@SundayShunter posted:Why the distinction between "home layout" & "shelf switching layout"..??? They are all model railroad layouts, aren't they? Or is it to do with the mindset promoted in the smaller scales that only multi-level basement empires are "proper" layouts worthy of the name?
My 2-rail O layout is 17ft x 8ft, modern Era Short Line (plus my Soo Line stuff which is my other interest) It's a roundy-roundy with 36" radius curves, #6 switches, and train lengths of 5 to 7 cars. A well designed shelf switcher can be as absorbing to run as a 'large' layout - read the blog & books of Lance Mindheim for more information.
My layout is also in England, UK (like me!!) where 2-rail O scale is currently booming, despite the fact our houses are on average much smaller than those in the USA. Perhaps our ready acceptance of Shelf Switcher layouts and their limitations is part of that boom, rather than slowly dying out as 2-rail O seems to be doing on your side of The Pond?
Sorry for the mis-communication. Yes switching Layouts do count as real layouts! I did not me to disparage in any way.
I didn't say it in this thread but I am moving to O from the HO world. I have found that I personally prefer "Circuit Running" as opposed to switching operations. Many would say what I do gets old quickly, but for me when running my trains I don't want to have to think that much. The white noise generated and watching the train goes round and round relaxes me. So while maybe not as absorbing, "it is my cup of tea".
And Thank you, it is interesting you have a 2R circuit layout that works in a 17x8 foot space. Maybe I should look "across the pond" for inspiration.
