Southern4501 posted:Where the reverse loop is I measured from the stud next to the hvac return to the corner of the stairs on the outside. So I have roughly a 70" x 85" area to work with for that. I hope this drawing helps to get my idea across for outside the room. My biggest problem is I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to do past the the double mainlines that jan had drawn up. I have never had more than a 4x8 or around the room shelf layout. I am a visual person as well. So its hard for me to know what I can do in this space. I was thinking along the walls maximum of 36" deep tops for most of the layout. Probably 24" along wall #8 until it gets out into the main room. I have to keep in mind that at some point my hvac will have to be replaced so that is why we put in a 32" door. That area will have to be removable. Only the polar express will go to the north pole.
I hope this helps.
Okay, that gives a good idea of what you're looking to do with the space, but I've got a few concerns.
Not to nitpick, but your measurements still don't add up. The area by the door add up to 62.25" (25.5+32+4.75). Add the 7.5" bump, the 47" stairway and the 81" left side of the nook, you get a total of 197.75. However, the right side of the nook is 48.5" and the right side wall is 148". That adds up to only 196.5". Probably won't matter, just thought I'd point it out.
If the Polar Express is the ONLY train that will go to the North Pole, that makes that reversing loop useless for the rest of the layout the remaining loop is not enough,you need 2 in opposite directions.
If you block the hallway to the AC until, you also block access to the reversing loop. If you need to fix a derailment or something, you'll need to crawl under the storage tracks you plan to put in the hallway. It's one thing to make those tracks removable for access to the AC unit, but quite another for what could be every day access. I also think you'll need access to the AC unit more often than just replacing it in 12 years or so.
Have you given any thought to the brand of track you intend to use? Chances are someone will use SCARM or AnyRail to help with design and choice of track might make a difference. I assume you're going to want O72 minimum curves, so here's a rendition to show what kid of space those size curves require. It's one thing to draw ideas, but quite another to actually make the track fit. 
As you can see, storage for 5 full trains in the hallway is iffy at best, unless you want to back in or out with just one entry point. The reversing loop is also going to be problematic. O72 curves need upwards of 80" in width.
