08-31-2010, 01:36 PM
Fred's got some great ideas there. This is one I liked the best, (as I was already thinking it before he wrote it 
):
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://books.google.com/books?id=dMhE18XH5PYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=iain+rice+small+smart+and+practical&source=bl&ots=PsJx9PyzBd&sig=Ps5x3gPjSLPfAuBTKBmKJeQx_K8&hl=en&ei=-Fh9TLsYjMawA77HuYMH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">http://books.google.com/books?id=dMhE18 ... &q&f=false</a><!-- m -->
I hope that long link works. Anyway, if not, go to google and search for Iain Rice Small Smart and Practical, then go to the google books link. You are in luck! The 'Hollow Run' layout is there on page 18-19. Part of the text is cut off, as it's not included in the book preview, but you get the idea. I think it could even be an On30 layout if you removed a siding or two and adjusted clearances appropriately.
I've been tempted to build that one. In fact, it was a contender for my current space where the shelf layout is going up. What killed it was the shared space in the room would have been very awkward, and the far corners of the layout wouldn't have been as easily reached due to the height of the layout. However, it can be easily lengthened by stretching the narrow middle, or broadening the curves if you have room. Just keep the continuous run bridge section in mind.
There are just so many factors involved in planning a layout...but central to all the givens and druthers has to be your theme that guides the more flexible aspects like era, locale, and scenery vs. trackage areas.
Good luck,
Galen
):Quote:The best solution I have seen to putting a 4x8 against the wall - other than don't! - is Iain Rice's cockpit design for the 1st layout in his Smart and Friendly Small Layout Book.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://books.google.com/books?id=dMhE18XH5PYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=iain+rice+small+smart+and+practical&source=bl&ots=PsJx9PyzBd&sig=Ps5x3gPjSLPfAuBTKBmKJeQx_K8&hl=en&ei=-Fh9TLsYjMawA77HuYMH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">http://books.google.com/books?id=dMhE18 ... &q&f=false</a><!-- m -->
I hope that long link works. Anyway, if not, go to google and search for Iain Rice Small Smart and Practical, then go to the google books link. You are in luck! The 'Hollow Run' layout is there on page 18-19. Part of the text is cut off, as it's not included in the book preview, but you get the idea. I think it could even be an On30 layout if you removed a siding or two and adjusted clearances appropriately.
I've been tempted to build that one. In fact, it was a contender for my current space where the shelf layout is going up. What killed it was the shared space in the room would have been very awkward, and the far corners of the layout wouldn't have been as easily reached due to the height of the layout. However, it can be easily lengthened by stretching the narrow middle, or broadening the curves if you have room. Just keep the continuous run bridge section in mind.
There are just so many factors involved in planning a layout...but central to all the givens and druthers has to be your theme that guides the more flexible aspects like era, locale, and scenery vs. trackage areas.
Good luck,
Galen
I may not be a rivet counter, but I sure do like rivets!