New to the hobby.

Not to shabby for someone with some experience under their belt.

But if you're new to the hobby, are you sure you're not biting off more than you can chew?

Yes I could be biting off a large chunk,  I spent hours planning out the drawing above. It did have a bottom level that was just a reversing loop but I ended up removing it as it was way too much.

Wow what a start. Looks very good to me. You could be biting off more than you can chew on the other hand this is a project that will keep you engaged for a long time 

Like you, I’m also new to the hobby. I just got my first starter set in December. I really like your layout. I wish I had that much space. That said, I’m working on a 4x8 layout and even that can be overwhelming. I’m learning that I can’t do it all in a few weekends. This will be a long process but so far, I’m having a blast. 

Even though I really don’t know much, I’ll give you a couple thoughts. First, taking on a project this big could be done in stages. Set up your planning to get maybe 1/3 of the railroad up and running with plans to add the next phase and then the next. 

Also, with that much square footage, I would make the yard spurs a little longer if possible. 

Lastly, I learned that I can safely reach 2 feet from an edge to work on the track and bench work. I haven’t done any scenery yet but I would expect the same 2 foot reach will be needed. So 4 feet wide would be my max. I think more reach than that would take extra planning by either walking on the layout or a hatch in the middle.

Again, I’m new too and these are just some things to think about. Definitely not expert advice. Have fun! 

-Brad

Consider: Toy Train Layout?  or Model Railroad??  A toy train layout is great, and so is a model railroad.  But to go one direction, then change, is time consuming and expensive.  If you really want a model railroad, you might want to start with a less aggressive track plan.

What is known as a "high railer" layout is a model railroad much like the detailed modelers in the HO World (but utilizing three-rails for the advantages of what we all love).  It has less trackage, more scenery- and fewer accessories.  O Gauge Railroading is the premier magazine for that form.

There are several mags focused on collecting toy trains on the toy train aspect of the three-rail hobby. 

New to the hobby I suggest something small asap to run NOW while you ease into benchwork because this will take some time and effort.  I always suggest a loop to keep you inspired. Some days you just want to unwind and run, not build.

 Done right, on hardboard, foam, etc, scenery on the temp. layout can be moved to the big one as a module later too.

It doesn't matter if it's a carpet central or two old Craiglist coffee tables under the big one.

Asap, set up #1 a switching puzzle, #2 do full operations sessions, and 3# spend an evening looping and thinking about everything, or maybe thinking about nothing.  What you expect to enjoy in the hobby isn't always what you actually enjoy. Some folk just want trains on a shelf, some folk want rare things, some folk run op.s, some folk toy around, some like toys some like scale models and others like me just can't decide on some things; but I'm more aware of my likes from experience, but these likes and dislikes have changed; evolved after more than half a century.  There are things I enjoyed I grew out of, and things I snubbed as a kid I love now. How can you know except running? 🤔 

   I'm a looper first and foremost, bonus points for small logging, ore, and work trains but nothing beats passenger cars in a dark room, tunes and favorite beverge flowing; my indoor campfire 

I don't mind distance runs. The loader/unloader job are ok too... switching to build trains or sort them is a pita though. I'm good at that type of organization but I get too involved, it becomes work and seriousness sets in vs relaxation... I'll have lunch while you switch then I'll pull the distance while you go to beans .

I like them, but I don't really use most of my accessories. #1 the loopers pal; AF automatic station stop  #2 gantry & crane for rocket base (#175 I think), #3 operating yard crane

   If you worked in a second reverse loop for each level you won't be forced to touch a train or back it through the reversing siding to go the other way, great for looping & operations both imo. (you can always close the second rev-siding with MOW during a session for an excuse for difficult backing )

More yard length lots of it, make the most of those switches.(railing stock gets old. the more side tracks in place the better).

You are gonna need hatches. Time to measure your reach. You do not want to have to climb; dismiss any willingness to climb you think you have.  It is a pita and you will damage something eventually unless you are a ninja 

....or Chuck Norris... sure he could do more damage than a ninja ( ), but the trains won't dare derail on Chuck  

A few things I should spit out here about my background and the current state of the union. I am a tradesman in both the electrical and mechanical field.  I currently work for a well known company as an operations engineer in a data center. Good $$$ My two main hobbies is photography and woodworking. My wife and partner in life is 100% by my side most of the time enjoying the same as me , although she doesn't get into the woodworking tools and such she still helps with the planning and design. She is also 100% into model RR, toys trains what ever you want to call it. 

We have had a looper set up in the house for sometime now and have been going to train shows and talking with others in the hobby for support and getting started.

