Update from me: I've decided to alter my plans a little. After putting my first frame together, I decided the 6ft length was a little cumbersome to get in and out of my basement, so I'm going to make 2 x 4ft modules instead.
I've gone back to AnyRail and come out with the following layout. I'm really happy with it. I still get 2 industries, and either an unloading area or just an off spot depending on my mood. I've also got a decent sized run around in - even though I don't technically need it for this layout as all the points face the same way, it'll be fun to play with.
I'm getting some new lumber this weekend (ripping up a 4ft x 8ft 1/2 plywood sheet will give me enough pieces to build 3 modules so I have a freebie if I mess one up).
Thanks for the encouragement and advice so far. I was hoping to post up some progress shots this weekend, but I miscut some of my timber so the frame wasn't squared up so things might be a bit delayed there.
I did however want to share the track plan for the first module I'm building, and the tentative plan for the extension module.
The main module was originally going to be the only module so it's been designed to work on its own. Each industry spur can seat 2 50ft cars, and each of the team tracks can seat 3 50ft cars. The incoming line (that touches the edge of the module) can easily seat a 4-axle diesel and a single car. The plan is to have 2 angled industries at each of the industry spurs, with 2 loading doors each. The team tracks will likely stay fairly simple in terms of decoration; maybe they just become offloading areas for palettes or something.
The idea for the extension came from all the reading I'd done around casettes for staging smaller shelf layouts. I loved the idea of having a second piece you could optionally add to the first to get a little more from the layout. I landed on the above after wanting a run around area of a decent size, as well as a long off spot area to keep a bunch of cars lined up. In my mind, I have a pretty wide variety of scenarios to play with. I'm really excited.
Scenery wise, I want to keep this really basic. No roadbed, minimal ballast and a desert look and feel with 2 buildings at most. Since these do need to be tucked away (upright), the less there is on the layouts the better, while still keeping a simple way to tell myself "this car needs to be spotted at Industry 1, Bay 2" for instance.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
PECO C83 and C100 are not the same in actual use. Code 100 fits more into a given space because of the curved diverging leg. This is widely known. I've designed dozens of layouts for others with each system, so my statement is based on experience, not semantics.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Welcome to the forum. Your first several posts are moderated, but that passes quickly. PECO Code 100, despite its slightly quirky appearance to some eyes, is an excellent choice for tight spaces as the components are very compact. In about that size in HO, many have built variations on Linn Westcott’s Switchman’s Nightmare.
PECO Code 100 would allow some flexibility in the track arrangement. 72”X18” shouldn’t be too unwieldy to move. Best of luck with your layout.
Byron
Hey folks,
I'm returning to the hobby after a ~30 year hiatus. I've decided to build a small switching layout to noodle around with. I don't have a permanent space for the layout, so the idea is to build a small module I can tuck out of sight in my basement when not in use.
Here are some details:
The layout itself will "service" 2 industries on the top 2 spurs. The lower spur is for holding empty cars, or cars that are being assembled into an outgoing train.
I'll be posting progress pictures as I go.