What Is Most Important Consideration When Developing A Layout?

All the above is VERY, VERY, true. But for me, The most important thing in my opinion was meeting a new and great friend, Vernon Hart. Who kept me going and showed me how to build my layout.

He never told me how much it would cost, how big it would be, what the track plan was going to be, how hard it would be to wire...or how ?????

He just encouraged me and told me that the layout was to be mine to enjoy.....do not build it to impress anyone else, except you.

Hope you find that friend for you also.

The layout is way too big, costs too much, takes too much of my time, BUT I do enjoy it. And that is all that matters to this 69 year old, who now feels like he is a 12 year old when he is running his trains.

I think Ron hit it on the head, the most important consideration is to start out with something within your capabilities. Design a layout that can grow with your capabilities. If you use Windows, SCARM is an excellent free tool and worth the time it takes to get started with it. The website is full of tutorials and layout designs and there are plenty here who will help you along the way.

Great posts on this thread. Here are some issues to consider from my current experience with a temporary layout that I have had for over a year before I tear it down for the permanent one:

1. What is your purpose? For me, I want to engage my grandchildren and have fun operating a variety of rolling stock and vintage PW accessories.  Of course you must be sure they all run!

2. Available space and configuration for layout. This is a major factor.

3.  Clearances.  Although I have a sketch and computerized layout, best way to do this is to set up the track and run the trains. I have been modifying my trackplan about every 3 wks to accommodate another issue (clearance, accessory, scenery, etc).  Each time it gets better.

4. Height of layout and any additional levels.  Mine is an unconventionally low main level for grandkids. Also need to determine what you want in their reach...and what you want out of their reach.

5.  How scenery will work with the layout and clearances, such as walls, tunnels, switch locations, etc.

6.  Resources for backdrops, benchwork, wiring, equipment maintainance, scenery.  Lots of great books, magazines, and of course, this forum.

7.  Type of track. Lots of personal opinions on this.  If money no object, I hear Gargraves track with Ross switches is way to go.  For me, I have stayed with my my tubular O gauge track and PW switches. 

8.  Conventional, command control operation, or both?

Bottom line is make sure the layout and operation work for its intended use...and include fun in that!

Michael

The planning time is most important task. The primary guiding result is the list of "Givens and Druthers".

Taking the time to meet as many of the "Givens and Druthers" as one can with a track plan that won't get boring quickly at the cost budgeted.

see attached doc from down under.