TT120 15'x2' layout help

[Grandad-370764]

Evening all

I am just starting out in the hobby with a layout space of 2foot by 15foot long. I am wondering if a 2foot width would be enough for a loop to fit in. Or would it be better to go for N gauge

Any feedback appreciated

Many thanks

[Rallymatt]

Remember you wouldn’t need to have that width for the whole length. Often referred to as a ‘dog bone’ the loop curves are wider at end than come in along the length is a popular option. Sounds like you have a decent amount of lengthwise running available.

[Fishmanoz]

So that’s 620mm to track centres.

Then total width of track is 20mm to edge of sleepers - 640mm.

Carriages going around these curves overhang at each end by around 5mm.

Bare minimum space for R2 loop - 645mm (2ft 1 1/2 inches)

[Lyndon68]

Sorry for hopping on your thread, but seemed an ideal place to ask a layout question.

Has/is anybody planning a layout on an 8 X 4 baseboard? It seems an ideal size, not too big or small and readily available from B&Q (also available at other DIY and timber suppliers😁)

I've seen many OO gauge layouts on YouTube in this size but none yet for our scale of preference.

Lyndon

[Hobby11]

You could take an 00 plan and amend it to suit. The thing to remember is that TT120 allows you to have more space (think: scenery!) than 00 on the same size board. One thing I would say is that a solid 8x4 board is a big board and not easy to carry around, especially with track and scenery on it. It's bigger than a double bed, for example!

[SMR248]

An 8 x 4 board is a difficult thing to manoeuvre. If you're going to put it in a garage then OK. If you're going to put it in an upstairs bedroom then perhaps think again.

Of course lots of people have done it but, in my opinion, it's too big. I wouldn't go much bigger than 4 x 2 (and then bolt the sections together).

I do tend to change my mind a lot but being able to take a section outside (on my own) to do anything messy is useful.

Also depends if you're going to push it up against a wall. Unless you've got very long arms it'll be difficult to reach anything at the back.

[96RAF]

B&Q plywood is great for wavy layouts. I have never seen a flat one yet. Go to a decent timber merchant that knows their wood, not a DIY shop.

[Lyndon68]

I guess I wasn't suggesting a single piece 8 X 4 layout, just a layout that would sit on an area of 8 X 4 ( which ever timber yard I buy it from I would need to have it cut into 4 X 2 pieces to fit in my mini)

I agree my question could have been clearer... 😁

[Rallymatt]

Don’t worry about uneven ply, it’s pretty much all like that, it needs bracing to bring it back true, cheap and easy although some ply is better quality than other ply. I started with a standard 2.4 x 1.2m sheet for High Fell, cut it into sections, braced it, then bolted the sections together. You only really need the good support under the track, scenery can sit on pretty much anything and it means you can get some variance in levels quite easily.

[Fishmanoz]

Could we bring this discussion back to the OP’s request for help on hers/his intended 15’ x 2’ layout. In fact mods, could you pls add “15’ X 2’ “ to the front of the title.

Lyndon, if you need more assistance, could you please raise your own topic with a title like “Assistance with 8’ X 4’ Layout”. You don’t need to include TT:120 if you raise it in this forum.

[LTSR_NSE]

The original question appears to have received a number of clear & detailed answers - not sure much more can be added?

For Lyndon’s question - I’d only add a small caution regarding the suggestion of adapting a 00 gauge layout. TT:120 set track uses different size angles/lengths for curves & a different radius for points than 00 set track uses. It would therefore be necessary to understand the differences & their effects on potential layouts, to achieve a successful result. It might be simpler to use track design software (e.g. AnyRail or SCARM) that already contain the TT:120 set track pieces (& flexi-track) to create a design of your own.

For Daedalus’ question - I wouldn’t know, haven’t seen any!

Some find a desire for great accuracy sensible - to ensure best possible experience for users of this forum.

Some simple examples could include: thread titles (Fishy); electrical information & theory (You); & assumptions/speculation/opinions Vs facts (Me). Glass houses & stones spring to mind! 😉

[Fishmanoz]

I make no apology for doing my bit to keep the content here neat and well labeled to the benefit of all users interested in knowing relevant information and getting the good solutions to problems that these forums are known for.

[Lyndon68]

Apologies and respect to Grandad-370764. Hijacking your thread genuinely was never my intention. As a newcomer to model railway myself I was just soaking up the knowledge.

Still learning forum etiquette😁

Lyndon

[RB51]

Given the awkwardness of the forum structure it is easy to miss those posts that could be better constructed. That and the currently poor search facility make it imperative that queries are accurately and as fully described as possible so that those scanning the forum can make a choice about whether or not to respond. It also means that search results for topics are more accurately returned the better the title.

Any guidance as to issues that could be tidied up are most welcome and not considered pedantic. These are not generally, and certainly in this case, breaches of forum rules.

We are told that the forum structure is being looked at.

As this topic seems to be answered this thread is now locked.

@Lyndon. You may wish to pursue your own topic separately.

R-