09-20-2009, 05:41 PM
Nick,
I think, philosophically, I would plan a layout with an interesting mainline run, and not worry too much about switching... lifting off the tabletop to couple/uncouple (it does happen, even with the best-kept Microtrains couplers) can be a bit of a pain.
Focus more on getting an interesting run through some good scenery, probably a folded dogbone style, and see what fits in your space.
2x4 isn't huge, so I'd shoot for short diesels and freight cars, otherwise, to my eye the big stuff looks goofy going around tight curves.
I think, philosophically, I would plan a layout with an interesting mainline run, and not worry too much about switching... lifting off the tabletop to couple/uncouple (it does happen, even with the best-kept Microtrains couplers) can be a bit of a pain.
Focus more on getting an interesting run through some good scenery, probably a folded dogbone style, and see what fits in your space.
2x4 isn't huge, so I'd shoot for short diesels and freight cars, otherwise, to my eye the big stuff looks goofy going around tight curves.