TT Scale. The Ideal Scale.

Is there such a thing? I'm on my Nth version of a track plan for my new layout. There is constantly something that I think could be better. When do you guys say "ok, this is good" and move forward with the build?

It really depends on what you want to do.

Even for someone like me who wants to model a specific prototype as accurately as possible, there's a lot of work to do when it comes to working out the trackage. The prototype gives the template, but there's a lot of compression and fudging that needs done. Essentially, when the design will

A, fit into the room available
B, handle the required amount of traffic that'll happen during an op session
C, looks right

then is when I'll say okay, that's done, let's build.

Though point C for me means "is suitably representative of the specific spot on the prototype", it can be also interpreted more loosely. If it looks good and does what you want it to do, then it's go time!

Sacrifice is the key. I came up with some must haves on my layout. Wide turn radii, trains only go through a scene once during a trip, industrial area, station with servicing area, a branch line, etc. What I had to give up was continuous running (Although I enjoy continuous running, not having the track come back to itself has really freed up the design), reduced the industrial area to one industry (oil storage facility) and the branch line, unfortunately, has the main line in the background. The best thing I did was to come up with standards for the track. Sticking to these standards has made some of the decisions for me.

In answer to your question, no. Even though I'm enjoying quite a bit of space I still cannot fit in everything I'd like.

CSD wrote:Sacrifice is the key.........Although I enjoy continuous running, not having the track come back to itself has really freed up the design

That's something I can't part with and it dictates a LOT.

That is the argument for building a modular layout - as preferences change over time, changes can be made by building new modules and modifying old ones.

For us, a layout has to support at least 2 separate main lines that are connected to each other, this allows Nicholle and I to run one of "our" (Nicholle: Chessie, BN, N&W) (Me: Southern, SOO, PC) (and our shared: Possum Central and NS) trains on a mainline at a time.

Then again, everyone has their own preferences.

TTQuebec wrote:A, fit into the room available
B, handle the required amount of traffic that'll happen during an op session
C, looks right
then is when I'll say okay, that's done, let's build.

and keep in mind that once you start construction and see everything in full size you'll likely come up with improvements to the design anyway ............dave