I'm building a 4-track staging yard. I chose to keep it on the same level as the rest of the layout. I built a narrow shelf, with the staging next to the wall and a fifth track on the edge by the aisle which will be a visible branch line.
I'm putting a scenic cover over the top of the staging tracks. I built this with foamboard and pink foam. It's in sections, and is designed to be removeable in case of problems underneath. This is the front end, right beyond the yard throat:
Here's a slightly longer view. I've sculpted some of the pink foam and it's starting to look the way it's supposed to.
From the far end, it looks like this, with a few City Classics homes and a cardstock mockup of a small church.
This is where it stands today, as this is a project under construction. Once I get some plaster cloth over the foam, I'll start working on the vertical part of the cover so you won't see the staged trains from the aisle. Right now, I'm planning to have the vertical part fixed to the layout and the top sections removeable. I will probably have the space where the houses and possibly the church are fixed as well, so I don't have to deal with wiring for interior structure lights when I need to remove the covers.
Most of the final top scenery will be forest and open space. The far end of the branch line will have a station, a small turntable and an industry or two, and the yard throat will be open and sceniced as well. The church and neighborhood scenes will draw the viewer in and make the whole "scenic cover" much less obvious.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Since it's going to be "hidden" you'll definitely want to build it first before anything is built over the top and be pretty sure it's wired and working. I used all code 100 track because it's cheaper and more durable and appearance isn't as important in staging. I also put in a 2 re-railer tracks in each lane of staging to help keep wheels on track or pop them back on if any come off when passing through.
Naturally if you have the space, allow as much overhead clearance as possible. I have a small room and helixes were not at all practical - ceiling over the tracks is only 7 1/2 inches, which is just enough to reach over trains to rear part to access; more over head clearance is a really good idea if you can manage it.
There are some photo's here of what I am working on:
http://atlasrescueforum.proboards.com/thread/3737/jims-layout-progress
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
How accessable is your staging area going to be?
How large an area do you have for staging?
Can you use a sector plate or transfer table?
These could help folks get a better idea of what can be designed into your staging.
Good luck,
Richard
Is there anybody out there that could suggest ways of constructing hidden staging? One side will be connected to a helix, which is already constructed. Pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks
Chris