@Mike H Mottler posted:I designed my 15x19 feet L-shaped layout for an upper level to show a Christmas theme with thirty-five Dept 56 North Pole Village pieces, some of which are animated. The upper level has three short trolley lines with Christmas-décor bump-and-go trolleys running on Lionel O27 rails. I didn't intend to place buildings underneath the upper level; just tracks.
As for height, I installed MTH Elevated Trestles as supports for the upper level. The ruler in one of the photos shows a five-inch clearance; it's sufficient for all my locos and rolling stock running on the lower level directly underneath the upper level. However, getting access to a derailed train along a stretch of track directly under the lower level can be somewhat inconvenient when trying to reach around the supports in limited space. Fortunately, derailments aren't a regular occurrence; thanks to the gentle curves (O42) of Lionel O-gauge tubular track and switches.
A train running on the lower level is semi-hidden along much of that route. The disadvantage is ... "showing off" a train in action is limited for viewing. The track plan for both levels is attached along with some photos.
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
Sounds like our layouts are similar. Mine is 10 x 20 with lot of D56 and trolleys in my city scenes. The photo shows an elevated section about 9 inches about the base.
