What would you change to make this Tinplate layout room better?

To be honest the rail road wagon would be a nice touch but it's taking up a fair amount of space. I would either eliminate it or work it in to your bench work and turn it into a train surface to make it part of the layout instead of just a large 4x10 static display.  You could also turn the wagon surface into a separate O or standard gauge loop.

Thanks Chris....right off you touched on something I've really been struggling with on whether to use that or not. Would not be a big deal not to use that, then I could change the layout to a "wraparound" style....plus it's not your ordinary wagon...it has sides...

What wall has the Dept 56 items? I would maybe consider ditching the ON30 and the S layouts from this room. Perhaps put them in the garage? With O and Std Gauge both happening and Dept 56 too, you'll have plenty enough to do and see!! There could be two nice chairs there to view the layout from that wall, with a table in-between and a shelf unit above the table.

Coincidentally, your space and footprint are very similar to what I'm currently working with, and one section is devoted to tinplate, both O and standard.  Based on my experience, my main observation is that your 7-foot width will prove to be a limitation unless you put track on multiple levels.  I don't have an answer for that yet, so will be interested to see what others suggest.

I like your idea of using the cart for temporary displays.  I couldn't do it, as it would become a long-term resting place for all kinds of odds and ends, but if you have the discipline to avoid doing that, I think it's a great idea.

Carey...the Dept 56 bldgs will actually be part of the layout...tentatively planned for the 7 ft by 13 ft part of the layout directly behind the wagon...although if I was to not have the wagon the layout shape will change dramatically....Fairly certain the On30 and N scale layouts aren't flexible, going to try and keep all the trains in one room....I'll probably never come out if I ever get this built :-)

You sure bring up a great point though....that would be a great spot to just throw a couple chairs in and take in all the action....had not even considered that....ok, maybe not so certain about all the trains being in one room!

I'm with you Mallard, going to be interesting to hear many opinions. I've been thinking about all this so long that if it's one thing I know it's that the possibilities are endless. The track plan itself will not be complicated. there will be a few sidings, but my roadblock to trains has always been complicated wiring. Simple for some, never been for me though. I know there are options to that, and I realize alot of folks don't like to see trains going around in circles but there will be alot going on no matter how the track layout ends up...

Mark. I only have basic circles but if you make the rest of the layout interesting with lights buildings ect.  It can still be nice.  Here is an example of my layout. The only loop that isn't there anymore is the one way in the back. That had to come out after a flood in that room to put the new floor in. 

Mark,

  I love the wagon, I would call it a cart, but that is maybe just me. I would shift the "L" of your layout to put the baggage cart/wagon along the wall. Explain a little more if it is original equipment or a reproduction? Either way, I love history and you have a nice conversation piece. You can get some vintage wooden boxes, military foot lockers, milk cans, etc and place them on your cart/wagon.

Tom

If you really want to do the n and on30, you could put the on mountains.

Not a thing.  I wish I had that kind of space.  

Chris, I've definately followed (and thoroughly enjoyed) watching your layout many times, I just love it....especially when you're running that Red Flyer Presidential set! But I agree wholly...I have been involved in some pretty huge projects in my life and have always stayed very busy but for me a few trains going round in circles is going to keep me plenty happy!

Tom...I sort of agree although when I think "cart" I think smaller but I get what you mean...It's the same length as many barge box wagons I have owned so I can't break the habit of calling it a wagon! At first I thought that would be better suited for the back right wall, but I'd have to make the room bigger yet if I want to access it all around...however the wagon does take up sort of the same amount of room as the two mobile layouts so that is an option if I stick with this plan. The wagon (or cart) is the real thing. I was very fortunate to find that years ago. It was in pretty rough shape so I had to rebuild the frame. It was originally painted green, but the wheels were originally red. Most likely the oak racks were painted green although that was hard to tell. I don't do parades anymore but have used the wagon for displaying gas globes, farm toys, temp layouts, kids rides, you name it! It's sure been fun to own.

El Classico....that would be a great idea but I actually have the On30 and N scale layouts built...they are just awaiting 'finishing" but that's the sort of thing I can take care of later...

Dan, I wish I thought like that and was happy with it but I'm always rethinking things, perhaps way too much...but I've never had a permanent full time no going back layout so this one was worth asking. Everyone on the forum here have given me way too much inspiration over the years! There is one layout especially that I really took to...on the forum here, Dan986, I was just expanding things a bit by adding another scale to it as well as a section for Dept 56....

Carey & El Classico...here's why there is no going back on the On30 & N scale layouts. A few years back when Joey Ricard came out with his original Spruce Coal & Timber Layout I was hands down hooked on how he did it with his mobile cabinet style design so Joey gets 100% credit for these idea's and boy how I have enjoyed that! And if you aren't familiar with Joey's work, do a quick search, I guarantee you'll be hooked! And the best part is Joey is one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet...just doesn't get any better!

Pardon my messes, this is the N scale layout:

And here is my On30 Layout...

for the cart you could build a stepped shelf and drop it in.  the cart sides might restrict vision slightly, but it will also add a little protection (for little hands, that is).  with the 4' width and 4" shelves, you could have 5 x 10' shelves on each side.  displays under the layout are nice for kids, but harder to view for adults.

i'm not a big fan of L-shaped layouts, but at least try to avoid a trackplan that follows the perimeter of the L-shape.  even using tubular track, i rarely end up with more than one or two 90° curves in a layout.

good luck...gary

I agree with Chris--the cart is great but it's going to take up a lot of valuable real estate. With a room that size and the SG track available today (wide-radius curves and high-tech switches from Ross) you have the opportunity to build an amazing layout.

Thanks Everyone!