Thanks guys! You all are so much better at this than I am. There is definitely a learning curve.
Dave, you are correct when you say that not having O-42 is making this very challenging to say the least. I will tell you that as far as scenery for this layout is concerned, it is fantastic! I can tell you that for sure, because this layout is actually a blending of two previous Christmas layouts that I have built in the past. I am simply putting my all time favorite Christmas layout on top of the bottom layer (the figure 8 layer), which was part of a layout I built for Christmas two years ago. I did build the top two layers with tubular track and K-line O-42 switches and it was wicked simple. I have pictures that I will scan and attach, so you all can see what I'm talking about.
Carl, my first attempt started on layer 0, but the program would never let me uncheck zero to make it go away so I could see layers 1 and 2 without the clutter. When I started on layer 1, I could then make all layers disappear and thus view them individually.
As for the bottom layer, Dave is correct in his observation. The only part of the bottom layer that is visible is the front 12 inches of that table. There are four tunnel portals where the switches allow you to enter the figure 8, but the figure 8 is completely under the second layer. This serves to add play value by giving you two reverse loops and lets face it; who doesn't like watching a train go into and come out of a tunnel?
The second and third layers are where all the scenery resides. A rather quaint town with town square and tree (all Dept. 56) and the top layer is a country setting. The pictures will show you everything once I can get them scanned.
The one thing that Carl added was the set of switches at the top of the figure 8 that allow you to bypass the crossover. I left them in for consideration, because I always like a layout to have "rout options" because that is what adds the play value. It isn't much fun to watch a train traverse the same route over and over, always in the same direction; we want to make it go different ways. I do, however, acknowledge the pitfalls of placing switches under a table out of reach. Yes, that violates one of the basic rules of our hobby, but I do leave the back of the layout open, so I can reach in from behind if absolutely necessary. I'm not saying I will leave them in. I'm just looking at them trying to decide if I'm willing to take the risk.
Dave, I noticed that your rendition has the second layer coming too far forward and does reside over the front of the bottom layer. Keep in mind that the bottom layer is 5'x10' and all the track on layer two MUST fit on 4'x8'. When you do that it works out perfectly. That give you your 12" out front on the bottom layer and the space on the ends for the curved ramps to the second layer.
When I can get a couple pictures scanned I will post.
Thanks again guys! You really are being a big help on this.
Jon
