Help Found Thanks I forgot to take my meds this morning. And got off on the wrong foot. I edited all my info, and removed my post. Like a dummy. Sorry for that guys. Will not happen again. But I still need help, as always.
I have a layout that is in a 10X10 area. There isn't much room for me let alone visitors. As per your idea of having a switching yard in the middle. I don't think you will have much room, for an island. It can be done but you will give up needed access space. May I suggest a switching yard down one wall of the layout. Space Utilization: For best space utilization an around the room layout will give you considerably more train space and potential for wider curves. You can go around the room with a single level layout or helix your way up from one level, to another and create a shelf type layout. You can visit my layout, what pictures I've posted, by clicking on my invite below. This sounds good and will give you hours of fun.
Here is a rough idea of a layout which would probably fit easily in your room, a point-to-point with disguised connection for roundy-round continuous running. The staging/partial yard at right is intended as open staging. The staging at left intended as partly hidden-- behind a row of trees etc...
NC, can you give us the dimensions of the other 2 walls? The one on the bottom and the one on the left of your first picture. And you can get alot of layout into a 12" deep scene. But with your space, 18" would work very well and still give you loads of walking room. But with those other dimensions, some of us layout designers could work something up for you Mike
Your assessment would be correct. It doesn't take a real deep railroad to accomplish operating with 15" radius curves. Your articulated locomotives, full length passenger cars and those long freight cars will negotiate the 15" or larger radius curves nicely. I like what Kenneth shared with you. The graphic is perfect and you can build from this to create your own ideas, in hope of achieving your desired goals. If you can see yourself, with a double decked or double shelf layout it will add to the running time and you can run freight trains longer the 12 cars. I know it looks like a lot at the moment but it can be done. I've always done things one day at a time, what I can afford this month and to move ahead red over yellow, is do able. Now that you've seen the pictures. Allow me to throw this in here. My layout is a folded over dog bone. I can run trains up hill on what appears to be a double tracked main. The train will move through a return loop and back down the hill on the other track. I'm not sure you have room for this. You might be able to take one corner of the room and put the dog bone one end over the other. Just a thought.