 We have been buying new and used structures, locos and accessories over the past 6 months and have a small collection already started.

My wife and I have been buying model structure kits and putting them together painting and weathering and adding little touches to improve them. The layout will be based on the late 60's to present time frame as most of the accessories available are set in that time.

Landscaping will be Northeast area such as West Virginia, Virginia and Western Maryland. I noticed another forum member that is on here doing an area called Black water canyon, I grew up close that area in a little town called Mt Storm which is not far from Thomas WV.

I worked at the coal fired power plant years ago and seen lots of coal train and logging operations on that mountain top. 

I moved the yard to the other side to see how that looks, this will give me about 11' on the long side.

This is presumptuous of me and I have made the same mistake before as I see in your tentative plan in view of the terrain and structures you mention:---------far too much track !

Sometimes a limited layout space is a blessing. I knew mine was limited to 5x8, so I "played" around with FasTrack on the living room floor to see what worked best. One thing I did decide, up-front, was that I wanted plenty of scenery as opposed to seeing how much track I could cram into my available space. You cannot have both on a small layout.

I think running 3 is about the limit. I have 4 lines but seldom have all 4 going. More like 2 or 3 while I tinker on line 4.

I actually like a "cramped" and "busy" space really. The only use I have for open space is straight away views.

Overall, I liked the design of the first yard with some run around track. Can you shed one or two of the lower left stubs and build longer storage off the main lead to the right?

Here is a complete do over. This still has the ability to reverse the trains and also has a separate loop so I can run two trains. I added more yard space and now I have lots of empty space to build.  Feel free to give me your opinions. I would like to add some elevation to the back side corners. The only downfall is I will have to craw under the bridge to get to the center but I'm ok with that.

icsparks posted:

Here is a complete do over. This still has the ability to reverse the trains and also has a separate loop so I can run two trains. I added more yard space and now I have lots of empty space to build.  Feel free to give me your opinions. I would like to add some elevation to the back side corners. The only downfall is I will have to craw under the bridge to get to the center but I'm ok with that.

I'm kinda' liking that design.  Much simpler than the original.  You could always add a few industrial sidings here and there if so desired.  Also would be great with longer yard tracks if any way possible.  But still good to go if you can't.

If you're okay with crawling under the bridge, that's fine.  I hope you're young and spry for a long time! 

Yea, this seems simpler. (this is also the point a 3d view on SCARM is nice )

I'm also for longer yard stubs as well as a ladder connection at the far end for loco run arounds of the trains pulled into the yard vs always pushed into the yard. Can you angle it all? Has it butted another wall an can you hug that wall? Tighter and less stubs to be a longe ladder with run around ? (great railing and staging area tight on wall I'd think.)

Speaking of angles; maybe consider a hump yard down hill slant on stubs ?

 Moving the top loop connection to the left would allow a small elevation of either the yard or loop terrain a few inches as whole. If you miss your elevated train at all, consider an elevated tolley or interurban to help your people help get around the area. No loop necessarily, just point to point on timer & relays or board automation and/or a bump and go (esp. for "kids day", if there is one)

I actually planned to do and/or did much of what I'm talking about. The valley effect with an elevated dog bone worked, but I found the backside view equally pleasing and easier to rail from, so I run from the backside now. (against a half wall, both sides can be seen if I pull the backdrop.

I love your enthusiasm but you may be a little too aggressive in your planning.

 I added to the yard and the back stretch has a 2.5%  grade with the highest point at 4".

icsparks posted:

 I added to the yard and the back stretch has a 2.5%  grade with the highest point at 4".

Looks really good.    I wish I had to space for a yard like that.

I saw it a little differently; longer yard; but that works.

Building a relatively large home train layout will probably take years to complete because new creative ideas/changes will keep popping up. Most hobbyists know a layout is never "finished;" then comes the realization that a train layout project is the closest we'll get to "eternal life" on this planet.  But carry on, regardless.

The sage advice offered by other OGR FORUM members is fundamentally sound. One can add complexity and technology to a modest "Phase 1" layout; however, it's more difficult to remove "overbuilding" and then return to a simpler, more manageable track plan.

Consider an alternative -- rather than building a "super layout" at home, join a local train club that would welcome your involvement and thoughtfully consider your ideas for future growth of that empire.  A fringe benefit of club membership ... you'll meet new hobby friends who share your passion. The downside of club membership ... if your ideas for improvement and growth are not adopted by a majority of club members, you may get frustrated.

Mike Mottler        LCCA 12394
mottlerm@gmail.com