What are the dimensions of your standard gauge layout?

hi frank,I did a dogbone on mine,,would use a lot of curves,but its worth a thought,,i have mine, in my basement so I can get to everything ,only 3ft reach anywhere,,,

i would think about a shelf layout spanning all four walls and bridging the doorway.  you'd get room for multi-train operations, larger radius curves and still have more than adequate reach to everything.

I agree with Overland, an around the wall layout is worth looking into. My Standard Gauge forms the outer loop of a layout 13 feet square. It's a simple loop with straights five feet long and 87" diameter curves. The rest of the layout is 0 gauge. I have a removable section for access to the interior. One day I will probably replace it with a bridge or bridges, but with four main lines (one Standard and three 0 gauge), it will require some serious planning and construction, so the removable piece will do for now. 

My layout is about 6.5' by 11'. It has an outer loop, and an inner figure eight with one loop folded back on the other. Makes for an interesting configuration for operating two trains.

It is in a corner, but built on 2x4s with 1/2' plywood top. I walk on it when the back corner needs attention.

9' X 13' in the former waiting room of my depot/home. The outer loop is 84" in diameter.

8 by 10 pretty gives you 2 feet on 3 sides. That is a little cramped.

Look at the track plans in O gauge and you will get a good idea.

I think around the wall would be best.

My layout is 19 by 8. It has most of the classic STG accessories they just do not go on all at once.

A lot of ideas and a lot fun.

Al

Here are a couple of photos of my layout to give you an idea what you can do with an around the wall layout in your space. Mine is a bit bigger (13x13) and there is a passage on one side rather than four walls, but it might help you with the possibilities. I've got tracks running around the outside, a removable section for access, and a couple of wider areas for accessories and buildings. Most of the layout is 0 gauge (only the outer loop is Standard Gauge), but an all-Standard Gauge layout could be built on the same general outline. Track curves are: Standard Gauge 87", 0-72, 0-63, 0-42.

I recommend getting all your track from USA Track. It's made in USA, much better quality than the Chinese stuff from MTH at about the same cost, and he will even custom cut the straights at minimal extra cost. They offer curve diameters of 42, 57, 72, and 87, which provides even spacing of concentric curves. Ross switches are the only ones worth considering. MTH switches are great looking, but inferior in operation. Ross switches do require external DC to operate, but that's easy. 

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