New Layout ~ 24.5 x 10.5

Jack, Thank you for making your first post here on the Forum.  It looks like you are well on your way!  I'll look forward to seeing how your construction progresses.  My favorite part of the hobby is scenery, and running trains.

Very strange. I am building in almost the same space, similar configuration, using the same track and the same bridges. Room even has the same beadboard.

Off to a great start!   If I may offer a thought.  Photo #1, the yard entrance going toward the old school desk.

1.- consider eliminating the pair of 072 siding switches.

2.- consider moving the yard entrance a bit back onto the bridge.

3.- Project the diverging track without any kinks, just go straight up the side.

4.- consider only using #5 LH switches for the sidings.

These steps will make backing into a spur easier by eliminating "S" curves.  By moving back on to the bridge a little you will actually be gaining yard storage.

Maybe a long shelf storage yard along the desk wall.  Trust me you will want more car storage.  At least incorporate a right hand switch into the initial installation for a temporary short spur that could be used for a shelf entrance down the road.

Only Ross makes a quality radius switch for that size curve.

Terry, funny how those coincidences happen. Best of luck as you build your layout!

Tom, I like all of your suggestions and had thought about a few when planning the layout. When initially going through the design, I wanted to incorporate only #5 switches. However, with #5s the length of siding was significantly limited especially the section in the middle of the back wall. This is the main reason why I settled for 0-72 switches in this area. Additionally, I've had a tough time acquiring Atlas #5s.

I do like the idea of moving that yard entrance that points towards the old school desk a bit further back. If I do that, I think I can play around with the track arrangement to avoid the S curves that come with O-72 switches back to back. I also like the idea of the shelf store along that wall where the desk is. It wasn't pictured, but we have a pool table in that area and I'd be worried about errant pool sticks hitting trains along that wall.

At this time, all of my trains have knuckle couplers. I plan on eventually converting some engines and rolling stock to kadees. I know this will create a problem for back to back 0-72 switches, but I will cross that bridge when I get there. Maybe I'll leave some trains with knuckle couplers, who knows.

Jack

Attached a couple of photos  the bridges are out while I finish up the canyon. All atlas track 072 minimum. The city section is on wheels so I can move it around for access.

Better photos

That looks like it is coming along nicely Terry! Similar track plan.

jack, I think you may want to give serious consideration to looping around the post to the outside.  You could use Atlas flex track and have sweeping and gentle curves and also have some direction other than an oval.  That would allow visitors to see the wide curve, while hiding the steeper curves which are farther away.  Good luck, construction is the best part.

Jack, Nicely done. Really looks good

Although it's a subway layout, consider this, minus the L-shape my current layout is using a 23x12 footprint. It is a 3 track loop with a stub ended yard in the middle. That may not suit your needs regarding a yard vs. sidings, but you can still include sidings on your 2 track main loop and maybe use the yard area like a yard or sidings with possibly a loop in that area.  It could be your industrial location, but you may have to consider using smaller radius curves.

Got the bridges back in. Just need to finish the support columns.

Terry,

Looking at this picture, I have 2 questions: How are you lighting this end of the layout? And What do you intend to do with the background?

BTW, it looks like you are off to a great start! But I don't want you to get too far along and say "I  should have thought of that!"

Chris

LVHR

Actually it’s just a bad photo. (See the later photo). Also one of the later photos show a bit of the Painted background. On the ends where the ceiling slopes I’ll model a retaining wall

Chris,

This is part of the backdrop I was referring to.  I’m modeling southern pacific in the Central Valley of California so the hills are pretty bare and far away.

Terry

If Kadees are anywhere in the future I would recommend to stay with #5 or #6 turnouts,  Consider using USA made Ross turnouts.

072 switches are not that Kadee friendly.  #7.5 Atlas 3 rail are not that dependable  IME.

Hello Jack, thanks for sharing on the forum. I know you said the city scene was on rollers for access, but looking at your photos how are you accessing the center of the layout?  Jeff

@jack.w posted:

Hello Everyone,

First post here on OGR forum. I am building a layout with Atlas O 3 rail track that is roughly 24.5 feet long by 10.5 feet wide. It is a double tracked loop with a minimum curve of O-72. The crossover switches are #5 while the yard area are 0-72 switches. The outer loop starts at 0-108 and tapers down to O-99.

The track height is at a constant 48 inches, although there is a dip in the benchwork where I intend to have a river scene. I placed the track on the table this weekend so I could get a better idea of how things are going to look. Attached are some photos. I have a rough track plan but I will adjust based off of what I think looks right once its on the table. I am just about finished with the benchwork. I still have to make the last few cuts of plywood where the table top will meet the bridge. After that, I will work on lighting, painting a background, and then laying/wiring track.

This is my first time building a real layout so I wanted to keep the design as simple as possible. My main goal with this layout is to develop scenery skills. I am striving to develop a 3-rail scale look. I am not choosing a particular era to model, however it will be influenced by the northeast. I would appreciate any criticism, tips, and suggestions.

- Jack

This looks to be a terrific and well planned layout in a an equally cool space. I’d love to see a photo or two of how this turned out for you. Might you care to share an image or two?

@WRW posted:

This looks to be a terrific and well planned layout in a an equally cool space. I’d love to see a photo or two of how this turned out for you. Might you care to share an image or two?

I still need to make some more progress. Once I do i'll update this post.