There seems to be a number of you guys out there whos layouts just missed being in the 48 Club so we have initiated a Division 59 wing of the club. It grew out of the fact that many layouts were built on old ping pong tables which measured 5'x9'. While those layout are a bit larger than the regulation 48s they still face many of the same obstacles as the rest of us do. So henceforth if your layout exceeds the 32 square foot rule but is 45 square feet or under you are eligible for Division 59 membership.
After having reached the Charter Membership goal of 48 on 3/22 we are announcing the formation of the Century Club. It will be open to the first 100 new members who sign on to the 48 Club and who do not fall under the Division 59 rules.
After much discussion on an old post by fellow forumite Amfleet25124 about the trials and tribulations of those of our brethren who for one reason or another have embraced the model railroad world of the 4x8 sheet of plywood I am announcing the formation of The 48 Club. Much like the Brotherhood Of The Crappy Basement Layout it is some what informal, no dues, no officers, no meetings or the other nonsense that comes from being in a formal organization.
The requirements for inclusion are very simple...
A. The layout can be no larger than a 4x8 sheet of plywood or what can configured from a single sheet
1. Hollow core door slab layouts are definitely allowed
B. It can be permanent or seasonal since many 4x8s are set up during the Christmas season
C. In keeping with its seasonal origins the main focus will be S and O gauge, however if yours is one of the other gauges you are still welcome to join.
Now to get a bit of club business out of the way...
For providing the inspiration for this club the titles of Founding Member, Honorary Member and Charter Member are given to:
Amfleet25124
There are 4 forumites who are conferred with the title of Honorary Members for with out them this forum would not exist:
Alan Arnold
Allen Miller
Rich Melvin
Ed Boyle
If I've left anyone out please let me know.
In addition the first 48 forumites who join will be considered Charter Members, currently from the original post Amfleet started they are following:
RSJB18
Conductor Earl
bptBill
CA John ( his love of keilbasa and kishka gets him in on that alone LOL, you're a braver man than I john when it comes to kishka! )
So let's see what you have done with the venerable ol' sheet of plywood or post track plans you've come up with that will fit the bill. To get the ball rolling here's one I've been working on in SCARM.
It uses 4 12"x96" strips of plywood to create a 9'x9' layout, I know it begs the question if I have room for 9x9 why am I just using a single sheet but one of the reasons many go with a 4x8 is the cost or work involved in a larger layout. This one allows you to have long runs while keeping scenery and buildings to a minimum. Besides I'm from the school of go big or go home and I'm pretty sure someone out there can come up with something even larger given the same constraints.
Jerry
