@raising4daughters posted:This is one of the three best O27 layouts I've seen (can't pick a favorite since the other two are also forum members' layouts). The decor and landscaping is awesome, and so many interesting operating accessories! I'm starting literally TODAY to lay track on a new basement layout, all O27 track (though nothing smaller than 42" curves). Your dad sets the bar high for me!
Couple of questions if you don't mind.
1. Anything your dad or you would do differently with the layout (not track selection, etc.) if you had to do it all over again. Two elements I've incorporate in past layouts and plan for in this one are (a) an elevated level and (b) longer sidings to store engines and trains. The problem is that those take up a lot of real estate.
2. Are the layout's curves 27" diameter? Are the switches 27" diameter?
3. Approximate size (square footage, etc)?
Thanks for posting.
Probably the biggest change I’d make would be the quality of the benchwork on the original part of the layout. I’ll freely admit I didn’t know what I was doing and made mistakes that I didn’t repeat when doing the benchwork for the three additions. In a perfect world I’d have scrapped the original section and rebuilt it correctly but, I was never able to find the motivation.
In the 31 years since I built the original section; I’ve never regretted the inability to park additional trains on the layout. As you note, that burns a lot of real estate. Additionally, I change out the trains on my layout every Saturday as, after 1 week, I’m bored with what I have been running and want to look at something different.
All curves and switches (except for a single 0-42 in the “yard” area) are 0-27. It shows up in the video Max posted but, to allow myself to run some larger equipment I removed the switch covers from the 0-27 switches. This allows me to easily operate engines intended for 0-31 as well as some scale flat cars and covered hoppers. I’ve had people ask if I regret using 0-27 curves and switches. There have been times my answer would be yes but, the constraints imposed by the 0-27 curves and switches has served to place a practical limit on what engines I can buy and, by extension, how much I’m paying.
Square footage calculates out to roughly 124 square feet.
I’ll close by saying thank you for the very kind comments from you and the others!
Curt
