Rich,
I presume that your interior Standard Gauge loop is 042? That's probably the obvious answer, but my layout - at least conceptually - is starting to resemble a downsized version of your layout, which is quite attractive.
So far, I haven't committed to the two switches. That will leave the interior of the STD 42 loop for either O-Gauge, or, some of the larger standard gauge accessories. Much like a Christmas layout, I plan to allow the opportunity to alter the layout at different times.
Currently my Tinplate layout is 7x10. All track, switches and lock-ons are vintage Lionel . The outside “O” loop is O72. The next loop is STD with operating 222 switches. This allows me a choice of 2 STD consist to run. The inside “O” loop is O31 with four 021 switches. This allows me two running options. The first is to run two small “O” consist of either 252, 253 or 259. The second is to run one train as a outside loop. I wanted a white table because I like the tinplate color contrast against the white. also when I switch to wintertime the white base is my snow.
My table in on casters that allow me to roll it away from the back wall to gain access to that side and also the display shelves.
I’m still on the hunt for some additional tinplate stations, villas and bungalows for the center. However, the plasticville works for me currently. Winter time table converts to that theme using Dept 56 style buildings.
Hope this helps!
Thanks to everyone for all of the great photos of the beautiful layouts that each of you have built. Your comments and suggestions are also very informative and helpful. Since my space more closely approximates that depicted in Rich's excellent photos above, I have decided to start with an 8' X 6' 3" tabletop layout.
After a long summer hiatus (the sunniest ever in our area -- during my lifetime anyway!), I have completed the table construction, and have painted the table white. (My O gauge layout has more traditional colors.) Given the bright colors of tinplate trains and buildings, the color contrasts should be very eye catching against the white background. Also, as Rich notes, the layout can be converted to a winter-Christmas layout at a later time if desired.
I decided to utilize USA TRACK LLC as strongly recommended by Forum Members in a companion thread. As also noted, Kirk of USA TRACK is wonderful to work with, and has been tremendously helpful, even in planning the layout. He has also been very patient in answering my numerous questions as we have gone through the process.
As to the layout itself, for starters, I decided to "keep it simple", with two loops of track, and can expand later if desired. The local fire department can rest easily though because my simple layout won't hold a candle to any of the beautiful layouts in the pictures above!