Just wanted to wish you all compliments of the season!
I just logged onto an interesting N scale group called
n_tutorial@... which is run by a fellow from South Africa.
The idea of the list is to discuss all issues surrounding
layout design and creation. The webmaster, Mr. Roper, has
a website that describes the building of a beginners layout
in N scale starting from a simple oval and becoming progressively
more complex until the end product results in:
-a classification yard
-passing sidings
-an interchange off site
-a small "timesaver" style arrangement for switching, and
-a team track
All in 3X5' which I think would qualify as a small layout design.
The arrangement makes use of a central divider and there is a slight
variation being completed on a hollow core door which includes all the
above and a removable barge to boot!
It's not the be all/end all of design but it's not a bad introduction
for any scale. Best of all, some of the list are working on the layout
in various stages and are posting photos to log their progress.
I'd be intersted to hear your thoughts on that layout design.
FYI, I also see that Tony K is putting out feelers for beginnerlayout
designs on a 4x8 that offer better operating potential than those
usually found in the proprietary books. Selected plans may find their
way into MRP 2002.
Jeff Hatcher
Richmond, B.C.
