@ScoutingDad posted:@Aegis21 Until I opened the SCARM file I did not realize the amount of space you have to work with. WOW - in my dreams. That said the long narrow space with the end entry can pose design problems if you want 072 plus curves. I would consider hiring someone to help design an interesting layout plan for you. There are forum sponsors who provide such services. If not that - get ahold of Linn Westcott's old book "101 track plans". He does a nice job of providing scenery details as well as vertical adjustments. I gather from him since the real world is not flat, you layout should not be either. You have plenty of space for a multilevel track plan with nominal grades. I would consider a helix in the bump-out and get creative with a high track.
I will certainly get the Linn Westcott book, I need all the help I can get.
Check out the basic track plan at @mike g. 's post on his rebuild. This plan has gone through several iterations. I like the idea of a walk in, but I do not have the room. A folded dog bone would fit nicely in your space. Just plan for space between the rails and backdrop for buildings or scenery.
While I understand this layout has been dismantled, it is a great example of what a model railroad can look like. Maybe there are some ideas for you here. Black Diamond Railroad
For what its worth, I had a radon pipe in my home. It is nothing more than a PVC pipe with a slight negative pressure on it to draw radon containing air from under the basement slab. The fan should be up in the roof somewhere along with the power supply. I would have no qualms about encasing that pipe. Mine had a pressure gauge on it which needed to be exposed - a good check to see the system is operating. Over time the fan wears out and needs to be replaced.
Thanks for the input and suggestions! I certainly need to do more research and get my head around multi-level layout.
