Ideas & Suggestions??

Eric,

I'd suggest you give more details on how you want to operate your layout.   Other than two tracks (connected but isolated?) to operate the two control systems there isn't much to do but guess on what you want.

I've been planning my layout and have been watching many of the design threads and pulling ideas I like from what others have been suggesting.   Think of them as puzzle pieces to plug into the spaces you have.  Once you have the main ideas in place much easier for people to offer tips based on what your trying to do.

Good luck

Andrew,

    I also have been looking, reading and such. Prefer 2 different tracks currently.  Not entirely sure what I want, even at this moment. (my planner/designer passed away, she was the designer). So, looking for some layout ideas. Might just start laying track and see where it goes and how I like it.

Thanks.

Hey Eric, I too just like laying track sometimes to see where it takes me.  Recently I've discovered that it can also be fun to use track planning software.  Once you get the hang of the basics, it allows you to try lots of options and keep track of the ones you like.  Just thought you might be interested.

Eric,

Have you considered getting the Mianne Rising Gate to fill in the 3' walk-in opening? Will give you some interesting options. Also is the Mianne Multi-level deck. (I've seen this stuff at York)  Your layout looks similar to a standard configuration in their catalog. Have you asked them for some initial layout ideas just as a starting point?

The bench work design looks like it will accommodate a loop to loop type of main line.

You need to decide if you want to do switching of local industries, and if you prefer a single or double main line. These design preferences affect the layout design considerably. Also, do you want to have a turntable and yards? Depending on the track system selected, you can start simple and expand.

On my layout, I used Fastrack, which I did not screw to the train table, so I was able to move and adjust the layout, add switches, etc, quite easily. Other track systems will work better if all the track work is installed at once.

Eric,

Sorry to hear that.  As said by those above, many different directions you could go.  If you have the track to start playing with ideas, test them out and take a picture or sketch it out so you have a reference to go back to if needed.

  Using the available free software options to get the feel of how they work will allow you to try out many of those ideas from a comfortable chair.

I would say put down some track with no roadbed or ballast, just temporary, run some trains and see where your imagination takes you.

It'll come to you.

Good luck !

I am with Ron H on this.

Lays some track down, no roadbed or ballast, one screw per section, and just see where it takes you.  It is fun and creative, and it worked out very very well for me.  Have a stack of straights and different curves next to you, and just start going.   Although you may find that you have to custom cut 4 or 5 straight or curved pieces to get everything to fit, that is totally OK.

(You won't find my layout design in any book.)

Mannyrock

You have a great space and I've read many great things about the Mianne benchwork.  A couple of things to consider: 1. You can have the plywood base hang off past the edge of the benchwork.  Think soft/curved edges vs the sharp angles.  2. That can give you some extra room if you want a slightly larger curve, i.e., 072 in the bottom center portion.

Below is a design to consider.  Long continuous runs are fun with conventional.  Blue line is loop to loop at ground level.  Red line climbs up over itself and the blue line (I tried to draw bridges, but are hard to see in the photo).  There is a double crossover between the red and blue lines on the far left.  The center piece would be a roundhouse/turntable in the center section.  I threw some sidings in because you might want to do some switching, have a place to store extra cars, etc.

Take it for what it's worth, but it might get the creative juices flowing. 

You might ask yourself a few questions:

Do I want realistic, toy like, somewhere in between?

What type of industries you would like to model.  Logging?  Coal?  Intermodal? Passenger? Oil? Steel? Chemicals?

What type of setting?  City? Mountains? Plains?

Also, I'm sorry to hear of your wife's passing. 

Here is an initial layout so I can run trains. It goes all around the bench-work. I know I want at least 1 (if not 2) other distinct "lines". I have thought of running a bridge across the open 30" space, but that is "down the road" as that item is not inexpensive (budget-wise) in the short term.

I would like to thank those for kind words also.

I may get a "track planner" but I do enjoy laying track and seeing where my confused mind takes me. Currently, I am taking my time and enjoying my time running and planning the layout. nothing is currently permanent except the  bench-work!

Picture of plan has 4 switches. Two on the large oval and 2 connecting the long straights along the wall.