New layout space!

@Coca Cola guy posted:

So, with all of my kids moving on to college and beyond, I have successfully negotiated a spare bedroom in order to move my layout out of our unfinished basement.  The problem is that I am not super familiar with any of the track layout programs.  I have played around with SCARM in the past but not enough to understand the intricacies of designing a layout.  In addition, I do not have the budget to do a full Ross/Gargraves/fancy layout at this time.  (I am not opposed to a Ross Y or 4-way switch or something, just can't afford a lot at once.)  Is there anyone here that would be willing to help with this?

Some details:  I use conventional power (primarily a KW and some smaller transformers for accessories), Menards tubular track, and Lionel switches (such as 6-5133, 6-5132, etc.) that are wired to their own transformer.  I have plenty of power and lighting in the room.

I have the following accessories I would like to incorporate into the layout:  Lionel 164 log loader, Lionel 3462 milk car (w/platform), Lionel 3656 cattle car (w/platform), and a MTH 30-9030 engine shed.  I also have a few houses and a barn that I could incorporate later on.

My primary goal is some real railroad operations, but that doesn't have to be the main focus of the layout.  I also enjoy just letting the trains run.  Also, utilizing multiple levels (with a way to move between them) isn't out of the question, although it isn't necessary.

If possible, I would like to include a staging yard for pre-assembled trains.  However, an alternative would be to use a turntable and just shelve rolling stock.  I am open to suggestions.

Below is an around-the-room measurement of the room I am using.  The 24"x9" bump is a chimney.  The 32" wall is where I am installing a narrow shelving unit for train-related memorabilia.  The gap in the wall between the 32" and 25" sections is a closet opening.

This seems like a lot to be asking for but I have seen that some of you are really, really good at this.  If I am asking too much, let me know!

Thank you!

Somewhere in the vast OGR inter-web is a full list of track plans done by @Ken-Oscale.

He has lot's of options for small spaces.

@Coca Cola guy posted:

So, with all of my kids moving on to college and beyond, I have successfully negotiated a spare bedroom in order to move my layout out of our unfinished basement.  The problem is that I am not super familiar with any of the track layout programs.  I have played around with SCARM in the past but not enough to understand the intricacies of designing a layout.  In addition, I do not have the budget to do a full Ross/Gargraves/fancy layout at this time.  (I am not opposed to a Ross Y or 4-way switch or something, just can't afford a lot at once.)  Is there anyone here that would be willing to help with this?

Some details:  I use conventional power (primarily a KW and some smaller transformers for accessories), Menards tubular track, and Lionel switches (such as 6-5133, 6-5132, etc.) that are wired to their own transformer.  I have plenty of power and lighting in the room.

I have the following accessories I would like to incorporate into the layout:  Lionel 164 log loader, Lionel 3462 milk car (w/platform), Lionel 3656 cattle car (w/platform), and a MTH 30-9030 engine shed.  I also have a few houses and a barn that I could incorporate later on.

My primary goal is some real railroad operations, but that doesn't have to be the main focus of the layout.  I also enjoy just letting the trains run.  Also, utilizing multiple levels (with a way to move between them) isn't out of the question, although it isn't necessary.

If possible, I would like to include a staging yard for pre-assembled trains.  However, an alternative would be to use a turntable and just shelve rolling stock.  I am open to suggestions.

Below is an around-the-room measurement of the room I am using.  The 24"x9" bump is a chimney.  The 32" wall is where I am installing a narrow shelving unit for train-related memorabilia.  The gap in the wall between the 32" and 25" sections is a closet opening.

This seems like a lot to be asking for but I have seen that some of you are really, really good at this.  If I am asking too much, let me know!

Thank you!

A few basic considerations. Will this be a walk around layout; or on the wall on the 11’ walls? Would you use duck unders or walk ins?

@pennsyfan posted:

A few basic considerations. Will this be a walk around layout; or on the wall on the 11’ walls? Would you use duck unders or walk ins?

I am open to any suggestion on this.  I have no preference.

@RSJB18 posted:

Somewhere in the vast OGR inter-web is a full list of track plans done by @Ken-Oscale.

He has lot's of options for small spaces.

That is a great resource!  Thank you!

@Coca Cola guy posted:

I am open to any suggestion on this.  I have no preference.

Looking further at your text it appears that you would be using 036; possibly 042 curves? Anything larger? Are there any large engines or long passenger cars?

@pennsyfan posted:

Looking further at your text it appears that you would be using 036; possibly 042 curves? Anything larger? Are there any large engines or long passenger cars?

The largest I currently use is 036.  Most of my gear is post war so nothing bigger is required.  I don’t have anything like a Challenger or Big Boy, nor do I ever intend to.

Make a big oval on the floor with your track sections.  Go from there, no SCARM.  If you can a second oval inside, do so for operation.  Accessories are mostly a simple matter of adding a bunch of sidings.

I assume that your dimensions are correct and the room is close to square.

I made a quick  room perimeter layout without any reverse loops, elevated track, bridges, or access holes:

@John in California posted:

I assume that your dimensions are correct and the room is close to square.

I made a quick  room perimeter layout without any reverse loops, elevated track, bridges, or access holes:

This is a great place for me to start! Thank you!