Layout suggestions

[Rollin Mayham]

I am trying to start my own Thomas and friends layout and I think I have it nailed but I could use some suggestions. so far I haven't gotten anything done on it and it has to be on the floor because my mom dose not want me to start building tables and places we know it won't fit but I am still doing grass mats and stuff like that so I can glue scenery on the layout but I could use some suggestions if you guys don't mind.

[mrrailroad]

What amount of room do you have if you have enough for a 4by8 you can make one quité easily with a double loop

[GG1onFordsDTandI]

If even that's to tight, stick to the floor for now. Try the module approach, like the big rivet counting model clubs do at shows. Try NMRA for in the states examples, see figures  http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html .
Maybe exact halves, of a whole module. That way you use a very small area for great small builds, with some switching on each, and floor for toyin' loops. Show continued interest, a strive for good modeling, the ability to be responsible like an adult, and Mom is way more likely to be talked into letting you build more or larger modules.  Eventually you could have a Sodor loop, made of top notch modules. Imagine what you could have by the time your older. Your own portable show as big as you need to make them. Or fold your loops like a bone. Ask Mom if you can use/download one of the free trial software programs(like Anyrail) Good computer track laying before you decide for sure, saves cash, less guessing, and stuff. Used MS paint here too. And not Thomas but- Korts line- done for my friend Kort.(size=N scale Bachmann track 24"r min turn I think 8'x30"x8"x30"? forgot! )(blue is "carpet")

[Rollin Mayham]

I'll have to try that and to answer your question mrrailroad I want to keep it on the floor but I want to use about 3'x8'5''

[mrrailroad]

look up branchlines and that would probably work pretty well and look nice

[Shawn]

That's really tight.  So ya, a branchline is the best thing to model.

[Rollin Mayham]

That would be awesome I'll try to include the Knapford Station and Tidmouth Sheds while I am at it.

[mrrailroad]

my layout is only 4x8 and i'm still saving up still just to get thomas

[BassTbone]

This one below is 4x6.  It is made especially for the Thomas Range.  Track is Peco

[Fergusfan17]

Could you do that  ^ in bachmann EZ track?
                            |

[GG1onFordsDTandI]

Could you do that  ^ in bachmann EZ track?
                            |

Maybe not exact, but close enough for my house.

[jward]

Could you do that  ^ in bachmann EZ track?
                            |

assuming you meant the peco layout, yes it could be done with ez track. but since peco components take up less room than ez track or even atlas, the layout would be larger than depicted. still.....you should be able to get something similar on a 4x8 sheet of plywood.

[Rollin Mayham]

You all gave me good ideas However I think I will let my hand figure out when it comes to pen and paper but thank you guys