After ~6 years in a bedroom, I'm getting our basement back for trains. I'm going back to a layout similar to what I had 2005-2012 but with a bit more space added. I'm also added DCS along with good ol' TMCC.
I'm mainly an operator and a minimalist on scenery (no eye, talent, or time for the beautifully landscaped layouts I admire on this forum). Sticking with O27 tubular track and 42" K-Line aux powered switches with all my grandfather's PW accessories. Mainline curves range 42" - 72"
Open to any comments, but here are a few concerns/questions:
1. Will the giant "S" curves on the left side of the U be problematic?
2. Any suggestions on what to do with the yard? Would you recommend cutting one of the three mainlines in order to add yard space (width) on the right side? Should a eliminate the turnaround of 34" curves inside the yard?
3. With three long mainlines and two short elevated lines, I could theoretically have 8 trains running. Not sure I need that many or could even manage the stress, but might be nice when family comes over or grandchildren arrive (likely next 5-10 years) since eldest 3 are 22, 25, and 26.
4. The 72" and 54" curves make the table top area pretty wide. I envision reach problems unless I build some pop outs. Any suggestions on alleviating these?
5. Where would you locate the switch controllers? I'm old-fashioned and don't intend to have them operable by handheld.
