So I've been following you on Instagram for a while now and on RU-vid and I don't think I've ever grasped your entire layout. I just want to say awesome job, I love it. What an inspiration for those of us who are running O scale with limited space. You've done a great job putting a lot into your layout without it looking cramped. I'm currently building a 10x7 with an elevated level. And yours is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I'll be paying more attention to you here and in IG. Thank you again.
Thank you! I’m glad you found it inspirational! In O scale we all want giant layouts but when that’s not possible we’ve gotta work with what we got. A little flexibility and creativity goes a long way
It's a beautiful looking layout and very nice looking scenery a lot of great views of the trains from a lot of different angles which is I think the best thing to do with model train layouts
Beautiful layout. Just getting into more realistic scenery myself... can suggest a black wash on your rock faces (mix acrylic paint, water, rubbing alcohol).
Eric, real well done video. I have that same atlas o turntable with 11 parking tracks. When I apply power, the turntable goes to the first track and stops. Apply power, it goes to the 2 track. Apply power, goes to 3rd track, and so forth. Always stops in same spots, always aligned perfectly. It takes about 2 mintes to go from track one to track 11. It stops at each track, cant go from track 1 to track 8 directly. It stops at each track each time. And its limited by its 20 inch diameter so we store diesels and medium size steam engines. We luv it. Great job, both in your design and your camera work. You inspire us. Gary
This is a great layout especially in its use of space. Most of us have to be realistic in what we can and cannot do. This, for me, is an inspiration Al layout.
Eric: Love your calm demeanor as you describe your layout. I have a small space like yours. This has given me some vision for ways to make it more interesting. I run a modification of Ken Hoganson's Triple R Railroad from his book, "21 Great Track Plans for Compact Layouts" published by O Gauge Railroading Magazine. I also have a 72 inch outer loop so I can run my Big Boy 4014, but the inner 2 loops are 60" Lionel Fastrack. I also added a Lionel Fastrack John Allen Time Saver Switch Yard which I found from a plan also from Ken H published in O Gauge Model Railroader (Run 305) April/May 2019 pg 45-46. Your layout has made me consider adding levels. Thanks, Alaska David
Eric, how many inches did you allow between the 2 loops where you have the stone ckiff faces? If I use plaster cloth it will probably take fewer inches, but I suspect my 3 inches out between the tracks may not be enough. In retrospect, maybe I should have separated the loops 8 inches. I wanted to try sculpted insulation foam rock faces, but have maybe 3 inches. I regret having too much track in my space and less for landscaping. My board is 18 by 24 ft atlas o but the 2 loops are on the outside perimeter 24 inches, 2 large ovals, 2 inches from the edge. Regret now the ovals should have been 10 inches from the edge. Its hard getting away from the feeling of everthing flat. Did you use hodge podge for those cliff faces? Gary
Yes I used Hieke rock paper. But I think you’ll need much more than 3 inches if you want to have any kind of scenery between. Assuming you have 072 curves with big steam, you’ll want at least 3.5” from the center rail to the nearest object. If you’re not running big steam you’ll have more wiggle room.
