Hello OGR community!
Thanks for having a look at my situation.
I am planning on building a new layout in my basement. My first layout I built 2-3 years ago, knowing it was temporary
It is based on the Elbante central has 4 operating independently lines and was what I considered my learning curve to a permanent installation.
So much of my knowledge has been obtained by reading through so many great posts here and I am grateful!
One of the photos shows the basement framing plan and location of the new layout. Another shows the maximum space I can utilize in making this happen along with the roundhouse footprint. The idea of having roundhouse in the operations of the layout is difficult to eradicate! It seems to be the one thing that I can’t say no to. I’m know some of you will see things different as I’m locked into having this feature and would value a different or shared perspective.
I’m thinking of all switching operations on the lower tier table, along with the roundhouse somewhere on the lower tier outside the 2 upper lines, a lead in track would generate from the yard area on the workbench. There is room for a 4-5 track switch yard inside the work are on my bench and a few other sidings scattered around for industry. I don’t have much thought on the lower layout plan yet, it all hinges on the position or elimination of the roundhouse.
The new wall being framed between the layout and workspace will be open below the header and to the floor that will allow access below under the table. The workbench height will match the layout height at 40”
I’m building the second tier as a double main line dog bone with 072 cross over switches and a couple of sidings. This tier does not come into the workspace area. Not too busy a plan to allow for a town and homes with roadwork.
The 3rd tier is a double main line loop around with one siding on the shelf in the work area above the bench. This main will also have cross over switches. I would like to incorporate a grade track to all 3 levels if possible but not necessary for the 3rd tier.
I’m also trying to work in all radii to be a minimum of 48” maximum of 72” some 36” in the yard and sidings. My intention is to run 5-7 trains operating at the same time. I have 4 operating right now including a trolley line on my existing layout.
Scenery and streets with buildings is essential. I will also need a few pop up openings to access the areas I can’t reach from the outside of the layout, I’ve seen some very creative designs for those on the forum. I am using o gauge tubular track for this project. I have accumulated a great deal of it in the past few years and I feel if I take my time laying it properly it will be a great fit for me. I have weighed switching to other brands/types but I would like to keep it cost effective. I can do most everything that needs to be done, build, wire draw plans fix most anything that breaks and perform operations. Currently I have 17 turnouts, some 072’s and 022’s installed and working flawlessly. My one weakness is the knowledge of digital interfacing different brands and series of new control systems which I would like to be using along with my two ZW’s. I’d like to talk more about that, after my basement is framed this winter. My layout is centered around the early ‘70’s, most of my engines and cars carry the road name of the LIRR line.
