This stat allows us to see just how much layout we really have,
and is a valuable design statistic since it allows us to directly
derive the amount of benchwork and scenery the layout needs.
By comparing the room area with the layout area, we can
ascertain how well the layout design fills its space. For
instance, the 4x8 layout’s space usage is 32/96, or 33%. Most
along-the-wall designs have a space usage of 50% or more,
which shows us the 4x8 layout doesn’t fill the space nearly as
well as an along-the-wall design.
Filling the space isn’t the only issue, since we could build a
wall-to-wall table and fill the space 100%. Access, however,
would be abysmal. As long as good access is maintained, this
stat is useful – but it must be viewed in context with your other
design needs and goals.
NUMBER OF TURNOUTS:
To compute this stat, just count the
number of turnouts on the track plan. Also count a crossing as
a turnout, and count a single slip switch or three-way turnout
or single slip switch as two turnouts. Count a double slip switch
as three turnouts.
This stat is a good indicator of trackwork complexity, which
tells us many useful insights. Given that the most costly track-
work is a turnout, the most maintenance intensive trackwork is
“By comparing the room area
with the layout area, we can
ascertain how well the layout
design fills its space.”
