Merlin1280 layout plan in progress

OK I've extended the tunnel track behind the round house which gives you a bigger 'flat' spot on you elevated.  I've also connected the top section to the lower section.  This allows some switching possibilities.  Which may mean you might want to add a couple of switches on the 'flat spot' for a run around.  You mentioned some accessories, which ones and what is their foot print?  Are they track activated etc? Russ

I will review, this is what I was tinkering with last night and added some more track today.  Also extended loop through wall.  Let me know thoughts, like the idea of connecting upper to lower as well.  Great ideas and I appreciate the help.  Yes I also extended behind the roundhouse a foot as well.  I originally saved that foot for cushion.  I added your extended tunnel to mine as well great idea.

Accessories I will put all on one SCARM file to play with, unfortunately I have far too many to ever fit on this layout.  Went a little crazy when building my first layout last time around.

Russ Options below:

Lionel Coaling Station

Lionel Granary

Lionel Electrical Station

Lionel Rico Station

Lionel Smoke Stack

Lionel Dispatch Station

MTH Truss Bridge

Lionel Elevated Bridge

MTH High Voltage Power Lines

Atlas Roundhouse

Atlas Turntable

(2) Lionel Passenger Station

Marx Bubbling Tower

Lionel Double Lane Passenger Crossover 

MTH Dual Engine Stall

(2) Girder Bridges

MTH Water Tower

Among others.....  Having a real issue with settling on design so I can get building.

Part numbers please, as there are multiples of some items (passenger stations etc), thanks.  Russ

I can post part numbers tonight, but after tinkering I think this is a more realistic layout for my basement.  Swapped location of Roundhouse and kept curves to the far right.  Looking to try to incorporate different elevations and maximize space over where engine house is.  Thoughts are appreciated, does anyone know how to use the background feature? Orange Spur to far right will lead to a expansion down into a good sized yard down the road.

"background feature" it is a way of displaying an image file in the background while you are drawing in the foreground.  The image does not appear in the 3d view just the 2d view.  I use it while I'm working on a structure.  You could also use it to import a track plan from some other track planning software by tracing over it.  Russ

 Structure sample:

An imported track plan re-sized to match Scarm grid and placed in background:

Track comments without any track mods for now.  

1.  The train approaching the roundhouse with a train on the level track:  Drop train, turn engine at house, go upgrade to far distant crossover to pick up train again, this time coupled to caboose? A little cumbersome and unusual I think.

2.  The train approaching the roundhouse with a train on the DOWNGRADE track:  Drop train (CAN'T ON A GRADE).

So think about having a double ended siding on the level track, arrive, drop train, run around, grab caboose, run around, turn engine and caboose, spot caboose on end of train, run around train, pick up train, head on out.  Works for me!

My 2 cents worth spend it wisely!    Russ

Updated design with the yard added and some of my accessories placed in.  Thoughts are appreciated would love to add some elevation on the right side of the layout.  Waterfall and Mountains to be placed over there as well in corners.

The bench work does not need to be at the same level as your baseline track, IE the track can stay level but the 'scenery can go down to give the illusion of mountains etc.  Russ

Updated layout close enough to get the bench work going.  Thanks for all the help Russ, any ideas on track is greatly appreciated at this point.  In the middle I will drop down bench work to have a nice bridge.  Haven't figured out how to draw a depression thought.

I will update when wood work starts. 

OK let me try this again! 

It looks like the back part would be hard to reach.

Then here is how I do drop downs, of course this just at the zero level (baseboard level).  Other levels are very similar.  Russ

Russ hope all is well great tip on redoing baseboard.  Wanted some input on operation of trains and functionality of layout above.  My first layout was pretty much 4 oval loops with little switching so adding some switching is new to my world.  Any thoughts or do it look like it will be fun to set up?

Looks good so far.  Russ

Bench work update been busy and it is really starting to come together on the around the room layout.  Attached is close to final design and pictures of progress.  A lot of tweaks left on main table and location of accessories.  Excited on progress.  Thanks for all the help any suggestions are appreciated.