I'm chomping at the bit to play with some of my On30 collection again. I also want to fuss around with the DCC control system (Bachmann Dynamis) I have had stored away for several years now.
Since space is very much at a premium in my humble abode, I think I might like to have a simple switching layout--a narrow one--kind of like the John Allen Timesaver layout. I believe I could have a lot of fun with that.
Has anyone here ever built the Timesaver layout specifically for On30? If so, I would appreciate having them give me some feel for the space needed and would welcome any other advice or tips they might offer. I have a lot of Atlas HO track available and a good number of Atlas switches, and would probably prefer to make use of that track. I also have a box of Peco On30 flex-track, but no matching switches. The Peco track would undoubtedly look better, but I don't think I want to invest in new switches. In any case, I would "bury" most of the Atlas track (ties) in ballast and ground cover to give it that typical narrow gauge industrial line look.
The theme will likely be a mining operation since I have both the motive power and rolling stock suited for that kind of industry. I do want to include structures and scenery on the layout, so I'm not looking for a bare-bones sort of thing.
Just an idea I'm toying with. Another possibility might be to make use of a 4-foot diameter unfinished round table top that I ordered online for use as a Christmas display for my O gauge tinplate last year. It arrived too late to be put to use (used a 36" diameter top that I already had instead), and it's still stored in its box in my garage. I could probably make a pretty decent On30 pizza layout with that thing if I can find a place to put it now.
Anyhow, any ideas are welcome.