@Justin Acuna posted:I was thinking about how I could make an around the wall layout work but still be able to access the windows. Maybe have it sit a little lower than most layouts (it is on the second floor so water leaks wouldn't be a problem)? 30" high would be enough for to be able to reach the windows. What do you think?
Justin,
First, my apologies. I missed your earlier post about the windows being 30" from the floor, so thank you for answering that question again. I think a height of 30" would be too low. My rule of thumb is a minimum height of 36".
Some questions to think about:
- Do you want any part of the layout to be seen in the windows? If the answer is no, then we need to rule out a layout against the windows.
- Will you have family and guests passing each other when they move around the layout? If yes, we need to look at a 36" to 48" walkway around the layout.
- What is the theme of your layout? Are you only interested in a yard and turntable? Do you only want to watch trains run in circles, or do you want to simulate trains moving goods between towns/industries?
- Are you modeling a specific time period, or do you want to be able to run any type of locomotive and rolling stock?
- Do you plan to model any industries/towns/sidings/scenery?
- What is the minimum curve your locomotives can run on? Do you have or plan to purchase any locomotives or rolling stock that require O-72 or greater? If so, will they move in and out of the yard?
I'm not a big fan of the layout you posted above as the space can be better utilized. I think a hybrid of an around the room layout (off the walls/windows) and walk-in layout would suit this space better.
