14x24 Atlas-O Layout Plan. With 11x19 FasTrack Version. Short Video of Trains Running Added!

Great space, Ken. I think you might miss not having a good size yard to store trains on and would vote for the initial design. Perhaps just an O and S layout rather than three just to keep some open space - maybe an old-fashioned pinball game, too ! I am also a fan of watching multiple trains run and interact on double mains and, with command features like Legacy and the ability to set constant speeds, you can keep multiple trains running for a very long time w/o any concern.

I know you said you had a loft for storage, but you might also want to consider some Glen Snyder wall shelving for at least some storage and display of engines and rolling stock. 

@Ken-Oscale posted:

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I was playing around yesterday, and came up with this design.   I have been "approved" to add a 12x20 or 12x24 train building structure adjacent to our home and parking apron.  [perhaps in a couple years post retirement.]   For fun I came up with this design to see what could go.

• Wide curves:  O90 minimum curves, #5 mainline turnouts
• Mostly sectional, two lengths of flex
• My wants: a staging track, yard, turntable, double-track main, some industry switching
• Good access and reach so I would enjoy working on the layout, and more likely to make progress rather than put-off because of hassle
• A front viewing area for casual viewers and kids (everyone seems to want to "see" the layout, even if for only a view minutes while conversation ranges)
• Restroom included
• Will be heated and cooled (window air, electric faux fireplace), North Georgia
• Side barn-door delete, front door only

Comments, suggestions, criticisms most welcome!

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Nice design. What software did you use for the design/animation?

With trees and a bit of shaping.

Matt, I am mostly using AnyRail for the design, which then interfaces with an export to TrainPlayer for the animation.

Congrats on getting the studio built! Your layout designs here and in the book were my inspiration to dive headlong back into trains!

Maybe I will end up with something along these lines.  The "N" gauge might need to be beneath the "S" gauge:  terribly crowded.  "Z" gauge is in a big pull-out drawer beneath the top of the desk.

I really like the ability to throw my turnouts using TMCC/Legacy, that works well enough and is convenient and saves wiring:  I am doing that with the S layout now.  The new Legacy 3 integration bridge will allow me to run my LionChief locos from the handheld, that is a nice advance!  I sure wish Lionel would offer a #4 or #5 turnout with 4.5" center-rail spacing in O FasTrack.

I will need to test this idea with the Atlas-O, so I will set up a test section, with under-table switch machines (Fastrack has those integrated in the roadbed) with a TMCC interface, to see how much hassle and expense is involved.  Will set up a #5 cross-over and try the curved turnout as well.  All before I commit to the layout.

The "Z" gauge drawer is nearly the size of the desk surface: a double-track oval with a few spurs.