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Loco’s – Cars per Sq. Ft Layout

A reader asks:
As most model railroaders have TOO many Locomotives and Cars. It would be interesting to know what the recommendation would be for the following -
How many locomotives per sq. ft of Layout? How many Cars per sq. ft. of HO Layout? 
Submit your answer below this posting. 

2 Responses to Loco’s – Cars per Sq. Ft Layout

  • Anonymous says:

    I know this isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but I firmly believe…”My trains/layout…I’ll do it they way I want to!”

    In other words, whatever works for you, and whatever looks good to YOUR eyes. Balance? Sure. Realistic? For the most part. But have FUN! For example, I have a beautiful, tranquil lakeside setting with people swimming, barbequeing, and tanning on the floating dock – but blending in a large clump of trees is a…dinosaur! Hard to see, but it’s there. I have a building on fire, people getting rescued, etc., and on the roof is a large “Jesus Saves” sign. If you like alot of engines – use them. If you like to see long sets of cars, do that. Don’t get too caught up in the technical aspects.

  • Bob Brant says:

    Also remember. Yards are not for storage, but the movement of freight. Cars in a yard make no revenue. If you need car storage, then build a hidden staging yard for excess cars. Can you have to many cars, and power. Yes, but also no. Depends on your industries on line. There is a device out there call a Train-avator or something like that. It goes up and down along a wall to store cars or complete trains. Good luck and have fun.

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