Although this is my first post, I feel like I already know many of you as I have been reading this forum for the last 2 years. Quick background, had a HO layout throughout my basement in a previous house with early command system though Keller OnBoard, total passion; moved houses and swore I would never have the time to pick this hobby up again. Twenty years passes and I become an older father of two (thank God!) and decide my children needed a Lionel under the tree. Started to look at what Lionel had been up to over the last twenty years and that is when I started to 'drink the Coolaid'. Holy Cow! Things had changed. I started having night sweats over the command and control systems, the incredible detail and amazing abilities of the engines and rolling stock. The sounds, the lights, the quills, the smells!!
Well, I started purchasing a few Legacy engines, a 3rd Rail (love Scott Mann), Harry Heike models, MTH passenger cars and rolling stock, Atlas track, and I placed my order for the Legacy 990 (1yr, 6mo wait). Then it dawned on me that I needed a space to build a layout. Because my favorite engines are larger I would need a least space for 072 track. The space I have in the basement is relatively small and I needed some of the space for garden and storage. That's when I thought I was going to have to sell all my O Gauge and check myself in for a six month stay at the Betty Ford Clinic for O Scale Addicts. My wife is pushing for a one year stay.
This is where I am hoping you all might be able to help me out. I need help with the track plan. I have built enough of the benchwork to know that I can fit a 072 mainline, and possibly an additional O54 mainline, with the help of two swing-up bridges to allow me access to areas needed for storage. Because of space issues I am more interested in developing train yard operations rather than towns and cities but am open to all ideas. I have also been playing around with elevation changes using Woodland riser system. I stay mainly in the fifties so I can run both diesel and steam. Command and control is Legacy 990, track is Atlas 3 rail, I lean towards D&RGW. I would also love a turn table with a roundhouse but doubt I have the room. I have enclosed a diagram below showing the layout and dimensions of my tables.
Although one year in Rehab would probably be cheaper I would still like a shot at creating a fun layout. Any and all ideas and suggestion would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for all the great posts over the last 2 years!
Warm regards to all.
JohnE
