8' x 20' Layout Plan?

Biggest consideration would probably be whether you want a rectangular island layout or one that goes around the perimeter of the space.  The latter is usually more efficient with space, but in either case you need to plan around any doorways, passages, utility access and means of egress issues.  Solve those and then you can get into the nitty gritty.  Dealing properly with the site issues now can save lots of frustration and wasted work later.

-Mark

Mark,

I have no door, passage, or utility issues to worry about. What do you mean by egresses? Should I integrate grades and reverse loops into my layout? How important are theses?

By egress, I mean how you need to get around the layout, room to walk around all the sides, having enough room to reach across all areas around the layout, and if necessary, if you have any duck-overs or hinged panels.

Grades and reverse loops are just a couple of neat things that you can incorporate.  A reverse loop adds a lot of operational variety, and fortunately for 3-rail, it is easy to wire up.  You can use a doubled back track or a wye, or both.

Grades can of course be incorporated but you will have to trade off the size of trains that you can pull, depending on the steepness of the grade.

Since you mention running multiple trains, consider having one (or more) elevated line, separate from the lower level.  That way you can have multiple trains running but not having to deal with grades at all.

-Mark

Similar space-may help orientation....attic over garage.

3' of benchwork[3' of "reach"] width on each side will work out just fine if you plan to use a "wrap-a-round" plan. You can get 084 with 072 inside it for your end curve arcs in 8' width, if wanted, and still leave over 5" o.c. track to wall/edge clearance. My curves are 084/096 and 072/084.

On my own 9x16 I have one side[Yard} that is 41" wide but can reach okay if standing on my toolbox. Attic ceiling pitch prevents me from having an efficient elevated track.

I use Gargraves Flex track and Ross turnouts. To avoid duckunder [I'm old]I enter the round-the-room via the hinged Drop Section.

I suspect you do have door and passage issues unless you have the world's first garage with no way in or out.  You must have at least a garage door at one end unless you've closed off the space, in which case you must have an access door into the garage (which you may also have even with a garage door).

A layout of the garage would be helpful showing all doors & windows, as well as potential obstructions like garage door rails.  All these things will come into play if you have a perimeter layout.

Ok guys. I put together a rough diagram of how my garage is setup and the possible size and placement of the table. I'm open to new ideas and changes.  I also included the AnyRail file that I drew the garage with if anyone has the program and wants to give me any ideas.  Thank you for all your help so far.  This is a great resource to have.

Scott,

I like how you have the 3' wide access area in the middle of the board, will make working on and maintaining the layout much easier. Looks like 2 1/2 foot wide benchwork for the track all around.

As far as a layout design, a few questions:

1) How many trains do you want to run at the same time?

2) Do you want spurs for Industries?

3) What track type have you decided on? (Fastrack, Gargraves, Atlas, Scaletrax etc)

4) Do you want a switching yard or turntable?

Thanks for sharing, and most of all Have Fun!

Bruce