The first layout. Ideas needed for a 15 x 22 room

15 x 22 is plenty big for a nice layout.  I'm working in a similar space, my actual platform is 23 x 12.5 narrowing down on one end to 10.5.  I'm doing a two level folded dogbone as my main track, it will have about 140 foot of track for running trains as long as I like within reason.  All my curves are O72 or larger to accommodate all my big iron.  The two tracks at the lower left go out to an 8 track yard that's not shown.  Also not shown is the lift bridge that goes into the open center.

New Train Room Finally Getting A Layout!

Bellcaptain,

You have tons of room for a nice layout.

Since you asked for comments, I will give you one that I think many others will give as well.    Your diagram indicates that the current plan is for three large ovals.   I can tell you that you will soon get tired of watching your trains go in nothing but ovals.   Figure eight type designs in the middle, with diagonal and 90% crossings really add interesting movement and countermovement to the motion of the trains.

Also, for simplicity, you are currently planning to have basically straight track runs connecting the ends of the ovals.   I believe you will also get  really tired of watching your trains just travel past you in straight lines.    Adding curves and bends in the straight runs will really bring the running trains to life.

Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

@Mannyrock posted:

Bellcaptain,

You have tons of room for a nice layout.

Since you asked for comments, I will give you one that I think many others will give as well.    Your diagram indicates that the current plan is for three large ovals.   I can tell you that you will soon get tired of watching your trains go in nothing but ovals.   Figure eight type designs in the middle, with diagonal and 90% crossings really add interesting movement and countermovement to the motion of the trains.

Also, for simplicity, you are currently planning to have basically straight track runs connecting the ends of the ovals.   I believe you will also get  really tired of watching your trains just travel past you in straight lines.    Adding curves and bends in the straight runs will really bring the running trains to life.

Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

First off Mannyrock thank you for your input! I realize this is a bit rough on paper right now. I do not want just 3 giant ovals with straights and 90 degree turns. I apologize for the poor visuals I provided. I was just trying to explain in a very basic bare bones way the design of the layout I'd like.

My biggest suggestion is get SCARM. It is free for up to 100 pieces of track but I can tell you the paid version is worth every penny and it is reasonable. My second suggestion is make sure you can get from any loop to another without having to BACK UP! That means two sets of switches. Third is DON"T BE AFRAID. Especially to ask anything on this forum. The Best people are right here to help you.

Curtis

@CurtisH posted:

My biggest suggestion is get SCARM. It is free for up to 100 pieces of track but I can tell you the paid version is worth every penny and it is reasonable. My second suggestion is make sure you can get from any loop to another without having to BACK UP! That means two sets of switches. Third is DON"T BE AFRAID. Especially to ask anything on this forum. The Best people are right here to help you.

Curtis

SCARM Isn’t really an option for me as I use a Mac. I realize there are various 3rd party websites that provide semi-untested workarounds for windows programs on macs but I’d rather not purchase an item just for the “chance” of it working on my current laptop.

I have tried Railmodler off of the Apple Mac store and need to fiddle with it more before I’d purchase the full version.

@The Bellcaptain posted:

SCARM Isn’t really an option for me as I use a Mac. I realize there are various 3rd party websites that provide semi-untested workarounds for windows programs on macs but I’d rather not purchase an item just for the “chance” of it working on my current laptop.

I have tried Railmodler off of the Apple Mac store and need to fiddle with it more before I’d purchase the full version.

I run Scarm under Linux using WINE.  I “believe” you can run a version of wINE on Mac OS.  As mentioned there is a free version of Scarm which is fully operational, except for the 100 track limit.  So you shouldn’t need to purchase anything before you try it out.

Scarm is a very good product, and their support is great.

EDIT BTW... I just saw that there is a PlayOnLinux version  for Mac called PlayOnMac.  this simplifies the WINE process greatly

Yes I get it from your response to Mannyrock.  You want something more.  You so have room for some industrial sidings and yard if you want.  My layout is much smaller but I settled on a twice around.  IT isn;t just like t=pictured now, but you get the idea.

Cut your project in half.   Build the lower level, (complete, detailed scenery), with intention to add more.  Cost is a little less.   You can focus on a few less projects.  If that works, move on to bigger and better.    IMO, Mike CT.

Building on Mannyrock's comments of avoiding bunches of tangent track.  Armstrong uses the term cosmetic curves.  Gentle curvature just to make things interesting.  Example:

Tom, you're scaring him!

Great layout Mark!

Mannyrock

Thank you, Mannyrock

Bellcaptain, Ken O-Scale (the best layout designer on this forum) designed this track plan for a 15x23 space earlier this year. I'm sure you could shorten it by a foot to fit in your space!

15x22 is a great size! Plenty big.

If could build this for Standard Gauge in a 13x19 space- you can do plenty in O.

I would highly respectfully suggest to you to not simply run around in circles.  That has been over done.  Those types of layouts keep the average person's attention for a very brief period.

You have the kind of space most people can only dream of!  Make the most of it.  There are options other than large loops or circles of track.

Do NOT NOT NOT duck-under or crawl or climb on top of a layout.  With your space, that is completely unnecessary and inconvenient.

With the kind of space you have, you can come up with a plan whereby you may access everything within easy reach, 24 inches or less.  Your knees and back will love you for it.  TRUST ME.

Take your time.  Before you start laying a big circle / oval of track, you need to consider how you and others will be involved in this layout after its built. 

You need to locate and carefully research model railroad DESIGN information; not just look at track arrangements. 

