Looking for guidance on first time design with SCARM

Bill, here are some ideas for you to check out. They're not intended to be finished designs, they're just to show techniques. You can switch the views by selecting Layer 1 or Layer 2/Decking. By all means, ask questions if there's anything you can't figure out, I'm happy to help.

Layout 1 just has an elevated section in the lower right. The purple tracks are the grade tracks. Color coding makes it easy to select the grade to make adjustments. The gold tracks are elevated 4".

Layout 2 adds a 2nd level with separate bridges. The truss bridge is on an angle, but SCARM doesn't have the capability to rotate it vertically. Again, the purple tracks are grade tracks. The gold tracks are elevated 6".

Wow Dave. That is amazing. It looks great! I'm sure I'll have many questions at some point but, for now, only one. It has to do with the grade on the bridge. Do you have any guidance that? Do I create piers or risers on a bridge or do I slope the bridge?

Together, we are stronger! -Bill

Bill, if it were me, I'd put the bridge on a flat plane and split the grade. I'd also extend the grade. And, unless you build a custom bridge, an Atlas bridge is 40", shorter than the 50" you need access the door. You'll need to place it on a platform so both can be raised/removed as a single unit. If you add the water, it can be a drop down platform and the 2nd bridge another bridge/platform. I don't have access to many bridges, so I just picked 2, but they can be anything, including just removeable platforms.

Here's a different version with the changes mentioned. There's also a short video of a train running.

You are an artist. I like the level the bridge and continue the grade on the other side recommendation. I can work with the 40" bridges and have them mounted on a 50" lift out section. It is coming together. Thank you so much. I could not envision how much one can do with SCARM. I'm looking forward to developing those skills. This gives me a lot to do for the next couple of years. You have given a stranger a great gift. I have so much to learn but having the goal designed will guide me in my trials and errors.

Your partner in the world's greatest hobby, Bill

Bill, it dawned on me that the front is open, so I shrunk the upper loop and moved it a bit so the loop below is visible. That way you can see more of trains on both levels.

Thanks for the insights. I would not have figured that out until it was all implemented