One of the issues I face as I plan my layout is just how much space O scale takes up. Mathematically, an O scale model takes up 8x as many space as its HO scale counterpart (2x longer, 2x wider, 2x higher). But my brain isn't experienced enough to think like that. For 30+ years I have modeled in HO or N scale, and I have a pretty good grasp of what I can do with those scales in a given amount of space.
My O scale layout is 3' deep, which in HO scale would be a lot of space and in N scale it would be enormous. But to fit even a simple shed or structure (which could easily be 6" x 12" in 1:48 scale) takes up a lot of ground. It is deceiving. As a result, I am carefully planning where my industries will go and need to use mock-ups and foundation templates to truly get a lay of the land.
Online pictures of commercial kits from Walthers and Atlas help, as they frequently give the foundation dimensions. I then draw them up full size on graph paper or photocopy them. I can push these templates around to visualize things, even if I decide later on to scratchbuild the structures. They are better than nothing.
But even that doesn't take into account the massive size of true 1:48 freight cars. As seen in one of the pictures, I also use actual O scale models to help plan clearances and track siding lengths. My 36" deep benchwork now seems a whole lot smaller.
Thankfully, I have an assistant who loves to help me test things out. Harrison has taken a real interest in this layout (to be fair, he loves any train!) and I think he is just as excited as I am to see progress made.
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