I’ve been more of lurker here in the boards for awhile, thought I’d finally come out of the hole
This here is my plan for a new shelf layout I’m working on. It’s a fictional UP subdivision (yet to be named) set in present day. The city portion may a little familiar to some, heh.
Here’s the plan in it’s current state:
Today I came up with an idea to sorta split the staging level into a half staging behind a backdrop, and 2nd level mainline, or possibly make staging into a visible rail yard to avoid the “how am I gonna reach the staging tracks if there’s a derailment or a track problem” issue. Not sure yet. Either way, it seemed a like waste to have that entire second shelf to be staging. Here’s a rough sketch from the side:
I just want to make the most out the available space. I was trying to keep the width to 15" as to not really take over the center of the room as well.
I guess I’m just look for general feedback, idea, suggestions, room for improvement, etc… on the plan.
What are you trying to acheive with the plan? What is important to you? (Givens and Druthers)
If it were me I would want more industrial switching. Right now I’d say that you are heavier on staging than you are on operating. That is okay if you like a variety or trains that you can watch run through your scenery.
At first I was thinking I mainly wanted a “sit and watch the trains run” kind of layout and wanted the variety of run through trains to be there, so the large and staging was made.
However, I hope to make this layout last me a long time (ie: forever :)), and my wants may and probably will change, so that’s why I started debating the overhaul of the staging level into more of 2nd main level to me a little mix of the two. Have a little staging available, but give me a variety options to play with. For those days I want to switching operations and the like, I want plan ahead for that.
If that makes sense
So I guess I’m leaning for towards ditching almost all of the staging and replace with more industries (a refinery is already on the list).
Thanks for the feedback so far. I went back and redid the staging level as so:
I’ve got 3 long staging tracks to multi-train “parking” and long run thrus, added small local freight yard hard to handle switching the refinery and two yet-to-be determined industries.
I agree with spacemouse after awhile going round and round will get boring and a few more industries will make the layout more of a challenge as time goes by
I really can appreciate scenic railfanning, especially in N-scale. Obviously, you have designed your road to this end. What I would do is to complete your double main so that you can have bi-directional hands-free running. I think it will double your enjoyment when you kick back and watch.
Your large staging yards are great, except that the way you have them set up they will be high maintenance. One train leaves, you have to pull up a couple others to make room for incoming trains. Why not add crossovers and make it so trains int the middle can come and go?
If you plan on doing any work at all in that room, either you have the mental peace of a Buddhist monk, the will-power of a reformed chain-smoker, or you are going to have one huge distraction.
