Coming back after a layoff

[bigdogjeff]

I am looking to start a new layout. I am looking at a space of 5 ft wide by 12 ft long or looking to do a 14 ft long by 3 ft wide switching yard any thoughts or plans I could think about.

[Guido]

I have always enjoyed switching in yards but have always incorporated them into a layout with continuous loops. I think you can have both with the size of the layout you're planning.

[BigAl 956]

You can do a lot in that space. However consider reach access. 5' is a bit too wide for reach if you were thinking about resting the layout against a wall. 

[bigdogjeff]

Great thanks. I am going to plan this out carefully this time around and not rushing into anything

[rtraincollector]

Not sure what you have for motive power but 3' you could run O-27 track even O-31 ( barely ) and run switches from that inward to make a switching yard. What type of track do you plan to use? As said above 5' could cause a reach problem but if you got a set of those grabbers handicap use to get things down that might be a alternative to that thou but not sure how well they would be to pick up a heavy a engine though just some more thought.

[lionelsoni]

Is the space you have within a larger room?  Freestanding or against some number of walls?  Completely enclosed?

[bigdogjeff]

It will be against one wall but was thinking about building on casters so I could roll away wall for cleaning and building. I am going to use old lionel o31 metal track with 1 set of 072 switches and 10 sets of 031 switches. It is going to be in my garage.

[lionelsoni]

How about splitting it lengthwise down the middle, with one part permanently against the wall and the other part on casters?  A lift-out section or bridge would attach the two parts at each end.  The dividing line between sections need not be straight, but can accomodate and scenery or track-plan irregularities, as long as the tectonic plates match.  You could have very short connecting pieces for times when you want to run without pulling the layout halves apart.  Alternatively, you could attach your control panel to the stationary half, but covered by the movable half when not in use.