I see from Brian's post that he's intending to put his layout in his garage and I'm wondering if he has given any thought to the working conditions, i.e., very cold and draughty in Winter?  The reason I ask is that I have a double garage - which has only a single skin wall!!!!! - and would love to use part of it but I just don't think it would be comfortable, therefore I would probably not want to go out there on cold/rainy days which of course is the best type of day for modelling!!! I have an electric fire but I think it would cost a fortune to have continual heat in such a large area - the thermostat probably wouldn't go off!!! (I've also considered building a 10'x6' insulated room in a corner of the garage but it's quite involved and costly and could prove to be a detriment to a potential purchaser if I decided to move). Space is not a problem as I only keep my small "classic" sports car in there - my day to day car stays outside - and I could have my favourite type of layout (an "L" shape about 14'x2' along most of the the back wall plus 6'x4' for the return loop).
Does anyone else have experience of a garage location or any thoughts on same?
Ken

With the garage as is I think you are quite right in that it would be uncomfortable in the winter. It would definitely need some kind of insulation to keep heating costs controlled. With heat and no insulation you would probably have to contend with condensation too and that brings damp. I'm sorry to seem such a wet blanket but without spending cash I don't really think your garage is a viable proposition. Not knowing how your garage is situated I wonder if there is also a security concern.

If I can add my twopence worth ….  I am building (I use the word carefully) my layout in my garage and would make the following comments

My garage offers me a workbench and the space for a fairly large layout and although dry I have found it to be damn cold over these winter months resulting in no work being done on it since late October. I have thought about putting a small heater in there similar to that which is located in both the greenhouse and the summerhouse but not sure if it is adequate.

In the spring I plan to plasterboard the roof above the layout and the surrounding walls and put in some insulation. I have thought about putting in a false wall so that the layout becomes enclosed but I doubt whether the local clerk of works (she who must be obeyed) would sanction such a move.

I am putting a small workbench in the small bedroom which I currently use as a study where my IT "stuff" is which will allow me to model without having to be in the garage all the time. In any case I have to teach myself how to solder which will require a considerable amount of practice over the coming months before I venture anywhere near the layout with soldering iron in hand.

I think what I am trying to say is that the garage was really the only option for me as I cannot use the loft area due to beams etc. and was well aware of the potential pitfalls regarding the winter months so I am compromising …… Doing scenery, wiring and "testing" during the warmer months and modelling indoors during the colder months.

I have maybe bitten off more than I can chew by doing such a big project but small ovals, single planks didn't "shuffle my cards" although I am very impressed at some of the displays I have seen.

Happy modelling

Matt (perth Buddy)

Thanks fellas: your thinking is very much like mine on this Bob and you're certainly not being a wet blanket, just telling it like it is! Security is not something I'd considered (maybe Matt hasn't either?) but I live in quite a crime free area so wouldn't be too worried on that aspect. I already costed out for building an insulated room within the garage at about £400 but I'm going to wait until I start on the first part of my layout to see whether the space in my spare bedroom will be sufficient - and to see whether my proficiency will come up to my expectations!!!
Matt, we are very much on the same wavelength here on everything you've said (even down to the loft problem) so I sympathize with you on all counts. I've always thought that the biggest put-off for railway modelling is not having a suitable space: most of us have ideas well above our station (pun intended!) so having to reduce our layouts is a real drag, still, these hang-ups do make us think of different ways to get around the problem and that has to be good.
Ken

Just how much space do you have access to in the spare bedroom Ken, and will it be permanent space?

Robert said

Just how much space do you have access to in the spare bedroom Ken, and will it be permanent space?

Bob, I can run it around 2 walls as an "L" shape 8'6" and 6'0" x 2'0" (plus I could add an extra 6'0" "leg" making it into a "U" shape which would go under the window and over the radiator). I am thinking of a branch line station (terminus) at one end probably going to a fiddle yard. By permanent I assume you mean fixed to the wall and my answer is "I think so"!!!  Trouble is this is also my music room and my Vibes (Vibraphone) takes up a lot of space - in front of the window(!!!) plus I have the occasional rehearsal with two other musicians - Double Bass and Guitar - so a bit tight!!! (I've also got a synthesizer and another keyboard but they're packed away in the wardrobe, but, if my pianist was to come round too…….!!!).
You can see why I'm taking my time with the planning, but I think the "L" shape will have to be the one, certainly to start with.
Ken

When you come to the planning of the layout stage I would design for the 'U' shape, as you say, terminus to fiddle yard. If you have the design such that the terminus is wholly on the 8' board, including entrance to fiddle yard, and the fiddle yard on the 6' board then at some future date you could introduce a country side, or commercial 6' board between the two. If the fiddle yard is to be a straight in straight out type, as is Barchester, then you only need half the width of the 6' board to accommodate it. The front half then could be used for scenery, factories etc. Those lines would terminate on that board which would be fine when another board is introduced.