New to O scale

I don't rely on others for a place to operate my equipment, but if there were a reasonable place to go I might consider the occasional get together as well.

You could build a layout of course, but that's obviously a long term effort. Hopefully you will make productive contact with someone. Until then a few lengths of flex track will get your wheels turning.

Bob

Bob,

The problem is that I don't have room. I have a 1000 sq ft house with no basement. I could build in the garage but that would be cold in the winter. If I made a house layout at 72 inch radius. It would over whelm any room I have. Still, It may come to that if I keep this house. I am retiring at the end of this year and may need to move into veterans assisted housing for the sake of affordability. Still....I have my dream engine, even if it never runs. But that would be a shame.

Brian

Brian,

This is of no help,for which I'm sorry but am facing a similar situation. May have to move to assisted housing and leave the house I've lived in for 56 years.

O Scalers are hard to find,I truly hope things work out for you as per your housing situation and am also hoping you find a group of O Scalers near you,but noone seems interested in O Scale near me either. This is a great group of modelers,I was green 4 years back and am still green as I'm used to HO after 30+ years in it.

Here's wishing you the best.

Al Hummel

Thanks, Al. Good luck to you

For now, buy some lionel fastrack, a loop with your 72" curves, and a transformer.   Then you can set up a temporary layout on your floor, and take it down when you need the room, much like a Christmas tree layout.  This way, you can enjoy your engine whenever you want, until another option becomes available.  Have fun, John A

If you own the 1k sq floor  house, consider a simple single track shelf above the doors and windows. An ogauger in East Tennessee built a twin track, wide curve arc shelf in his 14x16 Condo Den as shown in the faded footprint below. He had just bought MTH's Clinchfield Challenger and wanted curves of 080s-090s. The face of his plywood  corner cut is 072.

Many others in the same area around Kingsport, Johnson City ,etc, built much smaller-arc, single track operations following the same general plan typically in bedrooms of 10x11,11x12,etc. Many tunneled right on through the top of closets.

Sorry, didn't see 2 Rail....could use Gargraves sectional track....all 3 rails are insulated from each other, and a 2 rail DC pack.....gotta think  outside the box(car)!!!!   JohnA

I presume the O scale modular group you are talking about is the Colorado O Scale Modelers?  There's a decent number of O scale 2-railers in the Denver area, with some nice home layouts.  If you can get connected to COSM, you can probably get connected to the others.  I believe the Appalachian & Ohio north of Denver has open houses on occasion, if nothing else.

Also, there used to be a place in Louisville which I believe was called Tim's Toy Trains, or something to that effect.  Half of his space was actually a giant multi scale layout where people could bring in there trains and sort of "rent" track time.  I'm not sure it's still viable but it would be worth looking into.  It was on South Boulder just west of Courtesy Rd/96th St.

Good luck with your search!
Jim

A lack of space is merely a challenge to the imagination.

With respect, get away from the usual notions of what constitutes a layout - i.e. a Basement Empire!! Here in the UK we are very space-starved:- a population 1/6 that of the USA, but in a Country only 1/38th the size - yeah most of us have rather small houses by US standards, & basements are very rare. We have learned to overcome such problems, & it isn't always by dropping down to the smaller scales.

For your inspiration, here's an American outline, O Scale layout, built here in England, depicting part of Laramie engine terminal, Wyoming, total length, just 12ft long.

https://laramieengineterminal.com/track-plan/

Many might dismiss it as just a diorama, & wonder if it might not be boring compared to a Basement Empire. But - it gives a chance for those massive American steamers to turn a wheel, & if the Basement Empire ain't ever going to happen, then what would you rather have - Something, or Nothing..??

Hi Brian. Welcome aboard.  The 2-rail Sunset CNW H1 is rated at 54" minimum radius, but you might be able to pull off something indoors along the ceiling at a 60" radius curve with adequate roadbed support. I have a similar situation I'm trying to work around. Like Sunday Shunter said, lack of space is just a challenge to your imagination.

By the way, the H1 is a beautiful locomotive (I have the 3-rail version and almost bought a second one in 2-rail).

SundayShunter posted:

A lack of space is merely a challenge to the imagination.

With respect, get away from the usual notions of what constitutes a layout - i.e. a Basement Empire!! Here in the UK we are very space-starved:- a population 1/6 that of the USA, but in a Country only 1/38th the size - yeah most of us have rather small houses by US standards, & basements are very rare. We have learned to overcome such problems, & it isn't always by dropping down to the smaller scales.

