Recent content by FictionalCharacter

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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    the timesaver and switchman's nightmare won't fit into my ideal size restrictions, but i think that's more the fault of my size limits than anything else. back to the drawing board. plus, i haven't been here long enough yet to know which smilies are goodnatured and which club noobs to...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    no need to be smug. i'm just trying to learn.
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    i have to admit, after actually setting up a large portion of the track for that last plan... this does look like a rather pointless collection of switchbacks.
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    Is the economy hurting your hobby?

    oddly enough, i've taken up most of my hobbies since the recession began. i've started playing ice hockey again. i started playing tabletop wargames again, and i started running model trains again. none of those pastimes are particularly inexpensive, but they're manageable in moderation and...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    it's entirely possible. what would you suggest as an alternative for a similar amount of space?
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    ok, so... i know i've gone through like a billion ideas here, but i think i may finally have figured most of it out. i haven't been able to decide between a 1' x 3' or a 1' x 4' separated into two sections. space is at quite a premium, but i'd still like a healthy amount of operations. i've come...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    hey all. i think i'm finally narrowing things down here. my gal and i went to a train show yesterday (she's just as excited as i am to get started, if not moreso). she got a great northern kato f7a, which blew our minds, since the engines i've been using are an old life like and a bargain bin...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    out of curiosity, what's the bare minimum serviceable radius for 40' switchers and 50' road switchers? i'm toying with the idea of having my cake and eating it too with something like a 15" x 36" oval with 7.5" minimum radii, but i think that may be pushing it... still working on refining the...
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    N scale starter set?

    good thread. i'm going to be making decisions on track for a (probably) 3' x 5' layout in the relatively near future. the kato M2 pack seems like a pretty solid investment, and an atlas trainman set with the figure eight add-on pack seems like a pretty good deal, too. you can also get some of...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    hey all, continuing to work on layout designs. i'll probably start solidifying plans after the dulles train expo this weekend. i still haven't even really decided on a size yet. i'm not comfortable enough with everything yet to be convinced i can construct two satisfactory 1' x 2' sections, and...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    ok, so i've decided to go from 1' x 3' to 1' x 4', using two different two-foot sections. i have no idea how i'm going to connect them, but i'm just working on the design right now. my new goal is to have track sections end right at the midway point, for obvious reasons. that's limiting me...
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    New Layout HO - Feedback Requested

    i'm going to be there as well. i can't wait. also, as i understand it, that show is tailored more toward the beginner crowd, so it should be perfect for both of us.
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    forgive my inexperience with the appropriate terminology, but i'm not sure i understand which point you're talking about. both of the crossovers end up having turnouts in them; one for a siding and one for the runaround. do i need to get rid of those and put a bit of straight track in instead...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    after taking your advice into consideration, i've made a few changes while still desperately trying to stay no longer than 3' for the sake of space. i've made sure there's at least the 7 1/2" or so on each lead to hold a switcher and a 40' car, which is probably all i'll use and i'll...
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    1' x 3' n scale layout idea

    thanks for the input, guys. i'm going to go back to work on this and see what i can come up with. i'd really like to keep this plan 1' x 3' (apartment living), but i'm sure i can add at least another 6" to it. as long as it can fit on the tabletop, it should work. i'm also going to try to...
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