Northwest 22nd St, Miami

[jonte]

There is due to be a fiddleyard/storage area at each end of the layout so that it can be a through layout for exhibition purposes.......
Dave

Great to hear that you're managing to strike some sort of work/modelliing balance, and hope you received my post on your excellent blog site

Now, this is something that's been nagging me since I first saw your plan and as a 'Newbie' I've been putting off mentioning as it could be taken as a case of , "who's he to be lecturing a journeyman modeller as to how to proceed ....." etc. Also, If I did pluck up the courage to say anything, perhaps I should do it privately on your blog rather than in open forum, but as I feel we're amongst friends here, I'm sure I'll be given the benefit of tolerance - plus there'll be an opportunity for others to put me in my place , so here goes:

I presume that with the benefit of a fiddle yard at either end you'll be engaging in 'running round', in addition to the 'Inglenook' type shunting which will, without doubt, add immensely to its operating potential as well as making things a little more prototypical? However, as a seasoned 'armchair modeller' with a library of modelling journals in the loft and the benefit of attending one or two exhibitions over the years, I'm aware that 'punters' feel a little short changed if they can't witness the entire procedure of the engine running round its train; in other words, ALL running round should be done on the scenic part of the layout. With such a small amount of 'proposed' real estate available I realise that this is not an option, which is why I thought I should mention before any track gets laid and while you're still in board building mode.
Additionally - I'll shut up after this - while 5' is small enough in British Railway Modelling terms, it is positively tiny in Railroading terms, bearing in mind the difference in length of even the smallest American stock to the humble British van. For instance, my plan - yes the one on the back of that old envelope - is based on Butley Mills - itself a micro at around 7' in viewing length, however, I had to adjust it accordingly to accomodate the larger American stock, hence its 9' length.

If this was just for home viewing, Dave, I'd have said absolutuely b*gger all, however, as you intend this for exhibition purposes, I thought I'd just give you the benefit of what little knowledge I have to make a slight improvement on what will inevitably prove a masterpiece.

Whatever you decide, be assured I shall be keeping a close eye to developments, and do my utmost to attend its first outing at the TVNAM (?) exhibition in the summer.

Jonte