homersimpsonlikestrains
Active Member
I’m stuck if I should build a 4 x 8 HO train layout or an L-shape dog bone HO layout. Which is better to avoid the train layout becoming boring over time?
So basically the larger the layout is, the less boring it will be?To keep from becoming boring is claim the entire room then build. If you have a basement, claim the whole thing then design and build.
I don't know. A simple loop around the room is going to be about as boring as a loop on an L-shape, or one on a 4x8 foot table. I don't think it is the size as much as the track design and how one runs the trains there on. Thinking of the tiny John Allen "Time Saver" layout and the "Jerome and Southwestern 4x8. True that with a larger space one can fit more interesting elements into it, so it reduces how clever one must be to keep things fresh.I’m stuck if I should build a 4 x 8 HO train layout or an L-shape dog bone HO layout. Which is better to avoid the train layout becoming boring over time?
The nice thing about a larger layout is that you can make it as interesting or boring as you want, I'm the same mind, I don't like the whole couple/uncouple scenario, I have a small yard, simply because I'm too lazy to keep taking rolling stock in and out of boxes, two stations, two loops and a passing loop for an "express" so far I've managed to run three trains simultaneously without having a collision, and that's more excitement than I can handle on some days.Yep, I agree too. Large is only better than small if you make it better... But at least you have an opportunity make it better with more space. I like to run trains, but I'm not at all into coupling and decoupling cars in yards. Maybe I would like that better in a bigger scale, but with N scale, I just don't get any thrills out of dropping off or picking up cars at industries. That may change with time, but right now I really just prefer to watch the trains run.
I agree, too many "experts" saying it has to have "form" or "purpose", to me the purpose is to enjoy and have fun, if your enjoying what your doing, to me, your doing it right, I quite like the noise of a train running in the background while I'm doing something else railroad related.I think the major difference between an interesting layout and one that gets boring is the scenery. Most layouts remain in a plywood world state until the kiddies completely destroy it or it becomes a storage area.
Adding a purpose for the rail service is always a good start. Industries that are hard to reach will get little exchange of traffic while industries that are easy to switch cars in and out of will get more attention.
Just running trains while doing something else nearby is always good. Despite what the European market says about loopers, it's part the hobby.
I don't think I would ever just rip it all out and start over. Lots of money invested. I think I would just find ways to modify what I have....
And if the day ever comes when my layout is perfect, the day after, that's the day I'll rip it all out and start again.
No. Boring comes from lack of complexity. A small layout can offer complexity, but it takes understanding of real rail operations, imagination and patience to craft it. A huge layout that's just a loop of tracks will soon become boring. This is not universal as some are quite content with a loop of track on a sheet of plywood. But, most of us soon realize that we want more out of our model experience. We want something close to prototypical operations. This means some switching, some running, some maintenance, some passenger, some freight....you get the idea.So basically the larger the layout is, the less boring it will be?