Layout planning help needed

[asciibaron]

i'll help you build this layout.  i can be over in 26 minutes.

-Steve

[TrainCat2]

i can be over in 26 minutes.

Now there's a scary thought ...   ;D

[asciibaron]

the only issue i see is the length of the staging sidings... 6' is not very long in HO.  two tunnel motors pulling 8 cars might require the scenes to be limited so the entire train is not in view.

-Steve

[DKS]

the only issue i see is the length of the staging sidings... 6' is not very long in HO.

Thing is, if the staging is much longer, you'll wind up with trains chasing their own tails. I think for the purposes of photography, the train length is not much of an issue since the focus would be on the locomotives and, possibly, the first few cars (correct me if I'm wrong, Tom).

[3rdrail]

the only issue i see is the length of the staging sidings... 6' is not very long in HO.

Thing is, if the staging is much longer, you'll wind up with trains chasing their own tails. I think for the purposes of photography, the train length is not much of an issue since the focus would be on the locomotives and, possibly, the first few cars (correct me if I'm wrong, Tom).

Tom needs to do that layout in N scale. (Expletive deleted) the fancy tunnel motors - rework some IMRC Tunnel Motors!!!

[TrainCat2]

I was thinking the same thing Gregg.

A giant HO circle is difficult to do scenes well that capture the essence of the actual line. That is N's biggest asset. That aside, compression will rule this layout and I fear that the compromises that must be made will dog the perfection that usually Tom strives for.

[asciibaron]

so, where are you with this, or has your world book tour delayed this

-Steve

[tom mann]

so, where are you with this, or has your world book tour delayed this

-Steve

I acquired the tools I need, will start building shortly.

[asciibaron]

I acquired the tools I need, will start building shortly.

er, um, excellent