Well folks, It has happened, soon I will have the space 16 feet X 30" for an N scale layout here at home. That being said. I need idea's for this thing, I'm kinda stumped as I have never actually built a layout from scratch. Givens: N scale, DCC, 1960's - Present, Mid West Locale. Lots of Operations stuff, and also the ability to "Just let the train run so I can just sit and watch it go". Other than that, no restrictions. I looked at Linn Westcotts Port Ogden and Northern as a starting point idea, but have been told that the track plan is extremely dated, and limiting. So toss out any thoughts you have.. Thanks, Mark+
30 inches is an adequate width (not great) for turnarounds at the ends, to keep a "watch it go" train running. Is the 16 feet a straight run? That is a great space to work with. Then, it is up to your wants and needs. You've already said you want operations plus continuous running, so the question is "what else?" How many trains, do you want a yard, and engine facility, etc? Grades (hills, mountains, tunnels)? Countryside or all city/town/industrial? How many industries?
Layout Idea's Rick, Thanks for your reply. yes, the 16 feet is a straight run. a small yard, I keep thinking a industrial waterfront warehouse kinda place, all locos would be GP40-2's, and a couple of SW9/1200's in there too. two trains running from either end from behind the skyboard staging, a yard crew, and then typically 2 trains to take care of the industries in the town and along the waterfront. (I'm thinking warehouses / wharf's kinda switching along the waterfront area's). Thanks, Mark+
Maybe Duluth, MN would interest you. A large port area with a BNSF Yard and CP Yard (Click HERE to see Rice Point). CN (CN, EJ&E, GT,DM&IR paint schemes) Ore Docks (short cars on an interesting to look at structure. Large ship loading grain elevators (shuttle trains and switchers). All in a very compact space. Plus with the museum there you can add any piece of equipment in and it will look good! Click HERE to see what I mean.
