03-03-2010, 04:11 PM
faraway Wrote:Stein, you might gain considerable space if you shift the time line by about 20 years.
It makes an impressive difference if I put the standard after WWII all steal 40' boxcars oder all wood boxcars on the layout. I use old wood boxcars of 40' length but they are smaller and not do high. It is the volume of the car that makes the difference. I can shrink my layout to a shoe box by putting some 70'+ well cars and some 50' covered hoppers on the tracks. It is a disaster. Going back to 193x is the opposite and creates space.
The second impressive effect comes from the automobiles and trucks. It is amazing how small a street can be with a Ford AA or a Jordan truck on it and still look well proportioned.
Both modifications (small cars and small automobiles of an earlier area) create space without any changes on the layout!
The Proto 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 switcher are wonderful running engines. Locals would be happy after a Spectrum 2-8-0. If you like diesel, I did just discover the Atlas HH600.
Hmmm - I will certainly consider that as an option for later. But for right now, I am more fond of the diesels of the late 50s than I am of steam engines.
Easy enough to change later, if I change my mind.
Thank you for the suggestion!
Smile,
Stein