Dennis, just your pi cents? 😄
Darn, I missed the joke. Now I have pi in my face. 
Pi
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@Dennis-LaRock posted:... just my 3.14159 cents.
Dennis I guess I should have just thanked you for your well rounded opinion
@SteveH posted:Dennis I guess I should have just thanked you for your well rounded opinion
Oh! That's a good one too!! Rounded to only 5 digits after the decimal is good, since that number supposedly goes to infinity if anyone knows for sure! 
It's been a long while since I've updated my layout thread here. I really appreciate everyone's previous help, suggestions, and comments on on the earlier plan. Ultimately, I disliked the cluttered nature of the track on its main level, with the intent of providing more operational interest. I was also frustrated by the lack of space to have other than a very small complete loop of O72 minimum curves, which did not materialize in that plan. The other main issue with the earlier plan was the 6% grades were steeper than I wanted. I really appreciate all the suggestions to try to make it all work within the given space, but I was unable to find a way to make it all work to my satisfaction.
So with an eye towards expansion into the perimeter of the original train room and now the room adjacent to it (roughly 27 ft. x 16ft. in total), with input from the family, we've made a new plan that will offer most of what we want. This includes a mountainous town area with a river running through it, a long main line with minimum O72 curves, lots of bridges, two-way reversing loops on the main line, room for lots of operating accessories, and hidden train storage yards and sidings underneath the main level. This plan is not 100% finished. Some minor modifications may include shifting some of the track around the walls to accommodate more scenery and accessories. Bridges are not shown to exact dimensions and will be customized as necessary.
Overview
This new plan has essentially 3 ½ levels (2 above ground) and maintains a maximum 3% grade.
Front 3D View
Back 3D View
Main Table - Above ground
Lower Levels
Track will include Gargraves, Ross, FasTrack, and Menards tubular and will be divided into independently controlled blocks and power districts. Below grade tracks will have train occupancy detectors and controls to help avoid collisions. Many of the small pieces of FasTrack shown in the plan will be eliminated in the actual build by cutting larger pieces to fit.
Control will be a mix of Conventional AC, Legacy/TMCC, and LionChief. Power will provided by 3 postwar ZWs and other misc. smaller AC and DC power sources. Over current protection will be via Sensata AirPax Instant Breakers. Surge Protection will be via TVS diodes installed around the layout and in some of the locomotives.
We're satisfied with the widths of the walk aisles (through the River), the reach distances from there and from within the drop-hatch pond access port. The drop-hatch pond and tracks inside the mountain (at the back /South end) will be accessible from underneath by dollying under the bench work.
Before I start designing the bench work for it, I'd like your input on this revised track plan. The SCARM file is attached below. Note that there are eleven SCARM Layers that can be toggled on and off for clarity.
Please feel free to ask questions or make suggestions.
Thank you, SteveH
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Steve, that is quite a nice plan. I like that you have it worked out for more reasonable grades. Also, it is great you can get the extra run through the other rooms!! As for suggestions, I don't have any since the plan has way more than I could come up with.
Mark, thank you for the nice words. I'm really happy that I was able to figure out a way to get the tracks to (in theory) run past the door coming into the room from the hall so that we can run all the way around the room with the door closed. Some of the swing bridges other forum members have built provided the inspiration for this, with a small modification.
My thinking is that I could mount a non-swivel caster to the side of the bridge facing/against the closed door. When the door is opened, the caster would roll along the side of the door, pushing open the spring loaded swing bridge, and automatically disconnecting track power in that block using a micro-switch and relay. To reduce the chances of someone opening the door while the train is approaching or already on the swing bridge, I'm thinking of mounting a light outside the door that would provide a warning as the train approaches the bridge and have the light turn off after the train clears it.
Thank you to Rich, Vin, Richie C., Larry Sr. and Wood for the Likes.
Bravo Steve! Very Nicely Done!
Steve, the idea for the track and door plus the light outside the door is a good idea.
Dennis, Mark, John H, and MHMike thank you for your encouragement.
Does anyone see any issues with this plan revision or something I may have overlooked?
