Another new layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am starting to work on the new 15 x 35 layout and was looking for some input. This will be HO scale.

The door location is one of the problems…where to put it? There are 3 wall locations where it can go. Once I find the best spot. I can start working on the benchwork.

Should I use the top right as an area for a “horseshoe”, crew lounge, or workbench?

2

Most people have the door fixed and have to work around it. Why not start with your design and let your layout design help you determine where to put the door.

Likewise you should not build the benchwork until you have a plan. Building the benchwork before the plan would be like building the foundation and walls on a house before you figured out what kind of rooms you wanted and how they would fit together.

3

Sure, if you want to do things the easy way! [:-^] But what fun is that? [(-D]

-George

4

Place the door close to the bottom of the stairs. This will make it easier to bring in large pieces of lumber.

5

I would think about the second location going clockwise, for the door. Still near the bottom of the stairs. If you are planning to have layout operating sessions. The upper right may be outfitted as a crew lounge and the door leads into it. May also want to set up a programming and simple repair track in that area as well. If you don’t have room for a workbench anywhere else in the house or building, a workbench in there will be worth it. But I also agree tha the trackplan should come before starting benchwork. Maybe not a complete and detailed one, but something that will give you an idea of what you want to do. At least a mainline.

When I was building my room size layout in the garage, my wife complained that I wasn’t spending enough time with her. If that could be the case, you may be able to talk her into letting you have a workbench in the house for building rolling stock and industries. That’s what I did. She was also into crafts, just different ones.

Elmer.

6

I would agree about the second spot, as well with using the top right area for workbenches.

I meant that I would start the design of the benchwork.

So Here is the Famous Givens and Druthers

Railroad Name is unknown
Scale: HO

Prototype:
Era: Steam to diesel transition
Region: Mountainous
Railroad: Southern Pacific and Union Pacific
Space: 15 x 35 with a far off future of a second deck
Governing Rolling Stock: Coal and logging with a passenger run

Relative Emphasis:

|____V|
Track/Operation Scenic realism
|V|
Mainline Running Switching

Operation Priorities:

  1. 2 separate main lines
  2. Helper District Operations for a Summit
  3. Main-Line Passenger Train Operation
  4. Long Freight Train Operations
  5. Engine Terminal Movements
  6. Logging and Mining Operations
    Typical operating Crew: 2
    desired minimum radius 26"+.
    desired normal train length
    o 16+ cars
    maximum acceptable mainline grade
    o 2% but want to use a helper district so could go to 3.5%
    primary track system? Flex
    couplers/uncoupling system? By hand with magnet in future
    DCC Control
    are duckunders acceptable? Dependent on height
    o Willingness to build liftout, hinged bridge or gate? sure
    acceptable distances between decks? 16" or so…
7

One note. I operate on a big HO layout with a 2% ruling grade. With full coal loads most transition engines with the exception of the articulated steamers need a helper at around 12-15 cars per engine. The operating rule is set at 12 whether the loco can pull it or not, so helpers are always used.

8

Here is my first thought on the benchwork