On ramps for elevated sections?

I don't think there's a right or wrong way to go here. My personal preference would be to use a ramp up and a ramp down. Having an isolated elevated loop is ok and frees up the space underneath for other stuff, but unless you incorporate some crossovers, switchbacks, etc. into the elevated loop, I think it might get boring.  

IMHO, using a ramp up and a ramp down is more visually appealing and interesting to watch but, as you said, takes up some real estate.

One possible solution would be, instead of solid foam, plaster, etc. for ramps, to consider using a trestle system like MTH's and incorporating a bridge between the up and down sides.  Once you get into the taller trestles, you can use the space underneath for other things (hobo jungle, junk yard, etc.) or to run another loop underneath.

If you decide to go with a single ramp connection, it would be a good idea to have a reverse loop on the upper level, so you can get back down easily.

Richie and Elliot thanks for the responses.  A loop in a 10'x12' I can do, with an on ramp even.  But an off ramp and/or return loop I think I "need to build a bigger boat"... er, I mean basement.  The room's big, but the "boss" is laying down the regulations here to some extent.  Time to deregulate!

But maybe what I really need to do is revisit my layout and see if there is a better way.

I was thinking trestles for a lot of it and bridges... that stuff's free at auctions basically.  Get it up and then refine over time with better stuff.

Kirk

Kirk, if you like trestles and bridges, and have linted space, think about going down as well.  By that I mean we often think that bridges need to come up from the table top, but you can have a very impressive trestle with the track being level with the table top, but the supports go down and are finished in a way that you have an impressive view.

Kirk, Why not see if you can both loops at 3" and then raise one by three inches while lowering the other by three inches thereby giving you the six inch difference on half of the layout. You may also be able to create a crossover between the tracks at the three inch level. You may be able to get your grades below 2.5 % in the process. Chooch

Kirk,

I don't know what your plan is for underneath the elevated line but space being limited, have you considered lowering it to 3" with smaller ramps down to table level where you can cross over to that loop.   Depending upon how ambitious you are you then might have the option to add a 3rd isolated loop above and use it for a trolley or passenger train, etc.   Saw a setup like that a few years ago and it looked pretty cool.  They put in a loop further I. On the table so it was not over the  other loops.  It looked a lot better than it sounds.

Ed

BTW -  I have found a sure fire fail safe method for dealing with the "anti- expansion" CFOs.  It is called Jared Jewelers !  CAUTION - This is last a resort option. Obviously it must be used sparingly. 

Guys, I appreciate all the inputs.  I've made an executive decision and decided to make my outer O72 loop raised at 7" minimum with some trestles and bridges and be totally independent from other tracks.  I could add some station stops to that so it's not just a boring loop but it's for cruising at higher speeds.  I also got some better track (mostly Ross),

My new layout is in this recent post: Please comment on current 13.5' x 9.5' layout

Continued comments are appreciated!

Ramp to upper level "in the slot", and overall benchwork for same.

Beautiful work Kerrigan!  I just don't have the room and still have room for STUFF.

   I like challenging an engines pulling ability. A grade makes that possible with a shorter train.

   It also requires either being on the throttles constantly, or setting up blocks to deal with the power needs varying. (Command should eliminate this concern)

Visually, that line wont be blocked as easily. But the lower level may suffer now. Not greatly imo, but does.

That said I like my graded line (on 4 blocks) but LOVE the level El. It just doesn't block that much. A tip or raise of the head and the view changes.

It adds a great dimensional aspect to what is normally a flat terrain layout. I run small locos up there mostly as they get lost in the action of a small 1 level layout. (the grade is on a ceiling shelf behind a second ground level line.