"Jeffrey Hatcher" <thehatchers@...> wrote:
As an apartment dweller myself I agree completely with Jack's
comment,for the most part, that small layouts are our only option.
What Jeff says is true of course. But what came to my mind is the small layout as maybe the only option for people with various forms of disabilities or mobility limitations as well.
The point is this: Small layouts are excellent,and by no means should
be seen as a default to "real layouts", which often seems to be the
prevalent view on the various lists.
<snip>
Enter the small layout, where less really is more and a longer length
of run does not equate to superior modelling.
You know, this got me thinking. I have toyed with the idea of making a smaller, island type layout in the basement instead of trying to fill every space with the so called, every square inch filling dream layout. Apparently I too have been conditioned to think that more is more as the first thing that comes to mind is now what do I have to give up, what will I be losing if I pursue the smaller pike (now there's a word you don't see everyday). One focus of this list should be to promote the idea that the smaller layout can be a _complete_ layout in itself and not just a compromise or only viable as a beginner's layout (sorry Mr. K.). OTOH, I would hate to see this list become a forum for bashing large, basement filling layouts. A small layout can and should be a viable , complete alternative to that. There is a real place for both configurations and all should keep that in mind.
Paul Kossart - Peru, Illinois, USA .
NMRA, BRHS, La Salle & Bureau County Model Railroad Club
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Modeling the CB&Q & Illiniwek River Branch in HO ~ Circa late 1960's.
"Serving Agriculture and Industry in the Illiniwek River Valley since 1904."
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