paratom
Western Thunderer
Readers of this post will either have already built a layout or maybe contemplating doing so. If you are about to embark on building a layout what criteria’s are you going to set yourself. Having the space to build your chosen location is probably the most important aspect for me. Does the space you have determine what gauge you model in? I think most modellers would agree that most layouts are a compromise but does the scale they model in reflect on how much space they have or just their interest in that particular scale. I have seen superb O gauge layouts modelled in small spaces and terrible N gauge layouts modelled in large spaces which proves you don’t necessarily have to match your gauge relative to the space you have. I for one am going to stick with 4mm which will determine the size of the station I’m going to model with the space I have. Another aspect of building a layout is whether or not you are going to want to exhibit it. Being a member of a club that is used to exhibiting layouts; I will certainly want to. One thought that has come to my mind is, are you going to be able to take the layout with you if you ever decide to move house. Not so much a problem with a small layout but do you really want to find yourself in a position where your looking for a house to accommodate your large layout and if your married how would your partner feel about it. There seems a lot to think about if you are contemplating on building a layout which I’m sure some modellers could expand on. It would be useful to hear from fellow modellers who have built a layout or started building one what experiences they have been taught, god or bad.