I really don't know to start this topic

Tommy, you may want to consider laying out your track in your space with RR Track software before you start your benchwork.  It's amazing how much difference that makes in the train layout you build.

I run four trains in a space 8'x12'. Used to have a bridge across the middle and ran 5

trains, but the bridge became to cumbersome to tale to shows, and the trains derailed at the switches. Took the bridge and switches off. Trains have been running great at shows. The rest, as they say, is history.

To have an 18" aisle around the perimeter, in my opinion, is going to be tight plus you the slope of the ceiling which would make it awkward. Stand at the wall until your head hits the ceiling. How much space is needed? If you want guests, it would be easier to view from the middle.

I would do an around the wall bench work with a possible extension. You would need a lift up or swing out section where the door is located.

do what i did with my first layout.

have the height off the floor about 1'

or 2' high

Hi,  Is the door into the room in the middle of the wall?  If it is then I would do an around the walls layout.  You could have 2 main lines.  I would come down the one side against the wall and have 2 loops at the end.  Outer loop 81" and inner loop 72" diameter.  Go back up the same side along the edge of the platform to the other end wall.  Curve around to the other side of the room.  Run your 2 tracks down along the wall to the other end and run 2 loops again at 81" and 72" diameter.  Return running along the edge of the platform to the opposite end of the room. See pic.

Please excuse the crude drawing but you get my point.  Then you can place a yard and switches where ever you like.  Or whatever you want.

Rick

Whatever you do, build it AROUND THE ROOM, not on a "table" in the middle! You get a LOT more operating bang for your buck that way, with more aisle space as well.

Overall it will be a much more pleasant operating experience building around the perimeter of the room.

Can you post some photos and make a sketch of where things are in the room with some measurements? That'll give us an idea of how the room is laid out.

Looks like your knee wall is at 42" which isn't bad since at 30" away from the wall, the ceiling has gone 30" up.

As for a layout type, around-the-walls is probably going to serve you better as an island layout won't be very accessible, especially at the sloping part(s) of the room.

Around the wall for sure; but with 21ft to play with I would have a center peninsula also, extending into the middle of the room from the back wall opposite the wall with the door.  You would have two aisle's which would double the possibilities to build on your layout.

Thank all of you very much for your time, your replies' and your pics.  We have 100% agreement for an around the room layout with some variations.  I shall follow your suggestions for around the room and no island.  I shall now do some reading on layouts and post some concerns at a later date.  Pls stay with me. I just want to avoid silly mistakes.  I know I will make some but I'm working slowly and surely.

Thanks again

I'll stay in touch

Tommy

You could build the table height at the top of the side wall...would be ok pending your height. Always wondered what the accepted layout height was- I'm 6'4".

And, could I add...try a train shelf on the angle roughly 10 or so inches above the main layout, you should be able to squeek a decent single track on that one with some, but not too much overhang....then add the center hung layout...all sorts of trains will be going on then!