Hey all. New guy here looking for some friendly feedback for a layout I've started to design. I've attached two images. The first is the room I have to work with. The second is a quick version of what I envision this to look like. I apologize for the rambling.Specifics of what I want in the model I'm building:Loosely model certain sections of VermontHave the ability to perform some switching operations by myself or two to three people.Uncoupling to be done by handBench work to be fixed to the exterior walls without the use of legs touching the floor. The exception is the center peninsula.Hidden or disguised return loops for continuous runningModel era is loosely based on 1950-1960's. Far before I was born. Reason for this time: shorter length cars and transition of steam to diesel. This allows me to run either or both steam and diesel.I will be modeling N scaleLayout is DCC operated with electro frog turnoutsI'd like to have two levels. Lower level being more industry switching. Upper level minor switching with more scenic railfanning. Inspired by Ron's trains layout from YouTube.I'm looking to do model protofreelance. I envision a single track mainline. I'd like to run a small amfleet train along with freight trains of roughly 15-20 (flexible on length) cars. The helix to access to move from upper to lower levels would be at the end of the 180° turn. Then run around the room about shoulder height with a duck under. Shouldn't be hard to duck under if it's roughly 52" off the ground.I need to have some access to the windows. More or less for the ability to open and close. The closets have to stay as the walls are structural and must remain. SWMBO (wife) wants to use the small closet but I have the use of the larger closet. I see the larger closet as many things. A hidden return loop and staging yard. A small work area that can be used to support the work of this model. I envision a small table top on cabinet sliders sliding under the staging track area. Minor storage of model stuff above and below.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195053065@N07/shares/vP86v8
to the forum, as you have discovered your posts are delayed in moderation.
If you go to your photo, there will be a rightward pointing arrow at the bottom right. Click on that and there will be 4 options to share, choose BB Code. The come to the forum and either make a new post or edit the above post and hit control V (don't use the link or photo icons above)
For me it is grayed out. I'm not the layout guy but best of luck.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Welcome to the forum J.
I wish I had some useful feedback but all I can offer is encouragement. I'm very envious of your space, and given the requirements that the window must be accessible and you can only use the one closet, and access into the room must be maintained, I think you've come up with the perfect general design. The area getting around to the peninsular loop looks a little bare to me -- no industry spurs? no sidings? -- but then, I'm kind of a clutterer. I'll be eager to see what ideas others offer you. Happy modeling!
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
Though I rarely do it, I can open the window easily by reaching under the layout, or over with a small stool. They are sliders though, so it may depend on the style of window.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Your desire to run am Amfleet train would be quite a stretch for your 50s to 60s layout's timeframe. The first Amfleet cars were not delivered until the late 70s, and Amtrak did not exist in the 60s, either. Modern passenger car models also generally require larger curves than late transition era models.
And don't go by the movie White Christmas, either. Yes, it was set in Vermont, but the Union Pacific and the Santa Fe didn't run from Florida to Vermont as the movie implied.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Welcome to the forums.
Are you in Vermont or just modeling it?
I'm not much of a designer, so I'll leave that to others to work on.
Mr B is right, amfleet didn't show up until after your time frame, but that's the nice thing about freelance you can make your own rules. I wanted Amtrak on my Vermont based transition era layout too, but downsizing caused me to let them go
The one thing I would add is that if you are going to have long passanger cars on a layout of mostly shorter freight cars, be sure to make your curves broad enough tor them to look good.
Have fun,
Richard
Welcome aboard!
Is this your first layout? It's quite an ambitious effort, if your first and please take things slow.
Being deliberate in your wiring is critical with DCC. You don't want any shorts to ruin things. Definately testing as you go is a must. I know painfully from experience what happens when I plod along and realize that there's no power. Not fun!
Welcome to the forums! Sounds an interesting plan. You will have a continuous track that your train can run from one level to anther without stopping. Very nice design!
My layout is HO so I don't know too much about N. I am checking your design based on scalling them to HO. I agree with MisterBeasley that running Amfleet, or passenger cars might be a stretch. It seems that your closet is 24" wide. Passenger cars would need a minimum radius of 24" in HO, which is 14.5" in N. So you would need at least 29" wide to turn passenger cars around. But certainly, you can choose not to turn passenger cars in the closet. You can simply move locos from one end to another.
Jerry
Welcome to the forums. Im relatively new here too. Nice to see another VTer! Im going to follow this one as Im working on designing my new layout as well, only in HO. I have been out of the MR scene for years and now getting back into it. Im not locking in an era as I like many things and want to freelance to run what I like. I can see the proto people shaking their heads at me!