I have been a bedroom runner (sounds kinky, I guess) for thirty years now. I had a 5'x9' layout in a spare bedroom back in Ohio using 027 and 031 track. I built basic pine shelving floor to ceiling around the room to hold my collection. It worked out quite well, actually.
Then, 6 years ago, my wife and I retired to California. I thinned out my train collection substantially before the move (to lessen moving expenses) but still kept plenty for a new layout.
My layout now is a standard 4'x8' one in a much smaller bedroom than my Ohio one. However, I have made do and use 036 Lionel Fast Track this time. Where I used to have two loops, I now settle for one with several sidings. I have my pike configured so that one end represents a western mountain scene with a corner curved tunnel from MTH. The other end is a desert scene. I think it all holds together pretty well visually and operation (being simple) is smooth and conventional.
I store my equipment om built-in wooden shelving (came with the house) and some metal display shelving on opposite walls (Glen Snyder Display Systems product) which really looks nice.
I just feel lucky to have a small extra bedroom to devote to my O gauge trains!
