Unless you're modeling transitional or *early* diesel eras I don't think 5x10 would be enough for 'mainline' operation, simply because of the requirements. Sure, you can have a folded dog bone or oval of double track and even have a 22"R minimum, but what about staging for the trains at each end of your section of modeled mainline track?
Would it be possible for this table to be against a short wall of the room with wings coming off the table on each long wall to hold staging tracks?
About to embark on building my first HO layout on a 5x10 table featuring mainline operation. Looking for interesting ideas. Would consider a 4x8 layout that I could expand by 25% to fit my table.
That's what I was thinking, if he could do that, then the options would be MUCH better...
After all my years, im now building my first N scale layout, and the only reason I went to N scale was the simple fact I dont have enough room to build the layout I want in HO, and at almost 40 ft of mainline for my N, I feel I have "barely" enough to do what I want, and im sure I will be making many compromises..
About to embark on building my first HO layout on a 5x10 table featuring mainline operation. Looking for interesting ideas. Would consider a 4x8 layout that I could expand by 25% to fit my table.
Actually that is exactly what I was going to recommend when I read the title of your thread. Track down one of the thousands of 4x8 layouts out there and just relax it to the 5x10 size.About to embark on building my first HO layout on a 5x10 table featuring mainline operation. Looking for interesting ideas. Would consider a 4x8 layout that I could expand by 25% to fit my table.
Interesting discussion here, and a few good references for these smaller size layouts.
I sold my 'Atlas Central Midland' layout anticipating a move overseas (permanent move)
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=93274
Now I'm sorry I did as I will not be living there full time, but rather splitting time there and here. I need a small layout to satisfy my desires to at least run a few trains and play with DCC and sound development until I become more permanent. And it needs to be transportable.
I've been giving the 5x9 idea some serious consideration, hence I found this discussion. I look forward to more input.