Layout Design Help

[rinzana]

Hello,
I don't know how much help I can get in a forum, but here goes. Room dimensions are 11'x24', I know not overly large, but this is what I got. I'm using RRTrack ver 4.0 in an attempt to design a layout. But lack the imagination.
I've read in a few books that the aisle method is the way to go, but I can't come up with anything that looks decent. I definately will not build a point-to-point layout. I prefer to let the trains run on loops, and control one for the accessories. I don't mind crawling under the board to get into the middle, or to any access hatches.
I would like to run at least 4 trains(4 loops), have all the "loops" connected, so I can bring trains in and out of engine facilities. I currently own about 2/3 of the Lionel Pre and Post War accessories, with plans on aquiring the rest as time goes by. I do also have a Bowser 32" turntable and Lionel Transfer Table with an extension. I would like a layout to incorporate a small town (I have to have the MTH large McDonalds in there somewhere, or my son will dis-own me). I of course would like to have all the possible accessories on the layout. Not too interested in the rocket launching stuff.
I'm not too interested in large train yards. If I could have a yard under the layout with layout access, that would be fine with me.
The Layout will be DCS controlled with TMCC plugged into that, using Gargraves trackage and Curtis or Ross turnouts. Minimum turn radius has to be 031, with most turns being 072 or greater. Although most of my current motive power is Post-war with some PS1 thrown in. So I would imagine that two of the loops will be conventional controlled with the wiring capable if being switched over to DCS/TMCC as I get more of the newer engines.
Of-Course I'm not looking to spend alot of cash on the layout design, this is why I'd prefer not to have a design company design the layout. Has anyone used a design house before? What are the typical costs of just the layout design. I will build it myself.
Any help is appreciated.

[Anonymous]

HELLO!
You are off to a great start! The space available for your new lypout is adaquate for MANY possibilities and here is an idea to ponder. Try looking at some of the ATLAS layout books, do some "Engineering" as well as "Imagination" and collate your thoughts about "HOW" you might be able to adapt one of the larger systems shown there. I have done that quite successfully and I am now running 2 complete loops that can be "Switched" for an "Expanded Run" by properly setting the turnouts. Your ideas of minimum radius of 31 is excellent and the 72 " is even better! Have at it and do some "DREAMING!" It will come to you eventually and it's easier than you think! My suggestions are to do some "DRY-RUNS" before finally setlling on a permanent setup, this way the problems will show up quite rapidly and you can make alterations as you find the problematic areas. Basically, READ-READ-READ, TEST-TEST-TEST and it will come along just fine for you! Be SURE to allow for the necessary POWER needed in the form of transformers and such, I think you have a handle on that aspect right now. DON'T FOGET! "GET YOUR SON INVOLVED! It will be a GREAT experience for BOTH of you and the memories will be permanently stored by both of you! I encourage you to "DIVE IN!"

"ED"

[CB&Q]

IF YOU PLAN ON GETTING MODERN ENGINES LATER & HAVE OLDER LIONEL GO TO ROSS SWITCHES THEY WORK AS ADVERTISED ALSO 072 IS GOOD BUT ROSS MAKES A #100 SWITCH THAT TAKES UP 1/3 OF SPACE & ENGINES RUN THRU THEM AT SPEED. IF YOU THINK 11X24 IS SMALL TRY 8X 19 WITH A 22-INCH TURNTABLE. YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU ARE AFTER BUT IT AIN'T EASY BUT IS FUN . DITTO GET YOUR SON INVOLVED THIS IS A GREAT HOBBY. YOU DON'T SAY IF YOU HAVE ROOM LEFT OVER TO HAVE TRAINS ON A SHELF YOU NEED TO ALLOW FOR THAT AS WELL. I USED THE FACES OF TRAIN TABLES FROM TABLE TOP TO FLOOR TO STORE TRAINS& CARS NOT IN USE PLUS IT HIDES ALL THE STUFF WE ALL PACK RAT AWAY FOR LATTER USE. I HAVE SAME RR-TRACK SOFTWARE & ITS GREAT ONCE YOU GET FAMILIAR USING IT. SOMETIMES PUTTING IT ON A PAPER WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OR BRAIN OVERLOAD WITH TO MANY THOUGHTS. HAVE FUN KEEP US POSTED ON PROGRESS THIS SITE IS A GOLD MINE OF INFO . PAUL OUT

[rinzana]

My wife thought I had a disease when we first met, and probably still thinks I may have some problems. After all who collects trains? especially ones that cost a thousand dollars. Well after we were married, we lived in a 2 bedroom condo in the Bronx N.Y., my daughter came and then my son. All my trains were at my brothers house in his attic, we had a 20'x40' a mix of Lionel 'O' and Gargraves tracks.
While working on the layout, or maybe even running the trains, my son also found the love of trains. I don't believe my wife thinks it is a disease anymore, maybe a heridatary trait, but she is accepting trains will be a part of her life.
The 20x40 foot layout moved to Florida when my brother and his family moved there. My trains have been in storage for about two years, and now I have a basement of my own.
As it is winter here in N.J., I want to get started building sometime in beginning to mid February. I should have no trouble with benchwork or construction. All my problems are in a workable design. I did adapt a large sample layout that came with the software, but I am unsure that I will have enough space for all the accessories. I already relegated that the new Lionel Carnival stuff will never "fit" in the space I have available.
I will have to add cabinetry in front of the layout for display and storage purposes. Power will originally come from my ZW, and I will add power as new loops and requirements become available.
If I remember correctly, the Atlas book is pretty new, I didn't know it was available as of yet, but I guess it must be. I'll check the next time I am at the train store.
RInzana

[tjsprague]

I've done quite a few designs in RRTrack 4 as I was negotiating for basement space. If you want I'll send you a few I've dont, though I've designed, mostly in Atlas and Lionel track.

My process for design is to pour through old copies of CTT, find the layouts I like, then design to my space, making changes for my tastes and equipment. It's a fair amount of fun, though not as much as running trains.

Good luck.