Any ideas or improvements??

The first question I have is what is the purpose of the layout? Is it just to watch a single train run around the layout? Are all the sidings for industry or to stage rolling stock and engines? What size curve are you using? for 8' x 10', that is a very large curve you are using. What is the minimum curve your rolling stock and engines need?

I can tell right away the bridge on the main line will not work. Also, at 8' x 10', you do not have any space for access to the middle of the layout unless you plan to climb on the table.

Put together a list of what you want, and we can come up with a working plan for you.

Hi:  The purpose of the layout is to run a single train.  The sidings are a for industry and a passenger station.  The tracks on the far let will be the engine depot for my Erie Triplex and N&W 611. Also one track for the work train.

The curves must be 072 as that is minimum radius for the two about mentioned engines.

You are right about access  hole,  gotta have one.  All engine storage will be on the lower level of the layout. Car storage will be off the layout so I can make up a different train each time I run.

All input is appreciated.  I have been out of this for 55 years, jumping back in at 70.

Sorry to say but it looks like a spaghetti bowl.  Like Stewart indicated a layout needs a purpose.  It's hard to tell what you're trying accomplish.  Please take this a constructive criticism.

Melvin,

I am at work, so I will be popping on and off the forum with thoughts and questions. As far as a single mainline, there is no right or wrong layout in model railroading. It's all about how you enjoy your layout, be it simple or extravagant.

Could you please describe the area where you plan to build a layout? For example: "I plan to build the layout in a spare bedroom that is ___ ft x ___ft, with one door located ____ and a window _____ " The more we know about the area where you plan to build the layout will help us determine the best track plan and use of space.

What industries did you want to depict on your layout? If we are confined to the 8' x 10' space, we are looking at one, maybe two industries.

How much scenery do you plan to do? Will it be fully detailed or simple?

Have you decided on the type of track to use? There is a variety of track, each with its own nuances, so choosing the type of track you want now so we can plan around it will save a headache in the future.

Stewart:  I am building the layout in my garage, with one edge at the overhead garage door.  It is the only spot I can place it in my patio home.  There is one man door which is located just to the left of both layouts, at ten feet, it will be partially in the door.  That is OK by me.

I am planning on a brewery (MTH door company building converted to a better purpose). I also have operating accessories: Lionel: coal loader #497, barrel loader #362, cattle corral # 3656, milk platform and  car # 3462.  Also a Lionel log leader # 364.

Plasticville Union Depot with one or two tracks for trains.  I had planed on putting a rural station on one of the open corners.  

The big engine facility at the base of the mountain with a MTH  2 stall engine house and a track for the wreck train.

I will probably use simple scenery and have detail at the industries, stations and engine house area.

Both layouts are designed using MTH Realtrax but not married to that, Gargraves would really be my first choice.

Of the two layouts I have posted, I like the one on the right hand side. better.

Here is a layout I worked on this morning based on the layout you preferred. As you can see, I moved the engine stall to the inside of the mainline. The engine stall on the outside of the mainline restricted available area to work with. The plan will need to be tweaked to make room for your larger engines to get around the engine stall, but should provide you some ideas.

Another option to consider is to raise the mainline to an upper level just for the engines that require the wider curves, and build a non-connected track plan below. The lower track plan could wind in and out of the upper track plan and give you even more real estate to work with.

HI Stewart:  The track plan looks good.  There are two running tracks, and plenty of sidings.  I like the idea of the upper level for the big engines, that would really be nice.  Already thinking of and idea for the upper level.

I am working on another plan, just fooling around.  tie to do some wiring.

Melvin