Noob 7x10 Layout advice

This is a great place for help with your layout, however, everyone is going to the big TCA train meet in York, PA this week so there might not be much traffic around here for a few days. They will all be back in a week or so.

I am not 100% certain, but I think that layout video was from forum member TMack who posts here on the forum. If it is, maybe he will see your post and reply or you could try contacting him or leave a comment on his youtube channel. It is a very nice layout. Looks interesting and like it would be fun.

If that does not work, many here use SCARM and are very good with it. I don't happen to be one of them, but maybe one of the experienced SCARM users will be along to offer you some assistance. A couple of forum members have posted some tutorials on SCARM, if they are still here, a search for SCARM or SCARM tutorial or something along those lines may turn up something that could be helpful.

Edit: Should have said 'most' everyone is going to York. There are a few of us (like me) that don't go. And I see Moonman has posted a SCARM file for you, I believe he is one of the more knowledgeable SCARM users also, and may be able to help you with questions.

Before you commit to a plan ask yourself the following:

• How long do I want to keep this layout.
• Am I going to run large steam (O-72), large diesels or large rolling stock.
• Do I want to run two trains
• Do I want to watch trains run or switch industries.

Those will give you an idea of what to incorporate into your layout design and help plan it.

Welcome, and congrats on getting the addiction of O scale trains!  &x10 layout is perfect! I am or was a noob.  I have a 4x8 layout.  I am always saying I am going to go larger.  I think 7x10 is big enough where you can have industry and passenger service!  There some great people on here!  I have listened to every drop of info i can get.  My layout which is far from perfect runs better cause of them!  do many searches, this website is possibly the most informative tool out there!  So use it!  ENJOY THE RIDE!

Hi Sawyer2112,

here's is my rendition of TMack's temporary layout for 7' x 10'. I couldn't determine where the loader and spur was located. Also, 031 didn't exist when he had that layout. I used it for the bump & go trolley. The city EZ-Streets are a D16 curve. Manual switches were used as you can reach them like T-Mack did. There is a 1 3/8" between the crossover switches. You remove the wire to separate the power divisions Outer loop and inner loop. I used 30' straights where I could, cheaper than 3 10" at retail, so use whatever you can get your hands on cheaply.

You will have to determine final spacing for your scenery and buildings.

You can work with this file to suit to your liking. Right-click the attachment and save target as to your computer. Right-click on it, select open with, select Scarm. Then save the file. When you make any changes save it as another file name.

Have fun!

Thank you so much for this rendition! I sincerely appreciate the time you invested into

my layout! This makes it so much easier for me to see and understand the layout, and what I need to complete it. Thanks again all who replied.