Graham Farish???)

 

Anyway, the loco I have had my eye on is this one:

 

http://www.hattons.co.uk/52584/Bachmann_Branchline_32_509_Bachmann_Branchline_32_509_Standard_class_5MT_73109_in_BR_lined_black_with_early/StockDetail.aspx?gclid=CJ_J5cjjzc4CFaYy0wodRt0Mmw

 

Looking now though, I do much prefer the Hornby Black 5 here:

 

 

http://www.hattons.co.uk/98101/Hornby_R3323_Hornby_R3323_Class_5MT_Black_5_4_6_0_44694_in_BR_Black_with_late_crest/StockDetail.aspx?gclid=COORy9Hkzc4CFYMK0wodhA8FJA

 

I'm doing things in reverse, I grew up with a keen interest in the sectorised diesels of the 90's and never cared much for knowing anything about steam loco's (although have always loved the sight/sound/smell of them!) - I then moved onto the earlier diesels (BR Blue + large logo) and now I am starting to take more interest in steam loco's but have only really been learning bits and bobs this year, so please excuse my ignorance!

 

Thanks again for the information, much appreciated!

 

Steve.

 

 

 

Steve,

 

Easy mistakes to make when browsing those adverts and your eye gets drawn by products which appeal, especially if the gauge gets overlooked, or when you look at two similar (but different) Class five 4-6-0 locos which are both black.

 

Regarding the models, you takes your choice and pays your money, neither are inexpensive, so make sure you choose the one you really prefer, selecting the other could be a false economy if it leaves you still hankering after your first choice anyway.

 

John