For your inspiration, here's an American outline, O Scale layout, built here in England, depicting part of Laramie engine terminal, Wyoming, total length, just 12ft long.

https://laramieengineterminal.com/track-plan/

Many might dismiss it as just a diorama, & wonder if it might not be boring compared to a Basement Empire. But - it gives a chance for those massive American steamers to turn a wheel, & if the Basement Empire ain't ever going to happen, then what would you rather have - Something, or Nothing..??

From Laramie, let me endorse the idea! Beautiful little plan. 

big train posted:

I presume the O scale modular group you are talking about is the Colorado O Scale Modelers?  There's a decent number of O scale 2-railers in the Denver area, with some nice home layouts.  If you can get connected to COSM, you can probably get connected to the others.  I believe the Appalachian & Ohio north of Denver has open houses on occasion, if nothing else.

Also, there used to be a place in Louisville which I believe was called Tim's Toy Trains, or something to that effect.  Half of his space was actually a giant multi scale layout where people could bring in there trains and sort of "rent" track time.  I'm not sure it's still viable but it would be worth looking into.  It was on South Boulder just west of Courtesy Rd/96th St.

Good luck with your search!
Jim

jim, i am fairly certain he went out of business. Caboose is the only place left.

Sundayshunter    That is some great modelling, really packs a punch for a small space.    cTr...( Choose the Right )

Dear Brian,

Welcome to the O scale 2 rail Fraternity !!!

You are very fortunate to live in a area that appears to have cluster of 2 railers and I believe by the postings on this forum a mighty fine modular group.

I think you will find joining and contributing to that group will fulfill your desire of running your loco and socialize and learn about the O scale community. Also your being a beer crafter doesn't hurt either!!

My layout at my home is a modest 12x18 and is capable of operating 2 trains DCC- loco restrictions at 2-8-2 and SD9 and fulfills my needs.

I am very much AOK with this as I am also a member of the Cherry Valley Model RR Club -DCC  Layout size 28x76 in Merchantville NJ- about an hour away from my home, which I can operate my largest locomotives in my collection and I also enjoy the fellowship and knowledge of my fellow members.

Division Point makes a beautiful model of the CNW cabooses and you will need about 25-30 cars for the H to pull.

And you thought you would have ONLY one locomotive !!!!  

Once again, Welcome to our Great Scale. 

John P.Dunn Sr.  President CVMRR

John,

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll wait for a more reasonably priced caboose, not that it isn't lovely. But I pretty much blew the budget on the loco. I think I will slowly accumulate cars off of ebay and other places.

Brian

Brian,

What are you looking for in cars? MTH,Atlas? I model CSX and predecessor railroads so I doubt I'd have much of interest. And are you looking for 3 or 2 rail track?

Thanks,

Al Hummel 

Brian,

Like you I do not have a layout or even the time and energy to build one. Fortunately, I have access to a friend's layout, which is wonderful (....both the friend and his layout), as it is a replication of the Tehachapi loop. 

For home urges and when the need to operate these steam engines becomes too strong, I have a special device that I built myself with some wood, and 8 rollers. I can operate some articulated engines all the way to the Big Boy on it. The engine can run in both directions and seeing all the rods and drivers in motion, is enough to calm you down...most of the times.

The support did not cost much, the rollers being the most expensive at $15 a piece. With your engine, you would only need 4 rollers. I will see if I can dig out a picture and will post it.

Yves

And the finished product:

The rollers are from Micro-Mark - Reference 83417 (currently $60 for a set of four).

Very nice. I  am looking to build some rollers too. 

Brian, Congratulations on entering 2 rail O scale.  My first layout in an apt and then a mobil home was tucked in a corner with one 90 degree curve, point to point. I guess maybe a 20' run, lots of switching.  Part of it was a turntable section and that went into a larger layout later on.  Good luck.  So much available out there today compared to when I started.  Is the loco DC powered or DCC? 

DC. Thinking about something small.

Welcome Brian!  Don't let the lack of space deter you.  Dewey's diagram above is a very practical way to enjoy your trains without eating up your floor space.  Here's a link to a video I made last year.  I essentially built what Dewey was depicting. My office is about 15 by 15 and I managed to put up 072 corners.  I only run one line though, I think his has dimensions for two tracks.  Took me all of 2 or 3 weekends to throw it together and it was pretty cheap. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpKtws1fAuw

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask for help on the forums here.  Really helpful group of people here.

Thanks so much.

