HOn30 questions - and perhaps a layout build?

[Dave V]

Any interest in the Gilpin ore cars? They are tiny! I could give it a try in 3D.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%281.54%29_Gilpin_Tram,_ore_cars_infront_of_Modoc,_Rhoderick_Dhu,_San_Juan_and_Gardner_mines.jpg

Sure!

[timwatson]

I thought someone made the gilpin cars in hon3 already?

[Chris333]

I don't think so. Grandt Line did them in O scale.

Cool video alert:

[Dave V]

I thought someone made the gilpin cars in hon3 already?

They exist in HOn30 on Shapeways.

[Dave V]

Better… but not sure I need so many structures. The ones I have already and was planning to use may be too big.

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[packers#1]

Are you holding yourself to 2x4 because of where this is going in your house, or just because you want that size? It might be a good idea to add another 6” to the middle, and go with 2.5 x 4. I don’t think you’re overcrowding with structures, I just think you need a bit more space for the HO size.

[Dave V]

I’m sticking with 2 x 4. Thanks though!

[Chris333]

Vertical butts 

[Dave V]

Foget this. Toooooooo much. Looking at the 3 x 6 foot Colorado Midland next to a 2 x 4 foot Cosco banquet table I'm realizing there's no way at all I'm getting even half as much into the 2 x 4 space as I have on that plan.

Best idea is to print up the Peco switch templates and take one of my blank 2 x 4 tables and just see what will fit. I think it's gonna be a loop and a pair of sidings...not much more. I want enough room to do scenery.

[JeffB]

Foget this. Toooooooo much. Looking at the 3 x 6 foot Colorado Midland next to a 2 x 4 foot Cosco banquet table I'm realizing there's no way at all I'm getting even half as much into the 2 x 4 space as I have on that plan.

Best idea is to print up the Peco switch templates and take one of my blank 2 x 4 tables and just see what will fit. I think it's gonna be a loop and a pair of sidings...not much more. I want enough room to do scenery.

Yeah, scale is important...  If you don't draw things like scenic elements and structures to scale, you're very likely to be surprised in the way you've been in your case.

Just cause it looks good on paper, doesn't mean it'll work in reality.

Jeff

[Dave V]

Yeah, scale is important...  If you don't draw things like scenic elements and structures to scale, you're very likely to be surprised in the way you've been in your case.

Just cause it looks good on paper, doesn't mean it'll work in reality.

Jeff

Jeff, FWIW, the drawing I did is to scale. Those buildings are the size they are either 1) based on manufacturer's stated footprint or 2) measurements I took of buildings I already have.

It's the scenery though. I want fun Wild West scenery and there just isn't any room there at all for more than a few bumps.

I think I should consider sticking with the mine scene and then turn the town side into a tiny junction with a building or two.

The buildings I have  are theme-appropriate but they completely dominate the scene.

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[Cajonpassfan]

Well Dave, the layout is tiny, an equivalent of a one by two foot in N scale (sort of). What if you designed it to be viewed primarily from one of the long sides, and partially the two shorts, with the back against a wall/backdrop, behind buildings, trees, or scenery? One side could enter a tunnel, the other disappear behind/under scenery. You could even keep your passing siding there along the edge, but hidden. That would give you more scenic depth and room for structures up front. I think you could trade two crowded scenes for one larger, generous one.
YMMV, good luck!
Otto

[drbnc]

How about Lago Railway and Mining Co.?  And you could paint the town red...

[Dave V]

So…

Scaling back my expectations, I can still have some fun. The town is now in the corner that the trestle was, and I’ve moved the trestle to the opposite corner on the same end.

The footprints are for kits I’ve either purchased or plan to purchase. It’s not too crowded now and there’s plenty of room for scenery.

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[Chris333]

Not saying you need to cram more in there, but:


It can be done. Could cut the rear of the buildings down, or just bury them into the hill side. No lush trees to hide everything though.

Also guess Cripplebush rocks don't really fit your locate. Just carve it all out of foam like Dave Meek.

PS. I'd weather that blue trackwork.