We are moving to Washington State later this year and right now the plan is to use half of the modest sized bonus room (13'x15') for my next layout. My early designs really dominated the room, leaving no space for other uses. But sanity has returned, and I scaled back the design to use half of the room.
The layout is in the far side of the room, opposite the entry door. It butts up to windows that measure 7' wide. The windows have blinds and don't get any direct sunlight. The home is new construction with central air conditioning and heating. The reach over layout to windows is 30".
The front of the room has a large computer desk, built-in shelving, closet, and bathroom entry door. There is room for a sitting/reading area.
My last layout used FasTrack, but I had severe rusting problems. So I started experimenting with MTH and Atlas nickel silver track systems. After the table is built, I plan to experiment with Gargarves and Ross.
This first track plan was designed to use the limited pieces I already have, which is mostly RealTrax and some Atlas. The lower level is RealTrax, including the switches I have already purchased. The upper level is Atlas, which was in short supply seven years ago, so no Atlas switches.
Five things I like about this design:
* All the track is NOT parallel to the table sides.
* There are "destinations" for the trains on either side of the U.
* Larger radius continuous running on the upper level.
* Two loops on lower level allow total of 3 trains to run continuously.
* Single track (for now) bridging the access aisle.
Thanks for looking, and please post any suggestions on how you would improve this plan.
SCARM file in zip folder attachment.
Alan