The very most important thing to consider is PARTICIPATION.  How will you and others have fun interacting with this creation once its completed?  And, make sure everything is with 24" inches of reach.  Down the road, with more experience, you will be glad you did this.

I should have added ensure your aisleways are 36 inches wide so people may get by one another.

What are your layout goals?  What exactly do you want to do?  How are YOU going to be involved and this is 50 plus years of experience telling you this: your answer should NOT be standing idly by looking doing nothing.

Who (name) is your layout?  Where is your layout?  What is going on on your layout?

I would recommend you consider constructing an operational (instead of a display) layout because that will provide you with hours and hours of potential fun.  Display layouts are good for places where the public passes by and just want to see the trains roll.

Too many builders in our great hobby take away half the fun by eliminating the need for human interaction in a layout.

Sorry, I've given you way too much to think about.

I just hope you aren't another, like I was many years ago, who builds an-overly wide layout where track and switches are out of reach and there's nothing to do less watch.  Then when you get bored, you've spent all that money and invested all that time, and are starting over from scratch.

Good luck and best wishes...read and research DESIGN prior to laying track.  In the short term, lay some track on the floor and enjoy it until you come up with a good design plan.

John,  sounds like a book I read somewhere !

My thoughts so far:

1. If you go with a layout and want to watch the trains just go by, make sure you leave floor space for a good chair or small sofa.  Don't want to have to leave the room if your feeling tired and need to sit for a while!

2. How high is the upper layer you mention in your plans? is it tall enough you could build a 'massive bridge' across the width of the room connecting both sides without impacting walking space?  Might be an opportunity to add quite the unique showpiece to your layout! (something magnificent with a vehicle deck and trolleys lines as well perhaps).

3. Consider a second smaller station servicing the upper line on the opposite side of the room too.  Your passenger services will thank you for having somewhere to go to.

4. Streetcars.  Streetcars will add an extra layer of enjoyment to control when your trains roll into town.

@John C. posted:

I would highly respectfully suggest to you to not simply run around in circles.  That has been over done.  Those types of layouts keep the average person's attention for a very brief period.

You have the kind of space most people can only dream of!  Make the most of it.  There are options other than large loops or circles of track.

Do NOT NOT NOT duck-under or crawl or climb on top of a layout.  With your space, that is completely unnecessary and inconvenient.

With the kind of space you have, you can come up with a plan whereby you may access everything within easy reach, 24 inches or less.  Your knees and back will love you for it.  TRUST ME.

Take your time.  Before you start laying a big circle / oval of track, you need to consider how you and others will be involved in this layout after its built.

You need to locate and carefully research model railroad DESIGN information; not just look at track arrangements.

The very most important thing to consider is PARTICIPATION.  How will you and others have fun interacting with this creation once its completed?  And, make sure everything is with 24" inches of reach.  Down the road, with more experience, you will be glad you did this.

I should have added ensure your aisleways are 36 inches wide so people may get by one another.

What are your layout goals?  What exactly do you want to do?  How are YOU going to be involved and this is 50 plus years of experience telling you this: your answer should NOT be standing idly by looking doing nothing.

Who (name) is your layout?  Where is your layout?  What is going on on your layout?

I would recommend you consider constructing an operational (instead of a display) layout because that will provide you with hours and hours of potential fun.  Display layouts are good for places where the public passes by and just want to see the trains roll.

Too many builders in our great hobby take away half the fun by eliminating the need for human interaction in a layout.

Sorry, I've given you way too much to think about.

I just hope you aren't another, like I was many years ago, who builds an-overly wide layout where track and switches are out of reach and there's nothing to do less watch.  Then when you get bored, you've spent all that money and invested all that time, and are starting over from scratch.

Good luck and best wishes...read and research DESIGN prior to laying track.  In the short term, lay some track on the floor and enjoy it until you come up with a good design plan.

I’d like to thank everyone for the kind words of advice. Especially the reply by John C.

Area and era? The NYC/NS mainline between Elkhart and Chicago. Duel track mainline was what I worked on so it’s what I want to capture when running trains. As well as the vast array of roads, equipment and historical landmarks that you see in the Chicagoland area.

Burkuscircus52 thank you so much for sharing Kens layout plans. I love the idea of a large mainline that can run round a centered peninsula of sorts. (I’ve provided my favorite of his designs in this post

Once again I apologize for seeming to give the intention of just wanting 2 massive ovals to run on. I do have a clear vision of what I want this to be I just fail to clearly articulate vision that at times.
thank you.

@The Bellcaptain posted:

SCARM Isn’t really an option for me as I use a Mac. I realize there are various 3rd party websites that provide semi-untested workarounds for windows programs on macs but I’d rather not purchase an item just for the “chance” of it working on my current laptop.

I have tried Railmodler off of the Apple Mac store and need to fiddle with it more before I’d purchase the full version.

I saw a post recommending SCARM and I tried downloading it to my iPad with no luck.  Probably not enough memory for it.  My laptop has been requisitioned by the boss for work.  I didn’t think to look in the App Store.

I built a 6x8 layout originally with a large oval and then a separate inner oval with a loop and a long dogleg.  With Santa slated to deliver a new engine for my son, I recently reworked the inner track.  I eliminated the loop and and I created 3 doglegs so we can have all 5 of his trains on the layout.  It’s in an 18x11 room in our basement so I made it tall enough to store barstools under it as well as room for storage.

Its not going to be the final layout as my son is still relatively young and he likes to have some flexibility.  We have acquired a few accessories too over the last two and a half years that haven’t been worked in yet.  I need to learn more about wiring to do that.  I would like to utilize one of these programs to maximize our space.  
Thanks for sharing!