Layout for a small room

Any chance of seeing a jpg of the rrt?

Ahh! yes! That would help!

Thanks for the pic; nice choice, one that shows off the 3D very well.

Can you walk around the layout, or is it up against 3 walls?  You've got a lot of switches and track that's pretty far in.  You'll probably want to get at a lot of track for a quick wipe-down, and the switches may need fairly frequent access.

Left, right and back are up against walls. The room is only 13 x 9....and I maxed out where I could. (more is better!?)   That wipe down part is going to be tedious due to the limited reach in the back corners. Only thing I could think of was a track cleaning car - but seems there are mixed reviews on their effectiveness.

I relo'd the switches getting all but one to a closer reach. I'm not seeing a way to bring that last one forward.

Wow, this design really fixes almost all the switch-reach issues!  I'm impressed.

Track cleaning cars are an excellent source of never-ending discussion and experimentation, in large part because they can be pretty effective.  I use the track cleaning cars a lot, combined with hand-wiping everything I can reach. 

Made one further change to gain a bit more track.

Wow, that is really nice.  I wish I'd have thought of that.  Great variation in the loops.  That's going to be fun to run.  Build the structure strong enough to support your weight, because you will have to get at some spots in the back.  I like it a lot. 

Try as I may, those switches at the back....well, I think I will learn the fine art of a fat man doing the tip toe!

Of course I ended up making a couple changes. I separate the parking from the running. Since there is already one a couple switches at the back - what's one more?

It was kind of congested in that general area so I spread it out a bit on a separate line.

William and Bob - thanks for the feedback. Construction starts next week.

Go for it Mark440.  That is going to be fun to build.  

I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how you progress with your "small 13 x 9 layout."

I have even less space to build a multilevel layout: just 9 feet wide by 8 feet deep (and I need to be able to have access to a window!) 

I figure using two or three levels will give me some decent layout options. Since I am on a Mac, I cannot use any track layout software.  

I hope I can come up with something neat like your layout. 

I'm with Terrence, small room here 10x10 sharing a desk (workbench) and computer cabinet (2x2).  Window on one wall, Closet door, now a pocket door on other wall, and room entry door in corner of room.

Mark,

   I really like your engineering change, great stuff.  As was advised, over build your platform strength wise, sooner or later you will be doing some tip toeing, your switches

being in the mid or back are going to make that happen.  One more suggestion to add, purchase

high grade quality switches, tests them before you install them and power them individually from a transformer you can adjust the power from.  The layout looks great, have fun building and running.

PCRR/Dave

We over built the platform on our layout, having switches front, mid and back of the platform, it really payed off, knowing we could access everything all the time.

I am definitely an 'over-builder'. I would explain that by saying if a 1x2 is sufficient - I would opt to use a 2x4!

I'm working through the bench plans using 5/8 mdf supported by 2x4's on 16" centers. I'm wanting to cover the mdf with the hard rubber "horse stall" sheathing I found at Tractor Supply to subdue the noise. The rubber mat stuff is pitch black - so making it look more 'natural' is going to be quite a challenge. I'm wondering the overall effect if I put down the rubber matting over the frame work and then the MDF over that? Don't know...I may end up abandoning the mat altogether.

The switch placement (those near the back) does concern me - and I've gone back to the track plan several times now to re-evaluate their placement and/or function. I don't know - that's an external wall in the room and it just may need a new window....

Power-wise....I'm an IT guy and I have paid close attention to the numerous threads on the problems running switches and trains from a single power source - and that 'over-builder' thing comes into play again. If all the switches and accessories needed 5 amps - I'd go for 15-20 - just for wiggle room and future changes. In all honesty, I am thinking about an actual 'bench' power supply. Generally, they are cleaner and more regulated. I don't mind troubleshooting - but I tend to get a short fuse with recurring problems due to cheapness (quality, not monetary) And if it all works well - then I have validation for the overkill! (FWIW - when the spring really gets here, I will continue working on the outdoor layout. The entire supporting structure will be made of 1/8"x 1" flat bar steel. Yep, pure-d unadulterated steel!)

But! The really big, big issue is staying out of that anxious 'get r done' mindset!

Reading alot about on-going switch problems. I think I'll revisit my design....

You can use Railmodeller, I use it and it works pretty good.

Invest in premium Ross Turnouts and underneath mounted DC Tortoise stall motors for the most fail-safe track switch operation. A single 12VDC wall wart or tiny HO DC Power Pak will easily power the Tortoise motors. The turnouts/stall motors can be operated to switch either "thru" or "out" via simple on/off SPST toggles.

$$$spent in this area of unreachable turnouts will save much frustration and agony later.

I've spent more than a few hours trying to facilitate access to the switches. Did I go too far?

I'm hoping for the better - but I already had picked up 4 L and 4 R of the Atlas O54 switches. Nervous a little. And you can bet any failures will see replacements as you have advised! Thanks!!