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Everyone,

 

I'll spare the history but simply accept this whole process started by my wife displeasure with the Polar Express under the Christmas tree when she saw the scale train, then I was dragged back in before retirement (did not think this would be happening now).  So I have a good number of O-54 rated items and currently have a simple oval on the floor but have approval for a Dining Room layout provided it looks "nice".  

 

I have been playing with RR-Tracks and reading the forums here since December going through everything trying to figure out what would provide the most enjoyment while not being beyond my "beginner" level of modelling experience.  The last time I had a model train layout was HO scale in the 80s and the trains have been in the attic ever since.  My dad had the O scale from the 50s which is also here, still in the attic.

 

I know I do not have enough space now (planning for the future) but I intend to model scale size as much as possible.  Therefore, I have room for O-54 even though the passenger cars might not look natural but quite enough for O-72 (except a single outer loop).  

 

Therefore, keeping in mind my "beginner" skills at this point and as much as I might like mountains, tunnels, bridges, etc.....  I present the track layout for my "flat" layout for comments.  The maximum layout size is basically 11'8" x 6'8" leaving approximately 2'8" space down the 11'8" length and around the room is not an option since there is an open wall (foyer), windows, and door to the kitchen.

 

Please find attached a PDF, RRT and JPG (edited the original post to add the JPG).

 

 

Dining_Room_v15_2

 

Open to comments/ideas...

 

Thanks!

 

- Jeff

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Last edited by jeffdoo
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Your basic design is good, but may not support some future acquisitions. I made a modification, taking out the siding at the bottom and converting the entire loop to O-72. The larger equipment requiring O-72 won't be able to take advantage of the interior line and revers loops, but you'll still be able to run.

 

I elevated the straight track at the bottom by 2 inches to add scenic interest (plus it isn't that hard to do even if you're starting out.) I also eliminated all of those small fitter sections and replaced them with cut-down sections. This will make the layout perform better electrically. Your new best friend will be the Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel, but you'll get better results.

 

Dining_Room_v15_2a

 

Dining_Room_v15_2a-3d

Attachments

Images (2)
  • Dining_Room_v15_2a-3d
  • Dining_Room_v15_2a
Files (1)

I like Matt's design better. Keep in mind, too much track and no room for scenery, is going to make for a dull layout. So often I see guys fill every available inch of table space with track, and no room for buildings, industry or a reason for the trains to go from point A to point B. If all you want to do is watch trains go 'round and 'round, that's your choice, but it will quickly become boring.

Get some ideas from CCT articles where layout owners have listed what they would have done differently after having built their layouts. Their were several of these articles in just the last year in some of the train magazines.

Hope this helps, good luck with your project, best wishes.

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