I just wanted to share a few observations...before I started my layout...this specific layout...I knew I needed to become a little more focused than in the past...in other words, I have only come close to completing a model railroad once. That was in the late 80s...I am getting to the age that I need to finish what I start. So...
I had a set of rules when I started building my switching layout. I had adequate space (15x19) that I could have built a nice "around the wall" layout with maybe two small towns on the long walls, a little rural scenery on a loop around the peninsula and maybe squeezed in a small stage on the end wall shelf.
But that would have left every town with a pass or runaround track of under 7 or 8 cars. And I probably would not have been able to maintain an O-72 turnout and curve as a standard. I know lots of folks with O54, but I did not want to go that small.
By having the entire layout represent a switching district, I was giving myself permission to have a lot of train activity in a relatively small space...that screams industrial switching layout...not rural towns with open country. So I intended to get every inch that was practical for the trains.
I also dislike reaching over buildings to throw switches or to operate couplers...so...my rules were fairly simple:
I had to maintain the O-72 turnout and curve radius as a minimum (although I know I "might" come across a situation where it would let me get more in if I simply accepted a couple of O-54 switches or curved track.
My next rule was that ALL buildings had to be against the wall. Well, that one was easy...kind of. Except for the peninsula, all my structures are either false fronts (actually backs), low relief structures or building flats (and all are the backs of buildings, or at least the loading dock section of a building). The exception on the shelves is the team track. Just a dock with ramp. I do have a few chemical storage tanks that are in the open space between two turnouts so I do not have any track there to reach over.
Out on the peninsula, well, even though I have all 3-D structures on the peninsula, from each side you have a pretty unrestricted reach to the tracks and thus the switches and couplers. There is one place where I will probably have to resort to using a wooden rod to make the reach, but if I was taller instead of so good looking...well, there ya go. Can't be perfect.
One more thing...creature comfort. My layout is in a 16x20 building in the back yard. Carpeted for comfort, baseboard heat, window air conditioner (under the bench work so it is hidden), well insulated, florescent lighting. High enough for easy duck under at entry door. Aisles at least 3 feet wide.
I reused the exact same benchwork I build nearly 20 years ago for my (multiple) HO layouts...I am nothing if not kind of frugal...notice I said "kind of".
So...anyone else? Did you set out to build what you ended up with? (Truth in advertising...I "had" everything ready to run and realized I made a couple of errors and pulled all the track, so I have not "ended up with it" yet. But I am about ready to put it all back, connect to power and "do something with the trains" that have set there patiently for several years.)
My goal is an operating session by mid summer...before the 100 degree temps. I would very much like to have almost everything in place by the local train meet in June.
But as my wise friend always says..."we shall see..."
But since I put it online...it will happen. Right?
