new house new layout build - slow slow progress

Congrats on the house and great layout space.

There are reach issues in the corners of your plan, and I'm assuming you're planning an opening or lift-out in the area to the left of the coal mine.

Keep in mind that some longer locos won't run on the 54" radius switches.

Don't forget to paint the ceiling and update the lighting.

Nate,

I agree completely with what Mallard said. I'm a huge fan of an open, flat black ceiling mated with LED track lighting. Search this Forum for several threads on the subjects.

I note you want to get rid of the asbestos flooring. Be careful how you do it! Depending on its condition etc., it may be more prudent to leave it in place and cover it. I'm not the expert on this type of flooring, but I do know it's  huge can of worms and needs to be addressed properly.

Also, since you have decided to go with a more realistic look, think about your back drop. It is much easier to paint or install one before you build the layout!

That all said, have at it!

Chris

LVHR

I've not heard of asbestos 'flooring'... but, I have dealt with asbestos roofing tiles.  They need to be removed without breaking (asbestos is a friable material and fibers will be sent aloft into the air when breakage occurs) and bagged immediately... also, you have to consider where they are to be disposed of beforehand.  Encapsulating it with a self leveling thin set or concrete @ 3,500 or better psi would probably be better, safer and cheaper.  It would offer moisture resistance... then tile, paint or carpet over it.   The thin set you could probably do yourself... it's self-leveling.  Nice Layout BTW!

Old floor tiles can contain quite a bit of asbestos. Try not to tear them as you pry them up, but you will also have to contend with whatever adhesive was used to put them down. Very possible that adhesive also contains asbestos.

Just me, but the plan has an awful lot of switches.

I like the plan but it could use some tweeks here and there.  You didn't mention what track and switches you plan to use, but there aren't too many who make 054-072 curved switches. You might also consider using numbered switches to transition between the mains and even on sidings. The numbered switches avoid the "S" curve created by facing two 072's for example.

If a train is running counter-clockwise there is a reverse loop available, but I don't see how a train running clockwise would be able to reverse direction.

I can't speak to the number of switches on your layout, I'm approaching 30 switches myself.

Nice plan Nate. Loop running and operations.

I'm sure it's going to change a hundred times before you build it. Sounds like you already have a plan in mind for the space. Just make sure you leave adequate access to service boilers, furnaces, water heaters, etc. The electric service panel requires 3' clear access in front. I prefer having a ceiling above, not exposed beams, but it's your house so.....

A few comments on Asbestos floor tile (ACT).

Yes- it contains asbestos, but the manufacturing process bonded the fibers and it is not readily friable when broken. It can be removed carefully and disposed of. In New York State- any amount over 100 sq ft is considered a large removal and must be done under containment with proper filtration and air monitoring (at least in a commercial setting). Also, the adhesive can contain asbestos and may need to be chemically removed.

The alternative is if it is solidly stuck to the floor, you can encapsulate it with a proper floor prep product. Even if you have a few loose pieces, you can remove them and patch over the spot. I've gone over a few small areas in my basement and used Henry skim coat to level the floor. New tile or carpet can go over it and you have a brand new floor. I put down peel and stick tile and it is solid.

Good luck- Bob

What Dan said... and, here is another.  Use the largest turnouts you can.  My poor little layout has curves of O45, O54 and O72.  I used all #5 and O72 turnouts with curve easements (my O45 & O54 curves start and end with O72 curves) to facilitate smooth transitions between lines and curves as much as possible.   For me... they look & function a whole lot better.  Dan, I'm not far behind @ 25 turnouts...

Ditto on Bob's comments!  He's definitely more up-to-date than me on the asbestos and has experience (which I do not) with that type of flooring.

@Trainwreck nate posted:

I second what others have said, you should consider access to all parts of the layout now before you build!

I have a similar sized layout at 12 x 24 with a yard extension, and even though I added a large center opening and a pop-up on the other end, I still have places that are difficult to reach.  The white lines are the outlines of a power lift bridge for access to the center section.

The freight yard extension joins the main layout with a manual lift bridge, obviously it's fairly accessible as it's only 36" wide.

If I had it to do over, I'd think a little more about some of the access aspects.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

...

The fright yard extension joins the main layout with a manual lift bridge, obviously it's fairly accessible as it's only 36" wide....

Didn't know that you were planning a Halloween theme. 

@Mallard4468 posted:

Didn't know that you were planning a Halloween theme. 

Not sure of what the reference is for...  Are you talking about these tank cars?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Not sure of what the reference is for...  Are you talking about these tank cars?

Cool tank car… MTH or Atlas? Do you have it in stock?

@gunrunnerjohn, you mentioned a "fright" yard.

@Madockawando posted:

Cool tank car… MTH or Atlas? Do you have it in stock?

It was a special MTH run for the Arkema Chemical Company, they were never generally for sale.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

It was a special MTH run for the Arkema Chemical Company, they were never generally for sale.

oh well. I didn't realize that Arkema was a real company... Arkema sounds like a company name from the HP Lovecraft mythos.

@Madockawando posted:

oh well. I didn't realize that Arkema was a real company... Arkema sounds like a company name from the HP Lovecraft mythos.

They're actually a pretty large company: Arkema Chemical Company, in 2020 their gross revenue was nine billion dollars.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

They're actually a pretty large company: Arkema Chemical Company, in 2020 their gross revenue was nine billion dollars.

Very interesting. I don't interact with chemical companies in my line of work. There must have been a train fan in the company leadership for them to request this special order. It reminds me of the Zep Cleaning Company tank car and box car that Lionel did for Zep back in the mid 1990's.  Any other items in the Arkema series like a boxcar or flatcar?

@wb47 posted:

Just me, but the plan has an awful lot of switches.

Looks good for an operating layout; several areas for industries.  It is missing a dedicated yard lead, but the inside station track can be used for that.  The two inside station tracks can also be used as a yard run around track if no passenger trains are parked there.  Not ideal, but usable for one-two operators.