After looking through the HO layouts in Space Mouse's contest, I wondered if we broadened the scope a little bit what kind of interest could be sparked. I'm not looking for a contest, I'm just looking for ways that you all have approached designing your layouts, beginner or intermediate, that maybe pushed the envelope a little.
Or if you're in the process of planning, what are you thinking about? Here's some parameters in case you'd like to take a stab at it.
A) You can approach the design using any of the popular scales. If you choose an unpopular scale, what the hey... let's see what you've got!
B) If you're just starting out, or just want to fool around with a new plan, you have to keep it close to 32 sq. ft. (that's the area of a 4x8 sheet, but you can cut it up and move it about any way you see fit)
C) You don't have to have continuous running, but you should strive for a logical flow of traffic.
D) You have to be able to discuss your choices, and describe how the model railroad operates. "I want to watch a train go around while I drink a martini" and "I want to simulate the run of train 19 on February 3rd 1976" are both perfectly acceptable answers, as are all the ones in between. But try not to get too hung up one or the other.
There's no time limit. Post 'em if you got 'em. This would also be the thread where you can discuss your design, answer questions, defend your turf, and maybe learn a new trick or two.
Be advised that the thread will be a venue for constructive criticism. By posting a plan here, you are granting permission for pointed questions, helpful suggestions, and other comments about your work, provided they are within the bounds of the forum rules.
So, who wants to dive in first?
Lee