Final Planning before construction

Are you interested in operations of just running trains?

Think about adding some hidden staging tracks to store complete trains since you dob't really have any kind of yard to make up or tear apart trains.

Jan

I like the idea of working in a yard, I just don't know if I want to give up the real estate for one. I think I can run a switch off the bottom right portion through my wall and then loop down under the layout for storage tracks. 

Before commenting on design, it's kind of critical to know construction plans vis-a-vis your basement.  How many sides of your plan will be directly (or nearly) against a wall?  Is that big open area in the middle reserved for something else?  Are there any utilities, floor supports, pipes, etc. to worry about?  It does also help to know how you plan to run your dream.  What are the purposes of those sidings and stubs in the shorter part of the L?  Did you intentionally place that "s" curve in the upper left hand corner to allow for scenery between your climbing track and flat tracks?  Does that mean that scenery is important on your dream layout?

Tell us a little bit more about your dream (I only wish I had your space) and our advice can be a little more useful.

Chuck

Thanks for the tips. I am just getting used to the SCARM software. I've attached a new file and picture. I want to incorporate scenery as much as possible. I like realism in that respect but want to be able to run trains. One of my inspirations is Norm's layout . Not that I expect to get to his level of precision with scenery! 

The majority of cars I have in my roster are modern tank cars, auto racks, passenger cars, and reefers. I don't have a set era of modeling, I have modern diesels and old steamers. 

I've added some text to provide more insight. There are two support poles, only 1 could be "problematic" it is located in the bottom left side by the loop around the turntable.

After some contemplation I decided to do a redesign option with a yard. I adjusted some other sidings and the upper level to fit the yard in place. Any other tips or suggestions appreciated before I begin a new thread of construction!

thanks! 

Nice layout!  I wish I had that kind of space.

Chris, I've found it useful to write down my goals for the layout.  If you take a look at the first page of the PRR Panhandle 2.0 thread (in the Photo sub-forum) you'll see what I mean.  At some point, you need to start construction, but adequate pre-planning is extremely important.

BTW, I found under-the-layout storage facilities to be a total PITA.  Of course, your mileage may vary.  You do have a lot of room for one. 

Good luck and keep us informed.

George