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Layout Design

I am in the process of designing my layout. I put out a challenge on rec.models.railroad and have had several terrific responses. I have decided to put the ideas here so I and the people who are kind enough to help me can compare and contrast. I have also included a floor plan of my basement showing the way doors swing. The furnace room is used daily and I do not want anything blocking it. The door to the storage room will also be used frequently as it will also house storage of perserves and canned vegetables.

1. Mark Mathu

Mark is in the process of building his own home layout and is sharing his experience on the web. His website is http://www.greenbayroute.com/layout.htm and his layout room is much the same as mine. Here is how I have twisted and mangled his wonderful illustration to fit my space. I really like the stacked loops and the yard leading off one of the loops. In my plan I would add a staging yard off the lower loop. The staging yard would be placed under the main yard. This would allow point to point operation.

He was also kind enough to draft a quick plan and here it is

2. Nick Gully

Nick posted this plan which I quite like especially the possible scenic applications.

3. Steve Caple

Steve sent this plan it really strikes my fancy. I have mentioned to him that I would prefer the right loop to be actually two loops stacked with the lower loop leading to a staging yard. He has promised to make the changes and send a new diagram.

Steve has further refined the plan from my input and has come up with this next plan. There is a hidden staging yard below the main visible yard. The stacked loops are something that I have really come to like, for that I have to thank Mark Mathu. The mountain branch should be alot of fun to build and operate. Unless something drastic happens this is the plan I am going with. Track laying will begin the first week in March. I hope to have in progress shots here on the website for all those interested.