Hello Citizens,
I've spent most of the last year re-building a building that sits behind my house. The building itself is 24' x 32'. At this point it is completely re-wired (to code), insulated, and temperature-controlled for comfort year-round. I have dedicated one room that is approximately 11' x 19' for running O gauge trains. Now that (most of) the construction is finished I confess to being impatient/anxious to get some trains running around. I figure my basic options involve either 1) setting up an 'island' in the center of the room or B) setting benchwork against the wall(s). I got my hands on the 'AnyRail' software package, and after experimenting a bit (using FasTrack template bits) it seems that I can get more mileage by working against the walls. I want to keep the entrance into the room free of obstruction, and there is one window to which I will want to maintain access. I would like to avoid lift-gates and/or pop-ups in the middle of the layout. I know that these constraints mean that I will need to be able to reach everything that I put on the benches.
I'm attaching a couple of images to show some of what I've come up with so far (the grids are 12"). These are all very simple, 2-loop (one inside the other), designs that will allow two trains to run simultaneously/independently. The outer loop is built with 48" curves and the inner loop is built with 36" curves - with/without sidings, spurs, etc.. I imagine the long straightway against the far wall incorporating some ascending grade and some length of extended elevation (descending grade extending along the left wall). Maybe a tunnel or two in the lower left corner (?).
I realize that these designs, compared to many I've seen posted around here, are not very sophisticated with respect to prototypes, switching operations, etc.. As I indicated, right now I mainly want to get some trains running. On the other hand, I will be making an investment in benchwork, and would like to start out with a design that will last for a while. Gotta start someplace....
I'm truly grateful for any and all comments and suggestions. I've learned a lot sitting on the sidelines of this forum, and I know that there is a wealth of talent and experience close at hand.
Peace,
Sam in Oregon