Brian

John A posted:

For now, buy some lionel fastrack, a loop with your 72" curves, and a transformer.   Then you can set up a temporary layout on your floor, and take it down when you need the room, much like a Christmas tree layout.  This way, you can enjoy your engine whenever you want, until another option becomes available.  Have fun, John A

Thanks John

Brian Kelly posted:

I live in Denver and have recently purchased my first O Scale locomotive, a Sunset 2 rail CNW 4-8-4 Northern H-1. It was my favorite engine as a child and obtaining a model has been on my bucket list forever. So now I have gone and done it. Looking for other Denver area O scalers. Since the demise of the group at Union Station, there is really no place for me to go to run my engine. I am going to join the local modular O scale group. But I am looking for a group of O Scalers to associate and meet with and possibly run my engine. I am a real greenie.

Brian Kelly

Hi Brain

Welcome to O Scale.  Erik Lindgren and i have a modular O scale layout,  although i doubt it would accommodate a 4-8-4 as it's theme is a front range branch line.  It is currently embargoed for failing trackwork.  That brings up the issue you referred to in where can one run 2 rail O scale.  We have avoided the "club" route because it takes a lot of money and that requirement brings lots of politics.  We transport and store the layout in a trailer and setup is just a couple of hours.  I've been looking for some place to set it up and do the extensive repairs required but have not found anything.  The layout has outgrown my garage (besides the cold issue) the wife wants to keep her car out of the snow.  I will be taking sections down to the basement to try and get repairs started as soon as i can get a warm day when off work.  The whole thing started in my basement some 10 years ago.  We are planning to build larger radius curves to accommodate larger power (original plan was for SW's or GP's.) but money constraints (i'm retired on SS) are holding up progress.  I can hold evening bull sessions if interested.  Contact me at coloradooscale.org

Years ago shopping malls were a good place to set up portable layouts, particularly during the holidays. Seems the malls have gone away and strip malls are no substitute.  I once was a member of an HO modular group that set up in a Catholic school gym on Sunday afternoons.  No such luck today.

john

You might consider an engine terminal layout. Way back when, John Armstrong designed one to fit within 4'x8', although I doubt it would have accepted your H1.

Rex has a great idea--above!  Remember--you don't have to circle.  Having a turntable will give you the ability to turn the engine any way you need it to face.  My question is: "Does it have a front coupler?"  All the better if it does.  If not, no big deal, the next loco I'd buy if I were you would be a switcher engine with working couplers on both ends.  You could build a shelf layoutv along a bedroom wall and spend hours switching, rearranging cars for pickup-delivery.  You could make a game of it by making 3 x 5 cards with each piece of rolling stock having it's own card.  Draw a card and place that car in a a pick-up track.  Draw 2nd card and place that car second on so on.  I have seen great layouts that are 8 feet long and 18 inches wide.  Don't limit yourself thinking you don't have room for a layout.  These days you can buy a 2-inch thick piece of foam...cut a 1.5 foot wide section off and build a switching layout on it.  You could move this easily; even out to your garage for storage.  Bring it in to run it in cold/hot weather.

Everyone seems to think you need a basement for O scale.  You don't.

Rex and John,

Thanks so much for the ideas. I'll consider them. Additionally, how do you work with foam? How is the track anchored?Do you cover the foam, paint it, or what?  

Thanks

Brian

John A posted:

For now, buy some lionel fastrack, a loop with your 72" curves, and a transformer.   Then you can set up a temporary layout on your floor, and take it down when you need the room, much like a Christmas tree layout.  This way, you can enjoy your engine whenever you want, until another option becomes available.  Have fun, John A

I think you missed he said he bought a 2 rail engine. "purchased my first O Scale locomotive, a Sunset 2 rail CNW 4-8-4 Northern H-1" So don't think fast track would help.

Brian here is a idea thou. How about a round the room shelf layout ( basically about 8" 10 " from the ceiling. So you could have your train layout above your head out of the way of anything. 

Bill- I did miss that at first,  but then corrected it with a following post suggesting Gargraves sectional track (all 3 rails insulated from each other). That would work for a temporary loop for his 2 rail engine.    John A

A comment on the Armstrong plan. If I were to build it (I might still) I'd eliminate the transfer table and shop and lengthen the tail tracks another few feet. That way the outer one could serve as an engine-ready track to hold the additional locomotives you will likely acquire (locos breed like rabbits), plus allowing loco movements on the two inner tracks. There are plenty of additional terminal structures you could add, including an ice house, an oil house, and crewmen's house, and so forth.

Brian,

 I second Dewey T's great advise, build yourself an overhead shelf layout in one of your rooms, in reality a small bedroom works well for these kind of layouts.

I just built one myself in a 29x18 Bar/Game Room, these layout are not difficult to build.

PCRR/Dave

The overhead shelf ceiling layout would wok in your small place very well.