rtr12 posted:I think the track plan looks good to me. I think the link between levels at 3.3% would be fine. The 4.8% might be a little steep, but I will let others with more experience comment on that one as I have not had much experience with grades. That is one thing I need to add to my layout somehow is another level, I think that adds a lot.
I do think some spurs or sidings would add interest to the layout. Even if you do not do any operations I think a few spurs with a car or two on them might make things look more interesting. With my own layouts I usually tend to over-do-it with track though, and end up with little room for anything else which is not a good thing to do. Sampling the different track is good too and possibly the best way to decide which one you prefer. Nothing like first hand experience. I like the idea of double sided carpet tape for trial of the track and roadbed, may be fine for final installation too?
I don't see anything wrong with the overhang if you use 3/4" plywood. I would think that would handle a few inches of overhang with no problem. The 3/4" plywood will strengthen the whole layout when added, but I am wondering if the upper 66" section and the lower 46" section might need a couple of added legs? It may be fine with the top on, but from the picture it looks like those could possibly be weak points? Maybe where the center modules join the end modules? It could be just fine as it is, especially if no one will ever be climbing on it?
I'm no expert here, but that is about all I can think of? I may have even thought of a thing or two that didn't need to be thought about?
Thanks for the comments.
I'm concerned about the 4.8% grade too. Now that tiling is done, I'm going to set my RealTrax on the floor and run some tests with some scrap wood I have. My wife decided she wants to do some painting in the other areas that were tiled before we moved things back, so things have been delayed. Another reason to really consider Mianne? 
I have tentative plans to add some spurs for interest once I lay down an outline of the benchwork and track using tape. I'll then get out the Bedford Falls buildings to see how spacing might work. I had actually added some spurs to this version, but took them out until I see how things look. I completely agree that just having some cars sitting would add visual interest.
And I agree there might be too much track and I'm considering taking out the hidden siding. I mainly put that in when I didn't see a way to connect the runs or the 2nd level. Now that I can run trains on all tracks, the hidden siding is less important to me and I'd love to get rid of the hidden switches.
I'm glad you mentioned the legs because even though no one will be climbing on it, I now agree there aren't enough. I think I need to add 1 in the center of the double 54x60 modules and 1 to the inside corners of both the 46" and 66" modules. I may need to add 2 in the middle of the 66" module, but I'll wait until I assemble that module to see. I suspect that is how Mianne would do things.
I took a look at wood at Lowe's today and was not happy with any of it. The best 3/4" plywood was some pretty lousy 5-layer stuff priced at $50/sheet. I'll check HD next, but may have to consider a lumber yard. If I go with this plan, I don't think I'll do any overhang. That was more an option if I decided to angle the corners and round off the curves.
Thanks again for the comments. With 98 views and only 1 comment, I was losing hope.
