I'm new top the hobby and have a few multi scale sets. I'm looking for the most economical way (smallest footprint and cost) to get my sets off the basement floor and up to a level that's more enjoyable, comfortable and will keep the trains and track from being trampled. My goal is to be able to set up and run all the trains from a single table (hopefully no more than 8' x 8'). With the various scales/gauges, I know scaling will be impractical. I'm just looking for something purely functional at this point.
Currently, I have:
Bachman G scale passenger train and a G scale trolley (streetcar?). The train is currently set up on a 10' x 6' rectangle, though I can go anywhere from 4' x 12' to 8' x 8' with the track I have. The trolley is running on a 4' circle. My current thought is to run the train on a 7' square; with the trolley running a separate 5' square within the train (my son likes to see all the trains running, which is my reason for keeping the tracks separate).
Two Lionel sets (a #1473WS set from 1950 and a new Polar Express set). I currently have 40" x 60" of FasTrack but can expand this is necessary to keep both sets on the track (but operated one at-a-time). I have the old track that came with the 1950 set but do not anticipate using it.
Two Bachmann HO sets: One Thomas Holiday Special Set w/ 40" x 60" of the steel alloy (black roadbed) track. One Digital Commander set with two locomotives and 40" x 60" of the nickel silver (grey roadbed) track. I also have a 43 piece track expansion pack with a number of additional straights, curves and switches.
I've seen multi-tiered layouts (like a wedding cake) and I'm curious if to see if this would be a prudent way to go. Again, I'm looking for something functional at this point.
Thanks in advance.
Maybe this will get your creative juices flowing -
(http://www.sarget.com/trains/xmlayout-06/xm-06-a26c.jpg)
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(http://www.sarget.com/trains/xmlayout-06/xm-06-a47c.JPG)
Yes!
That's what I'm envisioning.
Thanks.
Quote from: Terry Toenges on January 07, 2009, 10:04:53 AM
Maybe this will get your creative juices flowing -
(http://www.sarget.com/trains/xmlayout-06/xm-06-a26c.jpg)
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(http://www.sarget.com/trains/xmlayout-06/xm-06-a47c.JPG)
Terry,
I glanced at your profile and noticed you're near St. Louis. I'm near O'Fallon (Missouri). I tried to PM you but the letter verification thing is conspiring against me. Just wanted to say "thanks" and "hello".
Neo - I'm down in Park Hills, just North of Farmington.
Good luck in your design. I just wanted to give you a little inspiration :-)