Layout ideas?

Hi folks! I haven't been here for a year or so... glad to be back!!!

My wife and I moved into a new house a while back, which means my old custom L-shaped layout (started as a 4 x 8) no longer exists.

I now have space for a bigger layout (the old place was a condo) in the basement.

I have an 18' x 13' space to work with, and I want to be able to do continuous runs with some operation. I *think* I can get two peninsulas in the space, but I'm new at doing something OTHER than 4 x 8's.

Any advice?

____________________
CK

 

This is a method I have used, it worked well for me so you might want to try it.

First, I decide sort of conjointly, on a main line design and benchwork shape together; one feeds the other. So I decided on a kind of C shaped layout that is double decked, with reversing loops over and under each other - on decks one and two. I didn't think about yards, passing sidings, industry, nothing - except a main line and benchwork to get the most out of my empire.

Then I built the benchwork.

Then I added backdrop - commercial stuff.

Now I am into adding track.

I have broken the layout down into key visual areas, three on my lower deck and three on my upper deck. I have rough idea of industries, interchange, etc. I want around the layout.

But I am building this sectionally. So I am starting to lay the track for a large, long reversing loop area. I searched for plans that would suit just that area. I found one and modified it. Then I will lay track. Then I will move on to section two and do the same. Decide what I want it to be, search for some plans that reflect my plans, then modify; then add the track, and so on.

You will notice in the process you don't have a final track plan until you are done. But of course I have some key given and druthers I want in the layout and I checked these off (or change my mind) as I go along. This way I am really design six different layouts ( from my six key visual areas).

 

I think what you need to do is first identify how much realestate you have to work with, and what basic things you can do in the proscribed room. From there, you can figure out what you want your own little world to be.

What basic design rules are you going to give yourself? 24" curves minimum? 2% grade maximums? These will be your controlling parameters along with your available space.

At 13' wide you should be able to do a peninsula plus turn-arounds at both ends to maximize your running times. 3' layout width + 2 1/2' shelf on one side of the peninsula + 2 1/2' shelf on the other side of the peninsula + 3' layout on the other side totals up to 11' - OUCH! You'll have to keep your layout width narrow where you have the bulb-end of your peninsula. The bulb will have to be close to 5' wide to maintain 24" curves.

I'd stick with one long peninsula, with the turn-arounds extending past the penisula. This will give you the longest straight runs, and the most room for switchyards. Switchyards like long straight areas to be laid out. The long width could also be used to make a "no-lix" where you run the train around the layout while climbing mountains and then up the back wall to get up to an upper level. You already have enough room that you may not want to look at a second level. Some people use an upper level just for train storage, some place to stash the made-up trains for future operations. A nice place to stash a 20-car coal train, etc.

Twisting the layout so the peninsulas poke across the width of the room will break up the scenery more (good or bad) and will reduce the amoun of straight track. Your trains will end up spending more time on curves and less time on straight sections. Given that problems are more likely to pop up in curves, this will raise the bar on needing to lay the track without a flaw. You will be able to create a greater diversity of track scenes without them interfering with each other.

You could also build an around-the-room layout with a duck-under and a peninsula in the middle. This would definately maximize the amount of track. The need for a large turn-around would be reduced, and designing a continuous running layout would be easier. As a "con ", the duck-under could end up being a "crawl under".

Just my $0.02 worth.

Mark in Utah

 

Some great advice here guys! Thank you!

To clarify a little, heres a few more things I'm thinking about...

I want to limit to single-level. I don't feel that a dual-deck is within my skill level... yet.

The room ... the doorway is (will be) in the middle of the long wall. (So if the 18' length were running east-west, the door is in the center of the south wall.)

(Greg... your layout looks cool! Thanks for sharing... but as you can see, my door placement kinda doesn't work with your plan...durnit...)

We'd like to be able to run triple-axel locos, and/or a Big-Boy... so I'd say minimum 24" curves. Plus a maximum of a 3% grade I'm thinking.

I've been looking at the "Merrimac SouthEastern" (pg 72, 48 Top-notch Track Plans by Klambach) Interesting layout, but I'm not sure it uses the space to it's full potential.

I'm still fighting with myself about doing a duck-under at the doorway, to get a route around the full perimeter of the room. I know this would be somewhat better than large return-loops... but I'm not sure on this.

A continual run is a must though... as is a decent-size yard.

I'm also wondering if I shouldn't quite 'fill' the available space, so that I can tuck a "staging yard" off in one area.

This is my third layout ever... so I'm hoping I'm not biting off more than I can chew.

Keep the ideas coming! This rocks!

 

A question about levels or decks. I've seen some layouts where there is a hidden lower staging level, is that what you are talking about? Or are you talking about climbing a grade to cross over other track? Just trying to clarify in my head or visualize what you mean by multiple levels. Thanks

Russ

 

Russ:

When I said I want to stick to a "single-level", I meant single deck.

Grade changes and cross overs and so forth are fine with me... I just don't want to do a double-deck layout.

(I admit I'm kind of intrigued at the thought of a hidden lower staging area... but I'd prefer not to go there quite yet...)

 

I'm with you, the staging area being hidden is kind of intriguing. I know some people talk about 2 or 3 levels and I'm not sure what they mean exactly.

Russ