Need Advice or Alternatives 7x9 Layout

The red line looks really steep and having a switch on an incline usually leads to derailments. On the red line, if you remove the inside S curve and its switches it might help smooth out the incline.

Two young nephews had an 8 X 8 layout and had a bunch of track so they could change the track arrangement  every week, didn't use a track plan.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Charlie - yep as I am getting "hooked" on this I am finding that I really want my son to have "his" set which is alot of fast track to tweak and configure at his leisure and I will hopefully make this one for me. At least thats the idea barring upper management ok.

Flash - I agree the slope is a bear to work around. I wanted to be able to run two loops without worry of trains intersecting or colliding so being new to this, I thought I would create two loops. So the return red s was just a way to get the train back up to the top without crossing paths, but since its still in infancy I am up for any ideas. I know the list is a little long on such a small layout. I had also wanted to stay no less than 36 turns (which even still will limit me on engine size). I don't know that the layout has even enough space to run long stocks so i just figured I would stay with like a 5-6 car limit. I have viewed several layout but this incorporates a lot of what I would like, short of cutting drywall which Mrs. Topham Hat would be cross to say the least. If you have alternates I would love to explore.

Kind of like house floor plans for me. Always interesting to see different approaches to the same concept and form meeting function.

Flash,

Also the room is more or less a 10x11 box. So if you want to see what space looks like I have attached a rough floorplan. I am not sure whether to take a modular approach or one chunk. Also I do like long runs but it might be at too much of an expense of space since I need to include area for a hobby/work desk. Maybe I just need an entire open building. j/k certainly not an option from upper mgmt.

If you're using the whole room (save for a desk) you can be much more effiecient in your space.  I definitely suggest cut ins and/or pop up portals to be able to access the entire layout.  I'd do a rough mock up for you of what I'm thinking, but first, how low are those windows?  Would they interfere with the table top?

Good question. There is 3 sets of double hung windows with 2inch blinds and mock curtains on each side for look. Have not opened the windows in the 5 years I have lived there. It is currently an office. May only need to access blind control on left to darken of let light in.

Too bad the windows aren't high up like a basement, but that can be worked around.  My initial thoughts on your plan was that it had 2 main issues: 1) it didn't maximize space; and 2) access tpo certain points would be a problem.  He's a rough, not to scale idea.  It uses 3 corners of the room and every part of the track should be reachable. 

From your original comments I'm assuming you don't really need a dedicate desk space, but rather need some storage for office type things and an occasional work space.  I suggest incorporating some shelves under the table for things like the router and printer.  Then, for time you might want to work on a train, have a fold up table top.

The attached plan was intended to show how bench space can be more efficient.  I didn't think much about a track plan even though I drew in a double reversing loop with room for long straightaways.  To work in your tunnel requirement, you just need to build a mountain over one or both of the end loops.  For the second independent line you want, you could build a second level.

Just some different ideas... Hope something helps.

Mike

Mike,

I did some thinking and since this is still a working plan. I took your approach. I do like the long runs. So I attempted a version that encompasses most of the room save the hobby desk. 24x48inch. This plan has two engine house, two live and two mock spurs for rolling stock, the ever important tunnel which might be tough and a bridge to boot. The inclines are a bit shaky but it reminds me of the NC mountain region. So the stock and engines are plateaued. I do also have an area in the loop for a small city if desired. One thing this design does lack is a way to run two engines and also an option to change direction from clockwise to counter. I like the style and lack of excess switches might ease on the cost of the extra track. The benchwork and electrical looks a bit daunting, but I think if it works would be an awesome run. I have attached a couple images and the scarm.

Also, I am not sure how to approach it from a module based style. Is that possible?

Still toying with the layout trying to get a reverse loop as well as two engine setup. This one involves more switches and I was able to use combo curves to tighten the layout some. Question for the experts. When getting the track, would it be best to purchase say some 40 inch straights and dremmel them into 10s and 20's. Is there a cost savings or benefit? I also have a couple of 1/2 54s and was wondering about spliting them myself as well. It seems it would make the acquisition simpler