I have been working toward my first layout by reading (a lot), trying to figure out what would be a good starting point, and negotiating space. I now have the space (although it still needs some work due to a former owner’s “improvements”) so it seems like a good time to share some ideas.
The space is off a basement “hall” – its 12’ deep and 11’ to 13’ wide (due to an alcove). I have decided on HO - this will limit the layout possibilities compared to N-scale but the family has expressed some interest in HO layouts. My first reflex was to go with a “traditional” stand-alone 4’x8’ but I changed my mind with more thought, more reading, and some of the suggestions in these forums. I am now thinking of a shelf layout along one wall that is a maximum of 30” deep. The side walls would have staging that could be built out at a later stage with options for a peninsula or round-the-room plan. I have found in trying to develop a track plan that trying to follow a prototype is not really feasible – and many of the plans for this space end up adopting the general feel and practice of a prototype. I have also been drawn to early diesels (late 40s-50s) because the diesels and the cars are shorter and look better on the relatively tight curves that usually creep into my plans. Finally, trying to model a busy mainline just does not work – so a branch will be the likely choice. This will also allow use of very short passenger trains (or maybe a doodlebug).
I think you’ll be happy with the around-the-walls idea. I don’t know the exact shape of the room, but it sounds like you could plan for a peninsula coming out from the back wall, and still have plenty of room for aisles. Another thing to consider is allowing the ends to “mushroom” out a bit so that you could include a loop for continuous running, or perhaps a lift-off bridge to connect the two sides of the U and give you a long loop around the room. With a peninsula, you could use twin lift-bridges and an E-shaped layout, giving you a couple of continuous-running options.
I pretty much always run my layout by myself. I find it a lot more interesting to run the trains if I have multiple trains in motion, so I have two loops which can pretty much run themselves, and then I run a third train (either a trolley or a switcher) manually, always aware of where the other trains in the system are.
Good start. I have three states on the shelf part of the railroad and enjoy the modeling challenges of Minnesota, New Mexico and Arizona.
As you discribed the plan, there was no mention of a return loop or a circle, so there will be no way to run a train continueously. For me that would not work, because guests (Gkids) like to run trains in a circle sometimes. Most find back and forth to be boring. Do you have a option to include at least a display circle some place??
Let the fun continue. We all await the first pics of something solid.
Thanks for the comments. I have thought about a duckunder or bridge to make a full “loop” - to close the “G”. I will probably be running this solo with some kids to help. As I get some experience, I am sure that this will all become clear.