Looking for some helpful advice for building a new layout at my second residence

[JDawg]

Hello all. I am in the process of purchasing a condo where the weather is warmer this time of year. I won't have much room, but I have devised a small corner layout that will allow for continual running as well as switching opertunites. I don't have much experience with urban themed layouts and the art of track planning a city eludes me. I have included a track plan and am open to helpful suggestions. Please don't change the overall size or the loop, but feel free to do WHATEVR YOU WANT in the industrial area. (within reason) 

[JDawg]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZXL7aUhph8D3wkwJOZysJi5aLenD_pRc/view?usp=sharing

 

Try this link. You should be able to view the photo.

[York1]

JDawg, what service do you use for your photos?

[JDawg]

i dont know what the problem with the photos is. im working on it

 

 

Try this link.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZXL7aUhph8D3wkwJOZysJi5aLenD_pRc/view?usp=sharing

 

 

[mbinsewi]

Your link works for me, but, I have a Google account, through You tube.  Not sure if that makes a difference.

The hidden areas, do you have access from the back side?  

Mike.

[SeeYou190]

Making the picture visible:

-Kevin

[JDawg]

Thanks Kevin. 

[JDawg]

 

I don't have access to the back, but i am planning on doing a removable top section. Plus, I am tall with long arms so I can effectively reach over 3 feet. Also, I forgot to mention that the overall dimensions are 4' 10" by 6' 4"  

 

[/quote]

[MisterBeasley]

You might want to consider quick disconnects so you can easily move your power (either DC or DCC) from one layout to another.

One thing urban modelers do a lot is use building flats or low-relief structures along back and side walls.  The backs of buildings don't need roads, so they can go close to the rails in the back.  If you can put a road near the walls, you can put flats behind it to increase the apparent depths of your scene.

[hornblower]

If this layout is to occupy a condominium and will be situated next to any common wall, I would recommend the layout be self supporting and not connected to or supported by any structure wall. That way the rolling sounds of your trains will not transfer into the adjacent unit. You wouldn't believe how noise sensitive some people can be, and they tend to be the ones that call their lawyer long before they bother to tell you there is a problem!

[JDawg]

hornblower

If this layout is to occupy a condominium and will be situated next to any common wall, I would recommend the layout be self supporting and not connected to or supported by any structure wall.

 

Thanks for the tip. The layout is touching two walls but I own both  sides so that won't be a problem. Plus I was already planning for the layout to be self supporting. 

[Texas Zephyr]

JDawg

I don't have much experience with urban themed layouts and the art of track planning a city eludes me.

Are you thinking rail operations in the city (railyard and  yardside industries with city back drop), or are you thinking of the railroad servicing the downtown urban industries.     Lots of the rails I used to see in downtown areas are in the street.   Sometimes on both sides of the street with crossovers from one side to the other.  Sometimes the streets are wide enough to spot the cars on the side, but others the sidings go parallel to the road.   Don't know if I am helping or not.  Mostly rambling my thoughts of what I remember.

[kasskaboose]

I too can't see the image.  Wish I could help with the design.

Is there a specific part of the country you're looking to replicate?  Period?  That can greatly help you narrow down the effort.