Space for a layout: building more room
For my ENTIRE life every model magazine has been filled with articles devoted to utilizing available small spaces for a layout. I think I’ve read one, ONE, article devoted to building a larger space. I’ve been in construction for more than half my adult life, 32 years, and I think building a larger space is easier than settling for a small one. This is our hobby. For most of us we are not spending thousands of dollars on other interests. Additionally if you add a room, that room will appreciate in value, and pay you back after you built it, when you sell it. For example I built a building for my layout in Burbank, Ca. It was a four car garage with a second floor devoted to the trains. That room was 1230 sq ft. The real estate agent valued that room alone at $100,000. The garage in questioned had actual space for two cars, a laundry room, a wood work shop, a train work shop, a garden tool storage area, and a half bath. That was the first floor. The second floor was the train room. ...