Aegis21:
Although I joined this thread later on, I wanted to commend your process for planning and gathering input for an L-shaped layout. I designed and built an L-shaped layout in an addition to the rear of our house, which was created as a home office by the previous owner - a draftsman. Now it's my train room! Not as BIG as your space, so I'm envious!
I used ANYRAIL to design my layout. Quick to learn, easy to use.
I provided aisle space around the perimeter of most of the layout; with 20/20 hindsight, I now consider it "wasted space." I should have installed an around-the-wall layout as you intend to do. To gain more trackage, I installed a second level. It contains 36 DEPT 56 North Pole Village porcelain buildings and three short point to point trolley lines. Two of the trolleys and a handcar have Christmas decor.
The E-W main platform is an oval with a figure 8 built-in, so I have four reversing loops in that design. The sidings and an industrial district are in the N-S leg of the layout, which also includes a DINOSAUR PARK for playtime fun for my young great grandson, Matthew (now age 7). Pix attached.
Your initial post to the OGR FORUM gathered many helpful follow-up notes. Carry on, relentlessly ...
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
mottlermike10@gmail.com
