There has been many books written on this subject but basically I started out with certain things I wanted. Here’s my list...yours will differ.
- Conventional operation with insulated blocks and cab control utilizing existing post-war transformers I already had, but with the ability to switch over to command control eventually without having to rewire everything.
- Space for a few classic accessories like the Lionel #97 Coal Elevator and some other stuff I had left over from when I was a kid. This is for satisfying the nostalgia factor that was in me.
- Free-flowing curves and without concentric “toy-train” like ovals, so I have almost all Gargraves flex-track/Ross switches.
- I have a 1900 sq.ft. basement available but decided to start much smaller (25’x20’ in the shape of a reverse C) and expand one day if I felt like it (and so far I haven’t.)
- Ability to run 3 trains at the same time, relatively hands off, without danger of them running into each other so I have three separate routes that can be electrically isolated from each other.
- Ability to connect those separate routes into one extra long run for more leisurely operation of a single train.
- Not too many switches. I’m an impatient track layer and switches are where all my derailments happen because I’m probably not careful enough in this area.
- Multiple levels with a really nice high mountain wooden trestle over a gorge.
- It’s a personal preference, but I would much rather run trains than mess around with yard switching operations so as a result I don’t have any at the moment.
I sketched everything out on paper, explored many different ideas and designs and eventually came up with a plan I was happy with. Despite all the planning, I made some mistakes like I have one 0-42 return loop that will be nearly impossible to widen without a major renovation. I also didn’t allow myself enough space for storage tracks or sidings where trains that weren’t running could just park, but I’m working those problems out now. Someone asked me recently, “When will it be finished?” The answer is probably never which is really fine with me.
