@ChessieFan72 posted:It sounds like you are building your layout on a dining table, which is confining your layout. If you are able to use more space in your room, a modular layout will help expand your layout and be better suited for break down and storage.
The loop of track on the second level is going to reduce the length of a train. A rule of thumb I like to follow is a locomotive shouldn't follow it's own caboose. Also, you will want to decrease the speed of the train so it appears less frequently. Try to use a view block (dense foliage/scenery height/backdrop) to help the train disappear from view. These tips will help hide the fact the train is running in a loop.
I would move the hobo scene up to the second level also. It will create interest in this area, and hobo's would be off the beaten path out of view of the raiload/law.
Instead of the siding to the mill being located inside the layout, try swapping it with the mainline so that the siding curves from the front edge to the right edge of the layout. I think the mill you want might be too big. It would be better to build one to suit your space. The water tank and abandoned station will seem a little unusual without supporting architecture to show why it was built in the first place, unless it was to service the mill. If it's a station to service the mill, I would flip it to the other side of the tracks. The mill would have a small area to service a steam locomotive with water before it set off from the mill.
I live in an apartment so I am space-limited. When I get my own place someday I would like to create an around-the-room layout. Until then, I'm planning on using the table. Modular has its uses, but I'm not in a position to go that route.
That is a good point that I've thought about. Because this table is for traditional O trains, I'm not planning on running lots of cars behind them. Longer trains will be on the lower loops while shorter trains (eg, lionchief sets) will be on the upper loop. But on the other hand, the upper section doesn't need to be there. While I would love a multi-level layout, I could do without.
That's a nice idea. I've always loved rolling hills and low mountains completely shrouded in trees, but I like your idea too.
I personally like having the longer mainline, but I'll take a look at moving the siding outside. I also like the idea of building my own lumber mill but I am not sure I have the patience for that. Maybe I could showcase a small portion of a larger mill (eg, stacks of logs and other lumber mill-esque scenery, with a road leading off the layout)
