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Ok folks I need some help. I now have a room that I can build a permanent layout.  But I have NO skills at the train programs for doing this.   So I have posted a scale drawing of the room and a idea of how to use the most of this small space.  I can redo and of the area, but being small I have to have most so I can reach to work on.  The walls will have mountains and tunnels.  I want one main line with a second elevated.   I thought for that,  that I would use 027 to make the turns and in a reversing loop.  Lastly I want to put in a bump N go trolley through it.  The mountains will be a winter seen.     So Moonman if your on channel I know you are so good at the scram programs.  Thank you all.......Dougietrain room 001

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Last edited by Dougie fresh
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Have you considered doing an around the walls style layout with a lift up section for the doorway? I am just about done with my house and have a train room and that is the style I am leaning toward right now. With 027 curves you will be limited in what can run on the layout. If you chose to buy some larger locos or rolling stock in the future you will have to redesign the layout to accomodate the larger stuff. If that desk has to stay then I guess you have something that will work. I would change the angled part and put against the wall with an open section in the middle or a pop-up. Just my opinion.

Last edited by Mike D

Here's one idea...This set up gives you a main line loop. You can also add switches and run the main line with two loops and one track #1 going around the back of the layout. and remove track #2. you can run your bump and go on that section. My upper level is similar to this design and I have a 3rd level for my bump & go trolley that goes from the second level to the 3rd level.

ScanScan-001IMG_8578IMG_3720

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Ever consider a switching layout?  These are challenging and fun!  If all you do is go round and round in that space, you may become bored as quickly as I did.  The MAJOR advantage to a switching layout would be the elimination of the turnback curves which are HUGE space-eaters.  Switching layouts provide a purpose for you, others and your trains.  It is interesting and prototypical to switch cars around--kind of like a 3-D puzzle.

If you are set on wanting a continuous round track--you want to research a lift out section, or a raising bridge, something, where you can just have it go around the exterior of the room, but yet YOU may enter WITHOUT ducking.  Don't Duck!  That will quickly become an issue.

If you do this you can still add a spot or two to do some switching.  Give it some thought and a chance.  My operators enjoy our 3 small switching layouts as much as the entire basement layout.

Last edited by John C.

I had a similar situation with a 9X14 room.  My solution was to create a half wall for viewing, double track main round the room elevated lines with a lift up section to enter/exit without a duck under, and a dog bone main line on lower level with lots of spurs to operate classic Lionel accessories.  I agree with using 0 gauge track. Provides more opportunity for locos and other rolling stock.

I created a lift up section for a similar layout in my teen years.  For the "dream" layout in retirement, I followed the expert advice of Jim Barrett  (may he rest in peace) for creating this unique feature. I am on the road now, but if interested, can forward the reference to his article in OGR Magazine, which describes this process.

Enjoy!

Michael

Lift up section closedLift up section open

Layout

Yard and harbor area

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Well, after much time on a drawing board.  I have just decided to disassemble my 8x5 layout in the garage..find strong backs and move it into my 11x11 room.  It on markproof castes and I can then move it around as I need to get from the front to the back.  I thought of lengthening it from 8 feet to 10.  But I would have to add more framing and I question if the work, time and money is really worth 2 feet.   Also when pushed to one wall it would only give me 12inches to get behind it..Thank the Lord I'm a skinny guy for that.  I will redo the whole layout to a winter,  mountain and tunnels. I'll keep the outside main line but me thinks i will change up the inside and add a elevated trolley line between the mountains...    I'll keep ya all posted with pictures....Thank folks..

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Last edited by Dougie fresh

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